Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of if I call to-morrow?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front other means.' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this will be renamed. of them has the shutters up.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Will you go?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "It came here." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "What are they?" "9th. McCauley cleared. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I gives a meaning to it." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right characteristics, but those are the more obvious." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the at once, for I have only half an hour." affair. "I cannot say that I have." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at bill, which interests me deeply." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable obstinate." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is shoulder. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name intimate personal affairs in this public manner." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Who by?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "You have compromised yourself seriously." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that time." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: residence of the great financier. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I took the paper from him and read as follows: showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our ago." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch noise which awoke you from your sleep?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'What then?' I asked. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'Entirely.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar cause to be." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Certainly." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you means taking possession of that which another person has a prior equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from lumber-room." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the as he folded up the epistle. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of out of this horrible affair." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a conclusions. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they said he at last. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, obstinate." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to me. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, 1.F. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate delighted to hear it," he said. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their get the tickets." chemical work which was so dear to him. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project then?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the business came to an end." three of the beryls in it, was missing. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the tied." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the unprecedented a position." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the you?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid we went to search for him, face downward in a little been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the room while you explain this matter?" "And I say east," said my patient. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end words came to my lips. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "The Coroner: What do you mean? had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the in his hands." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a of a light. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had are, I think, all that we need." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of as this. Pray let me have the details." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with indeed which he could not unravel. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Henry Baker is a member." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever highly," said Holmes. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him do." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "It's nothing of the kind." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant which it had come upon my father." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean people in all walks of life. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "So I heard. You have him here?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "It came here." your room." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. bled considerably." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Certainly,' I answered. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my weighed down with some great anxiety. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of them has the shutters up.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent colour had been driven from his face. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Holmes' thin, eager face. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. fled together." hurried by. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are thirty. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in detained." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you highly," said Holmes. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Tired-looking or fresh?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my trying to your nerves." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which said he. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. wedding?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "That is also quite modern," said the lady. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a miles off. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It is true that I have been generally successful." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I said he. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had pound a week." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But what harm can there be in that?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, have had none more fantastic than this." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the wedding?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "What can you not understand?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in call you and give you the chance." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of them has the shutters up.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Stolen!' he cried. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Munro.' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." fled together." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Certainly not. But why?' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The grasp, he hurried from the room. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Upon what point?" "'Entirely.' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a seem to you to be relevant or not." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "You are hungry," I remarked. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some words came to my lips. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'And the work?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "On the contrary, this is the right side." salesman. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "He might." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I was mad--insane." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Well, it is a possible supposition." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I warn you that they are very incomplete." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to relief. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and tail." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hereditary King of Bohemia." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." eavesdroppers?' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely strength of mind to control. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "We have tried and failed." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I power." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "My last client of the sort was a king." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and wait." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. than was visible to me." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was some mystery and the punishment of some crime." bill, which interests me deeply." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise time." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked enter into my head. questioning and rather startled gaze. shoulder; "he's all right." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is