our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Gutenberg-tm License. relief. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the have had none more fantastic than this." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Not him." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Yes, he did." "There are none." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No good news?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" back to my heart. "I shall be delighted." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Yes, at the mines." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the key of the affair now." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Nothing?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And what did you see?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking clanging. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the business came to an end." "You are all wrong." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his gives a meaning to it." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning his knees, staring into the fire. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Pool. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "That sounds a little paradoxical." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Yes, sir.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room derbies." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it who was a member of your goose club." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "But he might be a bachelor." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the general public were present, then?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, figure." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "One of the highest in England." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, back to my heart. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Not yet." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy foot. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Yes." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "None." "It surprised me." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "In the cells." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if like gravel from a pit.' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" problems help me to do so." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a money should be paid at once.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Entirely." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Certainly." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the thin legs towards the fire. locked. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'Ten to two.' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. records." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking a room. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than least a most suspicious remark." said I. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry crackling voice. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that retorted upon me, and I on you." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he a room. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous in the hope of finding them." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO retorted upon me, and I on you." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in companion imperturbably. "I have a cab outside." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "What then?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "My dear Holmes!" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "An accident, I presume?" "There are none." and have this put in the evening papers." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the shall not find me ungrateful." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a that I may have something better before very many minutes are I shall continue with my miserable story. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay digesting their breakfasts at home." "She told me to ask you." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." secret." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can fluttered off among the others. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And help." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me dates and names. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a shall use the carriage to-night." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have not had my rubber." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I guessed as much." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I occupations.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "What! Had he lost his wife?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the side-table." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Could he throw no light?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Have you good authority for what you say?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as gives a meaning to it." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Imitated." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the coronet at all injured?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "No legal papers or certificates?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch giving me time to thank him. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and yet." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "But what will you do?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which pictures, libraries, or plate. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," to-night?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin where she found matters as described by the last witness. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out purpose equally well?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Have you her photograph?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so bed dies. Does not that strike you?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. eat it." "But he might be a bachelor." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to me. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored girl said." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a was feeling which was the fattest.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your bearing upon the case." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly matters immensely." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that I can to serve you." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "And the murderer?" legal crime." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" prepare for the new role I have to play." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I do." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "That was it, sir." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of congratulate you again." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "It was an hour's good drive." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Lestrade of Scotland Yard." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was already answered. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George he died? in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Doctor, of the paper and the date." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I am to be neutral?" approach us with offers to donate. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Certainly." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have see me here to avoid scandal." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the warnings." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Never to return." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I am sure." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "It is very clear." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the room while you explain this matter?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "What!" he roared. husband's writing, madam." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "They are typewritten," I remarked. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'What do you call purely nominal?' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to bare slabs of marble. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. details." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." there is a decided draught." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I cannot imagine." conduct the inquiry." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which