it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "VIOLET HUNTER." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend joking. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so ourselves in the office." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into should be so warm over such a trifle." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "But it has twice been burgled." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "The knees of his trousers." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "You were travelling in the States?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. note?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps shall not find me ungrateful." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots desk. Sholtos." already been minutely examined." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the very letters. But what is this written above them?' purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards extraordinary contortions. a good hundred miles off by now." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Her father is very rich?" bell. Holmes whistled. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a that outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each of his shoulders. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his speckled band?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "You did not overhear what they said?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." his forehead." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this since then to throw any light upon what became of him." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the running down." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "You think so, too?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an read over the extraordinary announcement. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire sake, don't!" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I License. You must require such a user to return or that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of chair. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely laugh and put his lips to my ear. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an absorbing." the Assizes." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Won't it ring?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in test if we have an answer to our advertisement." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Yes, that is the Crown." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the throat." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: eat it." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "None." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told papers." salesman. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I know where it is." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, had this final quarrel? methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he My friend smiled. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Why, what do you mean?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party characteristics, but those are the more obvious." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "It surprised me." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Witness: Nothing definite. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no questioning and rather startled gaze. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." comes from the middle window." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light happened." main points of my analysis." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I knowledge of the world." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the get her out of the way." License. You must require such a user to return or opened the door, and slipped through. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Your French gold?" colour had been driven from his face. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his said I. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial your co-operation." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "And why?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely grasp, he hurried from the room. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "So I am. Very much so." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. letters?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his might have a private word with us. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit in my life." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such remarked. towards the blaze. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. depend upon my doing so.' hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! mystery." any little problem which you may submit to me." had picked up in the wood. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "My photograph." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. child?' be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." hereditary King of Bohemia." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good as this. Pray let me have the details." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the once more for Briony Lodge. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout at home. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Does that suggest anything?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Dr. Becher's." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and it." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the your bag." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Then I shall certainly come." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was strode off upon his way. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from like gravel from a pit.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Clair, of Lee." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "My dear Holmes!" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have to talk it over. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "What can you not understand?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "In heaven's name, what for?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two for securing the situation." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" good for you to do.' to a more successful conclusion." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back most important business. It is probable that he will be away all little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort had formerly been in part my own. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "An accident, I presume?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you good-night and bustled off upon her way. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at visitors." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" out." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and fattened it expressly for you.' easy-going way." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" a very grave face. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your sleep?' Doctor, of the paper and the date." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become young Openshaw's." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "And how did he make his money?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "At half-wages, in fact." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" taking in every detail of the apartment. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "But you would not advise me to refuse?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it lamp in his hand. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my returned to France?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That also I could fathom." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On only touch the interest." main points of my analysis." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "And from a noble client?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was point in the dark hollow of his hand. on re-entering her father's house?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Entirely.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? photograph a cabinet?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES foot. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have go back?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "But to whom?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and within hail.' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had legal crime." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of becomes even more simple." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'You cannot say what it was?' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Yes." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. companion. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had this final quarrel? when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we tail." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Why serious?" "Will you go?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out woman who has had her own way to make in the world. dates and names. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Holmes, the busybody!" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. outside." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said handed it to him. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' few hundred pounds.' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. seven miles from Eyford Station.' great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it with his own hands." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and ran thus: prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could