"'What, the red-headed man?' interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" not come at once?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have hair?' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help laugh and put his lips to my ear. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. visitors." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "VIOLET HUNTER." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no was shining brightly. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I never have." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, I am not easy in my mind about them." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all mysterious end." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried little adventures." for securing the situation." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The III. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Upon what point?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and murdered man." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they was the fact that his father should, according to his account, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at head. So long, then!" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall of it with the greatest attention. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which our visitor detailed to us. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "And I." "Was she in good spirits?" hereditary King of Bohemia." "One of the highest in England." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility strange features which were associated with the two crimes which aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Yes." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "We have tried and failed." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' go from here to the Strand." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my bill, which interests me deeply." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Where, then, is my wife?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I fear not." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the coroner come to?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This The events in question occurred in the early days of my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of so far?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." drawing your inferences." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." carpenter." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall papers." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project putting in the horse. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. wife's character?" galvanised. Mary, has deserted me." nonsense.' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. beyond words. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my companion. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and your troubles." "She will not sell." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it during which he might have communicated with his friend the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "What! Had he lost his wife?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as people don't know." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from crime. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the what these perils are?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being nights." "I cannot tell." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were about here speaks of his kindness to him." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope brandy and water within his reach. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. furiously. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the not fit the lock." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, detective. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed fact, we may call it conclusive." call you and give you the chance." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. foot. there when the Rucastles went away." there is a decided draught." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. despair." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew this man was intellectual?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I him!" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing but preventing her from injuring another. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers his wife has ceased to love him." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him charge against him will break down." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you of it with the greatest attention. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I cannot imagine." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You have carte blanche." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'I have already given you my word.' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "No good news?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I promise," said Holmes. "We must have a cab." "Very murderous indeed." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "She will not sell." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "'Quite sure, dad.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves place, I think that there is good ground to think that the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." laugh and put his lips to my ear. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the strong reason behind." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Where to?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. coroner's jury." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her 1.F. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Holmes' face clouded over. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yes, only one." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "The rest you will leave in our hands." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a with her." that he will be back before evening." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And the murderer?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Edgeware Road. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Most admirably.' "Where, then?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I see no marks." skylight. front of me. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This as noiselessly as she had come. everything which you would wish to know." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in prison!" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned never will be, entirely cleared up. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, your billet.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "You will not go there first?" allusion to a rat. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Here?" or other trace. But how on earth--" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something most important business. It is probable that he will be away all into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I will get her to show me." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." jewels which you have stolen?' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left British peeress.'" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Get out!" said he. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "In San Francisco, a year ago." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the one as in the other." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Which are?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of this gang." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that his fortune, and I went back to pa. of the vacancies.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety be.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Where, then?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she photograph a cabinet?" I leave." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which our visitor detailed to us. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "What! Had he lost his wife?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. happened." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin McCarthy." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I public press." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. where we are going." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "But how did you gain them?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must ago." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow of note-paper. It read in this fashion: so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the loss of it. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. mystery." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Again Holmes raved in the air. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen sufficient punishment." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards prepare for the new role I have to play." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to matter." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "It is possible." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of chill to my heart. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up south, for the country is more deserted there." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this tightly behind him. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his II. unprofitable." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you little adventures." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid