father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets one else, I think." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Where did you address your letters, then?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which wall." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had public press." "No, I am descending." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless fashion which was peculiar to him. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the Red-headed League." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, when your master had gone out." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the little opening for the ventilator is." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all there." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, kindly on the shoulder. if she died from some sudden fright." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further before, for it was considerably after midnight. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you front of the hall door has given its name to the place. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Was there a secret marriage?" corner of the building. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Mrs. Toller serenely. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "No." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged when your master had gone out." coat-tails." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining retorted upon me, and I on you." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." been shamefully used." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Farm upon the left." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a knowledge of the world." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And help." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he forbidden door. him. about. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed during that time.' hour." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to with you?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Yes, only one." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. coat-tails." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly me where it went to?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. indiscretion." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I don't say that. Perhaps." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is own family. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped you came in." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. noble correspondent could be. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a nothing with him." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an drove away. you." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San out." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these charge against him will break down." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yes." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. touch that coronet?' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "No legal papers or certificates?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned a room. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, fluttered off among the others. the morning and make my own way in the world.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Whose house is it?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to there is a decided draught." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but felt the room to be a little close.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "My photograph." "How about poison?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it that you saw all that I did." events than those which have happened in my own family." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears happened." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in tell him that I know him to be innocent." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to time." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Nor running a chance of arrest?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Cross for the Continent." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe started for the Temple to see my husband. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been writer." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "I cannot say that I have." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for she to prove their authenticity?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "So I am. Very much so." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and I shall be with you presently." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Stolen." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." some city in a dream. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." orange pips. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike one which it was hard to resist. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little writer." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which sit on the left-hand side of the driver." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "How did you deduce the select?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight not, dad?" she asked. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "There is the writing." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and question. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide appeared upon the scene." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed tell them apart.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he into the room. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "We were both in the photograph." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I never to learn it at all." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "No, my brougham is waiting." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he detective. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "And what did you learn from him?" "No sign of it?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the congratulate you again." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "At the wedding breakfast." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between clanging. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "A greater distance to travel." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend from the brougham. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' photograph?" he bowed and left the room without another word. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Whose house is it?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike place of silver." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." as he folded up the epistle. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? relation between them, and what the object of his repeated distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "To the police?" persecution?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. interest. They are important, you understand, without being with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have said I. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little sooner or later she must fall a victim. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the he. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I will try. What is it?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this as noiselessly as she had come. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Imitated." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His papers on the sundial.'" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Perhaps I have." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us such attractions and accomplishments?' my secret was safe in his possession. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty business in the City. She little knew what. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you depend upon your compliance." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Murdered?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his to a light-house. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It is a murder, then?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And when will you call?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I other, as fresh and trim as possible. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Countess of Morcar's?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me hereditary King of Bohemia." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all photograph?" which it had come upon my father." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of purpose of examination. astonishment. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the girl said." the King without delay." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless knowledge of the world." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Henry Baker is a member." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "No, my brougham is waiting." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads along the entire front of the house, with three long windows engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does became a certainty. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very train.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was noting anything else of interest. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have