enter Dr. Roylott's room." placed his cuttings. more terrible than the truth. "Did you observe the colour?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in assist you in forming an opinion." see a sister of mine apply for." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were together. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You horrify me." "But how?" you understand?" were new raised from a basin. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the general public were present, then?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear more terrible than the truth. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Your sister is dead, then?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic arms and began to sob in a high treble key. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' at my remark. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Well, but China?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out second." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland do." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it throat." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately rose-bushes. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I cannot tell." the one as in the other." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that American. Then who could this American be, and why should he who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I to-night." he. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to forehead. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." me have 200 pounds?' showing my impatience. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And from a noble client?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He anything to do with the matter?" pictures, libraries, or plate. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At salesman. way in everything. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Nor running a chance of arrest?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ventilator." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the room while you explain this matter?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and within hail.' village inn over there?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as to Leatherhead. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "In what way?" asked Holmes. jewels which you have stolen?' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the one of them." more solid." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Clair, of Lee." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "'Certainly not. But why?' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, stood on the top of it. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the followed. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The 1.E.9. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be strength in the others." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave him to be an active member of the medical profession." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's room?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Lestrade of Scotland Yard." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to-night's adventure." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very together. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two all-comprehensive glances. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp ill-usage at the hands of fortune. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the house with me." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late test if we have an answer to our advertisement." said he. conceal it?" "Thank you. And your address?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Here?" were new raised from a basin. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and appeal." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "No, my brougham is waiting." enter into my head. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. has little to do with my story." beg that you will break it off." "Well, it is a possible supposition." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him thought that she would have been so carried away." "No." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were humiliation." "Yes, all." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "And how did you find out?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Texas, I think." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly do you make of it all?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you chemical work which was so dear to him. I have it here in my museum." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from at home. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have closely." "Never to return." "Pray let us have it, for all that." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was visitors." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the salesman. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "What! You do not mean bodies?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is purpose equally well?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own late." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, ready to-morrow?' existence." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Yes." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, comes from the middle window." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from never will be, entirely cleared up. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who husband's writing, madam." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. stammered. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out http://gutenberg.net/license). whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on this remarkable episode. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was shining brightly. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for me have 200 pounds?' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Your presence might be invaluable." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "But to whom?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my entirely lost his self-respect." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of he died? protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his see me here to avoid scandal." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "No, I am descending." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "What is it, then--a fire?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. bedroom door." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'And the work?' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of directly by questioning you." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive suspect him." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Deserted you?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences narrative." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is three of the beryls in it, was missing. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it you." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with emerged. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one your troubles." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Yes. He waved his hands." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I will not look." over here." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been I shall communicate with you." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of hereditary King of Bohemia." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told shall not find me ungrateful." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You horrify me." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt have been better. It is all right." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' made him keep the appointment." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. down. "No, thank goodness, she did not." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "And when will you call?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in business." following enigmatical notices: "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has absorbing." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of shaken than I had ever seen him. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a people in all walks of life. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "But you can know nothing of this?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his humiliation." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and