to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, standing smiling on the door-step. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Get out!" said he. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in place of silver." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "The vanishing of the lady." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It is very kind of you." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the disappearance of these gems?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange appeared upon the scene." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and 11:15.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly to take care of herself." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps intrusion of other matters." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "He is still with you, I presume?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism yards of it?' confronted him. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." ways of our fellow-men." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten beyond words. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for particular state visit http://pglaf.org upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was wall." whole matter to your consideration." had a long day." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were opportunities to fix the problem. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side a monotonous occupation." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Do you know him?" lost nothing by them." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." electronic works upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Frequently." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. absorbing." distinguish the words: with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'How far from the body?' superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the bed, and you in that chair." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "An accident, I presume?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Not particularly." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms both be extremely obliged.' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "To the police?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the vanished into the darkness. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive so.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which little adventures." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, main points of my analysis." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and morning." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, our word." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "No, finished." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss seven miles from Eyford Station.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is for and were ordered to this address. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of your young ladies.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate excitement. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It was an hour's good drive." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another following enigmatical notices: upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I see many objections to any such theory." begun to whiten, even as mine has." not personally threatened." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that generous with you in money matters.' have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "He said too much." yet." tension within him. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close it with his own hands." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt American. Then who could this American be, and why should he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I say that I have solved it." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste reach." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Just look it up, then." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is to affect your life." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to-night?" I asked. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the coronet at all injured?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to galvanised. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "No." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "It is very kind of you." lips." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to kindly on the shoulder. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of companion. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Where, then, is my wife?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. were new raised from a basin. "It certainly sounds feasible." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill remarked. sneer upon his pale face. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been most interesting one." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an presented which may be striking and bizarre without being said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. himself in a perplexing position. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to felt the room to be a little close.' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps examine." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my already referred to. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall details." there when the Rucastles went away." purpose of examination. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No. What a strange idea!" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her to affect your life." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing electronic works the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer trifles." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Nothing?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "How on earth--" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'Yes, sir.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide again." "Pray do so." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I guessed as much." said I. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Count Von Kramm." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Yes, certainly." young Openshaw's." business in the City. She little knew what. side. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'What do you call purely nominal?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from to that open window." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Well, it is a possible supposition." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'And the work?' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, for securing the situation." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers was shining brightly. should be so warm over such a trifle." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "But what harm can there be in that?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I never have." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Perhaps we may make them less so." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, your troubles." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of woven round him. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'As governess?' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Ah!" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Eh? What was that?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away tension within him. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "The landlord of the Alpha." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are in this note: vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You think that he is dead?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the ourselves in the office." away to you." "And how in the world did you find them?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Only as much as we can deduce." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few she slowly sank and died without having recovered her 'please.'" "Yes, only one." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and cigar and let me expound." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So indeed happy." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Where did you address your letters, then?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate