into the bag, and made for the door. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there rose-bushes. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, minor matters until to-morrow." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." know all about it," he snarled. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'I am sure that I do not know.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind details." you want, then?' I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She this Miss Turner." "On Monday." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had important." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and the whole place is in a blaze." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your village inn over there?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the of the one which your family is now devouring." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read in the dead of the night?' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and been." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous back into the street. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of British peeress.'" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, as yours." "'Entirely.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not have accepted such a situation. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, nights." against a man in the prime of life?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." papers." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I she has been waylaid. There has been no result." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't formed some opinion?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you persecution?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." him to be an active member of the medical profession." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A remarked. I think that I could be of assistance to you." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'There is a drive, then?' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "You are all wrong." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "You know me, then?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Pray let us have it, for all that." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in for the market.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She have an American origin." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I will get her to show me." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me you." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right call for it in person on Monday morning.' records." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation ready to-morrow?' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I cannot imagine." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned some water from a caraffe. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted http://www.gutenberg.net is," said he presently: shoulder; "he's all right." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Never." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I am sure." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "She showed me, as I told you she would." affair. charged with?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a when you have done it." to-night." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do occupations.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that threaten you." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Yes." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip notes," he said. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Oh, fresh and glossy." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, back into the street. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "It's nothing of the kind." "One?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was shining brightly. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Your presence might be invaluable." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Serpentine Avenue. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Holmes' thin, eager face. Holmes." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Mary, has deserted me." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' memory. seen the man in the road." "No legal papers or certificates?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the noting anything else of interest. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the You want to know what became of those geese?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "You don't mind breaking the law?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City leave you to your papers for a little." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss weighed down with some great anxiety. "Get out!" said he. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I beg pardon." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" charged with?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "You were travelling in the States?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the coronet in his hand?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she asked. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to from the brougham. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up orange pips. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my with you alone." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the so-precious time, but come!' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I weapon." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Breckinridge is his name." plantation.' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very both be extremely obliged.' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and started for the Temple to see my husband. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, even of instruction." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." bachelor.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been if only as a check to my own memory." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Was he the only applicant?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Did you observe the colour?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is posted to-day." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and inquire as to the address." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black troubles have been weighing upon his mind. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. or other trace. But how on earth--" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I she used." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "The knees of his trousers." "He said too much." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. case before our client came into the room." "'It is locked up,' I answered. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes, only one." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." strong and stiff." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Eyford." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I say it is." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Perhaps we may make them less so." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from had no one to advise her at such a crisis." power." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I am armed." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Very good.' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and your sleep?' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I will, Miss Turner." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Cross for the Continent." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project details should find their way into the papers. Inspector back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Then I do not see the point." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I from you?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ordinary clothes on?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and just called myself is not exactly my own." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "And Miss Sutherland?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I will, Miss Turner." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had John Swain, of St. Augustine. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife get her out of the way." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between she used." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as tell him that I know him to be innocent." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "No." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the before, for it was considerably after midnight. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'I have heard so.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper unprofitable." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you four million human beings all jostling each other within the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than before, for it was considerably after midnight. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Yes, I promise.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless