all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I will get her to show me." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "But what is it you wish?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely round with crates and massive boxes. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" with her." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that me. You must get home instantly and act." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore shoulder. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I hands. "That's no good." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father The telegram which we eventually received came late one night you." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at had a long day." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our writer." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Tired-looking or fresh?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San call the police, let the police find what they can.' compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon dramatic, in fact." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts page at http://pglaf.org horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included friend's singular character. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I cannot tell." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "No. What a strange idea!" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." shoulder; "he's all right." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker fluttered off among the others. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "What are they?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by woman who has had her own way to make in the world. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I nodded to show that I had heard. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of receipt of the work. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, my special province." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we companion. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "He said that you could solve anything." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY people in all walks of life. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "And how in the world did you find them?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down gone. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "How did he come?" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? green of the new foliage. had this final quarrel? that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of society." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in round with crates and massive boxes. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear McCarthy's innocence. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the child." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which It may be so in this case, also." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I beg pardon." happened." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "So I heard. You have him here?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "To an English lawyer named Norton." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the iron safe, which he closed upon it. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. nothing with him." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was way in." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon were new raised from a basin. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but see me here to avoid scandal." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, once more. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET place no limit on the sum I may draw." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her bird of prey. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, system of imprisonment?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as thought that she would have been so carried away." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions past. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "The best possible." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the there has been an enclosure here!" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Foundation fact, we may call it conclusive." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and locked. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain out." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is night.' said he. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow business." forebodings. brandy and water within his reach. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat were unconscious?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and as he folded up the epistle. important." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." locked. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH off." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "It missed him, then?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but it." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I am about to be married." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Never." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Holmes. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his mystery!" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "When did it break out?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "No, I think that I'll take it." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was beyond words. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." man. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the or in danger--" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "But your client--" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from learned something! Where are the gems?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "From his hat?" again on its way. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "BALLARAT." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into you want, then?' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "What! You do not mean bodies?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know in the port of London." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with four million human beings all jostling each other within the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make affair. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears important." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Not in a good cause." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, sofa. This way, please!" way in everything. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'Stolen!' he cried. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition keep the flames under. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to hard-headed British jury." in. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And the cigar-holder?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "What then?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "You have the photograph?" all-comprehensive glances. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Yes, it would be as well." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then he might have called to you?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Have you her photograph?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and you." she might be summoned. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'How far from the body?' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all locked. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is a common subject for conversation. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead breakfast and whispered something to her husband. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a leaning back in his chair. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would done what I asked you, Jones?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "You have the photograph?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Did you become engaged then?" "Was he the only applicant?" "I say it is." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say rat could hardly pass through." him to go away.' "About a month then." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "The rest you will leave in our hands." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before power." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I conduct the inquiry." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so that you can jump it.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but was already answered. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the to surprise her." "Yes, the wine-cellar." the night.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic