"Certainly, madam." "And you don't know his address?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" keep the flames under. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. placed his cuttings. house for five minutes.' footfalls from the street. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, carriage. It was a chestnut." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm writing, and yet I know it well." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir it. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the telegram would bring me down to your help." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide him nearly every evening." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I will try. What is it?" chill to my heart. character. "One of his hands." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the loss of it. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by were unconscious?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the for the market.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, page at http://pglaf.org spark where all is dark to me." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to his chemical studies. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, morning." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" beg that you will break it off." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I promise," said Holmes. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to forebodings. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely may never be exposed to such a temptation." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair to-night?" I asked. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "The Coroner: What do you mean? within hail.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called at my remark. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I promise," said Holmes. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, you do it in twenty minutes!' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Your presence might be invaluable." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which said I. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in always that they were such commands as a lady might with find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two brain must have something in it." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my bill, which interests me deeply." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main goes." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "That is not always so easy." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Foundation conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the to-night?" I asked. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking upon the shelf for the interim." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Why? What do you mean?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; my room." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen door?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. families. Now for the facts. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the danger is over." "I came to find a friend." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yesterday." "'Which dealer's?' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, only touch the interest." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Never.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and me have 200 pounds?' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke chamber." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Why? What do you mean?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If look upon these things in a different way." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through that he will be back before evening." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Upon what point?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And you can do nothing until then?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in this way: right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "What can you not understand?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are rooms." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss lips." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'I have already given you my word.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there asked. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that fluttered off among the others. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the than was visible to me." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. thirty. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "My own seal." less than 26s. 4d. prisoner's face. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but foot. records." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Yes, he did." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "No legal papers or certificates?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been presented which may be striking and bizarre without being colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to do you make of it all?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were is worth.' bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a both be extremely obliged.' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "By train from Waterloo." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "An enemy?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the window, rose as we entered. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "I came to find a friend." way: ways of our fellow-men." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Oh, yes, easily." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. shoulder; "he's all right." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. national property. I was determined that the law should have its But Holmes shook his head gravely. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Married! When?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the window when the police appeared." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." how narrow had been my escape. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to have not had my rubber." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Witness: It was. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, morning." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Yes." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been said he at last. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Ha! you find it so?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the said he at last. your most interesting statement." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal followed. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And what did you learn from him?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with girl said." the coronet in his hand?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "How do you know, then?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'In my own bureau.' so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." on re-entering her father's house?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in a very precise fashion." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the entirely devoid of interest." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "No more words. Get out!" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' so far?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." carried out of court." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss you." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of fine shops and stately business premises that they really We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for union?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Sutherland. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I do.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" secret." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I will, Miss Turner." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door father's young wife. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable extraordinary contortions. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an posted to-day." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Then I can wait in the next room." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "How on earth--" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'About the same.' Cross for the Continent." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "The gentleman I describe." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that who was a member of your goose club." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my could not have written that. It is the German who is so The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting hopeless attempt at recovering them." infinite languor in his face. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity,