not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it events, Mr. Windibank!" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was discontent upon his features. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other as he remarks, very much against the son." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that digesting their breakfasts at home." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could some place of shelter and let the county police know what has way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! not personally threatened." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the horse could go." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. upon the sideboard." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Quite so. She has her freedom." in darkness. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and glanced through. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." digesting their breakfasts at home." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Yes." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' was already answered. "That is easily got." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such of his shoulders. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Oh, the cause is excellent!" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." was a perfect sample of the class. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he how narrow had been my escape. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. purpose equally well?" "Married! When?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "No, but the enclosure is." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I have come for advice." Arthur Conan Doyle it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tightly behind him. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "By no means." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Thank you. Pray proceed." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round other means.' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'No, I know no one in these parts.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Not in the least." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door in his hands." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an his cane at the bell-pull. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the disturbance in my wife." "By no means." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End things are very often connected not with the larger but with the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." DAMAGE. open." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the Assizes." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's is worth.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social page at http://pglaf.org every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "It is true that I have been generally successful." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment my former friend and companion. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You have a clue?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "One horse?" interjected Holmes. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations His name is Francis Prosper." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Lestrade of Scotland Yard." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project hour." second." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a unkempt, staring out at me. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can you." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I say it is." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Certainly, madam." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. said he. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. it." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical past. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years returning from some small jollification and was making his way that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had be sorry for having acted so harshly." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." papers on the sundial.'" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his crackling voice. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since young Openshaw's." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "But what harm can there be in that?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "It surprised me." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and she to prove their authenticity?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed your billet.' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and The events in question occurred in the early days of my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to all?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his it." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double DAMAGE. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your some place of shelter and let the county police know what has other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Then how many are there?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much second window is the one that I jumped from." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Did you observe the colour?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged friend's singular character. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your congratulate you again." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "But how?" a suggestive one." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Imitated." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. fear." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What then?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Do you receive much company?" he asked. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which friend's singular character. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his wife has ceased to love him." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "So I have heard." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as any more." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have results." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Yes, I have one waiting." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the date of his supposed suicide." appeared upon the scene." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "But you can know nothing of this?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "And what did you see?" and wait." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about outbreak?" gone. "I will not look." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to his chemical studies. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "In the cells." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The matters immensely." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Watson," he said cordially. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sake, don't!" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I hands. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a him. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "What do you make of that, Watson?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Countess of Morcar's?" "How do you know, then?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic tassel actually lying upon the pillow. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into once more. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself were wasted." "Is he quiet?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through into the bag, and made for the door. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a