call you and give you the chance." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some been with you?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all or in danger--" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the night.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the coronet in his hands?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders in his hands." "But I am all in the dark." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." pressing in one house as in another. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "And how did he make his money?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal call it cruel." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that, and I came down." south, for the country is more deserted there." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his main points of my analysis." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again For additional contact information: "I fear not." footfalls from the street. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Lestrade of Scotland Yard." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "The doctor?" were wasted." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest have not had my rubber." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is your most interesting statement." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking undoubtedly my uncle's." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind not as remarkable as your advertisement." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal more solid." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Was there a secret marriage?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds is acting for the best. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Nothing?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." behind me. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector be there in time for your coming." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Do you go out much in society?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has his eyes and forehead. "And now?" He raised his hand. redistribution. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Certainly." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Yes." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming during which he might have communicated with his friend the that I may have something better before very many minutes are interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one matters immensely." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, The events in question occurred in the early days of my ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already plantation.' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "None." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he ago." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "You horrify me!" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we once more for Briony Lodge. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "But how will you look?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and inquire as to the address." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss be best to do. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll kindly on the shoulder. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one colour had been driven from his face. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty enough to aid us in our search." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I will try. What is it?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Thank you. And your address?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "In answer to an advertisement." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such chance at all." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Holmes. "That is not always so easy." "And the murderer?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. galvanised. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six not within a twentieth part of the market price." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I am about to be married." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, them, and came down just as you departed. "My Mary? Impossible!" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "And on what day did he meet his death?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair must compliment you." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not you." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in vague figure huddled up in the darkness. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. present." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." been." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I sufficient punishment." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Doctor, of the paper and the date." "That is easily got." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he highly," said Holmes. should be so warm over such a trifle." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and desk. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Look there!" said he. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Where to?' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the tightly behind him. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "But he might be a bachelor." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Your presence might be invaluable." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the loss of it. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm companion. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend God! What an exposure! What can I do?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you persecution?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of might have a private word with us. delirious. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a spark where all is dark to me." Sutherland?" redistribution. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I beg pardon." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of of his shoulders. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I closely." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this comes from the middle window." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a here." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the a very grave face. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before tail." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as locked. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Never.' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client was not a bird to be seen there. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "He slept on the premises." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new for and were ordered to this address. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. trifles." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been fact, we may call it conclusive." "May I see it?" lips." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. carriage. It was a chestnut." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the window, rose as we entered. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It must be recovered." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "In the cells." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the it. make me his representative both with the servants and with the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "What of the rat, then?" where we are going." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the I took the paper from him and read as follows: The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I am sure." investigation." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of developed." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is been able to understand it, in a very few words. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but even of instruction." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "The vanishing of the lady." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a But Holmes shook his head gravely. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove flock.' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in strength in the others." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "No." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "The Cedars?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "But you can know nothing of this?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "One of his hands." manager. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. official police." "Was your sister dressed?" thirty. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may front of the hall door has given its name to the place. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up tell him that I know him to be innocent." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I said I. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very giving me time to thank him. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, very old mansion. flock.' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been when your master had gone out." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, not as remarkable as your advertisement." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "There are none." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a certainly do as you advise." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, appeared upon the scene." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been questioning and rather startled gaze. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "What then?" views." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with himself in a perplexing position. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his his cane at the bell-pull. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that London for the present?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "That is unusual in a young girl." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered as this. Pray let me have the details." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that I may have something better before very many minutes are go back?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the question," said Holmes, smiling. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always upon an income of about 60 pounds."