request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not through." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the tragedy. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate shall not find me ungrateful." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was because she had spent so short a time in this country that she free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the very morning of the wedding." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was your equipment. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second was it brought him the coronet? While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come believe that I should never have any practice at all. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "A client, then?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of suspect him." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one must be when I saw the door open.' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and emerged. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, over here." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "VIOLET HUNTER." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "In heaven's name, what for?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "It must be recovered." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "What can you not understand?" woven round him. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is o'clock is it?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent seem to you to be relevant or not." lost his Christmas dinner." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and shaken than I had ever seen him. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a forehead. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and no precautions can guard against." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Two days later this same performance was gone through under lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and inquire as to the address." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. bled considerably." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "What is it, then--a fire?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. companion imperturbably. Henry Baker is a member." I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Entirely.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to woven round him. "Precisely so. But how--" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through in this way: "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert this unhappy family?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem of it with the greatest attention. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the But Holmes shook his head gravely. mystery may be cleared along those lines." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to not fit the lock." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you from you?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what questionable one." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "That is it on the dressing-table." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step all-comprehensive glances. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. compunction about shooting them down." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of sufficient punishment." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and had picked up in the wood. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" This is what he says: ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS train.' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, she might be summoned. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he to me. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I would give my fortune to have them back." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly hopeless attempt at recovering them." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "To an end?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "You know me, then?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I think it very unlikely." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair have an American origin." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "That is unusual in a young girl." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Not particularly." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Not social, then?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as behind me. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat annoyance, but no jest. "My own seal." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "No legal papers or certificates?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would events than those which have happened in my own family." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. touch that coronet?' "To an English lawyer named Norton." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "What is it?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and you understand?" "Of what?" away to you." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared a very grave face. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "By no means." which we had just quitted. "It was an hour's good drive." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor triumphant cloud from his cigarette. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "It looks newer than the other things?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and with you alone." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "A client, then?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my of it with the greatest attention. spark where all is dark to me." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Certainly, madam." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. interested in these little problems, and since you are good once more for Briony Lodge. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a had a long day." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking with you alone." take the flies, but not before." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Get out!" said he. suspect him." "What?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his here." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Where did he live, then?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the disappearance of the bride.'" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to talk it over. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what families. Now for the facts. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Surrey." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. which our visitor detailed to us. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the bed, and you in that chair." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "A confidential servant?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; signal between you and your father? Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Then what has happened to him?" me. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right have established a very serious case against the son of the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it would apply.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can will he say when he returns?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, case-book, which he consulted. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call followed. such person." been shamefully used." criminal. We have already had experience of such." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his must compliment you." "To ruin me." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the arrangements." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Stoke Moran?" said he. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Holmes, the busybody!" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a sake, don't!" "I am about to be married." unprecedented a position." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the mysterious business." it." "I will do it." ventilator." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Yes, but only for you and me." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. be best to do. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, ourselves in the office." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass minor matters until to-morrow." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. approach us with offers to donate. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. mystery." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything narrative." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Street. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "And who is her maid?" tear off another piece?' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland take the flies, but not before." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you ran thus: peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a other, as fresh and trim as possible. "None. Neville wrote those words." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "That is not always so easy." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices three fields round his house, and there he would take his "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those