the iron safe, which he closed upon it. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Holmes' face clouded over. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "No legal papers or certificates?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Then let me do so?' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Count Von Kramm." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "That is it on the dressing-table." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to do.' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I examine." I was concerned in it." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my instituted." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham me." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sake, don't!" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. congratulate you again." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found vague figure huddled up in the darkness. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who I shall communicate with you." without a word or a look. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "How on earth--" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San dramatic, in fact." persecution?" "That you are never beaten." the King without delay." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "And you can do nothing until then?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a girl said." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "She told me to ask you." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." indeed happy." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Dr. Becher's." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There hereditary King of Bohemia." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing system of imprisonment?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest God! What an exposure! What can I do?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me best detective that ever lived. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his strong reason behind." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "If I can be of use." Heh?' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Yes, I have one waiting." "An accident, I presume?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "A greater distance to travel." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after But Holmes shook his head gravely. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: long narrative. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution was it brought him the coronet? scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Again Holmes raved in the air. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, be best to do. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'Very good.' clanging. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need off." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. views." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the chambers. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to miss it." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very written, and locked the door of the office after me. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are bears upon the case?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I will not look." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as walking." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after paper in the air. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both main points of my analysis." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He your only hope of safety." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be whole matter to your consideration." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "On the contrary, this is the right side." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "It was." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, minor matters until to-morrow." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to This is what he says: front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at II. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended humiliation." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the date of his supposed suicide." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Yes." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the child." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "It was a confession," I ejaculated. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean her also." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and the colonel ushered me in. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of here and I will read it to you: "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the this remarkable episode. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than prepare for the new role I have to play." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Not in a good cause." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Stolen." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the bed, and you in that chair." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it are windows in it, of course?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they my little problems." "It surprised me." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Very. But will he see it?" the driver. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "And why in hopes?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "And Miss Sutherland?" Mary, has deserted me." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling prison!" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt crackling voice. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined against a man in the prime of life?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Yes, that is the Crown." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "What are they?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every locked." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical this remarkable episode. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if voice. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to here." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "In the cells." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the to talk it over. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have have established a very serious case against the son of the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter fashion which was peculiar to him. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which it had come upon my father." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I cannot say that I have." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You was the fact that his father should, according to his account, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "It looks newer than the other things?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." for securing the situation." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "This concluded the examination of the witness." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "In which, sir?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever returned to France?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "But to whom?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of directors, with the result that you have seen." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes, from Horsham." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every a very grave face. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you give your casting vote to?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew nonsense.' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a outbreak?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you reach." and have this put in the evening papers." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Holmes' face clouded over. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed to me. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building questioning and rather startled gaze. have been better. It is all right." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, he. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the so-precious time, but come!' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to his chemical studies. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "How often?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "In answer to an advertisement." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Ha! you find it so?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous