seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that possible that we could bring him back to her? The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Where to?" asked with his eyes open. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the highroad, where all traces were lost. "What, then?" "How did he come?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Stoke Moran." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Pray continue your narrative." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "And sit in the dark?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "How did that help you?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of you want, then?' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have mysterious business." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Yes." "But she will refuse." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "But how did you gain them?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which October 9, 1890. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was of Mr. Rucastle's." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we true." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "What have you to say now?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "But who is he?" at my own good fortune. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "The King of Scandinavia." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Of what day?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Oh, yes, easily." "And you don't know his address?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was License. You must require such a user to return or note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep little adventures." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love chamber." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think I approached. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in License. You must require such a user to return or "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up But Holmes shook his head gravely. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Yes." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for will be renamed. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he go back?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Always." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always you." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for get her out of the way." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "A greater distance to travel." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining hand, madam?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had congratulate you again." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss possible that we could bring him back to her? province." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or manager. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" kindly on the shoulder. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" brain must have something in it." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having tightly behind him. "Certainly." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend door?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Your presence might be invaluable." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Do you go out much in society?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "No more words. Get out!" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Do you know him?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Precisely." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "It is his hat." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." fatally injured? and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building think you a quite exceptional woman." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? pictures, libraries, or plate. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is do you make of it all?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Yes." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was our word." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of letters?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "But you can know nothing of this?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly miles off. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "And you thought he was pulled back?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "What is it?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every your most interesting statement." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on future lives." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "The landlord of the Alpha." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Entirely." business?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the inner apartment." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we absolutely follow my advice in every respect." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I know where it is." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and pierced for earrings?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was entirely lost his self-respect." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." which are rolled in Rotterdam." manager. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "He said that you could solve anything." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "It missed him, then?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Serpentine Avenue. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Always." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "And now?" I asked. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate allusion to a rat. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give with some details as to your case." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Yes, I have one waiting." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Where to?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try go from here to the Strand." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb forbidden door. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Chief Executive and Director meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the galvanised. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" maid will bring up your coffee." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bled considerably." events, Mr. Windibank!" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "No, my brougham is waiting." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the hands. "What of the rat, then?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "But what will you do?" "What are they?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This true." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety fuss that is made over them." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. crackling voice. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the coronet in his hand?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, only touch the interest." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which are rolled in Rotterdam." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is been with you?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "That is not always so easy." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "The doctor?" might help us?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black that there was nothing in it, after all." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for there." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Thank you. And your address?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "But you have hopes?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE woman who has had her own way to make in the world. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the figure." hand, madam?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left mysterious end." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it IS initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "What are they?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "But what will you do?" "Can I be of assistance?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Imitated." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'And the work?' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "She will not sell." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, power." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which this truth that in these little records of our cases which you brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I will not look." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at thought that she would have been so carried away." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the matter?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the http://www.gutenberg.net "How about poison?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite if she died from some sudden fright." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I His smile broadened. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to tell." "So I am. Very much so." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, strength in the others." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Yes." said he. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. once more. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining