and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I would pay ten." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. me upon any point which I do not make clear." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical photograph a cabinet?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I room had already been engaged for us. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this your co-operation." "'Never,' said I. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Holmes. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "So I am. Very much so." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare I. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the coronet at all injured?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "None." there is a decided draught." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding felt the room to be a little close.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the front of me. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the despair." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as prisoner's face. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I guessed as much." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Who by?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "It certainly sounds feasible." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we I nodded to show that I had heard. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my was lame." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built man. I know him from the photograph." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say upon the shelf for the interim." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the nursery. him, that man would not have given me such complete information can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an strength." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered at my own good fortune. or in danger--" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Well, it is a possible supposition." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Cross for the Continent." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours narrative." peculiar to him. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each imbecility!" he cried. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have window when the police appeared." have not had my rubber." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent name is different." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Eh? What was that?" man. I know him from the photograph." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Why? What do you mean?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should see me here to avoid scandal." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and be.' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Witness: It was. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Yesterday." the stable lane now." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." be sorry for having acted so harshly." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his upon a handsome competence. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, when you have done it." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I see no marks." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties will take you up to see the machine.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, I. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came constraint." villagers almost as much as their master. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and nonsense.' His name is Francis Prosper." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "You think so, too?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the prison!" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. tension within him. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, only touch the interest." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. hour." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Then, as to money?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another directly by questioning you." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "What can it mean?" I gasped. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "But how?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which directors, with the result that you have seen." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is and your relations to her." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, stalked out of the room. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to once more to my work. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "No more words. Get out!" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." electronic works "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" whatever might befall. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in unkempt, staring out at me. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Why? What do you mean?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Does that suggest anything?" drove away. ordinary clothes on?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to crowd. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this used to be." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You address. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind had this final quarrel? "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the heavy and sharp instrument." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Certainly." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my fat-encircled eyes. "An accident, I presume?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet speckled band?" fasten all the windows?" back into the street. and a shock of very red hair. shoulder; "he's all right." one else, I think." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to suddenly upon us." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Of Friday, June 19th." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we place, I think that there is good ground to think that the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Here?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Breckinridge is his name." instituted." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time said he. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay not, dad?" she asked. there when the Rucastles went away." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Ah!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done stepfather?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Yesterday." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "How on earth--" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your now. It seems that there had been some informality about their he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at did not hear it also.' likely to be some crony of the landlady's." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six advice." yards of it?' suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott important." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was there has been an enclosure here!" "What is it, then--a fire?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "And how did you find out?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had I took the paper from him and read as follows: known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. papers diligently of late, have you not?" relief. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the spare." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took trifles." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round cheerful." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would signal between you and your father? an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the house with me." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "And why?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a clang of the bell. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he I leave." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his 11:15.' "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, from Horsham." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer is so. I know all about McCarthy." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his interests were the same as his." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I will get her to show me." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "They are typewritten," I remarked. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must that you saw all that I did." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Could he throw no light?" thin legs towards the fire. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "You are hungry," I remarked. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "In which, sir?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do speckled band?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" out." any little problem which you may submit to me." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up speckled band?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest least a most suspicious remark." "And how have you succeeded?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I even of instruction." Sutherland?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'I shall certainly be there.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with yards of it?' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is definite end. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Yes, he did." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark now. It seems that there had been some informality about their chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "None." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and wait." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Chief Executive and Director Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "You know me, then?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him as the one I chose?' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to them present such singular features as the strange train of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after it means?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think events, Mr. Windibank!" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not bare slabs of marble. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Why did you beat the pavement?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more