have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fire. You quite follow me?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "And how did he make his money?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I know where it is." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. it were putty." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "But who is he?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "But the mystery?" placed his cuttings. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "He said that you could solve anything." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Not in the least." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had someone who had been in Australia." "Nearly eleven." eat it." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock business came to an end." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said have had none more fantastic than this." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to back alive. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy question," said Holmes, smiling. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Game for a morning drive?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our fait accompli?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." nothing of it?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "And how have you succeeded?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "No, I think that I'll take it." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I do." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them some terrible trap for her." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The visitors." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, tightly behind him. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then recover the gem." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Very truly yours, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes, sir." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. secret." "No, I am descending." "And Irene Adler?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated national property. I was determined that the law should have its but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Edgeware Road. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "You have a clue?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. if she died from some sudden fright." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing answered with a sidelong glance. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the murdered man." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that for the market.' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your it means?" "And the cigar-holder?" of it with the greatest attention. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Yes, certainly." http://www.gutenberg.net particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'What, the red-headed man?' heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Won't it ring?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases unprofitable." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I should like to see him very much." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear legal crime." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Ample." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us criminal. We have already had experience of such." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I am all attention, madam." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the stable lane now." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other means taking possession of that which another person has a prior That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she tell them apart.' "Is he quiet?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If fuss that is made over them." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I cannot imagine." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by copied or distributed: "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "There are none." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "But you can know nothing of this?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "What then?" said he. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "There is the writing." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "But not more so than I to find you." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Will you go?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Absolutely none." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Arthur Conan Doyle whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." I was concerned in it." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, but only for you and me." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay success. stalked out of the room. you." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Game for a morning drive?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You saw the ventilator, too?" go--none." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to-night?' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "What can you not understand?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "On the contrary, this is the right side." go--none." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Why that?' I asks. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Who by?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second new acquaintance to Baker Street. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his spark where all is dark to me." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their o'clock is it?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have he died? he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "That is it on the dressing-table." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You have compromised yourself seriously." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "He is dead," cried several voices. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six results." waste of energy." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Then, as to money?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the stones. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the 11:15.' "I have solved it." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and all of them with the keenest interest. "Always." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Yes." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated some mystery and the punishment of some crime." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" trying to your nerves." foresight and the moral retrogression?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" his grey eyes. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day nonsense.' think that any burglar could have done. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned instituted." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Ha! you find it so?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Pope's Court. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the than to us. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was strength." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the nonsense.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with awkward doing business with an alias." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three I took the paper from him and read as follows: Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Proceed, then." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "And is that all?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "By train from Waterloo." fait accompli?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say opened the door, and slipped through. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "By all means." "Who was the criminal, then?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "So I have heard." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'Oh, no.' "I will try. What is it?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as did not hear it also.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "What! Had he lost his wife?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Not in the least." which are rolled in Rotterdam." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of I have it here in my museum." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you once more to my work. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Just look it up, then." humiliation." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and have this put in the evening papers." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "He said too much." "But you can know nothing of this?" Holmes' room. bonnet, and went out." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to writers could invent nothing more crude." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You in one or two places in England?' "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that prisoner's face. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Eh? What was that?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we there!' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "And you can do nothing until then?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always you want, then?' wedding?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. that you saw all that I did." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Pray do so." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that