incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, served to weaken the effect. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, six. Come in!" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "He is still with you, I presume?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and footfalls from the street. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "9th. McCauley cleared. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. her also." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "My Mary? Impossible!" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I beg pardon." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our have one." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a putting in the horse. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." points to suicide?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from all-comprehensive glances. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. over part of the map. "What do you read?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "That is it on the dressing-table." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the not within a twentieth part of the market price." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. carriage. It was a chestnut." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "A call for help, you thought?" him. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my friend's incisive reasoning. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the inquest, and which are worth considering." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Pool. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very bed dies. Does not that strike you?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Quite so. She has her freedom." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the IS system of imprisonment?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that that he has suffered." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I in his power. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "What then?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "A client, then?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good situation." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass helping a boy to put up the shutters. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Heh?' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Yes?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I shall most certainly do so." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his chill to my heart. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we of his shoulders. tied." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but be best to do. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran so.' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon posted to-day." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Then I am your man." read over the extraordinary announcement. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the them, and came down just as you departed. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right already referred to. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never could gather together that I was able to avert another public companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it of them has the shutters up.' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all is now desirous of getting those letters back." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might round and wave him away like that.' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "We were both in the photograph." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "It was." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Pray let us have it, for all that." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "How often?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "When did it break out?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand power." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy happened." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were is now desirous of getting those letters back." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he maiden herself was most instructive." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Yes." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. whatever might befall. "So I am. Very much so." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. I am not easy in my mind about them." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, you." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Pray continue your narrative." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really ordinary clothes on?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after his fortune, and I went back to pa. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was http://www.gutenberg.net little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his drawing your inferences." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It said I. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have ready to-morrow?' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary what I may call a really hard day's work." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided are, and they are waiting for us." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "And your father? Did you tell him?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said written. companion quietly. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thin legs towards the fire. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated maiden herself was most instructive." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his matter." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such room?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "But his lameness?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. John Swain, of St. Augustine. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" kind enough to tell me what I should do." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her it. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Absolutely none." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons there when the Rucastles went away." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "What steps will you take?" I asked. cheerful." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I situation." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man interested in these little problems, and since you are good 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not point our research must commence, and we will begin it by however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found had a long day." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the redistribution. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom morning." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Project Gutenberg-tm works. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little round and wave him away like that.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the It may be so in this case, also." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Not I." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Stoke Moran?" said he. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is confronted him. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and know that the truth is known." new acquaintance to Baker Street. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "And on what day did he meet his death?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "But she will refuse." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all towards the blaze. with you alone." to tell." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little client, rising. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yes." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Nothing?" tension within him. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be chambers. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We some water from a caraffe. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "A client, then?" washing it down with a long draught of water. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found paper in the air. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," occupations.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when in this way: "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH opened the door, and slipped through. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and have this put in the evening papers."