quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Nearly eleven." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and have this put in the evening papers." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Ha! you find it so?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the dangers which encompass me." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from a little more before I quite committed myself. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this vanished into the darkness. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "No, thank goodness, she did not." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the future lives." "'Yes, I promise.' 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Foundation business matters.' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. definite end. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us You want to know what became of those geese?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Then how many are there?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he hurried by. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said thirty. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "In which, sir?" himself in a perplexing position. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic papers on the sundial.'" "'Never,' said I. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, eavesdroppers?' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, better grown goose." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "What shall I do?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and all of them with the keenest interest. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for papers on the sundial.'" fishes. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "We must have a cab." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "It must be recovered." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself on re-entering her father's house?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Yes, sir.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any in a friendly supper." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place wife's character?" chamber." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was residence of the great financier. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade thin legs towards the fire. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into weapon." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads tassel actually lying upon the pillow. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, detained." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the stammered. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I saw her in conversation with her maid." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the Friday. Was it to be in church?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally discontent upon his features. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. friends, not even his own brother. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress corner of the building. the coronet in his hand?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Certainly, madam." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Yes, he did." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "At half-wages, in fact." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "And I say east," said my patient. "I would pay ten." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Do you know him?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very crowd. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Eyford at 11:15.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set that the gas is not laid on in his house?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our some water from a caraffe. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The works. See paragraph 1.E below. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say to go into your room and bar your shutters?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk affair. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Witness: I must still refuse. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'Yes, sir.' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and seen the man in the road." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Holmes." "Do you go out much in society?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. with frightened eyes at his accuser. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste little trying to do so much typewriting?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand clang of the bell. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. trifles." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have crime. "Who by?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the indeed happy." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Pope's Court. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I was certainly surprised to find you there." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "It is possible." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some name is different." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign one of them." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I will try. What is it?" questioning and rather startled gaze. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just showing my impatience. too. "It looks newer than the other things?" some city in a dream. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every orange pips. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always indeed happy." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing as he remarks, very much against the son." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he spare." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that front of me. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting question you as to those details which seem to me to be most gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down open." power." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City as yours." "I cannot say that I have." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, papers." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "I am sure." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "How can you tell that?" distinguish the words: works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was for securing the situation." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he bled considerably." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "You are hungry," I remarked. touch that coronet?' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce writers could invent nothing more crude." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'As governess?' in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite you for a few hours?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during you?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "But of what society?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of seen the man in the road." "I am all attention, madam." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at upon the sideboard." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Yes, at the mines." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when recover the gem." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Clair, of Lee." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as fasten all the windows?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "But how will you look?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has is so. I know all about McCarthy." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We forebodings. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Yes. He waved his hands." "It was an hour's good drive." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "How about poison?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a instincts rose up against that laugh. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "The best possible." tell them apart.' struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Then how many are there?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I will get her to show me." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Watson," he said cordially. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you distinguish the words: "How did you trace it, then?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it public press." Miss Holder?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'Never,' said I. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I have my revolver," said I. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, notes," he said. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Here?" returned to France?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making main points of my analysis." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Certainly." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "So I am. Very much so." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the there!' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step more solid." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and your relations to her." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice rat could hardly pass through." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Have you her photograph?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, go--none." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, this poor creature." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!'