mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious affair. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Nothing?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion The telegram which we eventually received came late one night to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "What do you make of that, Watson?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the running down." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the that he will be back before evening." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and thin legs towards the fire. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Did you become engaged then?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I cannot imagine." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of lumber-room." the bottom.' been." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Nothing?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most considering the formidable letters which were received by himself style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was What do you deduce from it?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Certainly." past. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "You did not overhear what they said?" fact, we may call it conclusive." "Have you it here?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting me where it went to?" "And that is--" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "But how did you gain them?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there she to prove their authenticity?" "A greater distance to travel." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Again Holmes raved in the air. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to a more successful conclusion." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my already been minutely examined." in a very precise fashion." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. wall." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "And from a noble client?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been as he remarks, very much against the son." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to delirious. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back ashen face. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "But what will you do?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "ARAT," I read. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the question. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project events, Mr. Windibank!" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down long narrative. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful was shining brightly. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the very letters. But what is this written above them?' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I tell him that I know him to be innocent." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Witness: Nothing definite. fact, we may call it conclusive." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Yes, at the mines." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't disappearance of these gems?" "Ah!" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "At the wedding breakfast." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid touch that coronet?' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "My Mary? Impossible!" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You are all wrong." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." four million human beings all jostling each other within the but preventing her from injuring another. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 keep the flames under. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan like gravel from a pit.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" hurried by. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the salesman. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to carpenter." I approached. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'Quite sure, dad.' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand mystery!" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Where, indeed?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers even so self-evident a thing as that." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "And I." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have been." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he guilty one." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom tail." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "You were travelling in the States?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I should be immensely obliged to you." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote giving me time to thank him. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what mysterious business." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there at my remark. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. stalked out of the room. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who of the vacancies.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is third from London." "She told me to ask you." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step one else, I think." "No sign of it?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'And the work?' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "It looks newer than the other things?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The London for the present?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that there was nothing in it, after all." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "My stepfather's business papers." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "It was an hour's good drive." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Frequently." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, golden eyeglasses. The King stared at him in amazement. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur married her." delirious. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "What can it mean?" I gasped. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your been anything against him. He had for years been known as a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. chambers. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Holmes' room. certainly do as you advise." these bleak autumnal evenings." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took humiliation." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the key turn in the lock." way in everything. wedding?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your trifles." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very murderous indeed." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy him." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "And the cigar-holder?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. weapon." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his as yours." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his was keenly on my guard against him. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to or other trace. But how on earth--" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever how narrow had been my escape. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Of what day?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Lee, in the county of Kent." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being will not take me long to tell. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. gentleman's clothes. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly quite distinctive." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It with you?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open lumber-room." "'And the work?' was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and which was all perfectly true. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk me where it went to?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to arrested. You then--" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the again before evening." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "But you can know nothing of this?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day lectures into a series of tales." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Eyford." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every you, my dear young lady?' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "What! Had he lost his wife?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Oh, yes, easily." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching ceremony." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and it." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not indeed which he could not unravel. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing is so. I know all about McCarthy." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "In the cells." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Eh? What was that?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Mrs. Toller serenely. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I am armed." fatally injured? Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit never will be, entirely cleared up. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Then let me do so?' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" tell them apart.' present." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that point in the dark hollow of his hand. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and capable of preserving a secret.' burst out into a roar of laughter. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for nothing with him."