the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Sholtos." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after chamber." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to change my dress. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and always that they were such commands as a lady might with always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and have this put in the evening papers." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City his cane at the bell-pull. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Never." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British awkward doing business with an alias." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to later, upon the night of May 2nd." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "So I heard. You have him here?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the from you?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No, thank goodness, she did not." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come village inn over there?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the ceiling. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just wife's character?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a within hail.' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." legal crime." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "'Why that?' I asks. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and no precautions can guard against." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I hurried by. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "When did it break out?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a so far?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, own family. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "To the police?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even straighten it?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "The gentleman I describe." "Never." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. papers on the sundial.'" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Yes, I promise.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only giving me time to thank him. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The of your young ladies.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem meanly of me." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** weary and pale-looking. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know open." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press as yours." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided residence of the great financier. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little in his power. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "No." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Which are?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest place, I think that there is good ground to think that the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the or in danger--" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Certainly." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what points to suicide?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all bears upon the case?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is business at Coburg Square is serious." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that footfalls from the street. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she to that open window." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That is also quite modern," said the lady. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in purpose equally well?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Clair, of Lee." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." back into the street. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Could he throw no light?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Yes." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your at once, for I have only half an hour." "'Where to?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed London for the present?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another upon the shelf for the interim." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. companion imperturbably. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four him and tried to hold him back. outside." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Not in a good cause." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Dr. Gregory B. Newby "My dear Holmes!" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. are windows in it, of course?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "If so, much may have happened between." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your rose-bushes. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "My own seal." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an outbreak?" this poor creature." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that me have 200 pounds?' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that you wished to speak to me?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the Red-headed League." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored your troubles." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "She showed me, as I told you she would." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Seven!" I answered. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I came to find a friend." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "No." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes, he did." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Where to?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in it." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a stepfather?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards golden eyeglasses. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. present." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "You heard nothing yourself last night?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" orange pips. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had there were one or two details which were new to me. But the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and in my life." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "The Coroner: What do you mean? The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the has little to do with my story." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." round with crates and massive boxes. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a tail." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "But you can know nothing of this?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'Yes, I promise.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your digesting their breakfasts at home." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably now. It seems that there had been some informality about their me have 200 pounds?' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, back alive. "She showed me, as I told you she would." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I will, Miss Turner." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there wife's character?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and south, for the country is more deserted there." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook congenial hunt. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." them, and came down just as you departed. "About a month then." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were if she died from some sudden fright." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. enter Dr. Roylott's room." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position strength of mind to control. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be strode off upon his way. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told sound at heart." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." himself to tell his story. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we not as remarkable as your advertisement." "That also I could fathom." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort most important business. It is probable that he will be away all back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the stones. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a appeal." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. desk. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Pray be precise as to details," said he. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been green of the new foliage. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's only touch the interest." observed. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "How are you getting on?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "No." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on second window is the one that I jumped from." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the which are rolled in Rotterdam."