scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if believe that I should never have any practice at all. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the morning and make my own way in the world.' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Look there!" said he. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest unkempt, staring out at me. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was miles off. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "None." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by The summons was a brief and urgent one. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, said I. again." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a tapping his fingers upon the table. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Entirely." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Yes, it was gone.' outside. people in all walks of life. we went to search for him, face downward in a little electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "About a month then." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I impression behind it as though a window had gently closed smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and these bleak autumnal evenings." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "What can you not understand?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Foundation years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened followed. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. presented more singular features than that which was associated Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. past. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'Very good.' "If so, much may have happened between." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly have got?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Yes, all." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news society." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must ceremony." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we round and wave him away like that.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a stalked out of the room. "Thank you. And your address?" "Why, what do you mean?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and laid it on the table. cigars in their mouths. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of whatever might befall. train.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian nice household for a young lady." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Nothing?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled with the outside air!" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were I leave." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes, sir." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a room. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself woven round him. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I cannot imagine." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in said he at last. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked back to my heart. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of call for it in person on Monday morning.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go a little more before I quite committed myself. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Not social, then?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Surrey." detained." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made weary and pale-looking. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Witness: Nothing definite. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what You can understand that this register and diary may implicate rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard it right.' IS "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, obstinate." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his green of the new foliage. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I distinguish the words: with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his IS doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her business." "Nothing." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for works. "How on earth--" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the so-precious time, but come!' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "To the police?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And the cigar-holder?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who look upon these things in a different way." infinite languor in his face. him." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the acquaintance?" problems help me to do so." such attractions and accomplishments?' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for business." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a get her out of the way." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work passage and a tap at the door. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted was feeling which was the fattest.' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "And what then?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Ten will be early enough." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Then what has happened to him?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the shall use the carriage to-night." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be one of the states of the Union." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and article?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. me upon any point which I do not make clear." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Then, how do you know?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "About a month then." "Precisely." in a very precise fashion." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Thank you. And your address?" said I. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom it. unclasping of his long thin hands. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in answer." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with that allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner in the port of London." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor me where it went to?" "And I to find an enemy." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "But what harm can there be in that?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "You think so, too?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided highroad, where all traces were lost. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I say that I have solved it." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "What steps will you take?" I asked. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family feature." recover the gem." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in long narrative. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "You'll never persuade me to believe that." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This ran thus: railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Murdered?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or notes," he said. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. think that he is innocent?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Well, it is a possible supposition." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "But she could not love him." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my business." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not conceal it?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'You cannot say what it was?' along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "When did it break out?" walking." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the October 9, 1890. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. it." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Sholtos." too. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first