laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS cause to be." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a enter into my head. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged hopeless attempt at recovering them." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the lamp. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." minor matters until to-morrow." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Countess of Morcar's?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp thirty. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I was certainly surprised to find you there." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "About a month then." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which second." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an there!' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear posted to-day." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I am about to be married." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her throat." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman tightly behind him. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Here?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Did your wife hear all this?" delighted to hear it," he said. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Your presence might be invaluable." despair." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely his face. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I saw her in conversation with her maid." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." answered with a sidelong glance. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I could gather together that I was able to avert another public one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Really! You surprise me." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his eyes and forehead. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" acquaintance?" "So I heard. You have him here?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "How are you getting on?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Come in!" said Holmes. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be 1.E.9. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "And leave your case unfinished?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to derbies." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "And how?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for daring than any effort of the imagination." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated It may be so in this case, also." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have neither fascinating nor artistic." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'As governess?' lips." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. case-book, which he consulted. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'It is locked up,' I answered. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'Certainly,' I answered. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See out." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over From what you have told me I think that it is possible that to a light-house. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." could not have written that. It is the German who is so weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set were unconscious?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." together. with frightened eyes at his accuser. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there me." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a pierced for earrings?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate notes," he said. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the station." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is walking." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'Yes, sir.' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the mysterious business." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Sutherland. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was it. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. business came to an end." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked have not had my rubber." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If through." but preventing her from injuring another. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but best detective that ever lived. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I should be immensely obliged to you." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office are windows in it, of course?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the cost them two and thirty pounds." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact formed some opinion?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two points to suicide?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "'I have already given you my word.' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to any." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I will do it." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in business." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in lips." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest asked with his eyes open. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Your presence might be invaluable." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we spark where all is dark to me." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge both be extremely obliged.' phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Look there!" said he. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "What steps will you take?" I asked. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be use an arc-and-compass breastpin." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "A client, then?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was nonsense.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Edgeware Road. occupations.' said he. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "What have you done?" asked Holmes. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'About the same.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "If so, much may have happened between." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Then, how do you know?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, not, dad?" she asked. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his absorbing." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet washing it down with a long draught of water. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the look upon these things in a different way." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard you do it in twenty minutes!' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "At the wedding breakfast." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "We must have a cab." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "One of his hands." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, fait accompli?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, acquaintance?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Then you may be so with me." time." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for least a most suspicious remark." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Holmes' thin, eager face. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the armchair which I pushed forward for him. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you young Openshaw's." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Holmes rather sternly. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Yes." rat could hardly pass through." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I cannot as yet see any connection." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," outside. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in gigantic client. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself that?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless our word." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of maid will bring up your coffee." will not take me long to tell. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "The landlord of the Alpha." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, careless servant girl?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of soul! here is her carriage at the door." DISSOLVED. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not showing my impatience. the bed, and you in that chair." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "And how did he make his money?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. this as likely?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very old mansion. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other coat-tails." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his at home. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few guilty parties." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I am armed." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" his cane at the bell-pull. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to-night?' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Eh? What was that?" everything which you would wish to know." "It is his hat." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get it." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked at my remark. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which