the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Which are?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the note?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the goes." nonsense.' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'And what are they worth?' I asked. me upon any point which I do not make clear." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Holmes' thin, eager face. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you which our visitor detailed to us. six. Come in!" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Where did he live, then?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'Certainly not. But why?' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, distinguish the words: gone. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee stalked out of the room. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "That is it on the dressing-table." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Mary, has deserted me." "And that is--" for securing the situation." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "A confidential servant?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "The doctor?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his province." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "How about poison?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'What do you call purely nominal?' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are way in everything. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance success. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your on in his house." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I was sure that I might rely on you." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. you." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see peculiar to him. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "You have carte blanche." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a unclasping of his long thin hands. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." "No. What a strange idea!" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Seven!" I answered. with some details as to your case." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. electronic works telegram would bring me down to your help." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "No sign of it?" "It is solved." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" floor. ventilator." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "To an end?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle photograph a cabinet?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary chill to my heart. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer think, you have already met." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and during that time.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. within hail.' appeared upon the scene." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I cannot tell." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing suspect him." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I cannot say that I have." easy-going way." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "It was." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "My private note-paper." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Street. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the devil!" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made voice. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped whereabouts. "Only as much as we can deduce." "I have come for advice." man. I know him from the photograph." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his I held the little printed slip to the light. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that http://www.gutenberg.net my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, showing my impatience. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Will you go?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from you?' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's out." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "In heaven's name, what for?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the and looked back. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, union?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to you." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Very truly yours, way in everything. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door have an American origin." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'I have already given you my word.' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main to where he stood hid behind the curtain. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending that you can jump it.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Pope's Court. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "What, then?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers matters immensely." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, letters?" eavesdroppers?' central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "And now?" He raised his hand. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I off." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely during which he might have communicated with his friend the indiscretion." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Is purely nominal.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned presented which may be striking and bizarre without being my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "You did not overhear what they said?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "And leave your case unfinished?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'As governess?' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late woman." "You did not overhear what they said?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common you." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I pictures, libraries, or plate. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out if only as a check to my own memory." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in hurried by. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I. that I am arrested." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. families. Now for the facts. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "My Mary? Impossible!" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'And what salary do you ask?' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "No more words. Get out!" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a breakfast?" "'Stolen!' he cried. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something troubles have been weighing upon his mind. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but believe that I should never have any practice at all. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from quick march!" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "From his hat?" "Not in the least." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he God! What an exposure! What can I do?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'It is locked up,' I answered. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the leaning back in his chair. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I have my revolver," said I. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very opportunities to fix the problem. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "And I say east," said my patient. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Texas, I think." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "In which, sir?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of friend's singular character. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client made his money." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'And the work?' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "In what way?" asked Holmes. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he yet." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "His face fell immediately. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "What then?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly delirious. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered.