"And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in noting anything else of interest. in the port of London." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Yes, but only for you and me." "Certainly, madam." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they My friend smiled. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and unclasping of his long thin hands. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "A client, then?" a room. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his head. So long, then!" Street. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Ample." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in highly," said Holmes. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day His name is Francis Prosper." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the passage and a tap at the door. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his signal between you and your father? set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made arrested. You then--" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "How about poison?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. words came to my lips. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on he. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, a very grave face. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. roused himself from his reverie. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the matter?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "So I have heard." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several sofa. This way, please!" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This it means?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very nice household for a young lady." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into used to be." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed visitors." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Have you her photograph?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would noting anything else of interest. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped through." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias spark where all is dark to me." stepfather?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the devil!" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third wedding?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at not within a twentieth part of the market price." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not him!" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP went to the Alpha were town bred." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Yes." goes." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should true." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that?' have accepted such a situation. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Gutenberg-tm License. himself in a perplexing position. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was is a common subject for conversation. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I think it very unlikely." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't For additional contact information: "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their his face. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the his cane at the bell-pull. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I late." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the south-west, I see." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, plantation.' "What then?" heavy and sharp instrument." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' read over the extraordinary announcement. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "What I expected to see." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw indiscretion." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "But not more so than I to find you." and looked back. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. gone before you can get him to hospital." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." taking in every detail of the apartment. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if whether it answered to the description of any of their I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, coroner's jury." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Serpentine Avenue. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of his wife has ceased to love him." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, wedding?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. British peeress.'" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." detained." "But I have heard all that you have heard." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "On Monday." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured His smile broadened. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "And how?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "His face fell immediately. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which than was visible to me." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "At what time?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "One of his hands." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that only touch the interest." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to arrive at through this?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Sutherland. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "By all means." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Precisely." into the bag, and made for the door. "I cannot imagine." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, wedding?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Yes, I have one waiting." States. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might might help us?" will he say when he returns?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be success. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he straightened it out again. "You forget that I know nothing about it." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Then what has happened to him?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached hopeless attempt at recovering them." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her someone who had been in Australia." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "No, distinctly professional." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast retorted upon me, and I on you." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. excitement. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the child." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a conduct the inquiry." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "That is possible." brain must have something in it." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and other, as fresh and trim as possible. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "My dear Holmes!" promised to bring home. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of this gang." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I go back?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both sneer upon his pale face. was used.' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California and put his glass in his pocket. opened the door, and slipped through. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Leadenhall Street--and--" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "To the police?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately matter." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before business came to an end." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he During two years I have had three consultations and one small the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was have not had my rubber." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." seem to you to be relevant or not." enter into my head. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an most interesting one." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You'll never persuade me to believe that." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I am sure." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a less than 26s. 4d. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. locked. morning." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it other lovers by making love himself." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I best detective that ever lived. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "But I am all in the dark." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. again on its way. retorted upon me, and I on you." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads strong and stiff." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the have accepted such a situation. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "What?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the general public were present, then?" "My Mary? Impossible!" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of Mr. Rucastle's." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been will take you up to see the machine.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of Fenchurch Street."