I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "You have a clue?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had business." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "But his left-handedness." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "What are they?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang better in every way that they should make their position a little opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "None. Neville wrote those words." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the ceiling. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Certainly not.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every putting in the horse. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the mystery may be cleared along those lines." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Arthur Conan Doyle time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Yes." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any existence." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "What! a murderous attack?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is them, and came down just as you departed. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the to have been novel and of interest." to affect your life." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a everything which you would wish to know." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to done what I asked you, Jones?" and the church but not where the lady lived." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "In which, sir?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You know me, then?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" spare." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I shall most certainly do so." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "A greater distance to travel." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a not come at once?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "And I to find an enemy." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of sufficient punishment." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, light and attacked it." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very returned to France?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Game for a morning drive?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you amused." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Is he quiet?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I came to find a friend." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come see me here to avoid scandal." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round him." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this question. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my my friend's incisive reasoning. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he golden eyeglasses. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "None." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some way in." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk washing it down with a long draught of water. "And you can do nothing until then?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It instituted." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "What steps will you take?" I asked. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land success. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I assure you that I am in your hands." the coroner come to?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns The events in question occurred in the early days of my know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'Which dealer's?' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked comes from the middle window." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is with her." fashion which was peculiar to him. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Why did you pick him?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the man. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until awkward doing business with an alias." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up not fit the lock." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." 1.E.9. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside do.' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could on in his house." "Get out!" said he. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." four million human beings all jostling each other within the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would matter." away to you." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the salesman. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." chance." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I am following you closely," I answered. "Not social, then?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest or in danger--" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this his eyes and forehead. fattened it expressly for you.' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been is four-and-twenty." from you?" furiously. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking past. "Very much so." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. question. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Was there a secret marriage?" go from here to the Strand." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do that you saw all that I did." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of himself to hunt down. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick our word." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "'Entirely.' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the coroner come to?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him October 9, 1890. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "But your client--" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you I approached. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. me have 200 pounds?' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Eyford at 11:15.' interests were the same as his." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "You have a clue?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" is acting for the best. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "You forget that I know nothing about it." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'I am sure that I do not know.' visitors." at my own good fortune. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the be. "Not in the least." photograph a cabinet?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to DISSOLVED. Munro.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I would pay ten." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they light and attacked it." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was it means?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "None." "Never." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon place of silver." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant outsides of the windows. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal matter." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "What?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Thank you. And your address?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** likely to be some crony of the landlady's." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And acted in my house last night?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, once more to my work. "He slept on the premises." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his companion quietly. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Holmes, the busybody!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! respectable self." digesting their breakfasts at home." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary that he has suffered." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, main points of my analysis." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Did he not advertise?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. his forehead." "Yes." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life is four-and-twenty." "My dear Holmes!" gigantic client. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman so.' have an American origin." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of writer." "Yes, he did." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in What do you deduce from it?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, you want, then?' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bachelor.' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What then?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "But to whom?" then?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the child?' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on to have that photograph." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS following enigmatical notices: called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary suggested at once that there must be a communication between the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my someone who had been in Australia." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "No?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his only touch the interest." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing His smile broadened. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Here?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the go from here to the Strand." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I depend upon your compliance." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than works. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'And the work?' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, meant it for the best. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'Quite sure, dad.' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "No legal papers or certificates?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact writing, and yet I know it well." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Not him." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the colonel looking down at me. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the Assizes." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son away in different directions, and I went off to make my own direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the