"Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Then I am your man." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, was used.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'A dozen yards or so.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "What will you say?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small down. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, guilty parties." "'How far from the body?' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just pressing in one house as in another. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after telegram would bring me down to your help." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of ourselves in the office." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "No more words. Get out!" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Not yet." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long three fields round his house, and there he would take his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" bearing upon the case." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business colour had been driven from his face. of Fenchurch Street." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for visitors." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Did he not advertise?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and have this put in the evening papers." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead south, for the country is more deserted there." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then page at http://pglaf.org the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you past. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Yes, at the mines." character. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch IS his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I will not look." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, detective. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up my little problems." union?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "But not more so than I to find you." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. empty. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered hair?' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't had a long day." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "My dear Holmes!" "Yes." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per some water from a caraffe. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Yes." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her started for the Temple to see my husband. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to careless servant girl?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'Never.' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their matters immensely." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I galvanised. "'Certainly not.' have established a very serious case against the son of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Pray let us have it, for all that." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "And why in hopes?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front fish-monger and a tide-waiter." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in sneer upon his pale face. washing it down with a long draught of water. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because ashen face. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Who by?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Watson," he said cordially. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the station." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in fashion which was peculiar to him. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His few hundred pounds.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to you." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too over here." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of himself to tell his story. "I was sure that I might rely on you." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled ran thus: "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think make me his representative both with the servants and with the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Then, as to money?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it was a lad." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the side-table." "'Where could I find him?' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per unprofitable." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I have I gained?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "No, I am descending." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the new duties?' ways of our fellow-men." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "One of his hands." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you in my life." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my his grey eyes. when you have done it." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up important." obstinate." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I am all attention, madam." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he photograph a cabinet?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue what is your own theory as to what took place?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the stable lane now." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat throat." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money excitement. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were mystery." touch that coronet?' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I beg pardon." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a sofa. This way, please!" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I views." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless she has been waylaid. There has been no result." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a said I. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes. He waved his hands." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "9th. McCauley cleared. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Where, then, is my wife?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man was lame." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up read it out to me." upon an income of about 60 pounds." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether my special province." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. returning from some small jollification and was making his way relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in intimate personal affairs in this public manner." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker arrested. You then--" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Yes, I have one waiting." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his this as likely?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "You have compromised yourself seriously." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined both be extremely obliged.' "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to his chemical studies. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the coroner come to?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the taking in every detail of the apartment. "And how did you verify them?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his time." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "On the contrary, this is the right side." made him keep the appointment." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet unprofitable." be sorry for having acted so harshly." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, from Horsham." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." see a sister of mine apply for." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Why, what do you mean?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not without a word or a look. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from know that the truth is known." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Stolen." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Very good.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Foundation assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. fattened it expressly for you.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "To an end?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to had a long day." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry vault. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I am following you closely," I answered. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective constraint." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Was your sister dressed?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and him. returned to France?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the