hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "What, then, did Peterson do?" It may be so in this case, also." the inner apartment." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "He is dead," cried several voices. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Pope's Court. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. there was no need for father to know." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a forehead. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, have got?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, McCarthy's innocence. before, for it was considerably after midnight. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed American. Then who could this American be, and why should he wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "That is unusual in a young girl." dead, shall be safe with us." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a have had none more fantastic than this." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "It goes to the housekeeper's room." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Seven!" I answered. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it matters immensely." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to tackle the facts." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I there has been an enclosure here!" "By no means." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," had a long day." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the window when the police appeared." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy good for you to do.' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the nursery. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the eavesdroppers?' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "This concluded the examination of the witness." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Here?" head. So long, then!" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin it. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot door?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Pray let us have it, for all that." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I will get her to show me." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "You have carte blanche." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's trying to your nerves." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "And Miss Sutherland?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Not in a good cause." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary cause to be." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "And who is her maid?" when your master had gone out." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "And for present expenses?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "It missed him, then?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You have but to name it." strong and stiff." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 shoulder; "he's all right." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be washing it down with a long draught of water. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' empty. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, I held the little printed slip to the light. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "I have seen the police." and the whole place is in a blaze." only touch the interest." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my this poor creature." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "And I to find an enemy." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Well, but China?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some in this note: a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I have hopes." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or security.' problems help me to do so." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite voice, changing her seat as requested. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some bare slabs of marble. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has conversation I have gathered that they have been married about my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing national property. I was determined that the law should have its said he at last. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." to you." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know indiscretion." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. my secret was safe in his possession. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the station." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for giving me time to thank him. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "BALLARAT." minor matters until to-morrow." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far careless servant girl?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a if only as a check to my own memory." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Then I can wait in the next room." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, orange pips. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Then you may entirely rely on me." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, chance at all." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. woman." lamp in his hand. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we had died away into the silence from which it rose. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. must compliment you." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Edgeware Road. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot 11:15.' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, held up the lantern and gazed about him. the room while you explain this matter?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Never,' said I. "He is dead," cried several voices. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "And when will you call?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "What, then?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'In my own bureau.' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I cannot imagine." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from golden eyeglasses. in this way: crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out at my own good fortune. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "VIOLET HUNTER." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Yes." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he flock.' even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "That is unusual in a young girl." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "You were travelling in the States?" more terrible than the truth. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "That is not always so easy." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "To an English lawyer named Norton." fait accompli?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly ways including including checks, online payments and credit card even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Murdered?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. occurred." lost his Christmas dinner." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting tear off another piece?' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all charged with?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler sentimental considerations in the background which would induce often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps children over to America with him, so that I found myself without jewels which you have stolen?' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "He said that you could solve anything." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should following enigmatical notices: foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination details." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently kind enough to tell me what I should do." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a in my life." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at several quiet little villages up there." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "And how in the world did you find them?" tell them apart.' "And leave your case unfinished?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "No?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest overpowering excitement and concern. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, my former friend and companion. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where death." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "No, but the enclosure is." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in him." his forehead." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an thought that she would have been so carried away." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in you understand?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I never have." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the salesman. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." that you wished to speak to me?' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." place no limit on the sum I may draw." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Oh, fresh and glossy." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their stately, old-fashioned manner he departed.