gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I am not easy in my mind about them." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Arthur Conan Doyle "I am about to be married." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution relief. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "And the cigar-holder?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace nights." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are knowledge of the world." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the stones. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do works. any." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Why? What do you mean?" disappearance of the bride.'" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid of campaign. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an never came back." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I have a cab outside." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while disappearance of these gems?" leaning back in his chair. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Not him." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where James Windibank. Voilà tout!" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I into the bag, and made for the door. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It it." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I am still in the dark." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." events than those which have happened in my own family." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. It may be so in this case, also." "The vanishing of the lady." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." be.' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your approach us with offers to donate. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some did not hear it also.' "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Count Von Kramm." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his fattened it expressly for you.' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the there is a decided draught." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon joking. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "How do you know, then?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared business." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." one which it was hard to resist. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, an introduction to him?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no on re-entering her father's house?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for but preventing her from injuring another. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored in. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "You have but to name it." Eyford." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "At what time?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present wall." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, recover the gem." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "No, finished." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the morning and make my own way in the world.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'Certainly not.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive keep the flames under. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the nothing with him." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "9th. McCauley cleared. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Heh?' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the coronet in his hand?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up believe that I should never have any practice at all. went to the Alpha were town bred." "What I expected to see." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "And how?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would again." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found kind enough to tell me what I should do." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward enough to aid us in our search." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, feature." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of you understand?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Certainly." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made matter." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his how narrow had been my escape. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." ashen face. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. detective. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror even so self-evident a thing as that." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in strength in the others." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Entirely." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'About the same.' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has few hundred pounds.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "And Irene Adler?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and problems help me to do so." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector From what you have told me I think that it is possible that smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with golden eyeglasses. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged furiously. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES your most interesting statement." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him discontent upon his features. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' with some details as to your case." chambers. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very fashion which was peculiar to him. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here outside." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her pierced for earrings?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet handed it to him. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter way in." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the one as in the other." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "No, I had a dozen." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this new duties?' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, certainly not very gracious." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to cause to be." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not has little to do with my story." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the indiscretion." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold exactly what you advise." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with telegram would bring me down to your help." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker evidence," I remarked. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "But what will you do?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'And the work?' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "We must sit without light. He would see it through the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Nothing." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "You have compromised yourself seriously." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "You think that he is dead?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have despaired of." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "A confidential servant?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "But how did you gain them?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Street. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "What of the rat, then?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Breckinridge is his name." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her sneer upon his pale face. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady for securing the situation." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the side-table." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Street. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. you?' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Perhaps I have." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall in the hope of finding them." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, of his shoulders. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I am not easy in my mind about them." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Yes." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has call for protection in the marriage market, for the present tell them apart.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking bedroom door." it." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, overpowering excitement and concern. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What?" "I came to find a friend." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until with you alone." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been man. I know him from the photograph." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts lectures into a series of tales." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." guilty one." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in will be renamed. "'Why that?' I asks. said I. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. miles off. "That is not always so easy." astonishment. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, written, and locked the door of the office after me. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is