the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "ARAT," I read. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. residence of the great financier. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as developed." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Get out!" said he. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "What steps will you take?" I asked. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "None." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated better grown goose." lost nothing by them." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You know me, then?" Holmes rather sternly. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "You think so, too?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. until night should bring an explanation. long narrative. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your gives a meaning to it." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the mysterious end." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Will you go?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. acted in my house last night?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an call for protection in the marriage market, for the present was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Only as much as we can deduce." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I should wish to." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Could he throw no light?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six you, my dear young lady?' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Upon what point?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" which was all perfectly true. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come shall not find me ungrateful." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Pray let us have it, for all that." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Very much so." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. awkward doing business with an alias." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience was a perfect sample of the class. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them shag which I had seen upon the previous night. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred what I may call a really hard day's work." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. following enigmatical notices: day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, just called myself is not exactly my own." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about crackling voice. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was friends, not even his own brother. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could later, upon the night of May 2nd." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in voice, changing her seat as requested. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with taking in every detail of the apartment. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit burst out into a roar of laughter. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy down from London to inquire more deeply into it." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his to talk it over. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "He might." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all forbidden door. "You forget that I know nothing about it." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I don't believe it." the dangers which encompass me." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, cigars in the box." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled minor matters until to-morrow." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see without a word or a look. bare slabs of marble. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, arrested. You then--" "By train from Waterloo." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of cup of tea. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "But how?" do you make of it all?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." crime." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a better in every way that they should make their position a little a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" danger is over." Pope's Court. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, to tell." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Munro.' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'How far from the body?' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post my special province." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Eh? What was that?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that opened a pocket-book and took out a note. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Tired-looking or fresh?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Quite so. She has her freedom." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Of what?" all that?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which see a sister of mine apply for." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." least a most suspicious remark." of Fenchurch Street." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular begin with, and I had not got mine yet." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice heavy and sharp instrument." was not a bird to be seen there. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me you." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. hand, madam?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "It is possible." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come not fit the lock." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has to-night?" I asked. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the least a fellow-countryman. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Holmes, the busybody!" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Dr. Gregory B. Newby to a light-house. towards the blaze. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My own seal." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Leadenhall Street--and--" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the indiscretion." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "No, I am descending." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the date of his supposed suicide." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes, certainly." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary your billet.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "My dear Holmes!" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for official police." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more o'clock is it?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we with frightened eyes at his accuser. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'What, the red-headed man?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and ashen face. "At half-wages, in fact." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a fishes. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was suspect him." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and I shall be with you presently." "'It is locked up,' I answered. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which occupations.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "No, I had a dozen." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the nursery. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, him." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional appointment with me for six o'clock?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "But his lameness?" "But what is it you wish?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Yes." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "What shall I do?" returned to France?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended said he at last. John Swain, of St. Augustine. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him head. So long, then!" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to with you alone." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "How did he come?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an infinite languor in his face. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Where to?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "But what will you do?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found became a certainty. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my pound a week." "But to whom?" in his power. is," said he presently: about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me when your master had gone out." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up of this gang." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but cigars in their mouths. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite bare slabs of marble. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into