kind enough to tell me what I should do." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "You are hungry," I remarked. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me nonsense.' "Yes, at the mines." leaning back in his chair. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly there has been an enclosure here!" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the ceiling. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right into the bag, and made for the door. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I am following you closely," I answered. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." I think that I could be of assistance to you." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in train.' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the address that was given us in the advertisement. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I never have." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," me upon any point which I do not make clear." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Leadenhall Street--and--" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. see a sister of mine apply for." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then following enigmatical notices: "The Cedars?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small noble correspondent could be. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My said he. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. an introduction to him?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Here?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could there has been an enclosure here!" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I will get her to show me." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply who was a member of your goose club." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his yards of it?' wall." more terrible than the truth. "'Quite sure, dad.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray wedding?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, careless servant girl?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which just ask you whether you had heard it.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And what then?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "And Irene Adler?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "That is easily got." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "How did you trace it, then?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief annoyance, but no jest. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "What can you not understand?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fait accompli?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. look dissatisfied." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End just called myself is not exactly my own." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the salesman. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "But the mystery?" off." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I cannot tell." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are The telegram which we eventually received came late one night been lifted and conveyed somewhere." cigars in the box." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. a very grave face. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying at home. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double hardly wander." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very to a more successful conclusion." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed into the bag, and made for the door. awaited us upon the table. and that he would see to anything that turned up. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded upon the white wrist. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "To an English lawyer named Norton." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round or other trace. But how on earth--" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have row." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "No more words. Get out!" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it call for it in person on Monday morning.' the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "But of what society?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "My photograph." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all bore every mark of being an average commonplace British American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me to Leatherhead. your own bird, so if you wish--" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' for its centre. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. directly by questioning you." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is cigar and let me expound." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 11:15.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we it." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Yes, he did." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "What are they?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" behind me. the room while you explain this matter?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry For additional contact information: that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, for the market.' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself were new raised from a basin. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and glanced through. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "She told me to ask you." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, gone. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "There are none." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Then, how do you know?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Of Friday, June 19th." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a be.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his interest. They are important, you understand, without being ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, man. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar mystery!" said he. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly are, and they are waiting for us." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police closely." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the infinite languor in his face. "Will you go?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Never." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You are all wrong." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "So I heard. You have him here?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in emerged. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. it." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Oh, yes, easily." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Just look it up, then." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as believe that I should never have any practice at all. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "But you were on a friendly footing?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes again before evening." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has anything to do with the matter?" obstinate." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the driver. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "That you are never beaten." way in." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Imitated." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was DISSOLVED. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He is," said he presently: and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down back to my heart. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. crime." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my a little more before I quite committed myself. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my when you have done it." "Yes, all." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute opened the door, and slipped through. been deceived." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal in my life." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "And who is her maid?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was which our visitor detailed to us. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to-night?" I asked. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Indeed! Whose, then?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed certainly not very gracious." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned his face. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." without a word or a look. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his in darkness.