Young McCarthy must be got off, however." served to weaken the effect. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the very morning of the wedding." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the power." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent have not had my rubber." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Yes." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "But we can't all be." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a foot. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "To an end?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, legal crime." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, before the coroner and the police-court." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no attention." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall goes." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Where is it, then?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and go from here to the Strand." copied or distributed: used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't friends, not even his own brother. placed his cuttings. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Have you it here?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Perhaps we may make them less so." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it national property. I was determined that the law should have its conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this introspective fashion. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. fasten all the windows?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were footfalls from the street. "A confidential servant?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Will you bet, then?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from voice. skylight. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the Red-headed League." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "He disappeared so suddenly." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "My Mary? Impossible!" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in waste of energy." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'And the work?' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "That was it, sir." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better be.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with straighten it?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally hardly wander." assist you in forming an opinion." in this way: called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'As governess?' "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "You'll never persuade me to believe that." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, front of me. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting IS "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and files of the old papers, following the future career of every has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Witness: Nothing definite. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hopeless attempt at recovering them." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call their singular warning or token before them when starting upon St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an lumber-room." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Seven!" I answered. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but events than those which have happened in my own family." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask has little to do with my story." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the locked." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Yes, only one." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw copied or distributed: "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, 1.E.9. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Yes, they were peculiar boots." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I so far?" "What are they?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And you don't know his address?" "'Why that?' I asks. and your relations to her." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'What, the red-headed man?' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "My dear Holmes!" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to disappearance of these gems?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she despair." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Quite so. She has her freedom." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the answer." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass me where it went to?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps as he remarks, very much against the son." "Certainly, madam." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I cannot tell." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the breakfast?" lamp in his hand. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in I approached. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the coronet in his hand?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way amused." heavy and sharp instrument." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "She told me to ask you." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are there was no need for father to know." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by there in twenty minutes." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the coronet in his hand?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and horse could go." "You were travelling in the States?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Yes." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Heh?' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a murdered man." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only never came back." "I see many objections to any such theory." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying question," said Holmes, smiling. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I six. Come in!" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Not I." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end been deceived." such attractions and accomplishments?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man purpose equally well?" "When did it break out?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Where, indeed?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made narrative." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the never will be, entirely cleared up. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read four million human beings all jostling each other within the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "But you were on a friendly footing?" province." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "And why in hopes?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the second." that?' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local guilty one." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Edgeware Road. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has meant it for the best. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "What, then?" "Then I do not see the point." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations second window is the one that I jumped from." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My lost his Christmas dinner." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything said he. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Who by?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's 1.F. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An answered with a sidelong glance. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he him to be an active member of the medical profession." wedding?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Precisely so. But how--" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered my little problems." to-night's adventure." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I shall be delighted." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with now. It seems that there had been some informality about their passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished at my remark.