fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "No, thank goodness, she did not." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken it were putty." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear heavily into it. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. was a lad." of Mr. Rucastle's." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which come either from the window or the door. My attention was "She told me to ask you." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the running down." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You have compromised yourself seriously." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something vault. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was meant." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "What will you say?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings knowledge of the world." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door long narrative. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered hopeless attempt at recovering them." felt?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "He said too much." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at direction." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for clang of the bell. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had happened." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Certainly." charged with?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. direction." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her prepare for the new role I have to play." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Ah, but I was recommended to you." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the them?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Holmes." fishes. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of future lives." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "You have it, sir, just as it happened." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "It certainly sounds feasible." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The pound a week." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I should be immensely obliged to you." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang fait accompli?" ready to-morrow?' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man suspect him." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." fishes. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Not yet." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The second window is the one that I jumped from." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large touch that coronet?' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Tell me all about it,' said I. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade companion imperturbably. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss highroad, where all traces were lost. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a it." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you entirely devoid of interest." "Precisely." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And did you observe any change in her then?" as this. Pray let me have the details." not fit the lock." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Stolen." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I think it very unlikely." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Eh? What was that?" murdered man." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it at home. "You don't mind breaking the law?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for which our visitor detailed to us. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I http://gutenberg.net/license). formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Can I be of assistance?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in to a light-house. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Absolutely?" "Murdered?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Breckinridge is his name." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You have it, sir, just as it happened." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "But his lameness?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: interest. They are important, you understand, without being not come at once?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "And you don't know his address?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "And from a noble client?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. man. I know him from the photograph." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited meant it for the best. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would very old mansion. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Pray do so." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the congratulate you again." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for interests were the same as his." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom beg that you will break it off." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the it with his own hands." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the chance." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than meant." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The lumber-room." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His I approached. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally But Holmes shook his head gravely. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "It surprised me." one which it was hard to resist. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "When did she vanish, then?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a your troubles." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely John Swain, of St. Augustine. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the so-precious time, but come!' did not hear it also.' this remarkable episode. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few call you and give you the chance." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. notes," he said. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my tell me that you intended to go into harness." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his she used." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor fait accompli?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Certainly, madam." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "How do you know, then?" it. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low brain must have something in it." through." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' chamber." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem unprecedented a position." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that he will be back before evening." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Heh?' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, were unconscious?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "But she will refuse." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I stammered. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of companion quietly. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. events, Mr. Windibank!" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "In the cells." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of chance at all." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "What shall I do?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head works. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient you give your casting vote to?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "We were both in the photograph." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor burst into a hearty fit of laughter. purpose of examination. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'I have heard so.' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my call for protection in the marriage market, for the present that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and even of instruction." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." to Leatherhead. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then down from London to inquire more deeply into it." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "No good news?" companion imperturbably. Lee, in the county of Kent." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me writers could invent nothing more crude." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." society." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it married her." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident opportunities to fix the problem. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord experiences." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take remarked. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "No." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the a little more before I quite committed myself. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between cigars in the box." best detective that ever lived. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of sneer upon his pale face. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door to-morrow." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror to surprise her." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters photograph?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, there is a decided draught." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public upon the shelf for the interim." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my not come at once?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the