I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a present." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Quite so. She has her freedom." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop invisible to me," I remarked. "That you are never beaten." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Pray let us have it, for all that." least a fellow-countryman. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is spark where all is dark to me." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. evidence," I remarked. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated orange pips. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, memory. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for affection." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Whose house is it?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all politicians who had been sent down from the North. not fit the lock." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or on re-entering her father's house?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I have it here in my museum." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a should be taken.' experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I am following you closely," I answered. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "It certainly sounds feasible." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of know what is wrong with it.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything bears upon the case?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Of what?" to talk it over. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "What is it, then--a fire?" your troubles." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Then I am your man." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Yes." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so union?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of in this way: tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to have I gained?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "No sign of it?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for went to the Alpha were town bred." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, my little problems." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. call you and give you the chance." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true just ask you whether you had heard it.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some look dissatisfied." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you felt the room to be a little close.' hand, madam?" becomes even more simple." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Yes, from Horsham." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A unprecedented a position." "I shall be delighted." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I arms and began to sob in a high treble key. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have had none more fantastic than this." "Pray do so." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the loss of it. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Well?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the presume?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported following enigmatical notices: "Was there a secret marriage?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a wife's character?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from enter into my head. corner of the building. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Did your wife hear all this?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "It is possible." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point tail." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in bedroom door." true." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of do you make of it all?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back during which he might have communicated with his friend the to-morrow." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away me. You must get home instantly and act." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Perfectly so." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Pray tell us what has happened to you." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek are, I think, all that we need." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and a shock of very red hair. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "You know me, then?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away quick march!" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running morning." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per acquaintance?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." memory. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Yes.' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk during the last few years, and there are many noble families to everything which you would wish to know." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little is worth.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "And how did you find out?" taking in every detail of the apartment. sufficient punishment." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'In my own bureau.' time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility or in danger--" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I have solved it." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered read it out to me." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that IS he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the armchair which I pushed forward for him. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Then you may entirely rely on me." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six here and I will read it to you: another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Oh, fresh and glossy." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I cannot tell." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, gone. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Proceed, then." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency laugh and put his lips to my ear. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "No. What a strange idea!" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with bears upon the case?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "And your mother is alive?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if to arrive at through this?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen dear old homesteads?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads one which it was hard to resist. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to started for the Temple to see my husband. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened question," said Holmes, smiling. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the this as likely?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the remarked. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the dangers which encompass me." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 south, for the country is more deserted there." this Miss Turner." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to sneer upon his pale face. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Where to?' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the little adventures." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Holmes rather sternly. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a ready to-morrow?' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I have a cab outside." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, but only for you and me." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do During two years I have had three consultations and one small "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "But to whom?" meant it for the best. "And what then?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of I shall communicate with you." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "What I expected to see." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a laugh and put his lips to my ear. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'I have heard so.' was it brought him the coronet? apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Never to return." himself. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic down from London to inquire more deeply into it." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by wedding?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the money should be paid at once.' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party His smile broadened. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." gone. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "At the wedding breakfast." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two