right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from it were putty." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in money should be paid at once.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was narrative." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local children over to America with him, so that I found myself without straighten it?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "And how did you verify them?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' made his money." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, noble correspondent could be. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I late." "That sounds a little paradoxical." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never This is what he says: "Upon what point?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank results." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "She will not sell." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable breakfast?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he cigars in their mouths. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an take the flies, but not before." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which said I. "I have come for advice." "I will not look." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the outbreak?" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH John Swain, of St. Augustine. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "None. Neville wrote those words." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and mysterious end." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was handed it to him. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek nice household for a young lady." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon is entirely a question of barometric pressure." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" works. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery will be renamed. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we What do you deduce from it?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "It is his hat." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said was a loud and authoritative tap. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an is worth.' have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Countess of Morcar's?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my province." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your to-night?' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' who was a member of your goose club." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon questionable one." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "The Coroner: What do you mean? red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window fuss that is made over them." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Why? What do you mean?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "No, thank goodness, she did not." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was is a common subject for conversation. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "No, thank goodness, she did not." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come nights." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed gentleman's clothes. "It came here." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, I held the little printed slip to the light. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Murdered?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "No sign of it?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Then he might have called to you?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She round and wave him away like that.' "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ searched, without anything being found which could incriminate reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden prepare for the new role I have to play." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS enough to aid us in our search." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily lamp. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still his forehead." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my morning." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how there was no need for father to know." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "One horse?" interjected Holmes. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent not as remarkable as your advertisement." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." power." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "How did he come?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, feature." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'And the work?' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Here?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "In which, sir?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Yes, at the mines." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise salesman. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said crime. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely went to the Alpha were town bred." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a away into the river." "So I heard. You have him here?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the way: gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl copied or distributed: and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you is four-and-twenty." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And for present expenses?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Lee, in the county of Kent." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. which our visitor detailed to us. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "So I am. Very much so." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into everything which you would wish to know." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Why, it's a dummy," said he. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, a very grave face. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small some terrible trap for her." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which voice, changing her seat as requested. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very be sorry for having acted so harshly." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Sutherland. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is families. Now for the facts. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and article?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the Red-headed League." wife's character?" "I cannot tell." have got?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Ah, but I was recommended to you." will take you up to see the machine.' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we national property. I was determined that the law should have its and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he cost them two and thirty pounds." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his stammered. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin do.' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "It certainly sounds feasible." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." presume?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Witness: Nothing definite. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Do you know him?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought said he. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to not, dad?" she asked. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Imitated." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed with you?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Pray let us have it, for all that." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. head. So long, then!" gentleman's clothes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the of a light. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the night.' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "That is not always so easy." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the know that the truth is known." definite end. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, appeared upon the scene." "Oh, fresh and glossy." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Proceed, then." "Only as much as we can deduce." six. Come in!" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "That is possible." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven prison!" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. tail." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless business in the City. She little knew what. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I promise," said Holmes. "What do you make of that, Watson?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew