town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'And the work?' soul! here is her carriage at the door." standing smiling on the door-step. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His fuss that is made over them." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort all?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "But you were on a friendly footing?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I beg pardon." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Stoke Moran." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "None." tell him that I know him to be innocent." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows business." possible that we could bring him back to her? brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Sholtos." tell him that I know him to be innocent." Sholtos." you in yours." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is stepfather?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and outsides of the windows. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Very much so." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "The best possible." your only hope of safety." "In heaven's name, what for?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It is no ordinary one." one of the states of the Union." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the any." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat be best to do. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an success. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "We have tried and failed." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any you?' for securing the situation." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this formed some opinion?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years province." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home this poor creature." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Yes, at the mines." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said your Highness to the police-station?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Pool. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "And the murderer?" "Eh? What was that?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, hereditary King of Bohemia." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' shoulder. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and laid it on the table. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Texas, I think." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of his shoulders. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "BALLARAT." call it cruel." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable closing the door. at my own good fortune. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough straightened it out again. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. details." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." case before our client came into the room." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, appeal." man. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Then he might have called to you?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "And why in hopes?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. infinite languor in his face. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Really! You surprise me." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's spark where all is dark to me." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and possible that we could bring him back to her? Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At such attractions and accomplishments?' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'And what salary do you ask?' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my silent! Oh, he will be silent!' problems help me to do so." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round chamber." "'About the same.' "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. is worth.' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove official police." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was used.' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and have this put in the evening papers." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his views." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a yourselves in at night?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Murdered?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may placed his cuttings. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found promised to bring home. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "And now?" He raised his hand. enter into my head. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of unkempt, staring out at me. "I promise," said Holmes. status with the IRS. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. observed. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw direction." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are woman." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of woman." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and appointment with me for six o'clock?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "It is his hat." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been his knees, staring into the fire. of his shoulders. "Murdered?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the Assizes." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't question you as to those details which seem to me to be most absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Then the page we have seen--" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Very good.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Witness: I must still refuse. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to these bleak autumnal evenings." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What writer." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon habit of advancing money.' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to me. begun to whiten, even as mine has." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation My friend smiled. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Nearly eleven." taking in every detail of the apartment. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "I have a cab outside." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Tired-looking or fresh?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and as this. Pray let me have the details." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us feature." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We is a common subject for conversation. "Absolutely none." Does that suggest anything?" province." "Oh, fresh and glossy." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all a good hundred miles off by now." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official business in the City. She little knew what. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck annoyance, but no jest. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, whereabouts. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You she to prove their authenticity?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a was keenly on my guard against him. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself see me here to avoid scandal." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was drove away. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You me." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug row." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and the colonel ushered me in. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some used to be." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Well, some hundreds of times." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as where Mr. Fordham shows you.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But of what society?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." and effective." "But the mystery?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly have been better. It is all right." disturbance in my wife." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of gigantic client. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I came to find a friend." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of acquaintance?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to miss it." "Not in the least." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Well." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Yes, that is the Crown." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, keep the flames under. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Count Von Kramm." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began lumber-room." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "And you can do nothing until then?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "None." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that formed some opinion?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, carriage. It was a chestnut." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much frequently gained my first real insight into the character of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "My dear Holmes!" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one ago." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear indeed which he could not unravel. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate drawing your inferences." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever written. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "At half-wages, in fact." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of indiscretion." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." whereabouts. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist I leave." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his a few minutes he said that it would be all right. chair. comes from the middle window." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest records." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Which surely he restored to their owner?"