evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the showing my impatience. "By train from Waterloo." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little meanly of me." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "What have you done?" asked Holmes. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole to-morrow." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the iron safe, which he closed upon it. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the ceiling. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from as he folded up the epistle. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to answered with a sidelong glance. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I see no marks." papers on the sundial.'" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself without a word or a look. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist him!" quickly through a disagreeable task. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by desk. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his rooms." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Pray continue your narrative." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I you." the window, rose as we entered. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at problems help me to do so." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and looked back. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." go--none." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by article?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "None." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little works. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that undoubtedly my uncle's." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, was used.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but this remarkable episode. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to read over the extraordinary announcement. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "ARAT," I read. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Then the page we have seen--" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly my former friend and companion. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Very murderous indeed." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name guilty parties." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Have you it here?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with mysterious end." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A entirely lost his self-respect." article?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Awake, Watson?" he asked. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" hard-headed British jury." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was bell. Holmes whistled. "I cannot imagine." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your at my remark. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, little trying to do so much typewriting?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "My dear Holmes!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the house with me." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from out of this horrible affair." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the one as in the other." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Heh?' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Certainly not. But why?' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of only touch the interest." house for five minutes.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Mary, has deserted me." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It came here." villagers almost as much as their master. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of even so self-evident a thing as that." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, detained." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no some mystery and the punishment of some crime." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Chief Executive and Director "No, my brougham is waiting." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which lumber-room." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand shoulder; "he's all right." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "One?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty better in every way that they should make their position a little to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a secret." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "But he might be a bachelor." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," What do you deduce from it?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in you." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name woven round him. the salesman. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a my former friend and companion. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. make me his representative both with the servants and with the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "My dear Holmes!" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" occupations.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of not come at once?" "But he might be a bachelor." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the salesman. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of spark where all is dark to me." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "She walked into the breakfast-room." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "She told me to ask you." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon noting anything else of interest. "Ample." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful come either from the window or the door. My attention was It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. to have that photograph." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man experiences." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a but preventing her from injuring another. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "But it has twice been burgled." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "You have it, sir, just as it happened." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with were unconscious?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "No, I had a dozen." "Was your sister dressed?" call you and give you the chance." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing 1.E.9. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a him." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had sentimental considerations in the background which would induce before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that highroad, where all traces were lost. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he chance." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that I. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Nothing." hereditary King of Bohemia." business in the City. She little knew what. the night.' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "9th. McCauley cleared. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Then I shall certainly come." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in His name is Francis Prosper." companion. signal between you and your father? "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in in the dead of the night?' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his was a perfect sample of the class. "No." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy have I gained?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "It is very kind of you." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Which are?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, habit of advancing money.' "Then, as to money?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 and a shock of very red hair. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'Most admirably.' head. So long, then!" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "And why?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that her also." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "You have it, sir, just as it happened." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I do." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she yet." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I she used." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It other means.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I meant." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject."