it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited be.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "It must be recovered." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is said he. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any other, as fresh and trim as possible. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear thirty. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Perhaps I have." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Certainly, madam." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, passage and a tap at the door. main points of my analysis." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I am all attention, madam." in one or two places in England?' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner arrested. You then--" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of nights." "It's nothing of the kind." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own cause to be." himself to hunt down. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the him nearly every evening." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I to-night." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent walking." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Very. But will he see it?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You have the photograph?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith prepare for the new role I have to play." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to grasp, he hurried from the room. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was me." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "But he might be a bachelor." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "In heaven's name, what for?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in round and wave him away like that.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Your French gold?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has keep the flames under. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his young Openshaw's." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same again." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I was afraid that you were engaged." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, The summons was a brief and urgent one. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Yes.' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Was the window open?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the bottom.' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself bird of prey. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and your relations to her." guilty parties." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Yes." in this note: "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and electronic works through." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You don't mind breaking the law?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the without a word or a look. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them photograph a cabinet?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the important." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And I say east," said my patient. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'Yes.' stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. be. "Well?" "A confidential servant?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "We must sit without light. He would see it through the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him during which he might have communicated with his friend the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, showing my impatience. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Then let me do so?' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." disappearance of the bride.'" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and security.' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have in this way: after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Just look it up, then." stepfather?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post sound at heart." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was definite end. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was few hundred pounds.' "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yes." Holmes rather sternly. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as voice, changing her seat as requested. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Was your sister dressed?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'As governess?' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But what is it you wish?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long sound at heart." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is empty. as yours." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may strength of mind to control. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, I shall continue with my miserable story. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a in his power. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which cigars in their mouths. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. if she died from some sudden fright." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever as noiselessly as she had come. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in upon the sideboard." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly man. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. call the police, let the police find what they can.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "It is a murder, then?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything It may be so in this case, also." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in over here." unclasping of his long thin hands. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You know me, then?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." in his power. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Which dealer's?' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a less than 26s. 4d. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they any more." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." handed it to him. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would distinguish the words: "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it strode off upon his way. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "What then?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a as he remarks, very much against the son." never came back." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately back to my heart. "My private note-paper." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'And what salary do you ask?' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I say it is." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling hurried away. the Red-headed League." "Yes, I have one waiting." are, and they are waiting for us." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two way in." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" beg that you will break it off." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It affection." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "He disappeared so suddenly." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of or in danger--" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of less than 26s. 4d. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'What then?' I asked. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "10th. John Swain cleared. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I fear not." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of are, I think, all that we need." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "But what is it you wish?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect question you as to those details which seem to me to be most suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?"