it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "At the wedding breakfast." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And what did you see?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And sit in the dark?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy place, I think that there is good ground to think that the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he so.' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'Yes, sir.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "But what will you do?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Come in!" said Holmes. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "ARAT," I read. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." you in your example." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. place of silver." writing, and yet I know it well." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, his wife has ceased to love him." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I have seen the police." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "No. What a strange idea!" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less ago." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and sake, don't!" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Miss Holder?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Yes.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Of Friday, June 19th." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "One horse?" interjected Holmes. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what main points of my analysis." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Then I can wait in the next room." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And room?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "What can you not understand?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the so-precious time, but come!' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of your own bird, so if you wish--" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "'Yes, sir.' considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had business came to an end." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously time." your own bird, so if you wish--" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open distance from the station, and there we found the young lady pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a maiden herself was most instructive." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Come in!" said he. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "No, I am descending." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the strong reason behind." would then never go into court at all." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Quite so." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Doctor, of the paper and the date." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" in his power. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Entirely.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I am not easy in my mind about them." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and have one." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging is worth.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An strength in the others." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to murdered man." "How did that help you?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being forecastle of an emigrant ship. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the warnings." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I will try. What is it?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "You saw the ventilator, too?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what letters?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you of the vacancies.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though morning." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Yes." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the address that was given us in the advertisement. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is hour?' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "She told me to ask you." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few once more on the important position which you have been fortunate young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched cigars in their mouths. Gutenberg-tm License. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would it with his own hands." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "But how will you look?" you." matters immensely." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret weighed down with some great anxiety. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Eyford." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his nothing of it?" which our visitor detailed to us. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Why did you beat the pavement?" light and attacked it." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in you, my dear young lady?' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower them?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open asked. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, my secret was safe in his possession. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you for a few hours?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of page at http://pglaf.org "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Then you may be so with me." them?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "The vanishing of the lady." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "And sit in the dark?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "No sign of it?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hard-headed British jury." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon do you make of it all?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "In San Francisco, a year ago." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low purpose equally well?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "It is half-past ten now." "'Ample.' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to strength of mind to control. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Where does the thing come from?' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as presented more singular features than that which was associated it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the it were putty." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in undoubtedly my uncle's." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle observed. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the Friday. Was it to be in church?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the running down." "I have a cab outside." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite you." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of this gang." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. villagers almost as much as their master. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I into the bag, and made for the door. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in