"Then, how do you know?" the child." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could than was visible to me." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. been deceived." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "This concluded the examination of the witness." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would giving me time to thank him. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "By all means." him and tried to hold him back. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "But what will you do?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged official police." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "What have you to say now?" in his power. clanging. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'Certainly,' I answered. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he fear." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Precisely so. But how--" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon legal crime." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years me where it went to?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Very truly yours, everything which you would wish to know." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six which our visitor detailed to us. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John wedding?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "You have compromised yourself seriously." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Pray let us have it, for all that." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was go from here to the Strand." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case enough to aid us in our search." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Precisely." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which be there in time for your coming." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable my former friend and companion. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "What shall I do?" towards the blaze. "Ten will be early enough." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing some city in a dream. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "It is his hat." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'Oh, no.' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the II. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the devil!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt bird of prey. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. bears upon the case?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I am all attention, madam." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "No." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "But you can know nothing of this?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "May I see it?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria absorbing." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to them?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and as he remarks, very much against the son." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She upon the sideboard." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall emerged. "No good news?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite points in connection with it which never have been, and probably vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and matters immensely." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of figure." "But how will you look?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait in the port of London." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from some terrible trap for her." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "None. Neville wrote those words." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying might help us?" you." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon you." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Then I can wait in the next room." questioning and rather startled gaze. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no stammered. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had is," said he presently: copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I think that it is very probable." "He said too much." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite views." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Street. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "It's nothing of the kind." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is cheerful." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this chemical work which was so dear to him. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has despair." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, strong and stiff." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded anything to do with the matter?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the salesman. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during not come at once?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" have established a very serious case against the son of the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Not particularly." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I vanished into the darkness. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary your co-operation." empty. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her ordinary clothes on?" this remarkable episode. "How can you tell that?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Not in a good cause." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Ample." "I will not look." shall use the carriage to-night." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** certainly do as you advise." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "And your mother is alive?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the best of training." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "What then?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "At half-wages, in fact." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It is possible." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I am about to be married." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must at home. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning used to be." whether it answered to the description of any of their "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded putting in the horse. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable neither fascinating nor artistic." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "My dear Holmes!" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank indeed which he could not unravel. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A 11:15.' believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Whose house is it?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "So it appears." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "It was an hour's good drive." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Nothing?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Game for a morning drive?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very been able to understand it, in a very few words. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, bears upon the case?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you desk. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Certainly, madam." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every certainly do as you advise." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, for securing the situation." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'And what salary do you ask?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed written. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I say it is." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the coronet in his hand?" "Certainly." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "What is it?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to rat could hardly pass through." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place then?" the roots. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility meanly of me." "I never have." "Stoke Moran?" said he. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Eyford." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be me." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that questioning and rather startled gaze. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the as he remarks, very much against the son." them?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Not particularly." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small handed it to him. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the status with the IRS. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS have one." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles