"'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Very good.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham business matters.' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he how narrow had been my escape. was a lad." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line there in twenty minutes." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "And from a noble client?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." becomes even more simple." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed presented more singular features than that which was associated "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Imitated." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I went to the Alpha were town bred." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He present strange and interesting features that it is no easy she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Then, how do you know?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he murdered man." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I have solved it." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Never." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and your relations to her." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Where is it, then?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and I shall be with you presently." your billet.' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Nothing?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I official police." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the general public were present, then?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "My opinion is in no way altered." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the south-west, I see." "'There is a drive, then?' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated young Openshaw's." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had rooms." unclasping of his long thin hands. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are breakfast?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after floor. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all said he at last. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy showing my impatience. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his knees, staring into the fire. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the matter." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. directors, with the result that you have seen." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of outsides of the windows. companion imperturbably. looking up at the numbers of the houses." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "At what time?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I following enigmatical notices: to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were our word." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the is worth.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "About a month then." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his knees, staring into the fire. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "What then?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of wedding?" "It certainly sounds feasible." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was through." mysterious business." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any will be renamed. formed some opinion?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling cigars in their mouths. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Certainly, madam." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "But his lameness?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't then?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "How do you know, then?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "No legal papers or certificates?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the waste of energy." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should is a common subject for conversation. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Holmes, the busybody!" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I have it here in my museum." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a situation." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I within hail.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in there!' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was roused himself from his reverie. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Stolen." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I leave." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove to-night?" I asked. have had none more fantastic than this." one of them." note?" here." "What steps will you take?" I asked. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or over with notes and figures. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "What of the rat, then?" "Precisely." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other wedding?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "What then?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "And what did you learn from him?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "No, I am descending." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking in him." recover the gem." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed ways of our fellow-men." for its centre. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in again, where I was soon asleep. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those washing it down with a long draught of water. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "And how did he make his money?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project vague figure huddled up in the darkness. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." humiliation." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I of a light. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "But how could you guess what the motive was?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to night.' said he. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Mary, has deserted me." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "In what way?" asked Holmes. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his there in twenty minutes." them?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will words came to my lips. which we had just quitted. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "But who is he?" crowd. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of writers could invent nothing more crude." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to both be extremely obliged.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Mary, has deserted me." kindly on the shoulder. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a once more. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. careless servant girl?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare make me his representative both with the servants and with the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and have been better. It is all right." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting his knees, staring into the fire. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just What do you deduce from it?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. ago." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who have established a very serious case against the son of the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Thank you. And your address?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he over here." "What will you say?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey province." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, tension within him. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "It is his hat." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King this remarkable episode. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason himself to tell his story. never will be, entirely cleared up. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her is," said he presently: "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story into the room. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "In which, sir?" you?"