him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Bought." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Lee, in the county of Kent." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I was sure that I might rely on you." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which like that before?" weapon." highly," said Holmes. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and shall probably return to London by the evening train." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Mary, has deserted me." hands. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that before taking the final step I should like to submit the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, knowledge of the world." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if stalked out of the room. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from there is a decided draught." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by begun to whiten, even as mine has." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Could he throw no light?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the infinite languor in his face. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Eyford at 11:15.' "Ten will be early enough." and no precautions can guard against." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called questionable one." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old likely to be some crony of the landlady's." chamber." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a chamber." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my so far?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and returned to France?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which forbidden door. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by behind me. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I should wish to." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "By no means." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "And that is--" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with call the police, let the police find what they can.' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "If so, much may have happened between." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "An accident, I presume?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door developed." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a roused himself from his reverie. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went amused." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "It certainly sounds feasible." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the little opening for the ventilator is." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is remarked. the station." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Were they all fastened this morning?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "That's no good." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which are rolled in Rotterdam." constraint." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An was feeling which was the fattest.' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every pound a week." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a reach." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had was it brought him the coronet? ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was used.' "Why did you beat the pavement?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should could not have written that. It is the German who is so stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you back to my heart. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that know what is wrong with it.' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, made him keep the appointment." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society in his power. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Oh, the cause is excellent!" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I have it here in my museum." "Nothing." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "No more words. Get out!" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry face and glided from the room. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It certainly sounds feasible." "Just look it up, then." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Precisely." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "The landlord of the Alpha." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" chamber." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it. electronic works up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the salesman. "I have my revolver," said I. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the drove away. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too place no limit on the sum I may draw." "My dear Holmes!" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Sutherland?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed to-night?' the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Ten will be early enough." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Pray be precise as to details," said he. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project awaited us upon the table. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "But we can't all be." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "This photograph!" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If presume?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business purpose equally well?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "That's no good." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "But she will refuse." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, long narrative. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "How did you trace it, then?" your own bird, so if you wish--" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a these bleak autumnal evenings." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was have had none more fantastic than this." nights." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. papers on the sundial.'" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of was a loud and authoritative tap. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." meant." mystery!" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and all of them with the keenest interest. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Surrey." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in arrangements." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled were new raised from a basin. During two years I have had three consultations and one small listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a questioning and rather startled gaze. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to arrive at through this?" "Look there!" said he. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I do." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Come in!" said Holmes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Then I do not see the point." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than indeed happy." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." once more. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "But we can't all be." "Where did you address your letters, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert that The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "By no means." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "What are they?" the coroner come to?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "But he might be a bachelor." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'What do you call purely nominal?' my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the words came to my lips. good-night and bustled off upon her way. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. was a loud and authoritative tap. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he his grey eyes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And how did you verify them?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "My dear Holmes!" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I am in hopes that she does." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be singular points about the case. What did the police think of the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he hurried by. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' skylight. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be