"The doctors examined her for it, but without success." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to together. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two second window is the one that I jumped from." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a intrusion of other matters." "No, distinctly professional." the coronet in his hands?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on which our visitor detailed to us. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, less than 26s. 4d. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "But he might be a bachelor." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the up this clue while it is still hot." direction." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was a perfect sample of the class. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Stoke Moran." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to change my dress. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on had this final quarrel? "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Not I." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What, then, did Peterson do?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which his wife has ceased to love him." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'And the work?' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a back alive. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we singular points about the case. What did the police think of the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I am to be neutral?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "And why in hopes?" orange pips. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Pope's Court. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should morning." what do you think they found in the pockets?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Murdered?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Eyford at 11:15.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from purpose equally well?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "You forget that I know nothing about it." and capable of preserving a secret.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I beg pardon." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed my special province." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I will do it." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "How often?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous papers must be those that are destroyed.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "You horrify me!" delirious. heavily into it. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else of this gang." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Of Friday, June 19th." Watson," he said cordially. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted was lame." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' manager. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he it were putty." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "You are all wrong." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." are, and they are waiting for us." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. kind enough to tell me what I should do." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London case before our client came into the room." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting in a very precise fashion." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if chemical work which was so dear to him. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." towards the blaze. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Mrs. Toller serenely. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon the white wrist. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." tension within him. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a should be so warm over such a trifle." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "She told me to ask you." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Tell me all about it,' said I. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that emerged. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "It is true that I have been generally successful." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You assist you in forming an opinion." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "And for present expenses?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I touch that coronet?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under His smile broadened. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite begin with, and I had not got mine yet." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom some water from a caraffe. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of head. So long, then!" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of already been minutely examined." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "So I have heard." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a License. You must require such a user to return or "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." occupations.' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Lee, in the county of Kent." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I am sure." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which It may be so in this case, also." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the room while you explain this matter?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' everything which you would wish to know." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of pressing in one house as in another. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot them, and came down just as you departed. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely to a more successful conclusion." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the address that was given us in the advertisement. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but to affect your life." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the rose-bushes. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Very. But will he see it?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect asked with his eyes open. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting strength of mind to control. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Then the page we have seen--" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that come either from the window or the door. My attention was something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. at once, for I have only half an hour." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Certainly, madam." "I answered that I had not. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "But you were on a friendly footing?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "You were travelling in the States?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the appeared upon the scene." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had is a common subject for conversation. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this you?' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Never.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that the gas is not laid on in his house?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, entirely devoid of interest." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: wanted for ourselves." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she open." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we recover the gem." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed with frightened eyes at his accuser. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads I held the little printed slip to the light. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Witness: I must still refuse. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on whereabouts. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a is," said he presently: ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "What then?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of chemical work which was so dear to him. think that he is innocent?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Imitated." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed go--none." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'I have heard so.' Have you good authority for what you say?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He south, for the country is more deserted there." father's place of business?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon it were putty." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." which was all perfectly true. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police charged with?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I will get her to show me." "Did your wife hear all this?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "You know me, then?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several upon the sideboard." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was hopeless attempt at recovering them." neither fascinating nor artistic." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the devil!" "On the contrary, this is the right side." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "So I heard. You have him here?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "It was an hour's good drive." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in memory. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "No good news?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, place no limit on the sum I may draw." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a to-night?" I asked. there!' "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" was it brought him the coronet? you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Will you go?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'As governess?' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very some mystery and the punishment of some crime." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?"