the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging where she found matters as described by the last witness. me what he had done with the three missing stones. "How often?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I cannot imagine." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Ten to two.' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "But you would not advise me to refuse?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger rooms." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Pray do so." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who deduce something from that?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I shoulder. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which said he. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all soul! here is her carriage at the door." think that he is innocent?" have established a very serious case against the son of the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. trying to your nerves." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon round and wave him away like that.' which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your over part of the map. "What do you read?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "If so, much may have happened between." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I your most interesting statement." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When there was no need for father to know." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the coronet in his hand?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I do." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "But who is he?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and detained." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Holmes' face clouded over. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss generous with you in money matters.' never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Yes." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than garden below. her also." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Yes." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Eyford at 11:15.' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Perhaps we may make them less so." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the for the market.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, some hundreds of times." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as not personally threatened." really the only notable feature about the thing." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Well?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could with some details as to your case." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of morning." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "It missed him, then?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "It is solved." "And it is--" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he back into the street. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were What do you deduce from it?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "The King of Scandinavia." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Ample." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she morning." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but way in." "I came to find a friend." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has in the hope of finding them." in the port of London." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of miles off. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I know where it is." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And now?" He raised his hand. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father held up the lantern and gazed about him. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, even so self-evident a thing as that." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works your billet.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were then?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Absolutely?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend conduct the inquiry." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from which are rolled in Rotterdam." easy-going way." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Game for a morning drive?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to beyond words. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head gentleman's clothes. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a important." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every and put his glass in his pocket. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "We must have a cab." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave prove to be little relation between the different incidents of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "They are typewritten," I remarked. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? test if we have an answer to our advertisement." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." not, dad?" she asked. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too again." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a your Highness to the police-station?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Do you go out much in society?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry what is your own theory as to what took place?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior quick march!" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were second." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall time." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Lestrade of Scotland Yard." unprecedented a position." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough had a long day." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I was mad--insane." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I nodded again. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "None. Neville wrote those words." disturbance in my wife." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the will he say when he returns?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "It was." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Frequently." Heh?' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the your only hope of safety." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman way in." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still straightened it out again. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It hair?' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The note was undated, and without either signature or address. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "So it appears." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "But you have hopes?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Perfectly so." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock past. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare he died? our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "But we can't all be." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "What!" he roared. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), again before evening." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, be best to do. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Pray do so." to me. "Yes, that is the Crown." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, prison!" telegram would bring me down to your help." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so interests were the same as his." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Mary, has deserted me." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one door?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had walking." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "You have the photograph?" girl said." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a papers." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place any." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "And now?" I asked. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "None." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his case before our client came into the room." fear." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met writers could invent nothing more crude." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it this unhappy family?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, approach us with offers to donate. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Get out!" said he. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Precisely." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as been lifted and conveyed somewhere." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth which are rolled in Rotterdam." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the chamber." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "An enemy?" might help us?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered