"No, finished." "I am in hopes that she does." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' go from here to the Strand." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the window, rose as we entered. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Then what has happened to him?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the window when the police appeared." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there singular points about the case. What did the police think of the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the roused himself from his reverie. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "She walked into the breakfast-room." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I will do it." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Then the page we have seen--" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. several quiet little villages up there." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a call it cruel." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from visitors." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to gentleman's clothes. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she villagers almost as much as their master. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "But his lameness?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still did not hear it also.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With must compliment you." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. had died away into the silence from which it rose. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of this gang." with the outside air!" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "One?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the ceiling. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong I held the little printed slip to the light. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "But not more so than I to find you." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Well, but China?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "One of the highest in England." your room." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." chemical work which was so dear to him. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, passage and a tap at the door. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name for securing the situation." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the any little problem which you may submit to me." "The rest you will leave in our hands." some terrible trap for her." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most was shining brightly. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could open." "Has he come with you to-night?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, it is a possible supposition." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The nothing of it?" to you." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "What, then?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a stood on the top of it. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS quite distinctive." acquaintance?" plantation.' take the flies, but not before." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I should wish to." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "In what way?" asked Holmes. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon helping a boy to put up the shutters. shall not find me ungrateful." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Upon what point?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and foot. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, me." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not point in the dark hollow of his hand. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." there." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the bearing upon the case." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." III. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson good-night and bustled off upon her way. not within a twentieth part of the market price." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down posted to-day." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, everything which you would wish to know." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed just called myself is not exactly my own." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I have a cab outside." said he. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I clanging. that he will be back before evening." and have this put in the evening papers." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight all that?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "And I." child?' "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed cigar and let me expound." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached nights." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Yes.' It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "My photograph." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. outbreak?" row." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with troubles have been weighing upon his mind. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage for its centre. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing locked. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, For additional contact information: "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Awake, Watson?" he asked. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And the murderer?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'As governess?' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I have my revolver," said I. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "But it has twice been burgled." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Why? What do you mean?" newspaper selections." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "By train from Waterloo." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well October 9, 1890. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we that?' if only as a check to my own memory." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "We were both in the photograph." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the bottom.' "'Yes.' nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made his forehead." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid some place of shelter and let the county police know what has he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." fasten all the windows?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from carried out of court." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary clang of the bell. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "You horrify me!" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "BALLARAT." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and you." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "On the contrary, this is the right side." go from here to the Strand." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Quite so." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my society." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into weighed down with some great anxiety. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, good for you to do.' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Well?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Cross for the Continent." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'Most admirably.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian interest. They are important, you understand, without being had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague where Mr. Fordham shows you.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive girl said." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us you for a few hours?" in this note: shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made quick march!" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet country, and eventually married, without anyone having a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Stolen, then." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and in. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from with you alone." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. laugh and put his lips to my ear. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had get the tickets." his face. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained said I. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a his forehead." "No sign of it?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were conclusions. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Certainly not. But why?' money should be paid at once.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the brain must have something in it." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling advice." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I have a cab outside." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here October 9, 1890. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known breakfast?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to done what I asked you, Jones?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom some terrible trap for her." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress something of him before." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a