own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew developed." "Your French gold?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Lee, in the county of Kent." easy-going way." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really down from London to inquire more deeply into it." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of it with his own hands." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and effective." villagers almost as much as their master. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I your own bird, so if you wish--" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I saw her in conversation with her maid." chair. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up page at http://pglaf.org you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I You want to know what became of those geese?" was used.' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I sparkled upon his finger. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "What I expected to see." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Surrey." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock excitement. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand him." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Yes." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Why? What do you mean?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for system of imprisonment?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the ceiling. placed his cuttings. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "You have but to name it." "Not I." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had London for the present?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Yes." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part walking." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he anything to do with the matter?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Then, how do you know?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might thin legs towards the fire. at my remark. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George success. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." made his money." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "And you can do nothing until then?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, him to be an active member of the medical profession." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of individual and becomes the badge of a society." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he looking up at the numbers of the houses." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his his face. be. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "And it is--" "Were they all fastened this morning?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of system of imprisonment?" did not hear it also.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I have my revolver," said I. "What then?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the retorted upon me, and I on you." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "The vanishing of the lady." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "But I have heard all that you have heard." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I would give my fortune to have them back." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported go back?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Leadenhall Street--and--" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the inner apartment." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; http://www.gutenberg.net who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'I shall certainly be there.' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. strode off upon his way. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Certainly, madam." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the handed it to him. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong 11:15.' went to the Alpha were town bred." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, more terrible than the truth. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its stammered. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hurried away. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Was your sister dressed?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my lamp in his hand. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She in my life." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the to take care of herself." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I say it is." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I manager. "Where to?" "And now?" I asked. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that whether it answered to the description of any of their And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It surprised me." "Pray do so." in the dead of the night?' delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." corner of the building. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Come in!" said Holmes. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Texas, I think." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" business?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that was a perfect sample of the class. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the one of the states of the Union." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle your own bird, so if you wish--" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from touch that coronet?' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "We must have a cab." with the outside air!" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into head. So long, then!" "I think it very unlikely." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a extraordinary contortions. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net your own bird, so if you wish--" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "And how did you find out?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a during which he might have communicated with his friend the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the roots. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I think it very unlikely." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A introspective fashion. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." telegram would bring me down to your help." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to have been novel and of interest." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote think you a quite exceptional woman." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average generous with you in money matters.' stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter been able to understand it, in a very few words. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know him nearly every evening." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I will try. What is it?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the loss of it. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had easy-going way." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY vanished into the darkness. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "His face fell immediately. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "That is unusual in a young girl." "And help." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." so far?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted me. You must get home instantly and act." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best McCarthy's innocence. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the get the tickets." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Then how many are there?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read papers must be those that are destroyed.' them present such singular features as the strange train of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would shadow pass over his face as I spoke. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For friend's singular character. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I am following you closely," I answered. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Yes, that is the Crown." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was felt the room to be a little close.' conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger article?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed bears upon the case?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all deduce something from that?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The again on its way. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so companion imperturbably. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Certainly not.' "There are none." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "What will you do, then?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise forehead. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Pray do so." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making