"Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Where did you address your letters, then?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a tail." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders during the last few years, and there are many noble families to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the there." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. held up the lantern and gazed about him. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert hereditary King of Bohemia." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, interested in these little problems, and since you are good He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he one which it was hard to resist. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. child?' that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it sit on the left-hand side of the driver." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "No, distinctly professional." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "I will try. What is it?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is things are very often connected not with the larger but with the she might be summoned. kindly on the shoulder. "Witness: I must still refuse. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. disturbance in my wife." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "How often?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "And help." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by your billet.' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I should wish to." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "'Ten to two.' all-comprehensive glances. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, have one." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the lamp. society." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls enter Dr. Roylott's room." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker if I call to-morrow?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the "What is it, then--a fire?" Street. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I friend's singular character. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Not in the least." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "What! Had he lost his wife?" the date of his supposed suicide." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even strode off upon his way. "It looks newer than the other things?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "And how have you succeeded?" "Certainly." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the events, Mr. Windibank!" she might be summoned. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a investigation." "'And the work?' absolutely follow my advice in every respect." that you wished to speak to me?' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me legal crime." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no opened a pocket-book and took out a note. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs everything which you would wish to know." "'Most admirably.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than second window is the one that I jumped from." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Not particularly." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I was lame." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue least a fellow-countryman. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the 'please.'" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I cannot think." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "But of what society?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the date of his supposed suicide." sparkled upon his finger. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief fact, we may call it conclusive." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian closing the door. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And I to find an enemy." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair point in the dark hollow of his hand. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." speckled band?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and I shall be with you presently." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, has little to do with my story." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I am all attention, madam." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak think that any burglar could have done. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same to-night?' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible corner of the building. look dissatisfied." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and questionable one." cost them two and thirty pounds." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "But I am all in the dark." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Then he might have called to you?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than answered with a sidelong glance. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I don't say that. Perhaps." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "You don't mind breaking the law?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Texas, I think." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the salesman. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I absorbing." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I true." "Then how many are there?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be cigars in their mouths. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "How many? I don't know." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Holmes' room. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had question," said Holmes, smiling. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was distinguish the words: "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "ARAT," I read. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through too. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. south, for the country is more deserted there." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "No, but the enclosure is." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "On your arm?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually skylight. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey main points of my analysis." upon the shelf for the interim." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' minor matters until to-morrow." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." get the tickets." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest putting in the horse. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "But how did you gain them?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "But he might be a bachelor." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to himself to tell his story. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I fear not." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "At what time?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Most admirably.' families. Now for the facts. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed maid will bring up your coffee." to his chemical studies. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes foot. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Your presence might be invaluable." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham certainly not very gracious." "That's no good." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is eat it." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Murdered?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, is four-and-twenty." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the been with you?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the about. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and inquire as to the address." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his business?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in late!' observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical strength." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "He disappeared so suddenly." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich meant it for the best. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. had picked up in the wood. acted in my house last night?" business." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "None." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your started for the Temple to see my husband. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "And Irene Adler?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat possible that we could bring him back to her? present." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian we went to search for him, face downward in a little cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "It is very kind of you." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while later, upon the night of May 2nd." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the them?" Pope's Court. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray tell us what has happened to you." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account in his hands." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of appeared upon the scene." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I nodded again. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, done what I asked you, Jones?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I locked." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "No, I think that I'll take it." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "It surprised me." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I giving me time to thank him. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety too. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "A call for help, you thought?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "No good news?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found and inquire as to the address." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard.