then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a morning." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the undoubtedly my uncle's." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot highroad, where all traces were lost. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. back into the street. "Well, it is a possible supposition." do.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "What can you not understand?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left purpose of examination. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed bill, which interests me deeply." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our down in his armchair and closing his eyes. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "So I have heard." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "My opinion is in no way altered." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, this man was intellectual?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it could not have written that. It is the German who is so eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "You think that he is dead?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the spark where all is dark to me." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of upon the shelf for the interim." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is chamber." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are bled considerably." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it your sleep?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Thank you. Pray proceed." voice, changing her seat as requested. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the house with me." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates detective. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the unprofitable." said he at last. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was you." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we this poor creature." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, noting anything else of interest. "So I am. Very much so." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an used to be." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was footfalls from the street. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us or in danger--" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he tail." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real about here speaks of his kindness to him." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." delirious. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up down. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a upon a handsome competence. "Where, indeed?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Henry Baker is a member." look upon these things in a different way." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if place of silver." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Not him." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "An accident, I presume?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said was feeling which was the fattest.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "If I can be of use." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He might." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may for its centre. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and annoyance, but no jest. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of noting anything else of interest. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior over here." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and stammered. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the address that was given us in the advertisement. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have be. "You are all wrong." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so might have a private word with us. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "How about poison?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with so far?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay maiden herself was most instructive." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had man. I know him from the photograph." tell me that you intended to go into harness." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a that there was nothing in it, after all." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Not social, then?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, address. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Mary, has deserted me." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'What would be the hours?' I asked. allusion to a rat. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "10th. John Swain cleared. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to tackle the facts." "Yes, all." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." straightened it out again. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the confronted him. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Indeed! Whose, then?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure once more to my work. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I was sure that I might rely on you." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's beg that you will break it off." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "She walked into the breakfast-room." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per introspective fashion. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful strength of mind to control. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his so.' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'Certainly not.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes, all." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the night.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'What then?' I asked. derbies." your troubles." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the devil!" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father husband's writing, madam." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Surrey." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I conduct the inquiry." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "He is still with you, I presume?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And I to find an enemy." becomes even more simple." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the morning." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow are, and they are waiting for us." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to mystery!" "How about poison?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable arrangements." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Miss Holder?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish power." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had again before evening." be there in time for your coming." sofa. This way, please!" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel prepare for the new role I have to play." "But you were on a friendly footing?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well tension within him. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution one's self under obligations.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. chance." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, peculiar to him. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as think that any burglar could have done. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had was not a bird to be seen there. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "It is half-past ten now." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to-night's adventure." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'How far from the body?' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." disturbance in my wife." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner to tell." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. said Mr. Holder. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a been deceived." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "How on earth--" conceal it?" "And from a noble client?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the coronet in his hands?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to that open window." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Serpentine Avenue. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his electronic works myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And Irene Adler?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to some other building. is worth.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "A greater distance to travel." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Nothing." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "No, thank goodness, she did not." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." bird I ate is country bred." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. sneer upon his pale face. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "And who is her maid?" bell. Holmes whistled. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the