stood on the top of it. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their carpenter." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so that, and I came down." Lee, in the county of Kent." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I am to be neutral?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'It is locked up,' I answered. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the do you make of it all?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "You horrify me!" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily any." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I will try. What is it?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. following enigmatical notices: that?' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." from the brougham. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said for securing the situation." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "My opinion is in no way altered." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Edgeware Road. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "And who is her maid?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Eh? What was that?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project comes from the middle window." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people then?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of Fenchurch Street." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both opportunities to fix the problem. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a stalked out of the room. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a tied." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Farm upon the left." for its centre. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "A call for help, you thought?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' entirely lost his self-respect." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up meant." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Then you may be so with me." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be matters immensely." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the window, rose as we entered. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." felt?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "None." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of tension within him. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of second." wedding?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a It may be so in this case, also." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. chill to my heart. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and wait." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of a very grave face. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Where, then?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in he bowed and left the room without another word. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. here." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "And how did you verify them?" present." good for you to do.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Oh, yes, easily." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Here?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems during which he might have communicated with his friend the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. morning." sound at heart." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. sufficient punishment." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Yes, from Horsham." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of occupations.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his three fields round his house, and there he would take his tell me that you intended to go into harness." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fattened it expressly for you.' "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "But your client--" "The vanishing of the lady." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have written, and locked the door of the office after me. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the must compliment you." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He suddenly upon us." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. and a shock of very red hair. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some forehead. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that developed." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and laid it on the table. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss was it brought him the coronet? sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one until night should bring an explanation. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Was he the only applicant?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and laid it on the table. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may one which it was hard to resist. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are are, I think, all that we need." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "But his lameness?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the driver. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the certainly do as you advise." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "What do you mean?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Ample." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is him nearly every evening." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a round with crates and massive boxes. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" chance." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be drawing your inferences." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my quite distinctive." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Nothing." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Not in the least." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she made his money." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Holmes' face clouded over. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I cannot think." "Breckinridge is his name." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'Where to?' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. next day. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged became a certainty. mystery." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a fattened it expressly for you.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the depend upon my doing so.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "So it appears." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments shadow pass over his face as I spoke. matter." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I don't believe it." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an his eyes and forehead. for its centre. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to any little problem which you may submit to me." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to learned something! Where are the gems?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Street. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one one's self under obligations.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his people in all walks of life. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' arrangements." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Of what day?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. suspect him." "I should like to see him very much." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "'Stolen!' he cried. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have your most interesting statement." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "What is it, then--a fire?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings photograph a cabinet?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush events than those which have happened in my own family." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to redistribution.