"There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "And now?" He raised his hand. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser cause to be." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "It is solved." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. present." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls was lame." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to go into your room and bar your shutters?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary had this final quarrel? after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind felt the room to be a little close.' certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I think it very unlikely." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Eyford at 11:15.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I cannot think." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Where is it, then?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Was there a secret marriage?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You don't mind breaking the law?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It was an hour's good drive." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place nights." "What steps will you take?" I asked. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled during which he might have communicated with his friend the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "At half-wages, in fact." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Never." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Do you go out much in society?" evidence," I remarked. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I shall be delighted." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Very much so." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Then I shall certainly come." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. cigars in the box." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic quick march!" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman happened." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged your Highness to the police-station?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the inquest, and which are worth considering." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Does that suggest anything?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "The knees of his trousers." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: enter into my head. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 'I should be able to look after that for you.' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "That is not always so easy." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was infinite languor in his face. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I was mad--insane." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, clang of the bell. "What is it?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Did your wife hear all this?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a retorted upon me, and I on you." of the way of danger. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. to that open window." hard-headed British jury." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no touch that coronet?' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would mystery." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my in darkness. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my strong and stiff." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "You have but to name it." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. strength of mind to control. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to if I call to-morrow?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We rooms." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I horse could go." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. served to weaken the effect. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. think, you have already met." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Precisely." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to unclasping of his long thin hands. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Of what day?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Yes, it was twisted." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "In San Francisco, a year ago." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate plantation.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last putting in the horse. what I may call a really hard day's work." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not strong and stiff." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a for its centre. sparkled upon his finger. "Yes." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco really the only notable feature about the thing." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom he. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I was afraid that you were engaged." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Where did you address your letters, then?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Here?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Lestrade of Scotland Yard." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her chance." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the tragedy. fuss that is made over them." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and bill, which interests me deeply." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, do.' "You will not go there first?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more if only as a check to my own memory." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Get out!" said he. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Surrey." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous floor. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Was the window open?" "Yes." we went to search for him, face downward in a little most interesting one." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I have seen the police." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Entirely." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless imbecility!" he cried. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a these bleak autumnal evenings." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "On the contrary, this is the right side." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and my friend's incisive reasoning. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little nice household for a young lady." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Quite so." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." him. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The there has been an enclosure here!" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I The events in question occurred in the early days of my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head swore that no one else had been in the front room during the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. back alive. where we are going." she might be summoned. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while few hundred pounds.' papers." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. This is what he says: as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened gentleman's clothes. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "A call for help, you thought?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of your young ladies.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door your room." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'As governess?' "I have solved it." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same never came back." over here." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat lamp in his hand. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "No. What a strange idea!" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and that he would see to anything that turned up. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Imitated." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman better in every way that they should make their position a little Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing information in his hands the value of which he did not himself been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to-night." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the