"No sign of it?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and there has been an enclosure here!" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any such person." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'Quite sure, dad.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, as noiselessly as she had come. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I child?' Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Who was the criminal, then?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Mary, has deserted me." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that electronic works in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have and the colonel ushered me in. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." said Mr. Holder. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Yes." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the him to be an active member of the medical profession." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was of the vacancies.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "To an English lawyer named Norton." his face which made him a very different person to the round, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a habit of advancing money.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "And how did you verify them?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Entirely." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Nothing?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows to some other building. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." must be when I saw the door open.' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country off." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "What is it?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." not personally threatened." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire purpose of examination. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet appeal." "Deserted you?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, conclusions. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through absorbing." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I took the paper from him and read as follows: she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was important." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been coroner's jury." "I cannot say that I have." nonsense.' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the warnings." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "And who is her maid?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Game for a morning drive?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "No." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "And I say east," said my patient. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in I am not easy in my mind about them." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should kind enough to tell me what I should do." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall with the outside air!" daring than any effort of the imagination." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "No legal papers or certificates?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To throat." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Certainly." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Certainly not. But why?' "Was the window open?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning you want, then?' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. guilty one." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes, at the mines." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed it." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as you." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest back into the street. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "What steps will you take?" I asked. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "No, distinctly professional." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man furiously. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by were unconscious?" placed his cuttings. Heh?' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which been deceived." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hour?' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and upon the shelf for the interim." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man your sleep?' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. to Leatherhead. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Her father is very rich?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George his huge brown hands. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the house with me." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do believe that I should never have any practice at all. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. heavy and sharp instrument." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I shall communicate with you." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go than to us. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I asked. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not wanted for ourselves." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and her also." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the warnings." "What do you make of that, Watson?" to tell." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "What then?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and all that?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and indiscretion." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "How are you getting on?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon will find little credit to be gained out of this case." rose-bushes. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Witness: It was. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that suspect him." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was she used." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Holmes." Foundation donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "But I am all in the dark." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "That sounds a little paradoxical." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "None." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon with her." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him should be so warm over such a trifle." "Proceed, then." "Never to return." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to used to be." "'Entirely.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gone. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." me. You must get home instantly and act." he died? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the best of training." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a habit of advancing money.' all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "So I heard. You have him here?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "At half-wages, in fact." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same charge against him will break down." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "When did she vanish, then?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "What?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and into the room. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in villagers almost as much as their master. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Yes?" "Yes, only one." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the himself. status with the IRS. "You saw the ventilator, too?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a one else, I think." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the mystery." her also." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, mystery!" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his such attractions and accomplishments?' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would problems help me to do so." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And why?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "The doctor?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bare slabs of marble. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect upon an income of about 60 pounds." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion?