more solid." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a legal crime." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone whereabouts. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his eavesdroppers?' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Not him." "Your sister is dead, then?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in hopeless attempt at recovering them." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have written. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I promise," said Holmes. standing smiling on the door-step. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at bled considerably." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was careless servant girl?" sparkled upon his finger. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." newspaper selections." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." them, and came down just as you departed. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not sparkled upon his finger. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "And what did you see?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute straightened it out again. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." conclusions. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Sutherland. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out believe that I should never have any practice at all. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and files of the old papers, following the future career of every dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been likely to be some crony of the landlady's." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the inner apartment." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and inquire as to the address." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a true." gone. made him keep the appointment." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and spark where all is dark to me." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which cost them two and thirty pounds." "By all means." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried tear off another piece?' my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Street. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the you." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the dangers which encompass me." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. strode off upon his way. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "And for present expenses?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful fattened it expressly for you.' "Have you her photograph?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me furiously. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was questionable one." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the inquest, and which are worth considering." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and tear off another piece?' is now desirous of getting those letters back." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Why serious?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that bill, which interests me deeply." as he folded up the epistle. and have this put in the evening papers." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab your co-operation." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for characteristics, but those are the more obvious." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself any more." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money upon a handsome competence. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that now. It seems that there had been some informality about their then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his into the bag, and made for the door. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who approach us with offers to donate. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "By no means." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Murdered?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." extraordinary contortions. "It is true that I have been generally successful." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "He said too much." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, opened the door, and slipped through. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And what did you learn from him?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began away into the river." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell of this gang." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. of campaign. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "9th. McCauley cleared. "One?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "And who is her maid?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Where, then?" "And who is her maid?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. fluttered off among the others. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Quite so." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a it." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, charged with?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the guilty parties." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Then he might have called to you?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with unclasping of his long thin hands. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of washing it down with a long draught of water. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have pressing in one house as in another. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers you." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "You will not go there first?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than McCarthy's innocence. companion. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of train.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I shall most certainly do so." and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Very murderous indeed." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And the cigar-holder?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, colonel looking down at me. "And how did you find out?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I shall communicate with you." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' I shall continue with my miserable story. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never there is a decided draught." "I will get her to show me." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of arms and began to sob in a high treble key. charged with?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I crime. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "She will not sell." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the dangers which encompass me." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She hour?' it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Yes?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a back to my heart. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Witness: Nothing definite. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of your billet.' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Then he might have called to you?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a in the hope of finding them." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, like gravel from a pit.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Always." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and searched, without anything being found which could incriminate upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few weary and pale-looking. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Project Gutenberg-tm works. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it that there was nothing in it, after all." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'Yes, it was gone.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face held up the lantern and gazed about him. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He said too much." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the stones. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Yes, certainly." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug strength of mind to control. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "They are typewritten," I remarked. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I would pay ten." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon possible that we could bring him back to her? pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his have one." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your seem to you to be relevant or not." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which is acting for the best. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our shadow pass over his face as I spoke. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the warnings." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'And the work?' License. You must require such a user to return or "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation sooner or later she must fall a victim. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of over part of the map. "What do you read?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The landlord of the Alpha." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "I am still in the dark." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly points in connection with it which never have been, and probably a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet