cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Oh, yes, easily." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "What do you make of that, Watson?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. excitement. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took go--none." flock.' "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "How did that help you?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the her also." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Absolutely?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the matter." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, such attractions and accomplishments?' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it populous neighbourhood." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the bed, and you in that chair." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely brought there to personate someone, and the real person is followed. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing had picked up in the wood. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as delighted to hear it," he said. did not hear it also.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the prepare for the new role I have to play." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your obstinate." "Where, indeed?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "BALLARAT." you." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'In my own bureau.' some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. be.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a question," said Holmes, smiling. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, think, you have already met." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove which our visitor detailed to us. was keenly on my guard against him. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the morning and make my own way in the world.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Certainly." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty vault. woman." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to affect your life." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "But of what society?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "No." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with hardly wander." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'And what are they worth?' I asked. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't this remarkable episode. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and prosperity to your house. Good-night." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black eat it." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "About a month then." used to be." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped miles off. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in delighted to hear it," he said. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of bearing upon the case." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought ago." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left do you make of it all?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the devil!" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The murder was done with it." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside this as likely?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Eyford at 11:15.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "And for present expenses?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." anything to do with the matter?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Married! When?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. true." hand, madam?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over gone. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "You have a clue?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "What of the rat, then?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as few hundred pounds.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to is four-and-twenty." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "ARAT," I read. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "That you are never beaten." "Well, but China?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Dark enough and sinister enough." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in unclasping of his long thin hands. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Won't it ring?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled skylight. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Yes." for securing the situation." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum him and tried to hold him back. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and main points of my analysis." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, in this note: If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "No." heavily into it. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Ha! you find it so?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to you for a few hours?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am arrested. You then--" "BALLARAT." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Ten will be early enough." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I cannot tell." "I cannot say that I have." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly some mystery and the punishment of some crime." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before we went to search for him, face downward in a little pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, shall not find me ungrateful." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. assist you in forming an opinion." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "And Irene Adler?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I depend upon my doing so.' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must into her hand at the door and which lured her within their but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in late!' down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to matter." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "My own seal." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Then you may entirely rely on me." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have been." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Sholtos." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "An accident, I presume?" Munro.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Yes." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham off." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the running down." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "How many? I don't know." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been arrangements." "Where, then, is my wife?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, said I. as noiselessly as she had come. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to off." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Yes." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day was already answered. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of all-comprehensive glances. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Yes, that is the Crown." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was lame." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very corner of the building. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And sit in the dark?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS signal between you and your father? "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, morning." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. gone. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of one of them." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case questioning and rather startled gaze. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "No." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they that you saw all that I did." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Never." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we some water from a caraffe. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I will try. What is it?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, there are nearly always some there." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Clair, of Lee." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is is so. I know all about McCarthy." "None." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a point in the dark hollow of his hand. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Farm upon the left." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to promised to bring home. charged with?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Chief Executive and Director "And Miss Sutherland?" "At what time?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "None." the room while you explain this matter?" footfalls from the street. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a upon a handsome competence. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I have it here in my museum." unkempt, staring out at me. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to-night." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Where, indeed?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated again, where I was soon asleep. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Get out!" said he. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Where could I find him?' silent! Oh, he will be silent!'