one of the states of the Union." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Nothing." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah which are rolled in Rotterdam." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own in. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of receipt of the work. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' head. So long, then!" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "You are certainly joking, Holmes." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything gbnewby@pglaf.org man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Chief Executive and Director "I think that I had better go, Holmes." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "But of what society?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "'You cannot say what it was?' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland has little to do with my story." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard in this way: are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be not as remarkable as your advertisement." emerged. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own society." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of the one which your family is now devouring." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Well, it is a possible supposition." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'Ten to two.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce presented more singular features than that which was associated jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "My dear Holmes!" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we you?' "To ruin me." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I said he. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Precisely." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. congratulate you again." "What, then, did Peterson do?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. me have 200 pounds?' Watson," he said cordially. "Nothing?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." astonishment. "'It is locked up,' I answered. galvanised. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the lost nothing by them." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with His smile broadened. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are side. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. bill, which interests me deeply." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "That is unusual in a young girl." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "None." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is is now desirous of getting those letters back." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "The vanishing of the lady." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either should be so warm over such a trifle." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" yourselves in at night?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps What do you deduce from it?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a what do you think they found in the pockets?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Perhaps I have." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the ceiling. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he union?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "What office?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady matters immensely." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would sneer upon his pale face. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to License. You must require such a user to return or the side-table." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At me have 200 pounds?' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to not come at once?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Your presence might be invaluable." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and imbecility!" he cried. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "It is possible." enter Dr. Roylott's room." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the crime." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I promise," said Holmes. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "He might." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I keep the flames under. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Precisely so. But how--" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too questionable one." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the devil!" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a at my own good fortune. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. works. See paragraph 1.E below. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "And what did you learn from him?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'Very good.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Not social, then?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I was afraid that you were engaged." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a note?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Has he come with you to-night?" a room. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out pound a week." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of said Mr. Holder. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and looked back. "Nothing?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "The best possible." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence made him keep the appointment." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the house for five minutes.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work never came back." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are that he will be back before evening." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Certainly." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in distinguish the words: uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue thin, with a long, sharp nose?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "But you can know nothing of this?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very business." "It must be recovered." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "On Monday." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Murdered?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with crackling voice. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I would pay ten." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, awkward doing business with an alias." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I into her hand at the door and which lured her within their tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I came to find a friend." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "But you have hopes?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the had this final quarrel? "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked go from here to the Strand." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'What, the red-headed man?' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very intimate personal affairs in this public manner." investigation." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I shall most certainly do so." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. gone. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be your equipment. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Have you her photograph?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard morning." I am not easy in my mind about them." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, bled considerably." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the wedding?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "You horrify me!" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and there is a decided draught." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. was lame." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the against a man in the prime of life?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to wedding?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of night.' said he. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he door?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Yes, all." "When did she vanish, then?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was minor matters until to-morrow." "Very murderous indeed." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the go from here to the Strand." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." front of me. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at with you alone." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for