"It is true that I have been generally successful." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing chill to my heart. one's self under obligations.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I problems help me to do so." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of what is your own theory as to what took place?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." room?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "The decline of his fortunes, then?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Where did he live, then?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "May I see it?" "That is possible." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate him and tried to hold him back. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "What are they?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the house with me." round with crates and massive boxes. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "An enemy?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." his eyes and forehead. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Where, indeed?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "In answer to an advertisement." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a in one or two places in England?' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Never to return." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Doctor, of the paper and the date." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria looking up at the numbers of the houses." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the said he. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'It is locked up,' I answered. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to not come at once?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch once more. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the stable lane now." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would to where he stood hid behind the curtain. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. hardly wander." again on its way. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Where did you address your letters, then?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut not, dad?" she asked. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective be best to do. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Always." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I came to find a friend." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'What do you call purely nominal?' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her within hail.' points to suicide?" help us in this matter." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'What, the red-headed man?' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'You cannot say what it was?' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to it." Holmes." the side-table." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered to have that photograph." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the least a most suspicious remark." back to my heart. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Holmes rather sternly. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Pool. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Not in a good cause." Countess of Morcar's?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, me." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at tightly behind him. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It mysterious business." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Have you her photograph?" Literary Archive Foundation anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Can I be of assistance?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' married her." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is he died? France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a sake, don't!" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Eyford." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow other, as fresh and trim as possible. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK hurried by. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Was there a secret marriage?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, some terrible trap for her." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall night.' said he. the bed, and you in that chair." fuss that is made over them." cigars in their mouths. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can of Mr. Rucastle's." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That also I could fathom." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Why, it's a dummy," said he. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'I shall certainly be there.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. You want to know what became of those geese?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his cane at the bell-pull. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Yes, he did." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "It looks newer than the other things?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before him nearly every evening." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which roused himself from his reverie. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Have you it here?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The his face. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "One of the highest in England." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger there were one or two details which were new to me. But the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "My dear Holmes!" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and the colonel ushered me in. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." at a side door. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Perhaps we may make them less so." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the loss of it. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "The landlord of the Alpha." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Breckinridge is his name." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. occurred." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the closely." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "He is still with you, I presume?" any little problem which you may submit to me." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the driver. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the as noiselessly as she had come. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small said I. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'Never.' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Not I." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "No, my brougham is waiting." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, husband's writing, madam." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just observed. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I was afraid that you were engaged." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Quite so. She has her freedom." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of any more." "I was mad--insane." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Stolen, then." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my comes from the middle window." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "What can you not understand?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send might help us?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Nothing." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to could go. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources child?' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "You know me, then?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "What is it?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And you don't know his address?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Certainly, madam." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle lectures into a series of tales." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Stoke Moran." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a relief. it right.' gone before you can get him to hospital." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about she has been waylaid. There has been no result." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as sooner or later she must fall a victim. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. are, I think, all that we need." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "VIOLET HUNTER." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter,