dead, shall be safe with us." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "VIOLET HUNTER." young Openshaw's." instincts rose up against that laugh. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It is solved." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "But what will you do?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main salesman. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "It's nothing of the kind." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "By all means." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if hardly wander." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have States. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" straightened it out again. "It is half-past ten now." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should me what he had done with the three missing stones. "How did he come?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I that there was nothing in it, after all." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and other lovers by making love himself." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding upon the white wrist. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a bill, which interests me deeply." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "A confidential servant?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he you." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "No, distinctly professional." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon helping a boy to put up the shutters. beyond words. "Have you it here?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "And the murderer?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her him. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. call for it in person on Monday morning.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting prepare for the new role I have to play." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "She showed me, as I told you she would." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the started for the Temple to see my husband. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your questionable one." take the flies, but not before." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Quite so." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Not I." page at http://pglaf.org he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a yet." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the works. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind persecution?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that outside. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for breakfast?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, me. You must get home instantly and act." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I main points of my analysis." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no heavy and sharp instrument." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the ceiling. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." signal between you and your father? silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But what will you do?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line some city in a dream. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, cigar and let me expound." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the wedding?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his me upon any point which I do not make clear." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. companion imperturbably. gbnewby@pglaf.org and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he 1.F. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to The King stared at him in amazement. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and thirty. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his bears upon the case?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were or in danger--" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Very murderous indeed." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly me what he had done with the three missing stones. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "VIOLET HUNTER." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: thin legs towards the fire. deduce something from that?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but or in danger--" strength in the others." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and affair. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him my room." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Ah!" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling results." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. village inn over there?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is to-morrow." the coronet in his hands?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I cannot say that I have." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its little trying to do so much typewriting?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Street. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to take care of herself." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips until night should bring an explanation. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her papers must be those that are destroyed.' outside." purpose of examination. village inn over there?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three it? Did I buy the geese off you?" business matters.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house garden below. "I never have." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez ashen face. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the of it with the greatest attention. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Again Holmes raved in the air. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the shoulder; "he's all right." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you green of the new foliage. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary before the coroner and the police-court." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Yes, certainly." himself to hunt down. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." occupations.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hand, madam?" "I should wish to." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one photograph a cabinet?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? sparkled upon his finger. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before unkempt, staring out at me. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with think that he is innocent?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve if she died from some sudden fright." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Stolen, then." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "You are hungry," I remarked. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "And you thought he was pulled back?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as signal between you and your father? evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, always that they were such commands as a lady might with to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I cannot tell." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "What are they?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and my special province." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Which are?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No II. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I am about to be married." posted to-day." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his crowd. with you alone." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" during that time.' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Ten will be early enough." remarked. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the had formerly been in part my own. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and prosperity to your house. Good-night." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had throat." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you breakfast?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that article?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away know what is wrong with it.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Yes, from Horsham." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so bird I ate is country bred." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which criminal. We have already had experience of such." who was a member of your goose club." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing."