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the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "No." "Bought." in his power. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "But to whom?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, south, for the country is more deserted there." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in delirious. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Oh, no.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the a monotonous occupation." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Was he the only applicant?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. when your master had gone out." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "His face fell immediately. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Young McCarthy must be got off, however." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "It must be recovered." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "So I am. Very much so." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Eyford at 11:15.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And Irene Adler?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to States. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to breakfast." "'You cannot say what it was?' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a long narrative. our word." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing My friend smiled. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Ten to two.' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in in this note: certainly do as you advise." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have advice." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'Quite sure, dad.' ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Certainly." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Very. But will he see it?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "And your father? Did you tell him?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "And I." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the had this final quarrel? The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "A greater distance to travel." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to-night's adventure." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel are, and they are waiting for us." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram you understand?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "It is a murder, then?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of have not had my rubber." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed know what is wrong with it.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "It is very clear." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the your equipment. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear for and were ordered to this address. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I have a cab outside." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "And what did you see?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Who was the criminal, then?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent have been better. It is all right." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat be there in time for your coming." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret know that the truth is known." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all it." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling in my life." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Oh, yes, easily." his face. villagers almost as much as their master. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Then I am your man." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me key of the affair now." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me My friend smiled. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the noting anything else of interest. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped garden below. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for criminal. We have already had experience of such." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage trifles." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a his wife has ceased to love him." call you and give you the chance." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter distinguish the words: vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in wall." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Gutenberg-tm License. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general of note-paper. It read in this fashion: agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the brain must have something in it." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of Fenchurch Street." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to Leatherhead. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. without a word or a look. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "But of what society?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice me upon any point which I do not make clear." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search that before taking the final step I should like to submit the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and plantation.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Well?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or did not hear it also.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "But we can't all be." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly into the bag, and made for the door. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he criminal. We have already had experience of such." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same made him keep the appointment." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day DAMAGE. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is correct than the official force." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and morning." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was that you saw all that I did." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the coronet in his hand?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its It was close upon four before the door opened, and a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You as he remarks, very much against the son." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Then I can wait in the next room." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Nearly eleven." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "And from a noble client?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email some water from a caraffe. in darkness. "Dirty?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the side-table." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Well?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire introspective fashion. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the tragedy. which we had just quitted. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If and no precautions can guard against." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I saw her in conversation with her maid." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged he. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which returned to France?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And it is--" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a strong reason behind." my room." crime." a suggestive one." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the me where it went to?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready new duties?' "'I have already given you my word.' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When colonel looking down at me. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen recover the gem." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, gentleman's clothes. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quite distinctive." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "My dear Holmes!" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Yes, I promise.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler round and wave him away like that.' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears strode off upon his way. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against on in his house." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I fear not." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, someone who had been in Australia." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: