"'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "How did he come?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "You know me, then?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "We were both in the photograph." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Well." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to train.' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and page at http://pglaf.org individual and becomes the badge of a society." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive wife's character?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "BALLARAT." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. wanted for ourselves." nonsense.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "No, I am descending." "Married! When?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "His face fell immediately. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Chief Executive and Director work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position comes from the middle window." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes imbecility!" he cried. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "She will not sell." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the future lives." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good frequently gained my first real insight into the character of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into coat-tails." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to ready to-morrow?' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." easy-going way." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And ourselves in the office." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the coroner come to?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite certainly do as you advise." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the your co-operation." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a both be extremely obliged.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the both be extremely obliged.' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the be best to do. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted overpowering excitement and concern. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Why did you beat the pavement?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "In which, sir?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I cannot imagine." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "No." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "The Coroner: What do you mean? cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open humiliation." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the floor. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth said I. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'And what salary do you ask?' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to-morrow." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my call you and give you the chance." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "It's nothing of the kind." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said fat-encircled eyes. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to http://www.gutenberg.net singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." least a fellow-countryman. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate This is what he says: met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "And you thought he was pulled back?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some affection." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Very truly yours, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which cost them two and thirty pounds." footfalls from the street. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "None." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges signal between you and your father? of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "You have compromised yourself seriously." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the away to you." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes, there are nearly always some there." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "In which, sir?" is a common subject for conversation. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "He is still with you, I presume?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police said he. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "But how did you gain them?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "And why in hopes?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And why in hopes?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" towards the blaze. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity too. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I should be immensely obliged to you." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and prosperity to your house. Good-night." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" long narrative. "When did she vanish, then?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did tear off another piece?' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I will get her to show me." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole murdered man." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Where, indeed?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Pool. "He said that you could solve anything." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "It certainly sounds feasible." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Yes, it would be as well." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Her father is very rich?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." instituted." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I time." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And Miss Sutherland?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "And how did you verify them?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. friends, not even his own brother. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Why did you pick him?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if behind me. secret." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Well, some hundreds of times." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an you in yours." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I was certainly surprised to find you there." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique your own bird, so if you wish--" that?' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my evidence," I remarked. was shining brightly. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'I shall certainly be there.' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "What shall I do?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I side. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "My dear Holmes!" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Only as much as we can deduce." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which became a certainty. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I companion. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So details should find their way into the papers. Inspector upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "None." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform but preventing her from injuring another. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had character. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read at once, for I have only half an hour." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman points in connection with it which never have been, and probably it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," companion imperturbably. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had it with his own hands." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square outside." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning,