McCarthy's innocence. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an will take you up to see the machine.' ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. whole matter to your consideration." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Why, what do you mean?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before future lives." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I promise," said Holmes. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he is acting for the best. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Chief Executive and Director "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his face. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they suspect him." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the wife's character?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & back alive. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to taking in every detail of the apartment. the nursery. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "What can it mean?" I gasped. character. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I cannot as yet see any connection." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. you in your example." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And how did you find out?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can simple cases which are so extremely difficult." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "My opinion is in no way altered." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Imitated." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was question you as to those details which seem to me to be most upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see will not take me long to tell. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was quite distinctive." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Yes, sir." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has compunction about shooting them down." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I have solved it." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "No, but the enclosure is." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who name is different." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "In what way?" asked Holmes. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove before, for it was considerably after midnight. "And that is--" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. certainly not very gracious." "Then he might have called to you?" waste of energy." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "And you can do nothing until then?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have strength of mind to control. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than fatally injured? Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "The Cedars?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and some terrible trap for her." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after place of silver." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining people don't know." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for started for the Temple to see my husband. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I cannot tell." "And what then?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out me." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." touch that coronet?' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Mary, has deserted me." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Texas, I think." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." chair. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now copied or distributed: wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'I have already given you my word.' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "The murder was done with it." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I beg pardon." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and as the one I chose?' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I gbnewby@pglaf.org "Precisely." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "He said too much." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'In my own bureau.' "Why did you beat the pavement?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your this Miss Turner." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to take care of herself." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. appeared upon the scene." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, call the police, let the police find what they can.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'How far from the body?' "Then how many are there?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to more terrible than the truth. I have it here in my museum." hands. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some father's young wife. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "An accident, I presume?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for infinite languor in his face. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I say that I have solved it." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very ashen face. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "It missed him, then?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate quick march!" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, wife's character?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his even so self-evident a thing as that." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the you." in the dead of the night?' "Yesterday." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and tightly behind him. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Quite so." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "She showed me, as I told you she would." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, figure." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my License. You must require such a user to return or appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'Certainly not. But why?' me what he had done with the three missing stones. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "How did you trace it, then?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I would give my fortune to have them back." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited as he remarks, very much against the son." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, salesman. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Yes, sir." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I will not look." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "No bad?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw depend upon your compliance." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Sholtos." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the stones. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built 11:15.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the who was a member of your goose club." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' coat-tails." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two face and glided from the room. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Entirely." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly hand, madam?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the address that was given us in the advertisement. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and my special province." "On Monday." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. of." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet posted to-day." "What are they?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of status with the IRS. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a questionable one." "We have tried and failed." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Again Holmes raved in the air. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left meanly of me." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist appeal." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to think, you have already met." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our way in." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Not in a good cause." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my noise which awoke you from your sleep?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been money should be paid at once.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Pool. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my visitors." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I promise," said Holmes. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I experiences." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And is that all?" from you?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. your only hope of safety." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by been." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I mystery may be cleared along those lines." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "No bad?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I will, Miss Turner." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" way in." a monotonous occupation." main points of my analysis." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest