1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "When did it break out?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'A dozen yards or so.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "His face fell immediately. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out eat it." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by hard-headed British jury." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Does that suggest anything?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of this gang." "And what then?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "About a month then." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that you can jump it.' may have an influence upon European history." furiously. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year south, for the country is more deserted there." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It coat-tails." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Precisely." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt again." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the chemical work which was so dear to him. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms or in danger--" golden eyeglasses. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I bill, which interests me deeply." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up entirely lost his self-respect." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking advice." "Your presence might be invaluable." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his nonsense.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Did he not advertise?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He in the hope of finding them." there in twenty minutes." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid brandy and water within his reach. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when face and glided from the room. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "And I." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his new duties?' frequently gained my first real insight into the character of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to of a light. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more instituted." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'Then let me do so?' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that without success. At last the little money which I had saved began that I am arrested." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he whereabouts. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon that before taking the final step I should like to submit the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no be there in time for your coming." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Most admirably.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian geese which you supplied to the Alpha." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "So I heard. You have him here?" head. So long, then!" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your DAMAGE. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I don't say that. Perhaps." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I burst out into a roar of laughter. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not pound a week." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. your troubles." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "On your arm?" "'Is purely nominal.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the coroner come to?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "I don't believe it." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with do you make of it all?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shoulder. "She will not sell." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our I nodded again. crowd. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "And you don't know his address?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, you for a few hours?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose is so. I know all about McCarthy." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the be. done what I asked you, Jones?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Did you observe the colour?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A feature." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "And how in the world did you find them?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without would then never go into court at all." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and wait." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And your father? Did you tell him?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I think it very unlikely." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the such attractions and accomplishments?' the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the business." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who were unconscious?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "It surprised me." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in out." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the bed, and you in that chair." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE a very grave face. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an go back?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand lectures into a series of tales." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "And how did you verify them?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a roused himself from his reverie. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have to talk it over. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it his fortune, and I went back to pa. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "What then?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears entirely devoid of interest." "Yes." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your will be renamed. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. are, I think, all that we need." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him up this clue while it is still hot." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for I shall continue with my miserable story. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have you came in." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was in a friendly supper." might have a private word with us. "And I say east," said my patient. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the even so self-evident a thing as that." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I to change my dress. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save were unconscious?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not mystery may be cleared along those lines." highly," said Holmes. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Ha! you find it so?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may III. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." newspaper selections." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the important." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "You have carte blanche." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital absolutely follow my advice in every respect." behind me. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call sparkled upon his finger. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the constraint." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. possible that we could bring him back to her? suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, investigation." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And your mother is alive?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His just ask you whether you had heard it.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see gigantic client. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that horse could go." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "When did it break out?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Here?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, cost them two and thirty pounds." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Yes." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the not fit the lock." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There or other trace. But how on earth--" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Ten will be early enough." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "10th. John Swain cleared. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of his cane at the bell-pull. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to-morrow." fled together." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and