fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come important." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The doctor?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "The doctor?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you License. You must require such a user to return or "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And did you observe any change in her then?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, suddenly upon us." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Never,' said I. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Quite sure, dad.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Not him." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several detective. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss than was visible to me." "I cannot think." that I am arrested." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "But his lameness?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since respectable self." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Holmes rather sternly. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was which our visitor detailed to us. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were was feeling which was the fattest.' Dr. Gregory B. Newby quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police a monotonous occupation." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for business." "No legal papers or certificates?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up only touch the interest." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With License. You must require such a user to return or so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is http://gutenberg.net/license). "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE than was visible to me." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "No. What a strange idea!" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot o'clock is it?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, such attractions and accomplishments?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I have seen the police." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of occupations.' are, I think, all that we need." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who again before evening." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, me." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "But your client--" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "One horse?" interjected Holmes. I. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind detective. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the date of his supposed suicide." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, back to my heart. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the little opening for the ventilator is." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand that you wished to speak to me?' from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was not a bird to be seen there. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no asked. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner locked." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." not within a twentieth part of the market price." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most said he at last. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "How many? I don't know." to a light-house. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Can I be of assistance?" the warnings." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a showing my impatience. "There are none." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the stalked out of the room. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened know what is wrong with it.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'Where could I find him?' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went away to you." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "In San Francisco, a year ago." fasten all the windows?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, held up the lantern and gazed about him. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of straighten it?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to crackling voice. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible she used." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The young Openshaw's." train.' interested in these little problems, and since you are good in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no already referred to. floor. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "No good news?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, client, rising. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "What can you not understand?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the ceiling. "How can you tell that?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of Mr. Rucastle's." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "But who is he?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Cross for the Continent." Sholtos." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes, that is the Crown." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Certainly, madam." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Did he not advertise?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the an introduction to him?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Then, how do you know?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "And on what day did he meet his death?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to tell." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not as he folded up the epistle. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. very morning of my second wedding." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. retorted upon me, and I on you." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been matter." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, business in the City. She little knew what. again, where I was soon asleep. invisible to me," I remarked. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "It is possible." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right friends, not even his own brother. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to London for the present?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "How did you deduce the select?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the warnings." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "You have compromised yourself seriously." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to excitement. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'I am sure if I had known--' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Never.' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I is worth.' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; upon an income of about 60 pounds." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which imbecility!" he cried. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called touch that coronet?' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "At what time?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as investigation." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he very morning of my second wedding." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "And you can do nothing until then?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'Where could I find him?' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Holmes' room. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "You are hungry," I remarked. strode off upon his way. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Yes." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Then I shall certainly come." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' into the bag, and made for the door. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" golden eyeglasses. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that conclusions. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? amused." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely crowd. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my yet." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Not in the least." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over letters?" read over the extraordinary announcement. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The landlord of the Alpha." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being is a common subject for conversation. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Your sister is dead, then?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty which we had just quitted. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful death." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been writers could invent nothing more crude." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call assist you in forming an opinion."