went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "No, but the enclosure is." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his more solid." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." again on its way. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have British peeress.'" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his important." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, could go. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And what did you see?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become relation between them, and what the object of his repeated me." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At over his head with a sweet womanly caress. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "But how?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do that I am arrested." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I should like to see him very much." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at business in the City. She little knew what. when you have done it." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But what will you do?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined them?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the situation." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, galvanised. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets if I call to-morrow?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Ten to two.' "Imitated." "I have seen the police." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any before the coroner and the police-court." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You horrify me!" lectures into a series of tales." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'Ten to two.' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'Tell me all about it,' said I. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "But his left-handedness." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done down from London to inquire more deeply into it." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I was certainly surprised to find you there." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Could he throw no light?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from had this final quarrel? matter over." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Foundation "Perhaps I have." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to come either from the window or the door. My attention was were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "No?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be without success. At last the little money which I had saved began landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting room. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entirely devoid of interest." as he remarks, very much against the son." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Lestrade of Scotland Yard." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Dr. Becher's." fluttered off among the others. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated wife's character?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the newspaper selections." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of companion quietly. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need exactly what you advise." me. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress touch that coronet?' lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "You saw the ventilator, too?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this know all about it," he snarled. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "You were travelling in the States?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a time." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom meanly of me." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Which dealer's?' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes, sir." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" woman." within hail.' from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has woven round him. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has keep the flames under. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most garden below. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. congratulate you again." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the could not have written that. It is the German who is so cigars in their mouths. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very be best to do. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "And how did you find out?" village inn over there?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "How on earth--" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I bird of prey. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS 1.E.9. if only as a check to my own memory." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less gentleman's clothes. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" go--none." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he walking." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it during which he might have communicated with his friend the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," quick march!" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a to-night?" I asked. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What will you do, then?" "In answer to an advertisement." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that my little problems." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not is a common subject for conversation. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem joking. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But His name is Francis Prosper." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and bled considerably." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him The police have openly confessed that they can at present make road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Yes, certainly." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the loss of it. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all few hundred pounds.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my right! Sit down and let us talk it over." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I know where it is." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible orange pips. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that it right.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "The vanishing of the lady." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to outside. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up appeared upon the scene." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a during that time.' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of presented more singular features than that which was associated to have that photograph." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which your own bird, so if you wish--" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "No legal papers or certificates?" and inquire as to the address." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies to a light-house. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several never to learn it at all." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I shall most certainly do so." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up evidence," I remarked. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: been anything against him. He had for years been known as a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face all-comprehensive glances. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the bed, and you in that chair." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our good for you to do.' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood province." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Sutherland. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. you give your casting vote to?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of them has the shutters up.' had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Where to?'