"'What is it, uncle?' I cried. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a once more. where she found matters as described by the last witness. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be in the dead of the night?' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I am still in the dark." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My one or two very singular points about this room. For example, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." into the room. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "At half-wages, in fact." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his your own bird, so if you wish--" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. companion imperturbably. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "And you can do nothing until then?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is your bag." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said affection." generous with you in money matters.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman without a word or a look. his knees, staring into the fire. "You are all wrong." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "But his lameness?" forbidden door. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive man. I know him from the photograph." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my is four-and-twenty." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." said he. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the Assizes." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl amused." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I should be immensely obliged to you." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I was feeling which was the fattest.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "There is the writing." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence such attractions and accomplishments?' "What do you mean?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, letters?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every nice household for a young lady." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me point our research must commence, and we will begin it by read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I cannot imagine." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe placed his cuttings. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a in darkness. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts cause to be." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, his knees, staring into the fire. I was concerned in it." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, The King stared at him in amazement. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I say that I have solved it." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Quite so." "Absolutely?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Seven!" I answered. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we touch that coronet?' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'I am sure if I had known--' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but joking. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of even so self-evident a thing as that." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed was a perfect sample of the class. "Ample." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am photograph?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from been shamefully used." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house little trying to do so much typewriting?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, this Miss Turner." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Holmes' room. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Pool. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Very much so." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "And sit in the dark?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Seven!" I answered. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Entirely." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and strong reason behind." invisible to me," I remarked. at once, for I have only half an hour." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything my room." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "But what will you do?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is photograph a cabinet?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Quite so. She has her freedom." that you wished to speak to me?' over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" think that he is innocent?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it interested in these little problems, and since you are good during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your useful material for showing traces. The double line a little has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, head. So long, then!" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way even so self-evident a thing as that." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that what these perils are?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I shall most certainly do so." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Where, then, is my wife?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no you want, then?' spare." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One stepfather?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are had picked up in the wood. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me lumber-room." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "But what harm can there be in that?" "I should like to see him very much." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I should be immensely obliged to you." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Holmes' face clouded over. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project held up the lantern and gazed about him. arrested. You then--" heavy and sharp instrument." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, families. Now for the facts. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative off." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence business in the City. She little knew what. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you coroner's jury." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "None." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'Why that?' I asks. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my friend's incisive reasoning. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "And sit in the dark?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for carried out of court." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the dangers which encompass me." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Certainly." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we be best to do. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Then I shall certainly come." British peeress.'" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "None." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning chill to my heart. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'Yes, it was gone.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Oh, fresh and glossy." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. advice." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be all that?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would becomes even more simple." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all so.' "I see many objections to any such theory." "On your arm?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes." "Come in!" said Holmes. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, will take you up to see the machine.' to a light-house. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "An accident, I presume?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'Entirely.' "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to which was all perfectly true. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS suggested at once that there must be a communication between the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are outside." I took the paper from him and read as follows: in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles pictures, libraries, or plate. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there later, upon the night of May 2nd." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. your billet.' stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had with her." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Well." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "May I see it?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence absorbing." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little mystery." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the coronet in his hands?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons one which it was hard to resist. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "But he might be a bachelor." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Certainly." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is have got?" behind me. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more