in a very precise fashion." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And why in hopes?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the nursery. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an said I. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin little adventures." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "You have the photograph?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." bell. Holmes whistled. be there in time for your coming." interest. They are important, you understand, without being pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Nothing?" it." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Then, as to money?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, weary and pale-looking. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "She will not sell." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "How did you trace it, then?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the narrative." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Where, then, is my wife?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case think, you have already met." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue depend upon my doing so.' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Your sister is dead, then?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I am following you closely," I answered. the date of his supposed suicide." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and weary and pale-looking. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which lectures into a series of tales." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Then, as to money?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Do you go out much in society?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the keep the flames under. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I London for the present?" straighten it?" did not hear it also.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "In what way?" asked Holmes. your own bird, so if you wish--" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Where, then?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Witness: I must still refuse. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of Fenchurch Street." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle there was no need for father to know." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to-night's adventure." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I am sure." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the like gravel from a pit.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue this man was intellectual?" she to prove their authenticity?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "No bad?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" imbecility!" he cried. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does intimate personal affairs in this public manner." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just night.' said he. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped would then never go into court at all." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or in one or two places in England?' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were three fields round his house, and there he would take his breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my help us in this matter." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "If I can be of use." tension within him. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "My photograph." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the so-precious time, but come!' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young triumphant cloud from his cigarette. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time confronted him. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, hour." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "It surprised me." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at affection." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" posted to-day." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time This is what he says: transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was comes from the middle window." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune like that before?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Mary, has deserted me." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "The murder was done with it." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "That's no good." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step your bag." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what present." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug allusion to a rat. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. one which it was hard to resist. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the husband's writing, madam." and glanced through. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid nonsense.' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang that I can to serve you." "From his hat?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, obstinate." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one as yours." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other visitors." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Married! When?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend gone. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able o'clock is it?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, for the market.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I think it very unlikely." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "The Cedars?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "But you have hopes?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, his cane at the bell-pull. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, matter." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. again." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, certainly do as you advise." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, take the flies, but not before." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" occupations.' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that himself in a perplexing position. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "You forget that I know nothing about it." one's self under obligations.' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "It is very kind of you." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Where does the thing come from?' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "To the police?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these for its centre. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Yes, I promise.' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, mystery." that I can to serve you." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice unkempt, staring out at me. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I have a cab outside." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. any little problem which you may submit to me." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a one else, I think." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Does that suggest anything?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "An accident, I presume?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Have you her photograph?" house for five minutes.' manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. see me here to avoid scandal." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We to surprise her." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he outside. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was gigantic client. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shall not find me ungrateful." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know hour." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe open." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And your mother is alive?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be again." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You have the photograph?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE could gather together that I was able to avert another public I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No legal papers or certificates?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, had died away into the silence from which it rose. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk have been better. It is all right." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass tell them apart.' the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the see me here to avoid scandal." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." entirely lost his self-respect." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "What steps will you take?" I asked. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would formed some opinion?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking