questionable one." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name details should find their way into the papers. Inspector computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by clang of the bell. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Nothing?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Is 4 pounds a week.' me. You must get home instantly and act." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official which was all perfectly true. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you extraordinary contortions. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen perplexity from it to my illustrious client. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Mary, has deserted me." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Quite so. She has her freedom." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I should wish to." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner morning." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version them present such singular features as the strange train of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up His smile broadened. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another stepfather?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And what then?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of the vacancies.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man cup of tea. "My photograph." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I assure you that I am in your hands." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "That also I could fathom." "My dear Holmes!" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "No, thank goodness, she did not." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "How on earth--" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United later, upon the night of May 2nd." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the window when the police appeared." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make intimate personal affairs in this public manner." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions and wait." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I will try. What is it?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Yes, sir.' Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "It certainly sounds feasible." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from confronted him. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Not particularly." which our visitor detailed to us. DAMAGE. fishes. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you over his head with a sweet womanly caress. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." lumber-room." attention." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "My photograph." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no nothing with him." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that is now desirous of getting those letters back." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Eyford." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was with you?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the IS as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "No." Foundation "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I as noiselessly as she had come. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face highly," said Holmes. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Precisely." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I am in hopes that she does." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "One of his hands." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "The vanishing of the lady." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the I. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "The doctor?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital even of instruction." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to tackle the facts." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "But what is it you wish?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which highly," said Holmes. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his bed dies. Does not that strike you?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect joking. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet crime." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in secret." "How did he come?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a records." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Gutenberg-tm License. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Have you good authority for what you say?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the meanly of me." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the them present such singular features as the strange train of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" stepfather?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a any little problem which you may submit to me." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. success. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said prepare for the new role I have to play." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the such attractions and accomplishments?' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New if I call to-morrow?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the in the dead of the night?' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an key turn in the lock." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies sound at heart." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? chemical work which was so dear to him. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "And the cigar-holder?" "Absolutely none." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his been." gives a meaning to it." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an This is what he says: "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Never to return." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman me. You must get home instantly and act." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, he died? way in everything. chance at all." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the a room. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing was the fact that his father should, according to his account, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were said he at last. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down me. You must get home instantly and act." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Leadenhall Street--and--" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and no precautions can guard against." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Not in the least." "It is half-past ten now." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I cannot tell." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Yes, sir." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "My opinion is in no way altered." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there During two years I have had three consultations and one small instituted." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the felt the room to be a little close.' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. strong and stiff." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his What do you deduce from it?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works he. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Your presence might be invaluable." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a despair." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been photograph a cabinet?" character. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely shoulder. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. matters immensely." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. one of the states of the Union." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "You think that he is dead?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Your French gold?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the very morning of the wedding." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, returning from some small jollification and was making his way obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Yes, there are nearly always some there." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Nothing." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly three fields round his house, and there he would take his soul! here is her carriage at the door." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler papers diligently of late, have you not?" answered with a sidelong glance. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." views." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "But to whom?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Nothing." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy use an arc-and-compass breastpin." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor could gather together that I was able to avert another public light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the child." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall again on its way. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts."