day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Murdered?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, was a lad." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted see a sister of mine apply for." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under have an American origin." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our indeed happy." "None." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it annoyance, but no jest. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm be there in time for your coming." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "And it is--" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a that I can to serve you." "Dirty?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the infinite languor in his face. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "It is possible." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is room had already been engaged for us. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at without success. At last the little money which I had saved began his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his second window is the one that I jumped from." fishes. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. your co-operation." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very returned to France?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "It was an hour's good drive." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" bonnet, and went out." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in society." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." tightly behind him. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes, certainly." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over beyond words. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "And you thought he was pulled back?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far writer." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'As governess?' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but occurred." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Breckinridge is his name." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Yes, there are nearly always some there." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would went to the Alpha were town bred." will not take me long to tell. questioning and rather startled gaze. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and inquire as to the address." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed disappearance of these gems?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is ago." "Not in a good cause." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary nothing of it?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his had this final quarrel? "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, for the market.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be already referred to. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the one which it was hard to resist. cup of tea. "'Which dealer's?' "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been if she died from some sudden fright." looking up at the numbers of the houses." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." outside." "No good news?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "And you don't know his address?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. there in twenty minutes." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Which surely he restored to their owner?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been as yours." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Pray let us have it, for all that." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I will not look." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. derbies." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "But what harm can there be in that?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Do you know him?" "Yes, at the mines." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "On Monday." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." read it out to me." said he. observed. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the stable lane now." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a conduct the inquiry." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "What office?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A been able to understand it, in a very few words. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "And you can do nothing until then?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "What then?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his this remarkable episode. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "He said too much." fishes. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and ran thus: suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but before the coroner and the police-court." status with the IRS. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent upon the sideboard." "Where, then?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, just ask you whether you had heard it.' loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. placed his cuttings. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's coroner's jury." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your coat-tails." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I am all attention, madam." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His and all of them with the keenest interest. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the so-precious time, but come!' "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Were they all fastened this morning?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do or other trace. But how on earth--" might have a private word with us. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Who was the criminal, then?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to your billet.' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Why did you beat the pavement?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from words came to my lips. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to waste of energy." bedroom door." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in The summons was a brief and urgent one. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge deduce something from that?" gone before you can get him to hospital." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It very peculiar words of the dying woman?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered past. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "But I have heard all that you have heard." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I assure you that I am in your hands." both be extremely obliged.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the key turn in the lock." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return you give your casting vote to?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it it right.' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to quite distinctive." "I should wish to." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. any little problem which you may submit to me." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you understand?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps acquaintance?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Then he might have called to you?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. chemical work which was so dear to him. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. What do you deduce from it?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was keep the flames under. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must meant it for the best. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which writing, and yet I know it well." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for outside." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project national property. I was determined that the law should have its metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I or other trace. But how on earth--" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 him. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner better grown goose." It may be so in this case, also." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "9th. McCauley cleared. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. when your master had gone out." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "I cannot imagine." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "My dear Holmes!" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "What then?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time future lives." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped shall not find me ungrateful." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I am about to be married." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's strength in the others." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my go back?" "I am armed." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "You know me, then?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Ten to two.' I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'A dozen yards or so.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I tell them apart.' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone very morning of my second wedding." o'clock is it?" my secret was safe in his possession. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate narrative." walking." against a man in the prime of life?"