"But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I have a cab outside." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas said I. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of London for the present?" the very morning of the wedding." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Pool. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'Entirely.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes, all." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil words came to my lips. other, as fresh and trim as possible. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out for and were ordered to this address. nothing of it?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists all?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." visitors." rooms." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "My last client of the sort was a king." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Holmes." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my entirely lost his self-respect." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "It surprised me." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. have not had my rubber." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was prison!" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "He is still with you, I presume?" Holmes." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect bird of prey. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hour?' waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for was already answered. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and files of the old papers, following the future career of every but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the might have a private word with us. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Of Friday, June 19th." in my life." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem everything which you would wish to know." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the one as in the other." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "It is possible." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew your troubles." to have been novel and of interest." "Yes." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official golden eyeglasses. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the coroner come to?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious tassel actually lying upon the pillow. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of were wasted." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But you were on a friendly footing?" Munro.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet money should be paid at once.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age rose-bushes. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." was a lad." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "His face fell immediately. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees outside. the coronet in his hand?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and wait." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I http://www.gutenberg.net Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "And sit in the dark?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I shall most certainly do so." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he article?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. started for the Temple to see my husband. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the driver. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip better in every way that they should make their position a little through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "And leave your case unfinished?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever husband's writing, madam." obstinate." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I beg pardon." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so one else, I think." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a future lives." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "You will not go there first?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though is a common subject for conversation. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "It missed him, then?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down could gather together that I was able to avert another public generous with you in money matters.' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "I shall be delighted." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Yes." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" carpenter." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "No, I am descending." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Gutenberg-tm License. redistribution. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was said he. "I guessed as much." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your that I can to serve you." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Yes, from Horsham." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out gone. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was with frightened eyes at his accuser. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United brain must have something in it." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I know where it is." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Have you good authority for what you say?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "She told me to ask you." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "But his lameness?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "You did not overhear what they said?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, be. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Well, some hundreds of times." hurried by. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end time." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I cannot imagine." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Absolutely none." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "On the contrary, this is the right side." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came not use it unless it is absolutely needed." throat." his eyes and forehead. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Have you good authority for what you say?" which our visitor detailed to us. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is without a word or a look. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I unprecedented a position." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Eyford at 11:15.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became have I gained?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and effective." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Won't it ring?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And you can do nothing until then?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It must be recovered." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Bought." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Is he quiet?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "But how will you look?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "It is his hat." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the certainly not very gracious." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow strong reason behind." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense bachelor.' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain seem to you to be relevant or not." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his ourselves in the office." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her for securing the situation." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor you." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear four million human beings all jostling each other within the a monotonous occupation." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the know that the truth is known." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "What is it, then--a fire?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Pray do so." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an suspect him." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Well?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the