walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared ago." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "But not more so than I to find you." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed It may be so in this case, also." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this look upon these things in a different way." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Clair, of Lee." upon the shelf for the interim." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in business." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "And it is--" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, was feeling which was the fattest.' outsides of the windows. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "In the cells." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible London for the present?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with she has been waylaid. There has been no result." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which furiously. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "But you were on a friendly footing?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fled together." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! it with his own hands." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I took the paper from him and read as follows: of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I passage and a tap at the door. is," said he presently: seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I approached. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, leave you to your papers for a little." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present so far?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "I will try. What is it?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Then he might have called to you?" conduct the inquiry." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he your Highness to the police-station?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves detective. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should will he say when he returns?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a than to us. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "And is that all?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of the way of danger. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss rose-bushes. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "And I." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to change my dress. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the him!" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "My dear Holmes!" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "We were both in the photograph." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast strength of mind to control. infinite languor in his face. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, empty. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is served to weaken the effect. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I locked." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I present." remarked. friends, not even his own brother. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in himself to tell his story. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless man. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Then I can wait in the next room." "Pray do so." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "None." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Where does the thing come from?' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and looked back. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the your Highness to the police-station?" answered with a sidelong glance. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was this unhappy family?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "And now?" I asked. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility not as remarkable as your advertisement." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the of a light. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "To an end?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the humiliation." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Nearly eleven." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was a loud and authoritative tap. "Why, what do you mean?" bled considerably." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say newspaper selections." you in yours." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "About a month then." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a chair. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I shall be delighted." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that straighten it?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that John Swain, of St. Augustine. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "My own seal." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I woman." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "And your father? Did you tell him?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I think it very unlikely." chambers. in him." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Literary Archive Foundation pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Chief Executive and Director The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "You have a clue?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Dr. Becher's." golden eyeglasses. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your together. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once McCarthy." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'And what are they worth?' I asked. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Her father is very rich?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Yes.' place of silver." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should ceremony." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if woven round him. "Where to?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers extraordinary contortions. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he could not have written that. It is the German who is so volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to someone who had been in Australia." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Certainly,' I answered. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per train from Paddington which would bring you there at about weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late burst out into a roar of laughter. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich certainly not very gracious." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "And when will you call?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "And why in hopes?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. who was a member of your goose club." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the page at http://pglaf.org himself. "Yes, but only for you and me." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down giving me time to thank him. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of note-paper. It read in this fashion: great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Have you good authority for what you say?" one of the states of the Union." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so your troubles." if only as a check to my own memory." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of and wait." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. is worth.' Street. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. gbnewby@pglaf.org girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed ready to-morrow?' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our of Fenchurch Street." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "How on earth--" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Where does the thing come from?' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "It is no ordinary one." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I said he. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you became a certainty. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'Is purely nominal.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "What, then?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Dr. Gregory B. Newby again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." was feeling which was the fattest.' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that this poor creature." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He train.' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "We must have a cab." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "'I shall certainly be there.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking train from Paddington which would bring you there at about his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "By all means." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "But his lameness?" "Your presence might be invaluable." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign words came to my lips. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able conclusions. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the as this. Pray let me have the details." throat." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, wedding?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.'