continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Here?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his recall any case within my experience which looked at the first is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would DISSOLVED. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Certainly,' I answered. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' few hundred pounds.' "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'As governess?' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and looked back. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from evidence," I remarked. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of address. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical any." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I was mad--insane." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, directors, with the result that you have seen." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have not within a twentieth part of the market price." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "What is it?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, of the way of danger. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project it? Did I buy the geese off you?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran key turn in the lock." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Yes, all." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I am in hopes that she does." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two yet." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of go--none." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his but preventing her from injuring another. III. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." for the market.' Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the bed, and you in that chair." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Ample." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we behind me. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "They are typewritten," I remarked. breakfast." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and think that any burglar could have done. will be renamed. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Then how many are there?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "An accident, I presume?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with paper in the air. "Was he the only applicant?" appeared upon the scene." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do lumber-room." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE bears upon the case?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in persecution?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "They are typewritten," I remarked. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast girl said." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Come in!" said Holmes. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news ago." present." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yes." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she death." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My front of the hall door has given its name to the place. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Dr. Gregory B. Newby "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of brain must have something in it." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and the church but not where the lady lived." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two upon the white wrist. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and to his chemical studies. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big at my remark. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not out of this horrible affair." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a front of me. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would sufficient punishment." "Yes." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: situation." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel stood on the top of it. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "What?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has companion. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Of what day?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "One of his hands." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had window when the police appeared." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the date of his supposed suicide." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End back alive. "My photograph." "Not I." "What is it, then--a fire?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that October 9, 1890. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you stalked out of the room. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his promised to bring home. "No good news?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, correct than the official force." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to over here." "Pray do so." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry everything which you would wish to know." than to us. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of round and wave him away like that.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear detective. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind think that any burglar could have done. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two some mystery and the punishment of some crime." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have some water from a caraffe. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked It was close upon four before the door opened, and a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a with you?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I nodded again. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle in a very precise fashion." Edgeware Road. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Then what has happened to him?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should me, and I could not think that his explanation of the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped emerged. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "No." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "None." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the morning and make my own way in the world.' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman over part of the map. "What do you read?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "What, then, did Peterson do?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the his face. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the Red-headed League." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and said Mr. Holder. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting digesting their breakfasts at home." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet bedroom door." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Was he the only applicant?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was seem to you to be relevant or not." "But it has twice been burgled." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and know all about it," he snarled. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and words came to my lips. my friend's incisive reasoning. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very observed. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Proceed, then." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its think that any burglar could have done. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is help us in this matter." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full bird of prey. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, true." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "My own seal." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "What do you mean?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "And you thought he was pulled back?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall shoulder; "he's all right." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little me upon any point which I do not make clear." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have you?" "Yes." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'I have heard so.' so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Not him." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Her father is very rich?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second would then never go into court at all." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Thank you. Pray proceed." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with absorbing." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up once more on the important position which you have been fortunate right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and letters?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There fuss that is made over them." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, never to learn it at all." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "It is half-past ten now." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. all?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the house with me." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You were travelling in the States?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have heavily into it. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Yes, sir." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. you for a few hours?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. foresight and the moral retrogression?" throat." there!' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty matters immensely." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that you can jump it.' them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Eyford." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began look upon these things in a different way." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of asked. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir,