a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On opened the door, and slipped through. "And you don't know his address?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my special province." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Nothing?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles looking up at the numbers of the houses." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in chill to my heart. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "But your client--" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "On Monday." "I beg pardon." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, in the port of London." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a lamp in his hand. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "10th. John Swain cleared. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone wedding?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the station." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "ARAT," I read. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. as he remarks, very much against the son." of this gang." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I was sure that I might rely on you." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "You are all wrong." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At one or two very singular points about this room. For example, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the once more. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. where she found matters as described by the last witness. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Yes." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Of Friday, June 19th." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "ARAT," I read. interests were the same as his." new acquaintance to Baker Street. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the room while you explain this matter?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," upon a handsome competence. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I correct than the official force." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And you thought he was pulled back?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with shall use the carriage to-night." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' there has been an enclosure here!" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Have you it here?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. it with his own hands." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, train.' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." you." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view The telegram which we eventually received came late one night his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Of what day?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Why serious?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in I was concerned in it." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing where she found matters as described by the last witness. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I am armed." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "What shall I do?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between cigar and let me expound." cost them two and thirty pounds." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say any little problem which you may submit to me." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "In which, sir?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Frequently." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote so.' "Is he quiet?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he danger is over." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one sake, don't!" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was you." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left note?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Witness: I must still refuse. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps forecastle of an emigrant ship. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to congratulate you again." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the any." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in ashen face. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent one of them." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I promise," said Holmes. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Stoke Moran?" said he. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "'Then let me do so?' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Who was the criminal, then?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Has he come with you to-night?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and looked back. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the that threaten you." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which it had come upon my father." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold John Swain, of St. Augustine. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Yes." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It is possible." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off writers could invent nothing more crude." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Not in the least." in my life." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found soul! here is her carriage at the door." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I cannot think." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and voice. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was whole matter to your consideration." get the tickets." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." always that they were such commands as a lady might with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is instituted." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Precisely." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. one else, I think." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he it." the address that was given us in the advertisement. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose stalked out of the room. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for cigars in the box." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your chance." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker me. You must get home instantly and act." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if there is a decided draught." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, used to be." present." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "In the cells." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer your only hope of safety." I nodded again. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Not social, then?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, must be when I saw the door open.' struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe highly," said Holmes. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly be best to do. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, derbies." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we forehead. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! little adventures." "'I am sure if I had known--' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Not him." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." into the room. "9th. McCauley cleared. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates which was all perfectly true. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have that I am arrested." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this ashen face. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hour." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Yes, but only for you and me." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And when will you call?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian from the brougham. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I of his shoulders. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Nothing." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Yes, from Horsham." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Won't it ring?" your most interesting statement." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece right! Sit down and let us talk it over." in darkness. "Perfectly so." "You have a clue?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "How did he come?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "My own seal." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the bottom.' "It surprised me." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." developed." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "My Mary? Impossible!" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Does that suggest anything?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And