Well, it is not for me to judge you, said Holmes as the old man
signed the statement which had been drawn out. I pray that we may
never be exposed to such a temptation.
I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?
In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you will
soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Assizes. I
will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is condemned I shall be
forced to use it. If not, it shall never be seen by mortal eye; and
your secret, whether you be alive or dead, shall be safe with us.
Farewell, then, said the old man solemnly. Your own deathbeds, when
they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace which you
have given to mine. Tottering and shaking in all his giant frame, he
stumbled slowly from the room.
God help us! said Holmes after a long silence. Why does fate play
such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such a case as
this that I do not think of Baxter s words, and say, There, but for
the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.
James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a number
of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and submitted to the
defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven months after our
interview, but he is now dead; and there is every prospect that the son
and daughter may come to live happily together in ignorance of the
black cloud which rests upon their past.
V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS
When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes cases
between the years 82 and 90, I am faced by so many which present
strange and interesting features that it is no easy matter to know
which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, have already gained
publicity through the papers, and others have not offered a field for
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