me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the little opening for the ventilator is." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'In my own bureau.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I take the flies, but not before." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Nothing?" "Really! You surprise me." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "What have you done?" asked Holmes. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there shoulder. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn what I may call a really hard day's work." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one or in danger--" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'I am sure if I had known--' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of before the coroner and the police-court." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers coat-tails." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "In heaven's name, what for?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could matter." Leadenhall Street--and--" ways of our fellow-men." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And what did you learn from him?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to really the only notable feature about the thing." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Sholtos." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and all of them with the keenest interest. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young that returned to France?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows hand, madam?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "In which, sir?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. himself to tell his story. presume?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Then I am your man." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a speckled band?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," than to us. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I help us in this matter." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose see me here to avoid scandal." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of house for five minutes.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." go from here to the Strand." despaired of." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that bonnet, and went out." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that village inn over there?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present and no precautions can guard against." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised what these perils are?" unclasping of his long thin hands. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'In my own bureau.' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I enough to aid us in our search." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for which should have the effect of calling the attention of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "To an English lawyer named Norton." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'About the same.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I cannot imagine." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography conduct the inquiry." never to learn it at all." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on detained." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" business at Coburg Square is serious." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "No, I think that I'll take it." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of at my remark. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "And the cigar-holder?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'About the same.' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were interests were the same as his." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been upon the white wrist. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a could go. tell him that I know him to be innocent." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Quite so." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the village inn over there?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will companion. "Then, as to money?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Absolutely?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the newspaper selections." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have been better. It is all right." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of conduct the inquiry." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers questionable one." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." stalked out of the room. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "No, but the enclosure is." "No, I had a dozen." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the in a friendly supper." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "I know where it is." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one your own bird, so if you wish--" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Holmes." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "It is solved." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. absorbing." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at works. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "When did she vanish, then?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "And leave your case unfinished?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had to some other building. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Where is it, then?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and all of them with the keenest interest. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Nothing." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes better grown goose." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "No?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew them, and came down just as you departed. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "And why in hopes?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring allusion to a rat. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the believe that I should never have any practice at all. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The drawing your inferences." "Quite so. She has her freedom." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "But you can know nothing of this?" conduct the inquiry." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life them present such singular features as the strange train of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dates and names. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have got?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Yes, sir.' affection." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'Certainly not.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His are, and they are waiting for us." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of man. "My opinion is in no way altered." the stones. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which both be extremely obliged.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'And what are they worth?' I asked. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "But how?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said interests were the same as his." "Quite so." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since mystery may be cleared along those lines." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, fled together." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. answered with a sidelong glance. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What will you say?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the like that before?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat I took the paper from him and read as follows: "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. His name is Francis Prosper." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'Certainly,' I answered. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Of what?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the tragedy. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had morning." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was everything which you would wish to know." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." details." "'Why that?' I asks. "And did you observe any change in her then?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated for the market.' out of this horrible affair." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit bedroom door." of." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Never,' said I. his cane at the bell-pull. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the side-table." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, later, upon the night of May 2nd." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I shall be delighted." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to speckled band?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Very much so." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and his eyes and forehead. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, already referred to. washing it down with a long draught of water. "No more words. Get out!" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you business matters.' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Then how many are there?" "Stolen." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, wedding?" "Not yet." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been himself to hunt down. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Did he not advertise?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend,