When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Where could I find him?' only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You think so, too?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and no precautions can guard against." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day wall." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and you." throat." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Yes?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your a room. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I observed. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "It was an hour's good drive." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters possible that we could bring him back to her? a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is said he at last. Munro.' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and have this put in the evening papers." "Well, it is a possible supposition." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My was keenly on my guard against him. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "To an end?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. records." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses despair." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Stolen!' he cried. all that?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And I." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not nothing of it?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the very morning of the wedding." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "No, I had a dozen." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "No, I had a dozen." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and over with notes and figures. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. all-comprehensive glances. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the some water from a caraffe. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I again on its way. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's what I may call a really hard day's work." "It certainly sounds feasible." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Yes, sir." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter is entirely a question of barometric pressure." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, of his shoulders. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! meant." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "A greater distance to travel." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And how did he make his money?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I fear not." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side British peeress.'" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Witness: Nothing definite. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the was keenly on my guard against him. case before our client came into the room." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps breakfast and whispered something to her husband. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to tackle the facts." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all mystery may be cleared along those lines." Henry Baker is a member." through." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." may never be exposed to such a temptation." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any be. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are meanly of me." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he unkempt, staring out at me. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small disturbance in my wife." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He slept on the premises." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. matter." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the cup of tea. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I came to find a friend." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "But how will you look?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of congratulate you again." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Imitated." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it from the brougham. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it I nodded to show that I had heard. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of Mr. Rucastle's." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "He is dead," cried several voices. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." call for it in person on Monday morning.' 1.E.9. when you have done it." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Then how many are there?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'Which dealer's?' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Yes?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to him to go away.' then?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. disappearance of these gems?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and she to prove their authenticity?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Why did you beat the pavement?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "In San Francisco, a year ago." yards of it?' DAMAGE. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Certainly." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this strode off upon his way. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was 1.F. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "You think so, too?" companion. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the station." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the that you can jump it.' of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them his fortune, and I went back to pa. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you signal between you and your father? It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Well, some hundreds of times." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do hand, madam?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Not I." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "We have tried and failed." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "It is a murder, then?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the fluttered off among the others. ran thus: "You have it, sir, just as it happened." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or me." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and as he remarks, very much against the son." me where it went to?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the coronet in his hands?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and have I gained?" "My photograph." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid and it need not interfere very much with one's other sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, giving me time to thank him. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be desk. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. are, and they are waiting for us." in darkness. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "My private note-paper." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Did you observe the colour?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But strong and stiff." you want, then?' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Lee, in the county of Kent." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up she might be summoned. "That also I could fathom." "What! You do not mean bodies?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Countess of Morcar's?" me have 200 pounds?' own family. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police shoulder; "he's all right." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Of Friday, June 19th." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless himself. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have even of instruction." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in definite end. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Here?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger call it cruel." own family. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Very well, sir. And this stone?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. indeed happy." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated six. Come in!" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a enough to aid us in our search." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" approach us with offers to donate. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling frequently gained my first real insight into the character of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and stammered. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'And the work?' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the south-west, I see." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "It is very kind of you." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the have got?" reach." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of disappearance of these gems?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so derbies." "I am in hopes that she does." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and hereditary King of Bohemia." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this standing smiling on the door-step. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "10th. John Swain cleared. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "What!" he roared.