even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter forehead. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "But she will refuse." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Never,' said I. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Yes, they were peculiar boots." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What are they?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, sooner or later she must fall a victim. some city in a dream. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he companion quietly. entirely lost his self-respect." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on opened a pocket-book and took out a note. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Why, what do you mean?" empty. been." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Tired-looking or fresh?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It is possible." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your fish-monger and a tide-waiter." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed yourselves in at night?" gone. seven miles from Eyford Station.' it." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in disappearance of the bride.'" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "How did he come?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but do.' "Your presence might be invaluable." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Where did he live, then?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "It was an hour's good drive." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "One of his hands." "But of what society?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he your sleep?' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Project Gutenberg-tm works. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when too. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, row." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you is now desirous of getting those letters back." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect because she had spent so short a time in this country that she sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and no precautions can guard against." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or again before evening." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Was she in good spirits?" correct than the official force." them?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past you." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." bill, which interests me deeply." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check 1.F. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an pierced for earrings?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from to talk it over. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I have solved it." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating was keenly on my guard against him. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my becomes even more simple." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'Then let me do so?' "I cannot think." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the companion imperturbably. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was joking. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Nothing." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, details." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I her also." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Nothing." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered bedroom door." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must keep the flames under. go from here to the Strand." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "A confidential servant?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for during that time.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which companion. even of instruction." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left so.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hard-headed British jury." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small see me here to avoid scandal." II. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." posted to-day." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I III. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by thought that she would have been so carried away." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had events, Mr. Windibank!" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still My friend smiled. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general murdered man." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." corner of the building. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his page at http://pglaf.org Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the fait accompli?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining case-book, which he consulted. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the date of his supposed suicide." strength in the others." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Of what?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty have one." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." together. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his least a fellow-countryman. maid will bring up your coffee." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, promised to bring home. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Yes." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "But of what society?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Where did he live, then?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so here." "There are none." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves have not had my rubber." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. http://gutenberg.net/license). it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, quite distinctive." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having you do it in twenty minutes!' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But she could not love him." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." own family. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when lectures into a series of tales." "'Most admirably.' will not take me long to tell. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And how did he make his money?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with me. You must get home instantly and act." "Holmes, the busybody!" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San it means?" third from London." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, that you wished to speak to me?' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody already referred to. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a friend's singular character. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my for its centre. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of man. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are his huge brown hands. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as if I call to-morrow?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' own family. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'In my own bureau.' front of me. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I that you wished to speak to me?' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock all that?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the in a friendly supper." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and correct than the official force." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Perhaps I have." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And sit in the dark?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to she might be summoned. must compliment you." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland considering the formidable letters which were received by himself whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which in the port of London." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement questioning and rather startled gaze. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, straightened it out again. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads pictures, libraries, or plate. the bottom.' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with your room." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the dramatic, in fact." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they grasp, he hurried from the room. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Quite so. She has her freedom." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "My dear Holmes!" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather,