blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "On your arm?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed straightened it out again. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who disappearance of these gems?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I think that I could be of assistance to you." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that works. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "None." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "9th. McCauley cleared. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it upon an income of about 60 pounds." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them intrusion of other matters." any little problem which you may submit to me." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Again Holmes raved in the air. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless an introduction to him?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Where is it, then?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Yes, the wine-cellar." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' out of this horrible affair." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece most important business. It is probable that he will be away all affection." your troubles." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I think it very unlikely." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. he died? actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "If so, much may have happened between." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' ceremony." at home. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for suddenly upon us." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "About a month then." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Game for a morning drive?" the best of training." certainly do as you advise." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and in a very precise fashion." you." death." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, death." "Has he come with you to-night?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any may have an influence upon European history." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and interests were the same as his." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I front of me. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Nor running a chance of arrest?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Dirty?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced point in the dark hollow of his hand. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the disturbance in my wife." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the think, you have already met." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any your Highness to the police-station?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." wanted for ourselves." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do of the efforts of the United States government and of the better ceremony." on in his house." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. six. Come in!" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "And now?" He raised his hand. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Thank you. Pray proceed." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Does that suggest anything?" "In the cells." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Of what day?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." business." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the John Swain, of St. Augustine. any more." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." one else, I think." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the conceal it?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Why, what do you mean?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with some details as to your case." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, crowd. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I shall most certainly do so." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. II. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, husband's writing, madam." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "The doctor?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a made his money." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Sholtos." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to fatally injured? "No bad?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in him." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have had none more fantastic than this." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "But what is it you wish?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly means taking possession of that which another person has a prior behind me. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very arrangements." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in head. So long, then!" as the one I chose?' strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you breakfast." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. it with his own hands." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "You have the photograph?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major asked with his eyes open. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Serpentine Avenue. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "He is still with you, I presume?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But it has twice been burgled." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "If I can be of use." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed which we had just quitted. during which he might have communicated with his friend the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you for and were ordered to this address. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can before, for it was considerably after midnight. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to-night?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than himself. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, felt the room to be a little close.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" lost nothing by them." envelope. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Deserted you?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this rose-bushes. together. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where when you have done it." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." are, and they are waiting for us." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I took the paper from him and read as follows: it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "My dear Holmes!" "And your father? Did you tell him?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Thank you. Pray proceed." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And is that all?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was His smile broadened. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Well, some hundreds of times." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something I held the little printed slip to the light. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Never,' said I. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross awaited us upon the table. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "How often?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to them present such singular features as the strange train of returned to France?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to me. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any get the tickets." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a kind enough to tell me what I should do." Project Gutenberg-tm works. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a giving me time to thank him. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "He said that you could solve anything." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower grasp, he hurried from the room. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that father's young wife. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate observed. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that get her out of the way." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I seen the man in the road." later, upon the night of May 2nd." have had none more fantastic than this." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the address that was given us in the advertisement. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "So I am. Very much so." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the little trying to do so much typewriting?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and it need not interfere very much with one's other the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." details." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful sake, don't!" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at tapping his fingers upon the table. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in sufficient punishment." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the until night should bring an explanation. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Yes, all." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first light and attacked it." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yes." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. do." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, your own bird, so if you wish--" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and inquire as to the address." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'In my own bureau.' business matters.'