"I am sure." "Very. But will he see it?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "And I to find an enemy." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father delirious. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done upon the shelf for the interim." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." fire. You quite follow me?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress photograph?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the station." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the stable lane now." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be with you alone." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking learned something! Where are the gems?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. My friend smiled. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Absolutely?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, interest. They are important, you understand, without being in this way: exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Is 4 pounds a week.' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took key of the affair now." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Come in!" said Holmes. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project weary and pale-looking. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "And is that all?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely of fine shops and stately business premises that they really A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and your relations to her." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. answered with a sidelong glance. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "But you have hopes?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good rose-bushes. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was The King stared at him in amazement. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a nice household for a young lady." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "If I can be of use." Holmes' face clouded over. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'How far from the body?' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." nice household for a young lady." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most fact, we may call it conclusive." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just she to prove their authenticity?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from himself. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King there was no need for father to know." shoulder; "he's all right." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I it were putty." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If enough to aid us in our search." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire imbecility!" he cried. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge all?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Why did you beat the pavement?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Eh? What was that?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "In which, sir?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the mysterious end." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Yes, he did." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and into the bag, and made for the door. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "And did you observe any change in her then?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which from you?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "And did you observe any change in her then?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of flock.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let present." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from client, rising. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "You horrify me!" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "No, finished." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." in this note: with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Look there!" said he. shaken than I had ever seen him. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "But how will you look?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Her father is very rich?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my writer." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Then, how do you know?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such of fine shops and stately business premises that they really unprofitable." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the plantation.' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Where, indeed?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no must compliment you." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Was there a secret marriage?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "That is it on the dressing-table." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and I leave." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and page at http://pglaf.org waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' entirely lost his self-respect." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the breakfast?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I think that it is very probable." letters?" you came in." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon up this clue while it is still hot." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Ha! you find it so?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be British peeress.'" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of papers on the sundial.'" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "But she will refuse." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been frequently gained my first real insight into the character of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to attention." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with to me. the loss of it. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the chill to my heart. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the crackling voice. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings was a loud and authoritative tap. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. your only hope of safety." "And I." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a over here." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the over part of the map. "What do you read?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly obstinate." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police your co-operation." was already answered. drawing your inferences." approach us with offers to donate. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who http://www.gutenberg.net "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a I approached. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "My stepfather's business papers." and wait." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of definite end. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and I shall be with you presently." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "But you were on a friendly footing?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me you." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "What will you do, then?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in and laid it on the table. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast papers on the sundial.'" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the little opening for the ventilator is." stood on the top of it. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Yes." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" crime. matters immensely." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other acquaintance?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "No." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "It is a murder, then?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a hardly wander." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in upon the shelf for the interim." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we States. to surprise her." used to be." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I cannot as yet see any connection." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and it need not interfere very much with one's other the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when deduce something from that?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Entirely." I shall continue with my miserable story. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "But what will you do?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Precisely." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "What do you make of that, Watson?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Look there!" said he. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "How about poison?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To may have an influence upon European history." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "That also I could fathom." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a