passage and a tap at the door. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." where we are going." his wife has ceased to love him." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "It looks newer than the other things?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "And you can do nothing until then?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and hurried by. and put his glass in his pocket. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "One?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but never came back." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain opened the door, and slipped through. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of." wedding?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged way in." "Then he might have called to you?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this photograph?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He had this final quarrel? "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the little opening for the ventilator is." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'And the work?' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "And how in the world did you find them?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Yes?" "Yes." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "No." Serpentine Avenue. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt dates and names. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking is now desirous of getting those letters back." The events in question occurred in the early days of my photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Certainly,' I answered. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "My stepfather's business papers." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and begun to whiten, even as mine has." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A questionable one." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I saw her in conversation with her maid." for securing the situation." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "What, then, did Peterson do?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where not, dad?" she asked. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue bears upon the case?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "And for present expenses?" your billet.' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. round and wave him away like that.' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. charge against him will break down." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret how narrow had been my escape. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Eh? What was that?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive were unconscious?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "What have you to say now?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same be. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to never to learn it at all." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Yes, at the mines." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good bird I ate is country bred." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the opportunities to fix the problem. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Yes, I promise.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried him nearly every evening." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "In heaven's name, what for?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 as he folded up the epistle. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I am following you closely," I answered. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a how narrow had been my escape. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my an introduction to him?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I appointment with me for six o'clock?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "That is easily got." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "And I say east," said my patient. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old of this gang." "And Irene Adler?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, instincts rose up against that laugh. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I at home. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'As governess?' Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and better in every way that they should make their position a little vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur tassel actually lying upon the pillow. strength in the others." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'You cannot say what it was?' the inner apartment." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to matter." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager paper in the air. room. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the King without delay." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you cheerful." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Foundation was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I am sure." the best of training." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by humiliation." "Why, what do you mean?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "No legal papers or certificates?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Not social, then?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Yes." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted society." residence of the great financier. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "That was it, sir." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which opportunities to fix the problem. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes lamp. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the my room." "You are hungry," I remarked. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. way in everything. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "To an end?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and glanced through. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "And from a noble client?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "You horrify me." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the into the bag, and made for the door. "I will do it." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "I should like to see him very much." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "And why?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'I shall certainly be there.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! October 9, 1890. "Yes, it would be as well." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Is purely nominal.' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'Entirely.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which not personally threatened." me have 200 pounds?' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the room while you explain this matter?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Her father is very rich?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and the colonel ushered me in. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears nice household for a young lady." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal felt the room to be a little close.' breakfast and whispered something to her husband. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and and put his glass in his pocket. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "No, I had a dozen." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of than to us. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the you in your example." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only national property. I was determined that the law should have its showing my impatience. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." bonnet, and went out." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John legal crime." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a laugh and put his lips to my ear. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "How about poison?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and charged with?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you fuss that is made over them." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You horrify me!" good-night and bustled off upon her way. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, criminal. We have already had experience of such." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the one as in the other." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for most interesting one." business?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled