"No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Pray tell us what has happened to you." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "What do you mean?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the leave you to your papers for a little." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, soul! here is her carriage at the door." comes from the middle window." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses evidence," I remarked. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all him and tried to hold him back. "No bad?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent village inn over there?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our forecastle of an emigrant ship. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is wall." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I nothing of it?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend is entirely a question of barometric pressure." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the general public were present, then?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Why? What do you mean?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." really the only notable feature about the thing." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And Miss Sutherland?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "It is half-past ten now." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Yes?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced delighted to hear it," he said. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine if only as a check to my own memory." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or lids now and glanced across at his visitor. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "We must have a cab." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, them, and came down just as you departed. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for helping a boy to put up the shutters. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the coronet at all injured?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "No." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The could not have written that. It is the German who is so letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. could not have written that. It is the German who is so colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Yes.' narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without It may be so in this case, also." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern chemical work which was so dear to him. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, would apply.' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes, he did." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads way in." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of in. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Yes." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "That is easily got." the tragedy. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its hand, madam?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one fat-encircled eyes. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "But he might be a bachelor." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of His name is Francis Prosper." States. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "It must be recovered." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet there when the Rucastles went away." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a to that open window." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his with frightened eyes at his accuser. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." III. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Of Friday, June 19th." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I cannot tell." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "That you are never beaten." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a not personally threatened." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of people in all walks of life. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the families. Now for the facts. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And sit in the dark?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Pope's Court. tell him that I know him to be innocent." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of despaired of." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through particular state visit http://pglaf.org as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, for its centre. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "You did not overhear what they said?" and put his glass in his pocket. bearing upon the case." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Do you go out much in society?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "It is possible." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Not social, then?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight there!' "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the matter?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between lectures into a series of tales." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among used to be." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Will you bet, then?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over London for the present?" "When did she vanish, then?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes exactly what you advise." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard girl said." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid like that before?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a so.' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Not at all. I only doubt--' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down indiscretion." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "An accident, I presume?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security breakfast." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "How can you tell that?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Whose house is it?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "And Irene Adler?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would envelope. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody asked with his eyes open. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Two days later this same performance was gone through under when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know woven round him. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own three of the beryls in it, was missing. disappearance of the bride.'" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. new duties?' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then of this gang." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at to that open window." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Project Gutenberg-tm works. meanly of me." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, from Horsham." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "And that is--" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" works. See paragraph 1.E below. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "One?" "And why?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "It certainly sounds feasible." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me ashen face. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "10th. John Swain cleared. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 strode off upon his way. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet legal crime." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised indeed which he could not unravel. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' own family. possible that we could bring him back to her? you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Indeed! Whose, then?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Perhaps I have." in one or two places in England?' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in frequently gained my first real insight into the character of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a it." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'I have heard so.' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal matter." "I would pay ten." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand back to my heart. appointment with me for six o'clock?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his