discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Nearly eleven." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Thank you. Pray proceed." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent him and tried to hold him back. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the any more." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Cross for the Continent." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook in the port of London." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I have come for advice." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "The knees of his trousers." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can success. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their instincts rose up against that laugh. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put chair. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I get the tickets." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to be there in time for your coming." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of and capable of preserving a secret.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began go from here to the Strand." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Do you go out much in society?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "I am following you closely," I answered. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I don't believe it." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all recover the gem." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary obstinate." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "'Where to?' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Where is it, then?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Eyford at 11:15.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you one else, I think." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Can I be of assistance?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Not social, then?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "When did she vanish, then?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it there when the Rucastles went away." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a nice household for a young lady." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Holmes rather sternly. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the knowledge of the world." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that there when the Rucastles went away." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I from you?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote outbreak?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in shoulder. intrusion of other matters." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And how have you succeeded?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us happened." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently 11:15.' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Stoke Moran?" said he. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Oh, the cause is excellent!" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Very. But will he see it?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I am all attention, madam." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he beg that you will break it off." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of not fit the lock." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished 1.F. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." easy-going way." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "She will not sell." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Ample." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in enter into my head. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after before, for it was considerably after midnight. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few gentleman's clothes. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to miss it." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I cannot imagine." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use absorbing." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He my former friend and companion. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Awake, Watson?" he asked. child?' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "What?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was meant." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "But I have heard all that you have heard." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes had a long day." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Where, then?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to affect your life." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very south, for the country is more deserted there." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "The knees of his trousers." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have obstinate." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the coronet at all injured?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "That sounds a little paradoxical." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "When did it break out?" returned to France?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I leave." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Farm upon the left." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon morning." danger is over." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" woman." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Oh, fresh and glossy." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that other means.' Again Holmes raved in the air. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my distinguish the words: "Then you may be so with me." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" clanging. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "So it appears." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Does that suggest anything?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to little adventures." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have confronted him. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, him. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in throat." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to electronic works it right.' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'Stolen!' he cried. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has happened." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue gentleman's clothes. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. drove away. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I will, Miss Turner." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And how did you find out?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like together. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Yes." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "And the murderer?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I was afraid that you were engaged." me where it went to?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that question," said Holmes, smiling. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than strength." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really this remarkable episode. "No bad?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between congenial hunt. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I cannot tell." companion quietly. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the matter." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a his wife has ceased to love him." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Why serious?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Thank you. Pray proceed." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I to-night?" I asked. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And how in the world did you find them?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence spare." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Then I do not see the point." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I will do it." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I am in hopes that she does." "You think that he is dead?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of there was no need for father to know." business." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, awkward doing business with an alias." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are chemical work which was so dear to him. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark it." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my at once, for I have only half an hour." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Precisely so. But how--" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London must compliment you." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was