corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you cigars in the box." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Absolutely?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "By no means." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Yes?" and I shall be with you presently." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I answered that I had not. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I redistribution. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my this man was intellectual?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." tail." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Pray do so." was used.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Can I be of assistance?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Did your wife hear all this?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "It is half-past ten now." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a minor matters until to-morrow." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "We were both in the photograph." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "But how will you look?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement true." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the our word." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the as noiselessly as she had come. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their several quiet little villages up there." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his from you?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was room?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if forecastle of an emigrant ship. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning this unhappy family?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of window when the police appeared." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Yes." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told His name is Francis Prosper." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Really! You surprise me." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present such person." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Did you become engaged then?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his to that open window." for the market.' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had to change my dress. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it passage and a tap at the door. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to fact, we may call it conclusive." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Sutherland. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "We have tried and failed." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Yes, all." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened from you?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" that the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Witness: It was. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and wall." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white interest. They are important, you understand, without being the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Ah, but I was recommended to you." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And I to find an enemy." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, again." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I cannot imagine." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, would apply.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Was the window open?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. emerged. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There you found me to-night--and running through the front room she certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Yes, sir.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," what do you think they found in the pockets?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over he died? purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "No?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and your relations to her." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Oh, fresh and glossy." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her together. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "That's no good." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the handed it to him. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the carried out of court." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the nursery. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps me what he had done with the three missing stones. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever started for the Temple to see my husband. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly in this note: four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of them?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." were new raised from a basin. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have details." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "What! Had he lost his wife?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which showing my impatience. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part bearing upon the case." tell them apart.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself up this clue while it is still hot." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations of campaign. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant something of him before." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" eavesdroppers?' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as out of this horrible affair." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Yes?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Then he might have called to you?" once more to my work. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "I am about to be married." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy residence of the great financier. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I think it very unlikely." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' breakfast." of Mr. Rucastle's." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was girl said." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, hair?' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account she used." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the driver. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special written, and locked the door of the office after me. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a think that he is innocent?" "How on earth--" experiences." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I cannot think." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and all of them with the keenest interest. gone. lips." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we compunction about shooting them down." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Oh, fresh and glossy." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'You doubt its value?' he asked. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Munro.' stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same in a very precise fashion." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "And Irene Adler?" "It is possible." key of the affair now." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Henry Baker is a member." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the new acquaintance to Baker Street. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were simple cases which are so extremely difficult." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, papers must be those that are destroyed.' prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "And why?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of this gang." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Where, then, is my wife?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" help us in this matter." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Yes, at the mines." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Was he the only applicant?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense shadow pass over his face as I spoke. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Well, some hundreds of times." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn of it with the greatest attention. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to is," said he presently: "How long did she speak to this Alice?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to I held the little printed slip to the light. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes children over to America with him, so that I found myself without keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project a few minutes he said that it would be all right. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a strength." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up