could not have written that. It is the German who is so man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I definite end. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go never to learn it at all." "To an English lawyer named Norton." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the kind enough to tell me what I should do." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It is possible." felt the room to be a little close.' five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "And the cigar-holder?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and my little problems." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "And what did you learn from him?" it. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one bird of prey. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk made his money." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so hurried away. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The King stared at him in amazement. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Seven!" I answered. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "No, thank goodness, she did not." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "She told me to ask you." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. congenial hunt. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it is a common subject for conversation. your equipment. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with gigantic client. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss respectable self." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'I have already given you my word.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The records." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "What steps will you take?" I asked. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'It is locked up,' I answered. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'And the work?' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Just look it up, then." manager. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit upon the white wrist. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" murdered man." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "What is it?" "And that is--" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully was keenly on my guard against him. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "There is the writing." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "One horse?" interjected Holmes. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I know where it is." had picked up in the wood. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press happened." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "What is it?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the iron safe, which he closed upon it. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "None. Neville wrote those words." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' be best to do. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. have had none more fantastic than this." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose them?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Absolutely none." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." mysterious end." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a good hundred miles off by now." three fields round his house, and there he would take his friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Well?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." introspective fashion. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. more terrible than the truth. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I have hopes." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Serpentine Avenue. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my himself to tell his story. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our him and tried to hold him back. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of campaign. "Very much so." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "But what is it you wish?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Yes, I have one waiting." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was business matters.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening that I may have something better before very many minutes are distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "My private note-paper." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the front of me. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Yes." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Yes." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. case before our client came into the room." "What is it?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ordinary clothes on?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as with you?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Perhaps we may make them less so." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the salesman. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" there has been an enclosure here!" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that perplexity from it to my illustrious client. tear off another piece?' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fait accompli?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, way in." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new wall." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately pressing in one house as in another. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of a light. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a directly by questioning you." question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I assure you that I am in your hands." lips." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I cannot think." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the horse could go." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered The King stared at him in amazement. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Yes.' sparkled upon his finger. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to way in." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "There are none." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and these bleak autumnal evenings." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And nonsense.' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated highly," said Holmes. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a chance at all." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "What then?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "And now?" He raised his hand. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the devil!" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Your French gold?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I will, Miss Turner." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the armchair which I pushed forward for him. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "So I have heard." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. shall use the carriage to-night." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I beg pardon." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Yes, I have one waiting." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever lips." galvanised. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, I. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** past. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child three fields round his house, and there he would take his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a dramatic, in fact." see me here to avoid scandal." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. carriage. It was a chestnut." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "But it has twice been burgled." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there habit of advancing money.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And Irene Adler?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Here?" "'I have heard so.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was examine." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Really! You surprise me." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no voice. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, go from here to the Strand." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'Never,' said I. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "It certainly sounds feasible." "'Most admirably.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said weapon." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be writer." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed colonel looking down at me. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the roused himself from his reverie. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and