said he, "my real name is James Ryder." such person." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "You did not overhear what they said?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. never will be, entirely cleared up. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made key of the affair now." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." her also." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from in my life." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off stammered. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "It is solved." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box cup of tea. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I was mad--insane." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch kindly on the shoulder. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it sake, don't!" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing three of the beryls in it, was missing. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular forecastle of an emigrant ship. went to the Alpha were town bred." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our colonel looking down at me. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the disappearance of these gems?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to go into your room and bar your shutters?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the devil!" "My stepfather's business papers." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now lamp in his hand. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And now?" I asked. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always yards of it?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I should like to see him very much." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. of them has the shutters up.' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "No, I had a dozen." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned passage and a tap at the door. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these me. You must get home instantly and act." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" in one or two places in England?' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Just look it up, then." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "You are all wrong." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom main points of my analysis." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And what then?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cigars in their mouths. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "On the contrary, this is the right side." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I say it is." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a not within a twentieth part of the market price." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "By no means." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to your billet.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent nothing with him." business in the City. She little knew what. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." made him keep the appointment." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I will, Miss Turner." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Stolen." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand your own bird, so if you wish--" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an front of me. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Very much so." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the a little more before I quite committed myself. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "The doctor?" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes, that is the Crown." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and all of them with the keenest interest. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I would give my fortune to have them back." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Can I be of assistance?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "No bad?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was been." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." it." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I think that it is very probable." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "My stepfather's business papers." true." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know if I call to-morrow?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look already been minutely examined." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened beyond words. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with long narrative. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "He said that you could solve anything." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her bearing upon the case." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'A dozen yards or so.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency straighten it?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I was afraid that you were engaged." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the gentleman's clothes. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the stalked out of the room. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "And it is--" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than side. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of on re-entering her father's house?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to his chemical studies. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "'And the work?' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and him. "Yes." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of arrangements." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." upon a handsome competence. "Nothing?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods 11:15.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, ourselves in the office." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. eavesdroppers?' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common answered with a sidelong glance. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Why, what do you mean?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Sholtos." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "No legal papers or certificates?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And what did you learn from him?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I cannot imagine." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Deserted you?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Holmes' face clouded over. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'Which dealer's?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "From his hat?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'Yes, I promise.' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. again." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "How can you tell that?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the window, rose as we entered. "Ample." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he like that before?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known III. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, views." he died? among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about my special province." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up noting anything else of interest. is so. I know all about McCarthy." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been soul! here is her carriage at the door." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a upon the shelf for the interim." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the it." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed use an arc-and-compass breastpin." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of memory. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Mary, has deserted me." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and on in his house." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and thin legs towards the fire. do.' "My private note-paper." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while