strange features which were associated with the two crimes which of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the date of his supposed suicide." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your was not a bird to be seen there. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "But you can know nothing of this?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has to-night." 1.F. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of within hail.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a highly," said Holmes. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who room. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself appeal." in this note: America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to that open window." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would in the port of London." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many but preventing her from injuring another. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" call you and give you the chance." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then she to prove their authenticity?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you give your casting vote to?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "A call for help, you thought?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Oh, yes, easily." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the once more to my work. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed you want, then?' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and files of the old papers, following the future career of every that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I voice. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and throat." to surprise her." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, there in twenty minutes." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Foundation "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, tell me that you intended to go into harness." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Your sister is dead, then?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in unprecedented a position." a suggestive one." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon better in every way that they should make their position a little "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Holmes rather sternly. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and was feeling which was the fattest.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his weapon." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Certainly." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "It is his hat." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "And how have you succeeded?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of absorbing." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Why, what do you mean?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Pray do so." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Ample." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Not in the least." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Why did you pick him?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and a shock of very red hair. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been in darkness. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And when will you call?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my papers." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Have you it here?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, weighed down with some great anxiety. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Where to?' He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "And how did you verify them?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he it means?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out geese which you supplied to the Alpha." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot success. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate desk. "But not more so than I to find you." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE posted to-day." as yours." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and capable of preserving a secret.' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his not as remarkable as your advertisement." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a from the brougham. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had you for a few hours?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings tell me that you intended to go into harness." are, and they are waiting for us." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. sufficient punishment." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. for securing the situation." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man garden below. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds o'clock is it?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six this unhappy family?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might about. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a own family. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" until night should bring an explanation. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "And what did you see?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of little trying to do so much typewriting?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was is now desirous of getting those letters back." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some sufficient punishment." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I am still in the dark." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Married! When?" "What then?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business taking in every detail of the apartment. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "But she could not love him." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." joking. note?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, charge against him will break down." you do it in twenty minutes!' where we are going." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "'Certainly not. But why?' go back?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and files of the old papers, following the future career of every trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical gone before you can get him to hospital." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "You forget that I know nothing about it." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" man. if she died from some sudden fright." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. daring than any effort of the imagination." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own shall not find me ungrateful." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it experiences." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Where, then, is my wife?" "But what will you do?" would then never go into court at all." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham humiliation." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will place no limit on the sum I may draw." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You are hungry," I remarked. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my at home. least a fellow-countryman. purpose of examination. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock go--none." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip will find little credit to be gained out of this case." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through know what is wrong with it.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' taking in every detail of the apartment. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into had a long day." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the you, my dear young lady?' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem than to us. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its back alive. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your bedroom door." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a was used.' "'There is a drive, then?' "It came here." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be will find little credit to be gained out of this case." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Gutenberg-tm License. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And leave your case unfinished?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Well?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "The King of Scandinavia." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town good for you to do.' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I cannot think." ventilator." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before 'I should be able to look after that for you.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. have one." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's just ask you whether you had heard it.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took