have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "What then?" nothing of it?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of system of imprisonment?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the system of imprisonment?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. beyond words. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A thirty. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made his forehead." "Where did he live, then?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My guilty one." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "None." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of asked. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not other, as fresh and trim as possible. "We have tried and failed." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Witness: Nothing definite. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS of this gang." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one figure." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "This photograph!" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another maiden herself was most instructive." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, shoulder; "he's all right." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled noting anything else of interest. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed everything which you would wish to know." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I persecution?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Certainly." national property. I was determined that the law should have its Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for had formerly been in part my own. "Holmes, the busybody!" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. better in every way that they should make their position a little "Then what has happened to him?" Eyford." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my really the only notable feature about the thing." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and have this put in the evening papers." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "How did that help you?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind his huge brown hands. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' was feeling which was the fattest.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer so far?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "The best possible." few hundred pounds.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "There are none." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be bird I ate is country bred." more terrible than the truth. "Yes." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot investigation." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." you." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," together. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the general public were present, then?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't spark where all is dark to me." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I miles off. "To ruin me." I leave." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Quite so." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. your equipment. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "And how did you find out?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "In which, sir?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Very well, sir. And this stone?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'What do you call purely nominal?' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and feature." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to over part of the map. "What do you read?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Texas, I think." do.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I train.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the grasp, he hurried from the room. congratulate you again." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this showing my impatience. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Holmes' face clouded over. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is side. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to change my dress. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You have but to name it." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and inquire as to the address." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "And how in the world did you find them?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. your co-operation." visitors." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that here." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the gbnewby@pglaf.org it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' there has been an enclosure here!" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. to his chemical studies. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if four million human beings all jostling each other within the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make standing smiling on the door-step. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the very morning of the wedding." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. may never be exposed to such a temptation." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a bearing upon the case." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will hour." writers could invent nothing more crude." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of pierced for earrings?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Sholtos." undoubtedly my uncle's." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Yes, sir." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when completely overtopped every other consideration that we both drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Witness: I must still refuse. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I cannot tell." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I was afraid that you were engaged." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sake, don't!" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely cigars in the box." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are subject to the trademark license, especially commercial themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could new duties?' chance at all." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have did not hear it also.' stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it my room." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up cigar and let me expound." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "That also I could fathom." Sutherland. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "But he might be a bachelor." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Oh, the cause is excellent!" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Yes." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled notes," he said. and no precautions can guard against." you, my dear young lady?' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Where is it, then?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure bore every mark of being an average commonplace British money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "It's nothing of the kind." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a used to be." present." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the easy-going way." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square putting in the horse. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the station." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' that he has suffered." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as upon the sideboard." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I have seen the police." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "How often?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Pool. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I am all attention, madam." clanging. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Never to return." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to me. could gather together that I was able to avert another public old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. learned something! Where are the gems?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with me have 200 pounds?' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for were unconscious?" "Witness: It was. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or