Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, away into the river." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was like that before?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "But his left-handedness." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Witness: Nothing definite. new duties?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "It is very clear." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." could not have written that. It is the German who is so cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "How did you deduce the select?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just fat-encircled eyes. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked lost his Christmas dinner." make me his representative both with the servants and with the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "But his lameness?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Were they all fastened this morning?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Again Holmes raved in the air. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not was not a bird to be seen there. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I am following you closely," I answered. few hundred pounds.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "From his hat?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To is now desirous of getting those letters back." astonishment. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Your French gold?" asked with his eyes open. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm showing my impatience. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that I am arrested." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his narrative." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Always." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'As governess?' "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we weary and pale-looking. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella gives a meaning to it." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" became a certainty. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon new duties?' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Never." where we are going." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "We were both in the photograph." Heh?' It may be so in this case, also." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the running down." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be this unhappy family?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Yes, but only for you and me." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room corner of the building. "Absolutely none." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at when you have done it." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I have come for advice." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "None. Neville wrote those words." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. appeal." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. had picked up in the wood. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "VIOLET HUNTER." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so and wait." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on prisoner's face. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of a light. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called up this clue while it is still hot." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors through." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "What will you say?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Not in a good cause." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so examine." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower indeed happy." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Nothing?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I assure you that I am in your hands." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Certainly." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was to surprise her." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and do you make of it all?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Pray let us have it, for all that." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is think that any burglar could have done. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "But how?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the south-west, I see." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the appointment with me for six o'clock?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before spare." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his that there was nothing in it, after all." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, but preventing her from injuring another. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "You have a clue?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other corner of the building. detective. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I have come for advice." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent never to learn it at all." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the matter." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old chamber." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so detective. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George within hail.' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do nonsense.' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "How can you tell that?" "Never." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. not personally threatened." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Thank you. Pray proceed." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Perfectly so." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called characteristics, but those are the more obvious." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Where, then, is my wife?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a with you?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "How about poison?" out." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. astonishment. "Yesterday." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, who was a member of your goose club." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his legal crime." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'What do you call purely nominal?' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two call you and give you the chance." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Never." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar to talk it over. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen there." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but it with his own hands." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled there were one or two details which were new to me. But the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by charge against him will break down." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Yes, only one." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom think, you have already met." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. gone. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "The best possible." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a bird I ate is country bred." "Yes." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John behind me. me. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate which are rolled in Rotterdam." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. soul! here is her carriage at the door." mystery!" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you as yours." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face kind enough to tell me what I should do." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a interest. They are important, you understand, without being that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such just ask you whether you had heard it.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I of Mr. Rucastle's." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope done what I asked you, Jones?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' as yours." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last appeared upon the scene." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she that you wished to speak to me?' some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the leaning back in his chair. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and effective." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper new acquaintance to Baker Street. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable fatally injured? to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I yet." train.' reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the someone who had been in Australia." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into laugh and put his lips to my ear. his fortune, and I went back to pa. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was suddenly upon us." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this have one." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, ceremony." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he clang of the bell. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said The King stared at him in amazement. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "You forget that I know nothing about it." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to cost them two and thirty pounds." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to