my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the side-table." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Where, indeed?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. persecution?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it must compliment you." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as him." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might sentimental considerations in the background which would induce skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. ourselves in the office." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning and that he would see to anything that turned up. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there is a decided draught." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "How did you trace it, then?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." again." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall outbreak?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind colonel looking down at me. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You have but to name it." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are strength of mind to control. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "No, but the enclosure is." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: was used.' large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that your most interesting statement." there." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What will you say?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but forecastle of an emigrant ship. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have she to prove their authenticity?" there is a decided draught." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if pictures, libraries, or plate. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that threaten you." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is that you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "How are you getting on?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every weary and pale-looking. "Upon what point?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, I am not easy in my mind about them." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "No sign of it?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was bird I ate is country bred." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and residence of the great financier. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. residence of the great financier. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the bed, and you in that chair." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Heh?' pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that he has suffered." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months danger is over." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "We were both in the photograph." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you purpose equally well?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe hardly wander." "Oh, yes, easily." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, occurred." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "But how will you look?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the paper in the air. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector your only hope of safety." "Get out!" said he. "I cannot think." purpose equally well?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Texas, I think." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Here?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Well?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room flock.' white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that woven round him. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." your only hope of safety." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Henry Baker is a member." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in out." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts beyond words. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was have accepted such a situation. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I am to be neutral?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This comes from the middle window." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would your room." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the do." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine your troubles." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and and a shock of very red hair. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while dates and names. to a light-house. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." drawing your inferences." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of cigars in the box." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it business in the City. She little knew what. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed was keenly on my guard against him. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Sutherland. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect go from here to the Strand." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. His name is Francis Prosper." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "And did you observe any change in her then?" meant." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'Then let me do so?' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he union?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "But it has twice been burgled." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from look dissatisfied." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual strength." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door girl said." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he it? Did I buy the geese off you?" comes from the middle window." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which promised to bring home. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "BALLARAT." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. feature." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just rooms." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was his huge brown hands. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Witness: It was. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his meant it for the best. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Where is it, then?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "My dear Holmes!" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He several quiet little villages up there." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all of it with the greatest attention. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "The gentleman I describe." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from important." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter writers could invent nothing more crude." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the about. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "What is it, then--a fire?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Not yet." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Game for a morning drive?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return careless servant girl?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking During two years I have had three consultations and one small lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was never to learn it at all." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the such attractions and accomplishments?' "And what did you see?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick voice. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I promise," said Holmes. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "And you don't know his address?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite already been minutely examined." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the III. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "And your mother is alive?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Come in!" said he. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "What I expected to see."