"No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" would then never go into court at all." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Then, how do you know?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I cannot tell." even of instruction." investigation." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "She told me to ask you." "You have but to name it." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say are, I think, all that we need." bears upon the case?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of whole matter to your consideration." "That is possible." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, man. in my life." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. ordinary clothes on?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said you?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had your co-operation." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Oh, no.' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "No. His orders were to stay in the house." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Yes, there are nearly always some there." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "How did you deduce the select?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Serpentine Avenue. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "But his left-handedness." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. whole matter to your consideration." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly residence of the great financier. "What do you make of that, Watson?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It came here." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." photograph?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away bonnet, and went out." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached new acquaintance to Baker Street. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. very old mansion. "Here?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man this poor creature." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to village inn over there?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are little trying to do so much typewriting?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his footfalls from the street. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the window, rose as we entered. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. bachelor.' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hurried by. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Not I." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a strength." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his you for a few hours?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That I have it here in my museum." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first was a loud and authoritative tap. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are room had already been engaged for us. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It certainly sounds feasible." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Which are?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the my friend's incisive reasoning. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of as he remarks, very much against the son." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was fluttered off among the others. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It's nothing of the kind." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' there!' with you alone." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means used to be." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. to surprise her." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at himself to tell his story. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Do you know him?" them present such singular features as the strange train of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which prepare for the new role I have to play." mysterious business." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Ten will be early enough." during which he might have communicated with his friend the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two he bowed and left the room without another word. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "And that is--" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This weary and pale-looking. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps residence of the great financier. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my important." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yes, it was twisted." that you can jump it.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or without a word or a look. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the tell him that I know him to be innocent." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the dangers which encompass me." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "How do you know, then?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a strange features which were associated with the two crimes which prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is instincts rose up against that laugh. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "And how in the world did you find them?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their chambers. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the whatever might befall. Mrs. Toller serenely. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Then I can wait in the next room." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Gutenberg-tm License. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, questionable one." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly disappearance of the bride.'" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "At the wedding breakfast." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable four million human beings all jostling each other within the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Ha! you find it so?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And when will you call?" "ARAT," I read. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "But she will refuse." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, our word." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "They are typewritten," I remarked. extraordinary contortions. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the little opening for the ventilator is." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can gbnewby@pglaf.org slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us situation." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella It may be so in this case, also." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do dates and names. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was events than those which have happened in my own family." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I should wish to." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Not I." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: conduct the inquiry." the running down." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Eyford at 11:15.' the station." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Yes, he did." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of man. quickly through a disagreeable task. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then how many are there?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he be there in time for your coming." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "From his hat?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." indeed happy." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "I will not look." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came second." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I was sure that I might rely on you." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I was sure that I might rely on you." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And on what day did he meet his death?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over possible that we could bring him back to her? LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I shall be delighted." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "When did it break out?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Yes." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "On your arm?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that he has suffered." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO answered with a sidelong glance. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "May I see it?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had one else, I think." envelope. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." congratulate you again." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to had this final quarrel? "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open a very grave face. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her what do you think they found in the pockets?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she or other trace. But how on earth--" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his than to us. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all prison!" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of morning." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Well, but China?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every