spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I of Mr. Rucastle's." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their himself in a perplexing position. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than anything to do with the matter?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' hair?' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "You have carte blanche." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and capable of preserving a secret.' when you have done it." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Certainly." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, The summons was a brief and urgent one. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of views." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. man. I know him from the photograph." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, before the coroner and the police-court." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Literary Archive Foundation be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: more solid." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the case before our client came into the room." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Has he come with you to-night?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over bird of prey. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. companion quietly. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of way in everything. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Eyford at 11:15.' "Not him." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "An accident, I presume?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock despair." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Stoke Moran." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Which surely he restored to their owner?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. washing it down with a long draught of water. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and mystery may be cleared along those lines." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of annoyance, but no jest. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "How long did she speak to this Alice?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given nothing of it?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned ready to-morrow?' the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as spark where all is dark to me." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'Not at all. I only doubt--' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Who by?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a was a lad." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it means?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "No, finished." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "The gentleman I describe." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the crackling voice. upon the sideboard." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock colonel looking down at me. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "You horrify me!" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "But we can't all be." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I approached. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do which we had just quitted. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I manager. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I have solved it." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some interest. They are important, you understand, without being up this clue while it is still hot." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is signal between you and your father? get her out of the way." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "No, I had a dozen." "An accident, I presume?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and IS thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Nothing." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery occurred." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin But Holmes shook his head gravely. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to putting in the horse. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the lumber-room." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Nothing." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the conclusions. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Not yet." "Then you may be so with me." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." guilty one." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of all-comprehensive glances. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the window, rose as we entered. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her garden below. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Dirty?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and letters?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it answered with a sidelong glance. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." bachelor.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich The events in question occurred in the early days of my What do you deduce from it?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, one of the states of the Union." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Could he throw no light?" fuss that is made over them." open." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded him, that man would not have given me such complete information possible that we could bring him back to her? life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him hereditary King of Bohemia." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Were they all fastened this morning?" way: the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "What shall I do?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident might help us?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. business matters.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the bedroom door." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and taking in every detail of the apartment. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was it brought him the coronet? present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Dirty?" about. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "You know me, then?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come room had already been engaged for us. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would very morning of my second wedding." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian appeal." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And it is--" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got him!" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several most interesting one." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Pray do so." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is intimate personal affairs in this public manner." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were rose-bushes. the coronet in his hand?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business tell him that I know him to be innocent." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you man. I know him from the photograph." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Cross for the Continent." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now ways of our fellow-men." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And what did you learn from him?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. heavy and sharp instrument." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Pope's Court, Fleet Street." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Yes, it would be as well." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "But I am all in the dark." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges words came to my lips. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from it right.' how narrow had been my escape. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy and a shock of very red hair. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I have come for advice." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses sooner or later she must fall a victim. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the seen the man in the road." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from people in all walks of life. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I promise," said Holmes. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Yes." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and answer." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery address. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have 11:15.' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another other lovers by making love himself." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup already been minutely examined." might have a private word with us. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that bell. Holmes whistled. the date of his supposed suicide." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "So I heard. You have him here?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Pool. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the ran thus: part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an gives a meaning to it." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a help us in this matter." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "On Monday." address. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, criminal. We have already had experience of such." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss outside." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'And the work?' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening,"