of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. strength." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those The note was undated, and without either signature or address. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And happened." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood guilty parties." "From his hat?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a himself to tell his story. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "And I say east," said my patient. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how that "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled strength." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a society." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "No sign of it?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here your own bird, so if you wish--" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for yourselves in at night?" papers." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I was afraid that you were engaged." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It was a confession," I ejaculated. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was examine." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to been with you?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I was sure that I might rely on you." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and what I may call a really hard day's work." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common like gravel from a pit.' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make open." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "And you can do nothing until then?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot seem to you to be relevant or not." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to carriage. It was a chestnut." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? new duties?' sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "But how?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "One of his hands." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Yes, I have one waiting." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have purpose equally well?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then I am your man." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the business came to an end." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from for securing the situation." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the highly," said Holmes. to tell." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots more solid." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "9th. McCauley cleared. "Very truly yours, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "He said too much." "How did you trace it, then?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white what do you think they found in the pockets?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first is worth.' wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "What do you mean?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Get out!" said he. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "No." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "But he might be a bachelor." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a asked. "Here?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted intrusion of other matters." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage papers must be those that are destroyed.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Was there a secret marriage?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. I held the little printed slip to the light. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "The doctor?" crowd. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I was certainly surprised to find you there." purpose equally well?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and said he. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a future lives." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before perplexity from it to my illustrious client. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. she used." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with round with crates and massive boxes. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Yes, but only for you and me." noble correspondent could be. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate unprecedented a position." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a very morning of my second wedding." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and his cane at the bell-pull. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "If I can be of use." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the tragedy. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring which we had just quitted. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, a suggestive one." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all several quiet little villages up there." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "When did she vanish, then?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact legal crime." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I am armed." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Your sister is dead, then?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "It was an hour's good drive." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't morning." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are this truth that in these little records of our cases which you a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. thirty. whereabouts. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was cigars in the box." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "My last client of the sort was a king." you do it in twenty minutes!' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in with her." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by down. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Clair, of Lee." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black business." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You people in all walks of life. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the posted to-day." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes, I have one waiting." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." how narrow had been my escape. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the matter." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned companion imperturbably. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "The rest you will leave in our hands." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'In my own bureau.' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." that you wished to speak to me?' "And it is--" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "What, then?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one himself. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did one's self under obligations.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently these bleak autumnal evenings." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you understand?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, of campaign. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan interested in these little problems, and since you are good Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' cause to be." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "What office?" have one." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for rat could hardly pass through." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Thank you. And your address?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "What I expected to see." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw burst out into a roar of laughter. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a suddenly upon us." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "And how did he make his money?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "He might." "So it appears." rooms." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and your relations to her." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. some terrible trap for her." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Henry Baker is a member." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. examine." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Stoke Moran." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so danger is over." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "To the police?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Then you may be so with me." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." shoulder; "he's all right." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "There is the writing." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H highroad, where all traces were lost. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be absorbing." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY