dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." asked with his eyes open. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your time." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he nothing of it?" "I will, Miss Turner." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I was mad--insane." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Doctor, of the paper and the date." once more to my work. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at telegram would bring me down to your help." "Come in!" said he. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and glanced through. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "And I to find an enemy." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true she might be summoned. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is of." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His overpowering excitement and concern. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not spark where all is dark to me." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and visitors." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time begun to whiten, even as mine has." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple always that they were such commands as a lady might with tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect existence." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "What, then?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'A dozen yards or so.' guilty one." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and one of them." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point few hundred pounds.' front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "How do you know, then?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. be.' electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "None." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The meant it for the best. with her." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "'What then?' I asked. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us which it had come upon my father." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "We must have a cab." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past ventilator." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the tragedy. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "It is no ordinary one." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Watson," he said cordially. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home closely." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should you, my dear young lady?' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you with her." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. gentleman's clothes. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the read over the extraordinary announcement. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "It is possible." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "We must have a cab." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the stones. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "That is also quite modern," said the lady. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. placed his cuttings. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "No." "And how did you verify them?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done over his head with a sweet womanly caress. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by towards the blaze. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening morning." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you pound a week." fattened it expressly for you.' questionable one." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not away in different directions, and I went off to make my own ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one important." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "At the wedding breakfast." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other evidence," I remarked. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door chemical work which was so dear to him. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, towards the blaze. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. is a common subject for conversation. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "But what harm can there be in that?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the writing, and yet I know it well." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have events than those which have happened in my own family." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still been with you?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I think that I had better go, Holmes." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Yes.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Stoke Moran." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Then, how do you know?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Not yet." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "We must sit without light. He would see it through the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "You will not go there first?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "My private note-paper." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall tell him that I know him to be innocent." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too despaired of." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. of Fenchurch Street." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham said I. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'What, the red-headed man?' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to guilty parties." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Yes.' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely little trying to do so much typewriting?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "On your arm?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our astonishment. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged than to us. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second The events in question occurred in the early days of my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Where is it, then?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I could go. a very grave face. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The disappearance of these gems?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Mrs. Toller serenely. could gather together that I was able to avert another public hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately rooms." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, were unconscious?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may just called myself is not exactly my own." "His face fell immediately. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Were they all fastened this morning?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the this remarkable episode. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will round with crates and massive boxes. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, out of this horrible affair." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I cannot imagine." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "And that is--" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in letters?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to questioning and rather startled gaze. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," geese which you supplied to the Alpha." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, crime." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and shall probably return to London by the evening train." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through in. Munro.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power and looked back. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Proceed, then." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and all that?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have gives a meaning to it." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Has he come with you to-night?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the matter." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'And the work?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to furiously. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black not come at once?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew putting in the horse. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Yes, I promise.' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" business?" "'In my own bureau.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving could go. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It is his hat." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or any longer. I shall not say another word about this business,