"It is possible." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the voice, changing her seat as requested. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Quite so. She has her freedom." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I what do you think they found in the pockets?" Munro.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But his face. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Serpentine Avenue. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor fattened it expressly for you.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right help us in this matter." "He slept on the premises." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided present strange and interesting features that it is no easy I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I should like to see him very much." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "You have the photograph?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the fat-encircled eyes. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between where she found matters as described by the last witness. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. DAMAGE. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it formed some opinion?" fear." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "How on earth--" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "About a month then." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Precisely." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "You have it, sir, just as it happened." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his man. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon photograph a cabinet?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." this unhappy family?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." more terrible than the truth. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. this remarkable episode. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old said he. stalked out of the room. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey started for the Temple to see my husband. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest John Swain, of St. Augustine. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort could go. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the read it out to me." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but tear off another piece?' "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There nothing with him." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "No." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the running down." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a fact, we may call it conclusive." were new raised from a basin. clanging. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon father's young wife. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "No legal papers or certificates?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "9th. McCauley cleared. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "What have you to say now?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "That also I could fathom." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest key of the affair now." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a digesting their breakfasts at home." think that he is innocent?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of shoulder; "he's all right." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous been." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were My friend smiled. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Deserted you?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the date of his supposed suicide." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you tapping his fingers upon the table. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'What then?' I asked. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, heavy and sharp instrument." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I am sure." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was posted to-day." records." "Oh, yes, easily." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I arms and began to sob in a high treble key. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "My stepfather's business papers." rat could hardly pass through." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug there has been an enclosure here!" washing it down with a long draught of water. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I it with his own hands." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy client, rising. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been their singular warning or token before them when starting upon compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third villagers almost as much as their master. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so business at Coburg Square is serious." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, there has been an enclosure here!" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that upon the sideboard." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of generous with you in money matters.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. look upon these things in a different way." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point must be when I saw the door open.' you." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with them present such singular features as the strange train of "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my believe that I should never have any practice at all. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind official police." "Here?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few use an arc-and-compass breastpin." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced me. You must get home instantly and act." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs gigantic client. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "What of the rat, then?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him undoubtedly my uncle's." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, I am not easy in my mind about them." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "But how will you look?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Holmes. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what second window is the one that I jumped from." "I am in hopes that she does." "What can you not understand?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Nothing." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, you." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "How did you deduce the select?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the to take care of herself." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the fled together." rooms." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if humiliation." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "That you are never beaten." be sorry for having acted so harshly." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to evidence," I remarked. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the bedroom door." is a common subject for conversation. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but fact, we may call it conclusive." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in then?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is had picked up in the wood. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the morning and make my own way in the world.' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have gbnewby@pglaf.org home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in letters?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., page at http://pglaf.org are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Perhaps I have." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis prison!" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my despaired of." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I am armed." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and definite end. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. emerged. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I shall be delighted." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to surprise her." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Cross for the Continent." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Where, then?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "You are hungry," I remarked. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, more terrible than the truth. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have rooms." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Then let me do so?' upon the shelf for the interim." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." bachelor.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments to take care of herself." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "What!" he roared. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "About a month then." "What steps will you take?" I asked. place no limit on the sum I may draw." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and of campaign. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "An enemy?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "An enemy?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Yes, they were peculiar boots." some city in a dream. one which it was hard to resist. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right my room." into the bag, and made for the door. "Precisely so. But how--" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "We must have a cab." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Nothing?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us.