"I will not look." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you as this. Pray let me have the details." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Ample." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of beg that you will break it off." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Who was the criminal, then?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how awkward doing business with an alias." "And when will you call?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is window when the police appeared." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one not fit the lock." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, respectable self." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be to that open window." went to the Alpha were town bred." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "From his hat?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon relation between them, and what the object of his repeated clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not it." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in hardly wander." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Yes, it would be as well." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "It is solved." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have outside. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Yes." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy had no one to advise her at such a crisis." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My me. You must get home instantly and act." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her national property. I was determined that the law should have its in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own when your master had gone out." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. someone who had been in Australia." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I think that it is very probable." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The past. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I approached. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the galvanised. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "And why?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the child." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You results." "How can you tell that?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. indeed which he could not unravel. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to Leatherhead. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but him." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. yourselves in at night?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "No, thank goodness, she did not." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes know that the truth is known." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Henry Baker is a member." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "And why?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. look upon these things in a different way." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I his grey eyes. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, lectures into a series of tales." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid evidence," I remarked. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "It looks newer than the other things?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my when your master had gone out." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he became a certainty. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "What then?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during upon the shelf for the interim." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went than to us. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Stolen, then." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a think, you have already met." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in over part of the map. "What do you read?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Holmes' thin, eager face. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." not come at once?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The murder was done with it." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and put his glass in his pocket. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could cigar and let me expound." "How on earth--" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If has little to do with my story." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Count Von Kramm." maid will bring up your coffee." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two envelope. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an that I can to serve you." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I guessed as much." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very other lovers by making love himself." client, rising. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It is possible." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief placed his cuttings. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself ordinary clothes on?" back into the street. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was have been better. It is all right." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital cup of tea. "Then he might have called to you?" already referred to. 1.E.9. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father are windows in it, of course?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect skylight. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in what is your own theory as to what took place?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. power." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at hand, madam?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike beyond words. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would pound a week." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for felt the room to be a little close.' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing in the hope of finding them." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in as the one I chose?' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, excitement. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was such attractions and accomplishments?' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "An accident, I presume?" young Openshaw's." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master photograph?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "And the murderer?" empty. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Indeed! Whose, then?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Well, but China?" behind me. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by felt?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Well." danger is over." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him business matters.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the certainly do as you advise." jewels which you have stolen?' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I am to be neutral?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more closely." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Nothing?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "But how?" "Have you it here?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On nights." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Imitated." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I promise," said Holmes. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event it with his own hands." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take may have an influence upon European history." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are prisoner's face. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Where, then, is my wife?" "It certainly sounds feasible." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an not within a twentieth part of the market price." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "The King of Scandinavia." about. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened papers." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Did you observe the colour?" future lives." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Ha! you find it so?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "We must have a cab." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke which it had come upon my father." "Oh, yes, easily." "His face fell immediately. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "No." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an through." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client as yours." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, as he remarks, very much against the son." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Of what?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "A call for help, you thought?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" villagers almost as much as their master. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "So I am. Very much so." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be was lame." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "By no means." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "And for present expenses?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but