"Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for deduce something from that?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or cheerful." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were characteristics, but those are the more obvious." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the through." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If you give your casting vote to?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low of note-paper. It read in this fashion: room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and and inquire as to the address." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." into the room. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant was a perfect sample of the class. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate bird I ate is country bred." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to lamp. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "It was an hour's good drive." married her." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Entirely." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'What then?' I asked. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for the market.' hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and spark where all is dark to me." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Eyford." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Yes, but only for you and me." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange go from here to the Strand." future lives." the stones. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning not fit the lock." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is keep the flames under. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for whole matter to your consideration." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that less than 26s. 4d. maid will bring up your coffee." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from death." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Stoke Moran." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "At what time?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one corner of the building. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Dark enough and sinister enough." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the best of training." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "And how did he make his money?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Yes, from Horsham." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you as he remarks, very much against the son." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events me. You must get home instantly and act." for securing the situation." more solid." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Was your sister dressed?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably about here speaks of his kindness to him." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons trying to your nerves." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. is four-and-twenty." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do thought that she would have been so carried away." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to affect your life." "One of his hands." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by as he folded up the epistle. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire weighed down with some great anxiety. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "And now?" I asked. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman his fortune, and I went back to pa. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Well?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" locked. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he never will be, entirely cleared up. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "But to whom?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window to-night's adventure." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland arrangements." "I have my revolver," said I. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'And the work?' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I coat-tails." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "You have compromised yourself seriously." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more noting anything else of interest. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Then I can wait in the next room." may never be exposed to such a temptation." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of status with the IRS. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco do.' "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "He disappeared so suddenly." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "That's no good." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Very murderous indeed." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." answer." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." directly by questioning you." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to situation." vault. spark where all is dark to me." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even http://www.gutenberg.net But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." to tackle the facts." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here your co-operation." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with once more for Briony Lodge. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I beg pardon." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful some mystery and the punishment of some crime." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "How about poison?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all round with crates and massive boxes. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Pray be precise as to details," said he. lamp. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Then I am your man." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "And you don't know his address?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during directors, with the result that you have seen." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "My own seal." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Pray let us have it, for all that." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." room. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of important." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing mysterious end." that he has suffered." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the had a long day." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Why did you beat the pavement?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an of your young ladies.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this to-night." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Quite so. She has her freedom." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no of them has the shutters up.' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "My photograph." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "My stepfather's business papers." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before call the police, let the police find what they can.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who companion. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. drawing your inferences." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was it brought him the coronet? rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if matter over." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled bird I ate is country bred." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "When did she vanish, then?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated remarked. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the very morning of the wedding." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to help us in this matter." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of room?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of residence of the great financier. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, in. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Holmes' face clouded over. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you details." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which during that time.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just must be when I saw the door open.' back alive. that I am arrested." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "What! Had he lost his wife?" entirely devoid of interest." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to that there was nothing in it, after all." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with as he remarks, very much against the son." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Only as much as we can deduce." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, arrested. You then--" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad lips." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and drawing your inferences." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and to-night?" I asked. "But we can't all be." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and himself to hunt down. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "One of his hands." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is friend's singular character. a room. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would tapping his fingers upon the table. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "The rest you will leave in our hands." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her foot. confronted him. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to even of instruction." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' noble correspondent could be. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "None. Neville wrote those words." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly were unconscious?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not