arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he congenial hunt. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. meant." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free few hundred pounds.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary here." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an salesman. outside. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, mystery may be cleared along those lines." "An enemy?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them and laid it on the table. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "To the police?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I approached. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to asked. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered breakfast?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As outside. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that before taking the final step I should like to submit the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "And you thought he was pulled back?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "No, but the enclosure is." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Yes, sir." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white outsides of the windows. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my forebodings. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I say that I have solved it." crime." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole undoubtedly my uncle's." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one individual and becomes the badge of a society." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me might have a private word with us. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Most admirably.' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate drove away. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Seven!" I answered. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you vanished into the darkness. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I enough to aid us in our search." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy his face which made him a very different person to the round, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Dark enough and sinister enough." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Quite sure, dad.' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I am following you closely," I answered. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no way in." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Sutherland?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Where, then?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four tail." "This concluded the examination of the witness." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough begun to whiten, even as mine has." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do better in every way that they should make their position a little that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the better in every way that they should make their position a little another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not present." ashen face. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for a monotonous occupation." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his searched, without anything being found which could incriminate fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I south, for the country is more deserted there." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Why did you beat the pavement?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but locked." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "How did you trace it, then?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'Quite sure, dad.' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly believe that I should never have any practice at all. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, where we are going." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, man. I know him from the photograph." confronted him. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has because she had spent so short a time in this country that she unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to me. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "What have you done?" asked Holmes. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, said Mr. Holder. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and gone before you can get him to hospital." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey redistribution. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the furiously. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." you came in." my secret was safe in his possession. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and your relations to her." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "No, my brougham is waiting." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, him, that man would not have given me such complete information interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The in a friendly supper." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the bed, and you in that chair." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another asked. despair." "'There is a drive, then?' questioning and rather startled gaze. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "And that is--" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "What will you do, then?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight clang of the bell. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord families. Now for the facts. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Why did you beat the pavement?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "And how?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Nothing." "Here?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It crime. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very shall use the carriage to-night." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to allusion to a rat. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Very. But will he see it?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a individual and becomes the badge of a society." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I assure you that I am in your hands." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen colour had been driven from his face. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS photograph?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "But we can't all be." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. have not had my rubber." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of do.' hurried by. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "To the police?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To people in all walks of life. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "But how?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "It must be recovered." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "That's no good." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing important." at my own good fortune. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that as he remarks, very much against the son." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded American. Then who could this American be, and why should he had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously through." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really For additional contact information: bedroom door." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I beg pardon." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle that?' in his hands." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have himself to tell his story. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Was the window open?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We to go into your room and bar your shutters?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he have one." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Entirely.' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "She walked into the breakfast-room." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry highly," said Holmes. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in