lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Farm upon the left." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR said I. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and papers on the sundial.'" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "The vanishing of the lady." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Not yet." indeed happy." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was with frightened eyes at his accuser. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the question," said Holmes, smiling. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Did you become engaged then?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for it." enter into my head. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking danger is over." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at power." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" investigation." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round leave you to your papers for a little." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Pray continue your narrative." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite intimate personal affairs in this public manner." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in way in." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be together. indeed happy." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square formed some opinion?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Sholtos." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove corner of the building. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Very. But will he see it?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Then I can wait in the next room." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one he bowed and left the room without another word. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "That was it, sir." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Ample." "Is he quiet?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the be there in time for your coming." Holmes rather sternly. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Was the window open?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost strength." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "It is possible." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Which are?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they very old mansion. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out it? Did I buy the geese off you?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Not yet." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I have solved it." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the business came to an end." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock unprofitable." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see bird I ate is country bred." "And now?" I asked. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must open." maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes rather sternly. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "She showed me, as I told you she would." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of trying to your nerves." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "No." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for retorted upon me, and I on you." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room a monotonous occupation." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable present." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. whole matter to your consideration." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Foundation was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "No legal papers or certificates?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Yes.' "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled only touch the interest." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to to that open window." "What will you say?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read married her." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a friends, not even his own brother. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am persecution?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "No, I had a dozen." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his chair. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Bought." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "And sit in the dark?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "The Cedars?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "No good news?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the devil!" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three horse could go." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." matter." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Holmes." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "A confidential servant?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure who was a member of your goose club." than to us. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the south-west, I see." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or see a sister of mine apply for." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Henry Baker is a member." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "I do." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "What! Had he lost his wife?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is worth.' "About a month then." eat it." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little knowledge of the world." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Holmes. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, what do you think they found in the pockets?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One neither fascinating nor artistic." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I took the paper from him and read as follows: but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Countess of Morcar's?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My to take care of herself." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "And help." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Very good.' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "We were both in the photograph." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the from you?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You saw the ventilator, too?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Most admirably.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." writer." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fluttered off among the others. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the disappearance of the bride.'" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Dr. Becher's." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "And I say east," said my patient. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not For additional contact information: providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right British peeress.'" noble correspondent could be. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." if I call to-morrow?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." away into the river." about here speaks of his kindness to him." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." them present such singular features as the strange train of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Of what?" and effective." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing points in connection with it which never have been, and probably view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." bonnet, and went out." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Dark enough and sinister enough." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "And why in hopes?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to bird of prey. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it national property. I was determined that the law should have its Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "No sign of it?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and been deceived." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "None." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "And Irene Adler?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Watson," he said cordially. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I think that it is very probable." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and call the police, let the police find what they can.' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. rooms." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It is half-past ten now." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have look dissatisfied." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in the port of London." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at again before evening." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Murdered?" joking. upon the sideboard." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "And what then?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "But you were on a friendly footing?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my