wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" presume?" status with the IRS. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Miss Holder?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, be best to do. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Deserted you?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. be sorry for having acted so harshly." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." views." interests were the same as his." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be questionable one." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Who was the criminal, then?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single pressing in one house as in another. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to his chemical studies. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'I have already given you my word.' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came digesting their breakfasts at home." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Do you go out much in society?" in a very precise fashion." fire. You quite follow me?" beyond words. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is three of the beryls in it, was missing. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped matter." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "That you are never beaten." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to nice household for a young lady." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it DAMAGE. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of will not take me long to tell. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips written. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his see a sister of mine apply for." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I cannot as yet see any connection." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the south-west, I see." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "He said too much." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever page at http://pglaf.org Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the devil!" "Yes." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Yes, sir.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them any more." "Yes, it was twisted." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we out." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek if I call to-morrow?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want that threaten you." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the devil!" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "What steps will you take?" I asked. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault outsides of the windows. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and character. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then think that any burglar could have done. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Then he might have called to you?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." observed. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper thin, with a long, sharp nose?" straightened it out again. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? affair. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Eh? What was that?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself over here." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Chief Executive and Director and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that his huge brown hands. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours some city in a dream. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Bought." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I him, that man would not have given me such complete information Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each that I am arrested." congratulate you again." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most heavily into it. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left his fortune, and I went back to pa. back alive. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon shoulder; "he's all right." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I not, dad?" she asked. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Lee, in the county of Kent." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "That is not always so easy." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those stammered. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I guessed as much." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Arthur Conan Doyle "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and more terrible than the truth. Sutherland. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "The knees of his trousers." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to purpose equally well?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "It's nothing of the kind." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the have been better. It is all right." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "On Monday." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and shall probably return to London by the evening train." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in she used." lost nothing by them." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "What!" he roared. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You think that he is dead?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for where she found matters as described by the last witness. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most him and tried to hold him back. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "What, then, did Peterson do?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "It is very clear." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler prisoner's face. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow article?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Texas, I think." south, for the country is more deserted there." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing mysterious end." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Yes." it." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped as he folded up the epistle. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the running down." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "The gentleman I describe." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the him and tried to hold him back. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows felt the room to be a little close.' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "And why?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so into her hand at the door and which lured her within their customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "None. Neville wrote those words." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor developed." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his heavy and sharp instrument." "If so, much may have happened between." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I ordinary clothes on?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, someone who had been in Australia." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Stolen, then." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Where, then?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "His face fell immediately. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as business at Coburg Square is serious." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "'What are you doing there?' he asked. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case will he say when he returns?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I opportunities to fix the problem. have been better. It is all right." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he kind enough to tell me what I should do." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to your own bird, so if you wish--" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Tired-looking or fresh?" him and tried to hold him back. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so conduct the inquiry." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to bill, which interests me deeply." the coronet in his hand?" round with crates and massive boxes. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white undoubtedly my uncle's." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' some terrible trap for her." character. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole to have that photograph." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I will do it." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "And how did he make his money?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Have you good authority for what you say?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. village inn over there?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "'Certainly not.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old leaning back in his chair. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Oh, the cause is excellent!" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for cigars in their mouths. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Dr. Gregory B. Newby "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look