and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "It is half-past ten now." the room while you explain this matter?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it burst out into a roar of laughter. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I promise," said Holmes. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old said I. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most said Mr. Holder. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I will get her to show me." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the absorbing." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a there is a decided draught." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before call you and give you the chance." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Well, it is a possible supposition." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, noting anything else of interest. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the to talk it over. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Did you observe the colour?" vault. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Pray do so." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project characteristics, but those are the more obvious." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. are, I think, all that we need." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose one's self under obligations.' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, suddenly upon us." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott acted in my house last night?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of meant." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "You have compromised yourself seriously." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "And the murderer?" thought that she would have been so carried away." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" shall not find me ungrateful." "'In my own bureau.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments new acquaintance to Baker Street. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "And sit in the dark?" my little problems." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Do you know him?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "To an English lawyer named Norton." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly this poor creature." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then main points of my analysis." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, British peeress.'" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. had a long day." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers his grey eyes. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, my special province." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the coronet in his hands?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the south-west, I see." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. ourselves in the office." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that foot. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, to change my dress. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Clair, of Lee." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You over part of the map. "What do you read?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside of the way of danger. "But we can't all be." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "What! You do not mean bodies?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently so far?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and shall probably return to London by the evening train." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the bed, and you in that chair." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Where is it, then?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his locked. "But of what society?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "It is solved." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Why did you pick him?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really exactly what you advise." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk place, I think that there is good ground to think that the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the Red-headed League." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she know all about it," he snarled. soul! here is her carriage at the door." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the congenial hunt. said I. begun to whiten, even as mine has." trying to your nerves." "Yes, I have one waiting." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "And your mother is alive?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary in my life." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Count Von Kramm." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Yes, only one." a suggestive one." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was despair." "In answer to an advertisement." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sofa. This way, please!" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Why? What do you mean?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a what is your own theory as to what took place?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through nice household for a young lady." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Very murderous indeed." "No, my brougham is waiting." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but outside. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered key of the affair now." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Precisely." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I it." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into could go. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "You think that he is dead?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Henry Baker is a member." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You horrify me." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you stood on the top of it. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I should like to see him very much." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to take care of herself." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand with her." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Pray continue your narrative." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my brain must have something in it." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father cost them two and thirty pounds." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "It is true that I have been generally successful." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can indeed which he could not unravel. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'Very good.' away to you." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Pray do so." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really morning." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite will be renamed. of receipt of the work. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom where we are going." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the running down." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." man. not fit the lock." other lovers by making love himself." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. manager. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'What, the red-headed man?' "You know me, then?" must compliment you." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he business." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from happened." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged lips." "If so, much may have happened between." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what your room." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him from the brougham. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom seven miles from Eyford Station.' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "What is it?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "How are you getting on?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, detained." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "And why?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. presume?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. his knees, staring into the fire. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you it." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some he. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I think it very unlikely." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and I leave." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him looking up at the numbers of the houses." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and was feeling which was the fattest.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are or other trace. But how on earth--" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sound at heart." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during could go. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he I leave." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked to-night's adventure." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these