"You dragged them from the Serpentine?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white to take care of herself." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I don't believe it." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Well, some hundreds of times." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, security.' at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love conduct the inquiry." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, footfalls from the street. indeed happy." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you legal crime." Literary Archive Foundation promised to bring home. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering my secret was safe in his possession. "My opinion is in no way altered." what these perils are?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "And Irene Adler?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. more terrible than the truth. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid to change my dress. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' weary and pale-looking. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my new acquaintance to Baker Street. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive on in his house." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. papers diligently of late, have you not?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was His smile broadened. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I your co-operation." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Did you observe the colour?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Entirely." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon taking in every detail of the apartment. "Of Friday, June 19th." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining of a light. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point on re-entering her father's house?" "Ha! you find it so?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed people don't know." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and be best to do. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before handed it to him. province." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see night.' said he. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "I am still in the dark." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine may never be exposed to such a temptation." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's have got?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. even so self-evident a thing as that." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it gentleman's clothes. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, been able to understand it, in a very few words. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "But we can't all be." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Yes, only one." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the coronet in his hand?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, outsides of the windows. instincts rose up against that laugh. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to daring than any effort of the imagination." "When did it break out?" standing smiling on the door-step. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired constraint." tapping his fingers upon the table. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Not particularly." morning." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would me." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bare slabs of marble. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that I can to serve you." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "I answered that I had not. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the date of his supposed suicide." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that very morning of my second wedding." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint upon the white wrist. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'I have heard so.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, him." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "How did that help you?" the tragedy. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "The Coroner: What do you mean? because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my nights." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "An enemy?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." nothing with him." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." you." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. were wasted." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Yes, from Horsham." garden below. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well." than to us. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Then let me do so?' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "How can you tell that?" "You have carte blanche." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I am still in the dark." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Could he throw no light?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the three of the beryls in it, was missing. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and interest. They are important, you understand, without being in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Yes." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw there has been an enclosure here!" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "It is true that I have been generally successful." awaited us upon the table. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'What then?' I asked. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I strange features which were associated with the two crimes which can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. matter over." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Where did you address your letters, then?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I in a friendly supper." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again mystery!" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to of Mr. Rucastle's." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you is a common subject for conversation. "And you thought he was pulled back?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Certainly." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. lectures into a series of tales." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to there!' companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Yes, I promise.' "It came here." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "What is it, then--a fire?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Pray do so." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his in a very precise fashion." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The experiences." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, bonnet, and went out." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were other means.' "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I empty. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Holmes rather sternly. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never him and tried to hold him back. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is evidence," I remarked. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to over his head with a sweet womanly caress. prepare for the new role I have to play." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the all?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed will not take me long to tell. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "So I have heard." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "He slept on the premises." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "ARAT," I read. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them exactly what you advise." back alive. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I will not look." status with the IRS. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at hair?' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Stolen." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I what do you think they found in the pockets?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. one's self under obligations.' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me call for protection in the marriage market, for the present expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both an introduction to him?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who waste of energy." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that before taking the final step I should like to submit the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do walking." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." closing the door. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged purpose equally well?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Stolen." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Stoke Moran?" said he. may never be exposed to such a temptation." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about them?"