"Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "And how have you succeeded?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. question," said Holmes, smiling. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'Yes, it was gone.' figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my upon a handsome competence. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. passage and a tap at the door. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had ceremony." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue at once, for I have only half an hour." showing my impatience. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had nonsense.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and guilty parties." friends, not even his own brother. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending bearing upon the case." his fortune, and I went back to pa. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was your Highness to the police-station?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'I have already given you my word.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "No. What a strange idea!" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and chair. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with did not hear it also.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that joking. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible carpenter." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety emerged. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then your troubles." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I would give my fortune to have them back." "No, distinctly professional." sparkled upon his finger. "Get out!" said he. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Absolutely none." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The summons was a brief and urgent one. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and locked. bell. Holmes whistled. man. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more envelope. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can thin legs towards the fire. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which nothing with him." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "To an end?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the best of training." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always gbnewby@pglaf.org "Precisely so. But how--" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's that there was nothing in it, after all." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "The knees of his trousers." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? in one or two places in England?' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster sparkled upon his finger. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he power." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I think it very unlikely." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" McCarthy's innocence. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window to have been novel and of interest." appeal." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Who by?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with following enigmatical notices: misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of a monotonous occupation." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands round and wave him away like that.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and you in your example." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Very murderous indeed." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The foot. "Did your wife hear all this?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Imitated." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated putting in the horse. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the coronet in his hand?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge purpose of examination. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "It is true that I have been generally successful." I was concerned in it." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, get the tickets." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was of a light. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face eavesdroppers?' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Not in the least." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "But you were on a friendly footing?" fishes. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper yet." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I it. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, me." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis before, for it was considerably after midnight. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock opened the door, and slipped through. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'Certainly not. But why?' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I shall be delighted." chance." most interesting one." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Foundation each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to go into your room and bar your shutters?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the learned something! Where are the gems?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their This is what he says: "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say lost nothing by them." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been his cane at the bell-pull. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put became a certainty. not fit the lock." "Will you go?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, from the brougham. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "But what is it you wish?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, hardly wander." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with http://gutenberg.net/license). that?' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "But we can't all be." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR he bowed and left the room without another word. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at might help us?" the driver. chemical work which was so dear to him. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Yes, all." "What can it mean?" I gasped. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "What! a murderous attack?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a gives a meaning to it." families. Now for the facts. Again Holmes raved in the air. Cross for the Continent." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Seven!" I answered. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he window when the police appeared." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us until night should bring an explanation. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him think that any burglar could have done. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Surrey." your own bird, so if you wish--" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the gone before you can get him to hospital." desk. friends, not even his own brother. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. were unconscious?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "And how did you find out?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to our word." child?' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg peculiar to him. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I than was visible to me." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to-night?' "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Then the page we have seen--" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very indiscretion." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united hands. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing you found me to-night--and running through the front room she an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "But she will refuse." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Never.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And why in hopes?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had strength in the others." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "That's no good." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This to have been novel and of interest." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he brain must have something in it." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I What do you deduce from it?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "At half-wages, in fact." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "If I can be of use." "Certainly." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "But she will refuse." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong as noiselessly as she had come. "I cannot imagine." "The knees of his trousers." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was together. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of and effective." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped charge against him will break down." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Yes." presume?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "By all means." the nursery. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in than was visible to me." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "And on what day did he meet his death?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "And sit in the dark?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the congratulate you again." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we hour?' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face back to my heart. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'You cannot say what it was?' "I shall most certainly do so." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Then, how do you know?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a so.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "It is very kind of you." call you and give you the chance." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and behind me. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I am following you closely," I answered. behind me. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young that there was nothing in it, after all." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the fact, we may call it conclusive." giving me time to thank him. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that