has little to do with my story." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "But how will you look?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "You horrify me!" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in the port of London." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Of what day?" "My Mary? Impossible!" purpose equally well?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "You have carte blanche." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'About the same.' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon strength of mind to control. never will be, entirely cleared up. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I have come for advice." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Yes. He waved his hands." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Then you may entirely rely on me." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from ashen face. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Who was the criminal, then?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore in your London, you will know that the office of the company is no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "My dear Holmes!" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "That is easily got." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can sound at heart." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up formed some opinion?" seen the man in the road." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some 'please.'" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in was a lad." at my own good fortune. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one other lovers by making love himself." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I am in hopes that she does." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with fear." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and of the vacancies.' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked This is what he says: fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Street. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the matter?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head James Windibank. Voilà tout!" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Then, as to money?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave asked. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You think so, too?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for been." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this one of them." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to me. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. even so self-evident a thing as that." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the whatever might befall. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "How did you deduce the select?" salesman. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, which it had come upon my father." foot. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'Yes, I promise.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' indeed which he could not unravel. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. or other trace. But how on earth--" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Miss Holder?" outside. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the so-precious time, but come!' the nursery. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in arms and began to sob in a high treble key. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the these bleak autumnal evenings." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal note?" if she died from some sudden fright." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the footfalls from the street. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Will you go?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Not him." "But what will you do?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had up this clue while it is still hot." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might 1.E.9. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "You are hungry," I remarked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she country, and eventually married, without anyone having a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I south, for the country is more deserted there." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." be. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been leaning back in his chair. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone quick march!" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this she to prove their authenticity?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I nodded to show that I had heard. posted to-day." matters immensely." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." empty. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning that I can to serve you." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the come either from the window or the door. My attention was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "But it has twice been burgled." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers started for the Temple to see my husband. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is chambers. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold note?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Holmes rather sternly. "'Ample.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the general public were present, then?" to-morrow." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before do.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the as he remarks, very much against the son." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I cannot think." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with in his hands." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always indeed which he could not unravel. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that not within a twentieth part of the market price." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "No, but the enclosure is." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and but preventing her from injuring another. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door hurried away. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the in his hands." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "In the cells." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, or in danger--" was used.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A unprofitable." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Yes." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself ourselves in the office." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I sooner or later she must fall a victim. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very strong and stiff." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' few hundred pounds.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My like gravel from a pit.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had your most interesting statement." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, cigars in the box." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day be.' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a once more. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of straighten it?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would father's young wife. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. overpowering excitement and concern. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "How many? I don't know." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes think, you have already met." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into or in danger--" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I