know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed him nearly every evening." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and the church but not where the lady lived." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and questioning and rather startled gaze. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "My photograph." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "And sit in the dark?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better chair. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. fact, we may call it conclusive." asked. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just better in every way that they should make their position a little across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "And did you observe any change in her then?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the child." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of are, and they are waiting for us." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell writer." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped I nodded again. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of strength in the others." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece correct than the official force." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of she has been waylaid. There has been no result." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the roots. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence thin, with a long, sharp nose?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend who was a member of your goose club." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to night.' said he. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Do you receive much company?" he asked. not personally threatened." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. "This photograph!" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "But he might be a bachelor." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Well, some hundreds of times." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Where, indeed?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. hour?' "Yes, all." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I retorted upon me, and I on you." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Then I do not see the point." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'Where to?' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And you can do nothing until then?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and bell. Holmes whistled. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." ran thus: who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old to-night." "Very truly yours, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and all of them with the keenest interest. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "How are you getting on?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, certainly." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander extraordinary contortions. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I cannot think." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Holmes' face clouded over. a suggestive one." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "That is unusual in a young girl." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend get the tickets." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I yet." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I congratulate you again." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "No." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your mysterious business." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'What then?' I asked. "Will you go?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right weighed down with some great anxiety. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk status with the IRS. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: golden eyeglasses. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must fluttered off among the others. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the one as in the other." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "It is possible." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are families. Now for the facts. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I yet." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage not personally threatened." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can vault. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man would then never go into court at all." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! rat could hardly pass through." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Yes." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. dramatic, in fact." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There impression behind it as though a window had gently closed and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after leave you to your papers for a little." from the brougham. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we from the brougham. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into weapon." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found side. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "None." which was all perfectly true. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'What then?' I asked. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of careless servant girl?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of is so. I know all about McCarthy." some water from a caraffe. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the coronet at all injured?" in a very precise fashion." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Yes." with the outside air!" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Your French gold?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "You have but to name it." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing quickly through a disagreeable task. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. less than 26s. 4d. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in derbies." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine him nearly every evening." "What shall I do?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' ago." "I do." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any bonnet, and went out." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Mrs. Toller serenely. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and a suggestive one." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their opportunities to fix the problem. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "No." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. face and glided from the room. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Doctor, of the paper and the date." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the made him keep the appointment." "You have a clue?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Dark enough and sinister enough." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to foot. "Yes." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment yourselves in at night?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I of the one which your family is now devouring." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the room while you explain this matter?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact depend upon my doing so.' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "How did you deduce the select?" to-night?" I asked. "Yes." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you think that he is innocent?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in conduct the inquiry." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over have one." not, dad?" she asked. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "How on earth--" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea laugh and put his lips to my ear. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the of the one which your family is now devouring." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to voice, changing her seat as requested. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if to go into your room and bar your shutters?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From chance at all." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to then?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his against a man in the prime of life?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was writer." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the night.' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "What?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond one's self under obligations.' "But who is he?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations