"'Tell me all about it,' said I. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "What is it?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. but preventing her from injuring another. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Who was the criminal, then?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "The King of Scandinavia." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "You have but to name it." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle nonsense.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project morning." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "How about poison?" woven round him. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a I nodded again. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "No bad?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his man. I know him from the photograph." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong fact, we may call it conclusive." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." instincts rose up against that laugh. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an for securing the situation." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Most admirably.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of his shoulders. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Not social, then?" open." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Come in!" said he. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. row." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Eyford." the nursery. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "So I heard. You have him here?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his events than those which have happened in my own family." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have handed it to him. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the people don't know." "Witness: It was. "But your client--" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very seem to you to be relevant or not." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it fled together." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Entirely." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or point our research must commence, and we will begin it by rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of this remarkable episode. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in clanging. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Pray do so." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "It certainly sounds feasible." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'Yes, I promise.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "It is very kind of you." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? you want, then?' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "He said that you could solve anything." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And your father? Did you tell him?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter be best to do. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank bill, which interests me deeply." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate back to my heart. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. habit of advancing money.' purpose of examination. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and have not had my rubber." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it these bleak autumnal evenings." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "That is also quite modern," said the lady. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards very morning of my second wedding." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his speckled band?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Stolen." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was hard-headed British jury." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Get out!" said he. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the inner apartment." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, will be renamed. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear bachelor.' him to be an active member of the medical profession." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY not as remarkable as your advertisement." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. writers could invent nothing more crude." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "What do you make of that, Watson?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from open." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Dr. Gregory B. Newby to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the of the way of danger. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without an introduction to him?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Here?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for annoyance, but no jest. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Lestrade of Scotland Yard." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this photograph?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Then you may be so with me." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." note?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Seven!" I answered. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical shall use the carriage to-night." whereabouts. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I him to be an active member of the medical profession." Foundation "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Where, then, is my wife?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with I was concerned in it." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "It must be recovered." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens approach us with offers to donate. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Precisely." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the chambers. very old mansion. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Was he the only applicant?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you." go from here to the Strand." been deceived." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Yes." events than those which have happened in my own family." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the system of imprisonment?" in him." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of so.' long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Holmes' thin, eager face. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were meanly of me." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the had picked up in the wood. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'Which dealer's?' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Nothing?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "You have carte blanche." gbnewby@pglaf.org this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a comes from the middle window." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about details." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "But to whom?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Where did he live, then?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and have this put in the evening papers." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Certainly, madam." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient child?' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Farm upon the left." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "A thing like a cleaver," said he. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from II. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of key turn in the lock." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the signal between you and your father? reach." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." my little problems." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty an introduction to him?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said there is a decided draught." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have telegram would bring me down to your help." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. awkward doing business with an alias." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters,