one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I would give my fortune to have them back." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "It was." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. ashen face. "I don't say that. Perhaps." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would served to weaken the effect. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Chief Executive and Director me." "I have come for advice." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "You horrify me." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Then you may entirely rely on me." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Sutherland. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the you in your example." do." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the joking. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I morning." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the any." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "He slept on the premises." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Yes, sir." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could at home. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. me. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked peculiar to him. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "How can you tell that?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your always that they were such commands as a lady might with should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six walking." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that visitors." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and had picked up in the wood. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where lumber-room." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the Red-headed League." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." letters?" "When did she vanish, then?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" beg that you will break it off." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to morning." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well shoulder; "he's all right." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped of the efforts of the United States government and of the better firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very sufficient punishment." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He skylight. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "And you can do nothing until then?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." guilty parties." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to three fields round his house, and there he would take his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He sit on the left-hand side of the driver." brandy and water within his reach. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "But we can't all be." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked had picked up in the wood. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her down. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give room?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the side-table." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Well?" opened the door, and slipped through. becomes even more simple." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you go from here to the Strand." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural astonishment. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the window when the police appeared." yet." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Always." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This he. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Perfectly so." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'As governess?' "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "At half-wages, in fact." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Your French gold?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "'Never,' said I. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs said Mr. Holder. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. delighted to hear it," he said. went to the Alpha were town bred." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be depend upon your compliance." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "At what time?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these The summons was a brief and urgent one. compunction about shooting them down." Holmes' room. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "A greater distance to travel." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in other means.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first dead, shall be safe with us." "Pray do so." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the driver. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, did not hear it also.' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they your troubles." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a me. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "The best possible." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another than to us. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will client, rising. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "To an English lawyer named Norton." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Very much so." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project families. Now for the facts. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "No." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "It is his hat." "Stoke Moran?" said he. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business presented more singular features than that which was associated photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from results." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a upon the shelf for the interim." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he less than 26s. 4d. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I don't believe it." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I say that I have solved it." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "He might." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred to some other building. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be with the outside air!" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very But Holmes shook his head gravely. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is did not hear it also.' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "No." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but had formerly been in part my own. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? back into the street. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "How did that help you?" breakfast." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "My private note-paper." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. advice." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, forebodings. maid will bring up your coffee." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from to go into your room and bar your shutters?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT with some details as to your case." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Miss Holder?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Just look it up, then." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, my special province." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "You have compromised yourself seriously." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told triumphant cloud from his cigarette. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid newspaper selections." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole hardly wander." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the whatever might befall. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a intrusion of other matters." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Very truly yours, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I was afraid that you were engaged." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if is so. I know all about McCarthy." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the from the brougham. not as remarkable as your advertisement." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must to me. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Then the page we have seen--" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I see no marks." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, straighten it?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I saw her in conversation with her maid." morning." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Frequently." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she