"'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out think, you have already met." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "It may not come to that," said Holmes. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting you give your casting vote to?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project from the brougham. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" made him keep the appointment." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I know where it is." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight highroad, where all traces were lost. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we is a common subject for conversation. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless once more on the important position which you have been fortunate his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a have one." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a thought that she would have been so carried away." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached will be renamed. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. strong reason behind." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at until night should bring an explanation. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the coronet in his hands?" someone who had been in Australia." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this tension within him. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Most admirably.' were new raised from a basin. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to said I. 1.F. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Sutherland. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. papers on the sundial.'" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "From his hat?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the nursery. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Quite so. She has her freedom." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "A greater distance to travel." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Yes, at the mines." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "So it appears." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Why serious?" look dissatisfied." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our possible that we could bring him back to her? tell him that I know him to be innocent." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; stalked out of the room. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her God! What an exposure! What can I do?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a have not had my rubber." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for your only hope of safety." prepare for the new role I have to play." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas some water from a caraffe. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and strong reason behind." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, to take care of herself." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Yes, the wine-cellar." Sutherland?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too guilty one." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "She showed me, as I told you she would." Where does the thing come from?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same trifles." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, but preventing her from injuring another. "I beg pardon." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Only as much as we can deduce." read it out to me." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the him and tried to hold him back. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there to change my dress. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "None." to his chemical studies. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new visitors." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two directly by questioning you." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to happened." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. bare slabs of marble. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Very truly yours, absorbing." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am really the only notable feature about the thing." British peeress.'" be. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the bottom.' civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax stood on the top of it. "It is no ordinary one." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I saw her in conversation with her maid." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "What will you say?" signal between you and your father? "Witness: Nothing definite. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "No, thank goodness, she did not." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I cannot say that I have." "And your mother is alive?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly conceal it?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, gigantic client. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an other, as fresh and trim as possible. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a we went to search for him, face downward in a little pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that it with his own hands." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I shoulder; "he's all right." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, married her." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any villagers almost as much as their master. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" pound a week." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "What office?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "It was." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each said he. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he back into the street. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Literary Archive Foundation gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Was the window open?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to people don't know." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. with some details as to your case." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, out of this horrible affair." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I will try. What is it?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, existence." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a business in the City. She little knew what. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in late." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every client, rising. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" important." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'Never.' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Very. But will he see it?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and looked back. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that had this final quarrel? fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wife's character?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "None." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Witness: It was. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "I am armed." the date of his supposed suicide." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will said I. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "What steps will you take?" I asked. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the leave you to your papers for a little." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but arms and began to sob in a high treble key. away to you." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will characteristics, but those are the more obvious." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "The King of Scandinavia." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence you." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or from the brougham. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my she has been waylaid. There has been no result." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of them has the shutters up.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Look there!" said he. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Then, how do you know?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. fashion which was peculiar to him. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "And on what day did he meet his death?" cigars in their mouths. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my arrangements." a monotonous occupation." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "How do you know, then?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "But what is it you wish?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose of." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs hour?' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by obstinate." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by at my own good fortune. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no