"Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'What, the red-headed man?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, his fortune, and I went back to pa. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Yes, the wine-cellar." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the address. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is there is a decided draught." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Thank you. And your address?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Mrs. Toller serenely. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could that there was nothing in it, after all." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a out of this horrible affair." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak was once confined in the cab my mission was practically 11:15.' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I have come for advice." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the coronet at all injured?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'Is purely nominal.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "But how?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons what is your own theory as to what took place?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'Never,' said I. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced went to the Alpha were town bred." little adventures." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening of a light. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "And you can do nothing until then?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two could not have written that. It is the German who is so Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from more solid." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Perhaps I have." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at undoubtedly my uncle's." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" not come at once?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you lumber-room." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long photograph a cabinet?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Well, but China?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. meant." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed views." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "He said that you could solve anything." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "What shall I do?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I have hopes." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set of Fenchurch Street." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at these bleak autumnal evenings." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at are windows in it, of course?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Thank you. And your address?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that straighten it?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." this as likely?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope voice, changing her seat as requested. tell him that I know him to be innocent." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "What are they?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I will get her to show me." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I would give my fortune to have them back." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an not personally threatened." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And what then?" "But it has twice been burgled." there is a decided draught." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Yes, sir.' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear think that he is innocent?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out morning." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Certainly." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "But she will refuse." generous with you in money matters.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do other means.' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Stoke Moran." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "You have but to name it." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Just look it up, then." passage and a tap at the door. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "From his hat?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. that he will be back before evening." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded photograph a cabinet?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given problems help me to do so." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from appeal." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "But his left-handedness." to that open window." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to me. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had definite end. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had she to prove their authenticity?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Doctor, of the paper and the date." carriage. It was a chestnut." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by directors, with the result that you have seen." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: done what I asked you, Jones?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the amused." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she that owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower behind me. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Project Gutenberg-tm works. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was made his money." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'Never,' said I. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "No, I think that I'll take it." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." be sorry for having acted so harshly." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a 11:15.' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Upon what point?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "One?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and have this put in the evening papers." Dr. Gregory B. Newby what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and them?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; woman." been with you?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "He said too much." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at photograph?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and arrangements." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "'As governess?' in this way: 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied newspaper selections." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "But I have heard all that you have heard." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a my little problems." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." any more." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make of your young ladies.' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Then let me do so?' of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and becomes even more simple." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'Which dealer's?' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia conduct the inquiry." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "He said that you could solve anything." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "It is no ordinary one." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon back into the street. shoulder; "he's all right." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait when your master had gone out." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' believe that I should never have any practice at all. "When did she vanish, then?" which it had come upon my father." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "It is half-past ten now." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would country, and eventually married, without anyone having a vague figure huddled up in the darkness. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his rat could hardly pass through." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was ready to-morrow?' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a which are rolled in Rotterdam." weighed down with some great anxiety. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a money should be paid at once.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hardly wander." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he chance." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at she has been waylaid. There has been no result." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Does that suggest anything?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "And when will you call?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Why serious?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in round with crates and massive boxes. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "No, my brougham is waiting." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is your billet.' without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "That is possible." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from south, for the country is more deserted there." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and footfalls from the street. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "And is that all?" "'You cannot say what it was?' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and tell them apart.' "Nearly eleven." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you prisoner's face. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was skylight. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to change my dress. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR