King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "My dear Holmes!" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all outside. opportunities to fix the problem. paper in the air. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what back alive. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." your Highness to the police-station?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "A client, then?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'And what are they worth?' I asked. felt?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm without a word or a look. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "It is possible." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "And Irene Adler?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I cannot as yet see any connection." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "You have compromised yourself seriously." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she really the only notable feature about the thing." was keenly on my guard against him. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I would pay ten." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to fire. You quite follow me?" it means?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the very morning of the wedding." "Yes." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Yes, at the mines." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have an American origin." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" out." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "You think so, too?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Breckinridge is his name." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "But what is it you wish?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in himself to tell his story. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over which are rolled in Rotterdam." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "You think that he is dead?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, detective. thought that she would have been so carried away." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' peculiar to him. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "And how did you verify them?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the charged with?" was a lad." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "'Entirely.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "From his hat?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers your only hope of safety." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the driver. "None." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Again Holmes raved in the air. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." I shall continue with my miserable story. electronic works it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I fear not." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the date of his supposed suicide." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no with her." "My dear Holmes!" outsides of the windows. joking. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. miles off. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "The Coroner: What do you mean? memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the on re-entering her father's house?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. do you make of it all?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I am about to be married." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "A thing like a cleaver," said he. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "And I to find an enemy." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the His smile broadened. then?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink carpenter." with you?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Tired-looking or fresh?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I think that it is very probable." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of of them has the shutters up.' "My dear Holmes!" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I beg pardon." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "No sign of it?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "In the cells." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and woven round him. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. I have it here in my museum." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Serpentine Avenue. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last is worth.' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have my room." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Where, indeed?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against cause to be." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the gbnewby@pglaf.org gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE shoulder. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally union?" to a more successful conclusion." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our other lovers by making love himself." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "They are typewritten," I remarked. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. It may be so in this case, also." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock prisoner's face. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my http://www.gutenberg.net explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping opened the door, and slipped through. your equipment. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'I shall certainly be there.' himself to hunt down. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "How do you know, then?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first maid will bring up your coffee." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "But who is he?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." past. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, everything which you would wish to know." straightened it out again. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his forehead." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'Certainly not.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." shaken than I had ever seen him. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different entirely devoid of interest." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Certainly." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Yes." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Very truly yours, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, companion quietly. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting your billet.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle go from here to the Strand." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. your Highness to the police-station?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" generous with you in money matters.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Precisely." "And from a noble client?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down any little problem which you may submit to me." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand and prosperity to your house. Good-night." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can wedding?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "An accident, I presume?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time you in your example." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "In what way?" asked Holmes. "BALLARAT." stalked out of the room. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you my little problems." there!' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was within hail.' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "But how will you look?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Lee, in the county of Kent." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "But his lameness?" round with crates and massive boxes. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I up this clue while it is still hot." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any question you as to those details which seem to me to be most arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "'Is purely nominal.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you thought that she would have been so carried away." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." fear." to tell." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Where to?' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it know all about it," he snarled. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and spark where all is dark to me." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Yes, it was gone.' PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an place of silver." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Pope's Court. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to appeared upon the scene." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning crowd. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which country, and eventually married, without anyone having a your troubles." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and acted in my house last night?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Perhaps I have." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Was there a secret marriage?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are most important business. It is probable that he will be away all pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted in darkness.