"She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" security.' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was at a side door. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which from the brougham. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. reach." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear amused." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Yes." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all next day. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging done what I asked you, Jones?" "You are hungry," I remarked. "Where is it, then?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the thin legs towards the fire. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him taking in every detail of the apartment. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of campaign. "You are hungry," I remarked. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look that there was nothing in it, after all." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. to tackle the facts." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I will try. What is it?" the child." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "'What do you call purely nominal?' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere voice. "Not social, then?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "What will you say?" the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Pray continue your narrative." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have written, and locked the door of the office after me. way in." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the very morning of the wedding." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My which our visitor detailed to us. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and it need not interfere very much with one's other is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It is a murder, then?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It looks newer than the other things?" "Precisely." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the business in the City. She little knew what. writer." least a most suspicious remark." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, attention." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Frequently." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after papers must be those that are destroyed.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the stable lane now." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "We have tried and failed." envelope. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'What then?' I asked. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible 'I should be able to look after that for you.' were new raised from a basin. Holmes. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Never." "On Monday." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or questionable one." you?' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Where does the thing come from?' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your up this clue while it is still hot." "My dear Holmes!" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had matter." "So I have heard." may never be exposed to such a temptation." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be his face. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the coronet in his hands?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, could not have written that. It is the German who is so of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Doctor, of the paper and the date." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." next day. from the brougham. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Where to?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "None." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the back to my heart. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "So I am. Very much so." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a ran thus: again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Yes." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled might help us?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by forbidden door. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" persecution?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "And you don't know his address?" the south-west, I see." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. his huge brown hands. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down weary and pale-looking. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional one of them." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "What! a murderous attack?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Holmes." of this gang." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Can I be of assistance?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to matter." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, there was no need for father to know." "'And the work?' consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we least a fellow-countryman. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "What?" sneer upon his pale face. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite lamp. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of gives a meaning to it." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and fait accompli?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed notes," he said. girl said." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same maid will bring up your coffee." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "What have you to say now?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of nonsense.' key turn in the lock." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I will not look." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "What have you to say now?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of outside." "Then you may be so with me." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Certainly." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. in him." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I am to be neutral?" "But what will you do?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." which was all perfectly true. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the depend upon my doing so.' and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "The decline of his fortunes, then?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack been." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without brandy and water within his reach. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Bought." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Again Holmes raved in the air. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the posted to-day." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. highroad, where all traces were lost. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and capable of preserving a secret.' strong and stiff." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." plantation.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. is," said he presently: Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a his grey eyes. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. matters immensely." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for was a loud and authoritative tap. the best of training." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said confronted him. was keenly on my guard against him. "A greater distance to travel." I was concerned in it." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets this Miss Turner." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite sneer upon his pale face. bled considerably." the stones. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over least a most suspicious remark." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "He disappeared so suddenly." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well he bowed and left the room without another word. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Not particularly." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "The vanishing of the lady." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "They are typewritten," I remarked. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I have solved it." events, Mr. Windibank!" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked again." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly strength in the others." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned tell me that you intended to go into harness." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Not in the least." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "One of the highest in England." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is strength of mind to control. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and capable of preserving a secret.' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "He might." I think that I could be of assistance to you." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle wanted for ourselves." man. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "But it has twice been burgled." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began forbidden door. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "What I expected to see." not within a twentieth part of the market price." the stable lane now." "'In my own bureau.' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to tackle the facts." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "None."