fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. formed some opinion?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in enter into my head. "Not yet." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fact, we may call it conclusive." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the tragedy. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no to tackle the facts." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Always." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I there is a decided draught." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" were new raised from a basin. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger new acquaintance to Baker Street. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from I nodded again. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is not personally threatened." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. door?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no My friend smiled. which was all perfectly true. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. States. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "He disappeared so suddenly." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the salesman. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' presented more singular features than that which was associated writers could invent nothing more crude." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, what is your own theory as to what took place?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that o'clock is it?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little enter into my head. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either that?' companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, six. Come in!" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Come in!" said he. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in a very precise fashion." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I three of the beryls in it, was missing. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard without a word or a look. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the there has been an enclosure here!" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard companion. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to bearing upon the case." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "It is his hat." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. brandy and water within his reach. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hurried by. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the little opening for the ventilator is." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly whether it answered to the description of any of their you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned one of them." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "If I can be of use." awaited us upon the table. "It is possible." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to and all of them with the keenest interest. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door side. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Yes." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when forehead. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the look upon these things in a different way." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you other, as fresh and trim as possible. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has other means.' "What can you not understand?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned spare." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Did you become engaged then?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. peculiar to him. conceal it?" the coronet in his hand?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Witness: Nothing definite. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "And why?" awkward doing business with an alias." is a common subject for conversation. least a fellow-countryman. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, been deceived." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Yes, sir." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them green of the new foliage. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Yes." the one as in the other." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Ah!" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "But what is it you wish?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I should wish to." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Count Von Kramm." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "When did she vanish, then?" there in twenty minutes." have accepted such a situation. "What, then?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the inner apartment." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." During two years I have had three consultations and one small married her." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I say it is." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Your presence might be invaluable." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then stammered. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was my former friend and companion. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year noting anything else of interest. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year once more to my work. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "How often?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official generous with you in money matters.' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming constraint." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "No, I had a dozen." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Where is it, then?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since see a sister of mine apply for." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become your most interesting statement." gone before you can get him to hospital." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at 11:15.' our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and the church but not where the lady lived." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Was your sister dressed?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered coat-tails." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "He is dead," cried several voices. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove key of the affair now." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had The note was undated, and without either signature or address. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I already been minutely examined." "The best possible." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my I nodded again. awkward doing business with an alias." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "It certainly sounds feasible." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the general public were present, then?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" would apply.' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'I have already given you my word.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short upon the white wrist. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "I shall be delighted." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery which was all perfectly true. the matter?" whereabouts. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. some water from a caraffe. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad gone. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of sofa. This way, please!" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set leaning back in his chair. showing my impatience. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'Certainly,' I answered. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that definite end. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I am following you closely," I answered. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "A call for help, you thought?" unclasping of his long thin hands. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "He is still with you, I presume?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling a monotonous occupation." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "The best possible." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "She walked into the breakfast-room." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "I should wish to." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and obstinate." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off he bowed and left the room without another word. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "In answer to an advertisement." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'What do you call purely nominal?' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how seem to you to be relevant or not." of it with the greatest attention. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the stood on the top of it. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, you." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of fishes. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever fact, we may call it conclusive." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'You cannot say what it was?' and that he would see to anything that turned up. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the so-precious time, but come!' "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial other lovers by making love himself." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." your troubles." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" pound a week." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "No, distinctly professional." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Henry Baker is a member." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the corner of the building. "No. What a strange idea!" "A confidential servant?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "She will not sell." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? both be extremely obliged.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a