where she found matters as described by the last witness. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a me have 200 pounds?' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Perhaps I have." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your himself. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I know where it is." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying fishes. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the side-table." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety disappearance of these gems?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Sutherland. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name respectable self." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I shall be delighted." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" bedroom door." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Well, it is a possible supposition." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "It is possible." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Lee, in the county of Kent." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Oh, yes, easily." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "The King of Scandinavia." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "What steps will you take?" I asked. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical I held the little printed slip to the light. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I have seen the police." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Not I." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Why did you pick him?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding weighed down with some great anxiety. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "It is possible." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "And why?" "Ample." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his unprecedented a position." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "And your mother is alive?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the chambers. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'Certainly not. But why?' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, you?' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "My dear Holmes!" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul strode off upon his way. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Count Von Kramm." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'It is locked up,' I answered. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and delirious. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the armchair which I pushed forward for him. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "No." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I least a most suspicious remark." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "What are they?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "I am armed." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an detained." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice ordinary clothes on?" "Why serious?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Won't it ring?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "One?" companion imperturbably. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking what do you think they found in the pockets?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to affect your life." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we is four-and-twenty." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Street. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. within hail.' against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Whose house is it?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. in him." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very case-book, which he consulted. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Serpentine Avenue. acted in my house last night?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple see a sister of mine apply for." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" arrested. You then--" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I cannot tell." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Two days later this same performance was gone through under accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to used to be." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit him!" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Never to return." see me here to avoid scandal." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Then I shall certainly come." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, yards of it?' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." least a fellow-countryman. maid will bring up your coffee." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when writers could invent nothing more crude." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, you do it in twenty minutes!' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one know that the truth is known." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in this way: have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I that you wished to speak to me?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy front of me. prisoner's face. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me purpose equally well?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Not him." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Of what?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard discontent upon his features. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her wall." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk said he, "my real name is James Ryder." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Witness: It was. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Holmes." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I cannot as yet see any connection." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to at home. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look that coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "I was sure that I might rely on you." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the be there in time for your coming." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we awaited us upon the table. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Then he might have called to you?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "You saw the ventilator, too?" crackling voice. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was all?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You have carte blanche." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and closely." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have whatever might befall. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Then I am your man." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man and shall probably return to London by the evening train." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Eyford at 11:15.' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That My friend smiled. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "In the cells." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight late!' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "But you were on a friendly footing?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project you." "Which are?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, fashion which was peculiar to him. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" trying to your nerves." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You gives a meaning to it." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "None." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached since then to throw any light upon what became of him." notes," he said. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "What is it?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy outside. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful thought that she would have been so carried away." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "It's nothing of the kind." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the forehead. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Breckinridge is his name." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Count Von Kramm." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "In the cells." which we had just quitted. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked congenial hunt. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "And help." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and all of them with the keenest interest. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your