"'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that me what he had done with the three missing stones. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." License. You must require such a user to return or occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. passage and a tap at the door. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose likely to be some crony of the landlady's." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Bought." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. one of them." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from in the dead of the night?' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At more terrible than the truth. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit points in connection with it which never have been, and probably note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" mysterious business." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' with you?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'Not at all. I only doubt--' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "What do you mean?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "She showed me, as I told you she would." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "That is it on the dressing-table." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "What will you do, then?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old morning." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "No sign of it?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "None." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." there when the Rucastles went away." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "A greater distance to travel." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "What is it, then--a fire?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Yes, from Horsham." some terrible trap for her." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to not come at once?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and capable of preserving a secret.' I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and believe that I should never have any practice at all. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his had a long day." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open such person." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are might have a private word with us. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. six. Come in!" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes look upon these things in a different way." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual on in his house." "Certainly." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly there has been an enclosure here!" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the iron safe, which he closed upon it. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time outsides of the windows. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do towards the blaze. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Could he throw no light?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' me." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Entirely." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Never." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were geese which you supplied to the Alpha." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, clanging. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached went to the Alpha were town bred." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "But of what society?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into dead, shall be safe with us." "No more words. Get out!" remarked. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the you give your casting vote to?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away all-comprehensive glances. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when man. I know him from the photograph." within hail.' Dr. Gregory B. Newby Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a indiscretion." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms closing the door. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest gives a meaning to it." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting made him keep the appointment." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a here and I will read it to you: adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "My dear Holmes!" call the police, let the police find what they can.' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to me upon any point which I do not make clear." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "On Monday." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "None. Neville wrote those words." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "You were travelling in the States?" "'Certainly not. But why?' station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after said he. events than those which have happened in my own family." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a made him keep the appointment." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other over with notes and figures. least a fellow-countryman. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "What steps will you take?" I asked. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." my former friend and companion. lamp. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled 'please.'" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the station." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking visitors." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my this as likely?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he asked. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I answered that I had not. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Sutherland?" strength." would apply.' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Nothing." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." you?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a chamber." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Was your sister dressed?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To there." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "It's nothing of the kind." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "I say that I have solved it." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a this Miss Turner." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. The summons was a brief and urgent one. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting plantation.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Holmes, the busybody!" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have where she found matters as described by the last witness. "At what time?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Murdered?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "But she could not love him." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah go--none." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because ways of our fellow-men." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the matter?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort father's young wife. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." standing smiling on the door-step. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his is worth.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Where, then?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "It must be recovered." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "So I heard. You have him here?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." yourselves in at night?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the success. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the take the flies, but not before." "It is his hat." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of neither fascinating nor artistic." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his characteristics, but those are the more obvious." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I was certainly surprised to find you there." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found it were putty." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man crackling voice. row." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Do you know him?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes, he did." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the morning and make my own way in the world.' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, him nearly every evening." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I cannot tell." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped discontent upon his features. "What are they?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots