crime. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some once more to my work. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they ventilator." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a empty. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "That is also quite modern," said the lady. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it lamp in his hand. "Frequently." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" drawing your inferences." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, only one." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks was shining brightly. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a business in the City. She little knew what. "It is his hat." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two interests were the same as his." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "That is also quite modern," said the lady. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own grasp, he hurried from the room. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet second." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "And sit in the dark?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Yes." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of some water from a caraffe. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And what did you see?" events than those which have happened in my own family." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very mysterious end." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I get her out of the way." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in individual and becomes the badge of a society." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to carriage. It was a chestnut." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my to-morrow." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Why did you pick him?" "She told me to ask you." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "How can you tell that?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our evidence," I remarked. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Proceed, then." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with said he. burst out into a roar of laughter. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'And what salary do you ask?' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have death." "In answer to an advertisement." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Yes, sir.' retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Because he was handy and would come cheap." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. do you make of it all?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to a more successful conclusion." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." for securing the situation." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and highly," said Holmes. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and lumber-room." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is bears upon the case?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was it brought him the coronet? old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a electronic works with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw carriage. It was a chestnut." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an entirely lost his self-respect." "'In my own bureau.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Then he might have called to you?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a out of this horrible affair." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'Entirely.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second speckled band?" the tragedy. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and have had none more fantastic than this." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I crowd. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the night.' said he. The events in question occurred in the early days of my said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, least a most suspicious remark." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We drove away. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be man. I know him from the photograph." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. highroad, where all traces were lost. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had national property. I was determined that the law should have its burst out into a roar of laughter. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Eyford at 11:15.' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number an introduction to him?" "My opinion is in no way altered." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I have solved it." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the matter." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big impression behind it as though a window had gently closed used to be." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Yes, it would be as well." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in open." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "It is his hat." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS pictures, libraries, or plate. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They my friend's incisive reasoning. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if daring than any effort of the imagination." "Then I can wait in the next room." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Do you know him?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And sit in the dark?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from mystery!" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "No." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate British peeress.'" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Eh? What was that?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Which dealer's?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was we went to search for him, face downward in a little as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though instituted." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Pope's Court. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as think, you have already met." chamber." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. for its centre. "What have you to say now?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set little trying to do so much typewriting?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black conversation I have gathered that they have been married about thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Nothing." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Is purely nominal.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." touch that coronet?' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all figure." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that I can to serve you." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unclasping of his long thin hands. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "And the murderer?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, gives a meaning to it." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at I nodded again. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a more terrible than the truth. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and ordinary clothes on?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to surprise her." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "I will try. What is it?" down. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "But how?" fear." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, never to learn it at all." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray is," said he presently: had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan go--none." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Eyford." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Not I." was it brought him the coronet? a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "9th. McCauley cleared. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the someone who had been in Australia." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." remarked. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Witness: It was. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I not personally threatened." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." own family. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "You were travelling in the States?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You have compromised yourself seriously." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "But she could not love him." desk. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "How many? I don't know." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by you." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' served to weaken the effect. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity,