tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Yes." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "I am still in the dark." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "It is half-past ten now." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "He slept on the premises." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'Which dealer's?' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "My opinion is in no way altered." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." prepare for the new role I have to play." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. so.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" in this way: into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice retorted upon me, and I on you." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm ceremony." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "How on earth--" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" introspective fashion. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of your young ladies.' you do it in twenty minutes!' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a good hundred miles off by now." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having six. Come in!" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, awkward doing business with an alias." "ARAT," I read. "So I have heard." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that thin, with a long, sharp nose?" manager. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached to affect your life." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a never will be, entirely cleared up. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself pictures, libraries, or plate. "Well, it is a possible supposition." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "What have you done?" asked Holmes. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I don't say that. Perhaps." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "No?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an the salesman. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New any little problem which you may submit to me." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "How did you trace it, then?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing in this note: brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'What do you call purely nominal?' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to might help us?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you pity, because in other respects you would really have done very arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'What do you call purely nominal?' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, situation." the room while you explain this matter?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly would then never go into court at all." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' me. You must get home instantly and act." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to to take care of herself." have established a very serious case against the son of the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER fear." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to fishes. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable get the tickets." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "And how?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" was used.' I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have young Openshaw's." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in think that he is innocent?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and stammered. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my tapping his fingers upon the table. "A greater distance to travel." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his been shamefully used." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must have not had my rubber." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his goes." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "It is possible." any little problem which you may submit to me." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy strode off upon his way. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to daring than any effort of the imagination." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Thank you. And your address?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed records." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by quickly through a disagreeable task. dates and names. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'Never,' said I. future lives." "Then you may be so with me." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of cost them two and thirty pounds." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester awkward doing business with an alias." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they like gravel from a pit.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. lost nothing by them." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Not him." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and her also." which it had come upon my father." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." hurried by. "Certainly." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already true." "I should be immensely obliged to you." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate putting in the horse. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is very clear." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." of it with the greatest attention. "Not yet." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." but preventing her from injuring another. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp paper in the air. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I certainly not very gracious." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some least a most suspicious remark." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," your co-operation." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the coronet at all injured?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And Miss Sutherland?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. to have been novel and of interest." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he companion. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw with frightened eyes at his accuser. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the happened." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any 1.F. think that any burglar could have done. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn occupations.' "Absolutely none." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the bed, and you in that chair." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should lost his Christmas dinner." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Who was the criminal, then?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "And sit in the dark?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Murdered?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. unclasping of his long thin hands. the window, rose as we entered. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. bell. Holmes whistled. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "At what time?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the little opening for the ventilator is." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, there!' "And how?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged kind enough to tell me what I should do." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Yes, it was gone.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the bottom.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry with some details as to your case." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. my room." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "An enemy?" charged with?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for there was no need for father to know." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Watson," he said cordially. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these you came in." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Will you bet, then?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until place of silver." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the again, where I was soon asleep. that I am arrested." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as she to prove their authenticity?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "No more words. Get out!" when your master had gone out." several quiet little villages up there." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and article?" that there was nothing in it, after all." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the best of training." "What have you to say now?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the kind enough to tell me what I should do." careless servant girl?" "From his hat?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To client, rising. lamp. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that secret." "How did you deduce the select?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "No legal papers or certificates?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to spark where all is dark to me." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have was already answered. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "My dear Holmes!" "'Stolen!' he cried. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a could not have written that. It is the German who is so and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the dangers which encompass me." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "If I can be of use." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to he bowed and left the room without another word. me have 200 pounds?' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without gone before you can get him to hospital." purpose equally well?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "It was a confession," I ejaculated. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls a room. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' cost them two and thirty pounds."