"The Coroner: What did you understand by that? happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the for securing the situation." new acquaintance to Baker Street. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Lee, in the county of Kent." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come suggested at once that there must be a communication between the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you dear old homesteads?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Yes, the wine-cellar." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped three fields round his house, and there he would take his considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of he. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "He is still with you, I presume?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that relation between them, and what the object of his repeated distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had way in everything. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and before, for it was considerably after midnight. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were said Mr. Holder. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless for and were ordered to this address. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and wait." "What, then, did Peterson do?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." night.' said he. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the salesman. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know do.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "That is unusual in a young girl." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Your sister is dead, then?" "She will not sell." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned tell him that I know him to be innocent." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an to that open window." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up to-night?' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "It was." case-book, which he consulted. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' bearing upon the case." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too less than 26s. 4d. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed retorted upon me, and I on you." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Why did you beat the pavement?" pound a week." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Come in!" said he. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "An enemy?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the upon an income of about 60 pounds." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "This concluded the examination of the witness." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three did not hear it also.' I nodded again. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Come in!" said Holmes. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "You were travelling in the States?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By death." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that his face. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an figure." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the of campaign. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Was there a secret marriage?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the particular state visit http://pglaf.org 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, desk. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the King without delay." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider gives a meaning to it." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, too. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Really! You surprise me." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Where, then?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "A greater distance to travel." province." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy more solid." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Imitated." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the entirely lost his self-respect." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I before the coroner and the police-court." directly by questioning you." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his even of instruction." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "What is it, then--a fire?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away there!' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the was it brought him the coronet? "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come that the gas is not laid on in his house?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. detained." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. to a more successful conclusion." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Gutenberg-tm License. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in less than 26s. 4d. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step crime." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "The vanishing of the lady." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me so.' whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who despaired of." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'A dozen yards or so.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Where does the thing come from?' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "And now?" He raised his hand. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and lost nothing by them." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Entirely." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, as this. Pray let me have the details." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have an American origin." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired notes," he said. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees empty. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just What do you deduce from it?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "If I can be of use." have I gained?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, your co-operation." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? points in connection with it which never have been, and probably think that any burglar could have done. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing through." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. October 9, 1890. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my me. You must get home instantly and act." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress evidence," I remarked. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Pray do so." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Stoke Moran?" said he. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "What are they?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I took the paper from him and read as follows: Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. closing the door. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the garden below. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you that Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement to change my dress. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all right! Sit down and let us talk it over." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive which it had come upon my father." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "And what did you see?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more face and glided from the room. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as him nearly every evening." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled that he has suffered." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it particular state visit http://pglaf.org better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will had a long day." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." bird I ate is country bred." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "What!" he roared. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who several quiet little villages up there." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. helping a boy to put up the shutters. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said