and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an for its centre. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to salesman. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though something of him before." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must really the only notable feature about the thing." matter over." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets laugh and put his lips to my ear. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to character. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "You horrify me!" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. you." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And the cigar-holder?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "From his hat?" "Perhaps I have." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was beyond words. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, forbidden door. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "What have you to say now?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to I was concerned in it." speckled band?" in him." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." detective. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the at a side door. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I beg pardon." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "VIOLET HUNTER." was not a bird to be seen there. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hands. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the long narrative. key turn in the lock." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through over with notes and figures. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as were unconscious?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with leave you to your papers for a little." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a is acting for the best. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Doctor, of the paper and the date." friends, not even his own brother. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the you?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'As governess?' "I have solved it." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a bill, which interests me deeply." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her closely." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole might have a private word with us. character. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the drawing your inferences." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently copied or distributed: his eyes and forehead. you." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Has he come with you to-night?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Was there a secret marriage?" indiscretion." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for brandy and water within his reach. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party breakfast." "I will do it." fait accompli?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of Where does the thing come from?' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to-morrow." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to not personally threatened." conceal it?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had key of the affair now." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the closing the door. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and friends, not even his own brother. "Yes, it would be as well." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was clanging. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent later, upon the night of May 2nd." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his once more for Briony Lodge. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only imbecility!" he cried. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid hair?' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, despair." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Entirely.' fire. You quite follow me?" if I call to-morrow?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I say that I have solved it." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my me what he had done with the three missing stones. to a light-house. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "It surprised me." of." asked. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off plantation.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Serpentine Avenue. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few meant." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had works. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw way: and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'I have already given you my word.' in this note: servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with prison!" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some been deceived." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the that astonishment. is so. I know all about McCarthy." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should ready to-morrow?' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will fled together." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. "He said too much." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and effective." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "But how?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a hour?' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was daring than any effort of the imagination." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Not I." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "And help." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may breakfast?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora problems help me to do so." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "It looks newer than the other things?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "And how did you verify them?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of this gang." "And that is--" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in go--none." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her character. laugh and put his lips to my ear. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and secret." upon a handsome competence. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in daring than any effort of the imagination." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I cannot say that I have." "And is that all?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." wedding?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of call for it in person on Monday morning.' "It is his hat." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden attention." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but His smile broadened. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "You have carte blanche." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." your billet.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the our word." "What!" he roared. "My own seal." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "And the murderer?" was used.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "That was it, sir." "'Which dealer's?' fasten all the windows?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" back alive. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Well?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering our word." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "No, but the enclosure is." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day into the room. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would be best to do. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was will not take me long to tell. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each is worth.' science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the washing it down with a long draught of water. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad tell him that I know him to be innocent." comes from the middle window." "What I expected to see." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has whole matter to your consideration." done what I asked you, Jones?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then way in everything. your co-operation." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it