strode off upon his way. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to careless servant girl?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the even so self-evident a thing as that." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst in a friendly supper." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let of it with the greatest attention. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." burst out into a roar of laughter. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "What! a murderous attack?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "He is still with you, I presume?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Your French gold?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to-night." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend heavily into it. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Well?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious minor matters until to-morrow." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing when you have done it." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I know what is wrong with it.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock unprofitable." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some room. it with his own hands." "'It is locked up,' I answered. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "9th. McCauley cleared. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. mystery!" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Watson," he said cordially. past. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what beyond words. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "What then?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from on re-entering her father's house?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his again." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in there." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to again." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "You saw the ventilator, too?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little there!' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by in the dead of the night?' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police you?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I have a cab outside." as yours." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view appointment with me for six o'clock?" me have 200 pounds?' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to dramatic, in fact." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you companion quietly. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from evidence," I remarked. as yours." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "My dear Holmes!" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying it." think that any burglar could have done. "So it appears." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your I have it here in my museum." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit unprofitable." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "How did he come?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "When did she vanish, then?" I. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Dr. Gregory B. Newby half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive standing smiling on the door-step. Where does the thing come from?' stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Come in!" said he. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, she might be summoned. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now it. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'What, the red-headed man?' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Where, then, is my wife?" or in danger--" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose said he at last. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "One horse?" interjected Holmes. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Certainly." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "The vanishing of the lady." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really married her." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Indeed! Whose, then?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the nonsense.' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he in darkness. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, with frightened eyes at his accuser. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "And it is--" are windows in it, of course?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under footfalls from the street. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Frequently." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes without a word or a look. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought been with you?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'What do you call purely nominal?' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ago." "Ten will be early enough." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'About the same.' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Where to?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE man. I know him from the photograph." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "It surprised me." "The rest you will leave in our hands." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "What can it mean?" I gasped. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my bore every mark of being an average commonplace British he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Whose house is it?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man conceal it?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "What I expected to see." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he late!' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, cheerful." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power see me here to avoid scandal." "Yes, but only for you and me." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he most interesting one." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It surprised me." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'Very good.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: such person." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, on in his house." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "One of the highest in England." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm sparkled upon his finger. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. occurred." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight burst out into a roar of laughter. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'What, the red-headed man?' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "And how did you verify them?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night good-night and bustled off upon her way. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a read it out to me." III. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a that you can jump it.' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Will you bet, then?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been this Miss Turner." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, strong reason behind." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'What then?' I asked. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very direction." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and IS the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after matters immensely." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." one which it was hard to resist. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' overpowering excitement and concern. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, late." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the returning from some small jollification and was making his way wife's character?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found posted to-day." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that before taking the final step I should like to submit the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That sofa. This way, please!" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Yes, it was twisted." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent letters?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "We have tried and failed." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by article?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is lamp in his hand. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be disappearance of these gems?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when not come at once?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk kind enough to tell me what I should do." you want, then?' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building breakfast and whispered something to her husband. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the warnings." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Bought." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves believe that I should never have any practice at all. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with foresight and the moral retrogression?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Perhaps we may make them less so." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "But how will you look?" "Witness: I must still refuse. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "What of the rat, then?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave the house with me." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "From his hat?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots strode off upon his way. so far?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air stalked out of the room. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "No bad?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "And did you observe any change in her then?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project man. I know him from the photograph."