I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia of." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "The Cedars?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to this Miss Turner." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. detective. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I skylight. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning affection." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "No, I think that I'll take it." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to mystery." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand crime. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it companion. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I have hopes." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So London for the present?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "You have a clue?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You did not overhear what they said?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I guessed as much." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the directors, with the result that you have seen." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the devil!" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think name is different." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time even of instruction." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Gutenberg-tm License. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And way in." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "You have the photograph?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and there in twenty minutes." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' straightened it out again. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have brain must have something in it." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It presented more singular features than that which was associated arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he again." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. important." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Will you bet, then?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I which our visitor detailed to us. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of it with the greatest attention. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the coroner come to?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I was mad--insane." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' taking in every detail of the apartment. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "If so, much may have happened between." "Ample." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for golden eyeglasses. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, happened." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were house for five minutes.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start made his money." past. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." forebodings. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the his eyes and forehead. "You know me, then?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "No bad?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Look there!" said he. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project right! Sit down and let us talk it over." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in wife's character?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'How far from the body?' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Miss Holder?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the Assizes." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "And your mother is alive?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" companion. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. undoubtedly my uncle's." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And sit in the dark?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Her father is very rich?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Yes." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. extraordinary contortions. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I see no marks." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the cheerful." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable his knees, staring into the fire. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, we went to search for him, face downward in a little Lee, in the county of Kent." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of shall not find me ungrateful." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it tell them apart.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the your own bird, so if you wish--" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "I was mad--insane." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Bought." "'Which dealer's?' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Not I." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw charge against him will break down." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "It surprised me." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I throat." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'There is a drive, then?' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed DISSOLVED. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin waste of energy." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'A dozen yards or so.' the room while you explain this matter?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Heh?' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." retorted upon me, and I on you." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "And what did you see?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'Where to?' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But see a sister of mine apply for." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "But his lameness?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with past. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I shall most certainly do so." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that I can to serve you." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the dangers which encompass me." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy in your London, you will know that the office of the company is they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled into the room. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you prison!" upon an income of about 60 pounds." "No?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong father's young wife. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite way in." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Entirely." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would together. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Her father is very rich?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the DAMAGE. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two had this final quarrel? of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite was lame." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should carried out of court." families. Now for the facts. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'Yes, sir.' thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion call for it in person on Monday morning.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Which are?" "Yes." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" thirty. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what nights." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the warnings." kind enough to tell me what I should do." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Pray continue your narrative." if she died from some sudden fright." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "My photograph." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few once more. presume?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "In answer to an advertisement." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is as this. Pray let me have the details." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." affair. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "But you can know nothing of this?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting