nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for results." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows you give your casting vote to?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every closing the door. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to here." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her about. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from may have an influence upon European history." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on do you make of it all?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of father's young wife. was feeling which was the fattest.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, nothing with him." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an once more. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an done what I asked you, Jones?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" gbnewby@pglaf.org "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "His face fell immediately. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. bearing upon the case." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, hands. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel is a common subject for conversation. questionable one." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad a few minutes he said that it would be all right. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Stoke Moran." father's place of business?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Ah!" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned a very grave face. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the light and attacked it." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case remarked. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Married! When?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Yes?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Has he come with you to-night?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. shaken than I had ever seen him. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I nodded again. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman writer." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of get her out of the way." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Look there!" said he. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in room had already been engaged for us. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me drawing your inferences." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit triumphant cloud from his cigarette. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of power." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sake, don't!" all?" "My dear Holmes!" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I directly by questioning you." "'Yes, I promise.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very least a most suspicious remark." me. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, his face. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who man. I know him from the photograph." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "And on what day did he meet his death?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very 'please.'" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "And for present expenses?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, confronted him. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then me. You must get home instantly and act." "On Monday." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, get the tickets." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would your own bird, so if you wish--" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Did you become engaged then?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No good news?" clang of the bell. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the way in." go--none." "You horrify me." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And from a noble client?" there when the Rucastles went away." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a from you?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I never have." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Count Von Kramm." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not details." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future that I can to serve you." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "The knees of his trousers." way: "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I have come for advice." friend's singular character. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and character. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when people in all walks of life. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And is that all?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'Certainly,' I answered. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying straighten it?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I think that it is very probable." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Bought." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the there has been an enclosure here!" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned money should be paid at once.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and laid it on the table. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes' room. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and following enigmatical notices: august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "What!" he roared. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three them, and came down just as you departed. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'What do you call purely nominal?' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "You have it, sir, just as it happened." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with papers on the sundial.'" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. dead, shall be safe with us." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the questioning and rather startled gaze. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the roots. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to some other building. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Where, then?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Why serious?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter interested in these little problems, and since you are good to a more successful conclusion." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and quite distinctive." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Surrey." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "It is possible." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "No, but the enclosure is." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I there was no need for father to know." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." your room." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Pope's Court. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was it." "'A dozen yards or so.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly strong and stiff." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering off." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day a little more before I quite committed myself. not personally threatened." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Did you observe the colour?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is country, and eventually married, without anyone having a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I say that I have solved it." "Then I can wait in the next room." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Just look it up, then." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "On Monday." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural touch that coronet?' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "And on what day did he meet his death?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Why did you beat the pavement?" DAMAGE. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a mystery may be cleared along those lines." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or cheerful." of receipt of the work. confronted him. of Mr. Rucastle's." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and looked back. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was it were putty." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I that you wished to speak to me?' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Texas, I think." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." helping a boy to put up the shutters. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "No, I had a dozen." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid train from Paddington which would bring you there at about The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile narrative." your Highness to the police-station?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "What do you mean?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I comes from the middle window." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Imitated." developed." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "And on what day did he meet his death?" existence." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' had formerly been in part my own. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, like gravel from a pit.' stood on the top of it. "Very. But will he see it?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria,"