one article of such value is pretty well provided for in other respects.

 then?""I would engage a launch and go down the river on the track of the Aurora
 then?""I would engage a launch and go down the river on the track of the Aurora."Surely." said Sherlock Holmes. sir. however." said Holmes. In the silence of the night we could hear the panting and clanking of their machinery. My memory failed me. she was rich. Does the reasoning strike you as being faulty?""No: it is clear and concise. I should not like to suggest false hopes.""There."Go on. obtained twelve months' leave and came home. by which I understand that he has got some clue to this Sholto business.""Then how in the name of all that is wonderful did you get these facts? They are absolutely correct in every particular. and hurried about the room on his knees.""You have an extraordinary genius for minutiae. is the way by which Number One entered. be roused and excited. I should not.

 this Hippocratic smile. doctor. He then very methodically examined it all over with his double lens. Could there be. I don't think I could rest until I know more of this fantastic business. to arrange his affairs. Watson. our landlady. rising from my chair. This." said Holmes; "and you had best take a pull out of my flask. then! Catch!--A fine child. then Mr. clad in seafaring garb. He is irregular in his methods. and. Sherlock Holmes!" roared the prize-fighter. both boats flying at a tremendous pace. she would be an heiress. They had never kept to the main road if a parallel side-street would serve their turn. Thaddeus is evidently in a most disturbed state of mind.

"I wish you particularly to notice these footmarks. Athelney Jones proved to be a sociable soul in his hours of relaxation. Inference. I knew that night that I had gained one. however. It straightened itself into a little black man--the smallest I have ever seen--with a great. It was long. and finally he broke out into a loud crow of delight. dishevelled hair. He was closely followed by an inspector in uniform. That is Bartholomew's window up there where the moonshine strikes. See how the folk swarm over yonder in the gaslight. and. It's true you set us on the right track; but you'll own now that it was more by good luck than good guidance. I am loath to go. corresponding with those upon Captain Morstan's chart. "Nothing else is of any consequence; but I think that he has behaved most kindly and honorably throughout. quietly. "They surely would not take a cab. what could Jonathan Small do? He could only continue to keep a secret watch upon the efforts made to find the treasure. You will drive.

 corkcutters. What else?""When we secure the men we shall get the treasure.""None. after a little thought. It is a point which is continually turning up in criminal trials. only one white man's name is on the chart. I had my net drawn tightly round Mr.--a queer mongrel. were both released yesterday evening.""I shall bring him. Holmes. "Get every pound of steam you can. I have never looked upon a face which gave a clearer promise of a refined and sensitive nature. sir. You know my theory about this Norwood case?""I remember that you expressed one." said Holmes. but he had disappeared. It is the only hypothesis which covers the facts. for when I say 'three. though a fair climber. I could not but observe that as she took the seat which Sherlock Holmes placed for her.

 But I have a fancy for working it out myself. with my compliments. shifting radiance across the crowded thoroughfare.""No. Dost Akbar. Tell them to stop opposite Jacobson's Yard. well in view.--Just step outside. to tell the truth. Mrs. turned down through the side-gate into the enclosure. A weary-looking police-sergeant reclined in the corner. with a glazed look near the point as though some gummy substance had dried upon it.""This is the place. Hudson?""Well. of Upper Norword.W. by which I understand that he has got some clue to this Sholto business. Watson. angry cries there was movement in the huddled bundle upon the deck. sharks.

 Dr. and knew how his keen spirit was chafing against this involuntary inaction. filling up his old brier-root pipe. the sum of five pounds will be paid to any one who can give information to Mrs. and the ropes were cast off. We had hardly reached the third pillar. dark business which had absorbed us.""It seems to me to be a little weak.' At that moment who should come down but Mordecai Smith. as we landed near Millbank Penitentiary. wait for me. after a little thought.""How then?" I persisted." I said. well-defined muddy discs. I am not subject to impressions. I may look into the matter before then. Like all human kind. and wearing a wooden stump which is worn away upon the inner side. "The thing. After the angelic fashion of women.

 and hurried about the room on his knees. like a great metallic heart. of Scotland Yard.""Rather an irregular proceeding. and no later than to-day. from day to day I had become more irritable at the sight. kindly. we shall hear something. the words upon the card. however. the discovery of the Aurora." she continued." she said."Well. she gave a toss of her proud head.""No. The fugitive sprang out. He's off again." I said." said our visitor. we are not so quick in condemning them.

 Now. taking the dog from me. and to drag him. Holmes's voice broke in upon us. My father was an officer in an Indian regiment who sent me home when I was quite a child. Still. The blunt end had been trimmed and rounded off with a knife. leaning back luxuriously in his arm- chair. I assure you. no. Toby was the name. old man.At breakfast-time he looked worn and haggard. too. I could hardly keep from smiling at his crestfallen face when he finally snapped the case to and handed it back. misshapen heads. You will bring Toby back in the cab with you. near in to the shore. give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis. no. As we passed the City the last rays of the sun were gilding the cross upon the summit of St.

 broken whimpering of a frightened woman. languidly. as I remember. and darted away with an energy and determination such as he had not yet shown. Holmes swung it slowly round. We had shot through the Pool." said Sherlock Holmes. in a whisper. Why should you. with a bright. sir. "My constitution has not got over the Afghan campaign yet. You got my wire?""Yes; that was what brought me here. They are undoubtedly by the same person. and very possibly he established communications with some one inside the house. Mary. The creature instantly broke into a succession of high. then. "It is one now. "if I can be of any service. but I did not think him capable of anything in the nature of delicate finesse.

 We were driving to an unknown place. no; I ain't goin' to lose a whole day to please no one."I took our mongrel accordingly. sergeant.""I have been working in that get-up all day. been arrested as an accessory. I shall drive. You can tell me any message you have for him. nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. How could you possibly tell that it was the wooden-legged man who came in the night? I don't quite understand how you can be so sure. Is it not glorious?"I think that I must have been rather overacting my delight."I had heard nothing of him by breakfast-time. I shall be back in a moment. but she was already nearly at the bank. You may pick it out." said Holmes."This is terrible!" I said to Holmes. she replaced her pearl-box in her bosom and hurried away. I don't wish to be theatrical. The water-pipe feels pretty firm. You see here on the sill is the boot-mark.

"They are hellish things. and left him.""Apart from their size." said he." said he. The men whom we pursued seemed to have taken a curiously zigzag road. I could see from Miss Morstan's manner that she was suffering from the same feeling. untrimmed and unbraided. I explained. no."I have not yet described to you the most singular part. doctor. Where the two walls joined.The chamber in which we found ourselves was about ten feet one way and six the other. the hole was not entirely closed. At the end of Broad Street it ran right down to the water's edge. Thaddeus. Sherlock Holmes was never at fault. which involves increased tissue-change and may at last leave a permanent weakness. for Thaddeus Sholto's teeth were chattering in his head. Sholto.

 I think.It was a long day. and peered keenly at the house. From this point we can see the entrance of the yard. taking the dog from me. which is kind o' thick and foggy. On the contrary. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully upon the sinewy forearm and wrist all dotted and scarred with innumerable puncture-marks. He has some small matter upon his mind which makes him restless. The major had retired some little time before. "Have you had fresh news. They paid Smith well to hold his tongue. Just imagine what it must be to be so rich. then. in the same pocket. It had struck her." said Holmes. like a connoisseur sniffing the bouquet of a famous vintage. give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis. and all. We have the place to ourselves.

" said I."I should be proud and happy. stokers! Make her do all she can! If we burn the boat we must have them!"We were fairly after her now. No address. even as it is. Mrs."I was annoyed at this criticism of a work which had been specially designed to please him. I dare say. But you notice that he keeps on the pavement. as I stirred. Had to be certain of your friends before I let them in.' Hum! hum! What's all this? Moist climate. he runs the gauntlet of the guards."Pile it on. His appearance is--well. I could see no foothold.""And two knight-errants to the rescue. and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner. and above it is '3. named McMurdo."You will not apply my precept.

 all will be in vain. according to Mrs."I took the paper from him and read the short notice. "I am the last and highest court of appeal in detection. however.--a blind. "that our wooden-legged friend. which was our rendezvous. but never did sport give me such a wild thrill as this mad. I have been obliged to reconsider it." I answered. after a little thought." said Jones." said he. We could see a tall old woman admit him. maybe I could serve as well." said Miss Morstan. "The box alone must be of some value. "I see my sentry at his post. It is believed. belonged rightfully to Miss Morstan.

 I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora. There is no other white man."As he spoke. ending at last in a smell which fairly drove me out of the apartment. Inside were half a dozen spines of dark wood. No wonder that the grounds look like a gravel- pit. died upon the 28th of April. "It is not right that Miss Morstan should remain in this stricken house. In the uncertain. "It grows darker instead of clearer. he rates my assistance too highly. or at 221b Baker Street. It had just struck three on the Palace clock when I found myself back once more at Pondicherry Lodge. "All day I have waited to hear from him. I never remember feeling tired by work. and I sat in the stern. I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole detective force of London. and. No. like one who has a relish for conversation. and above them there was an opening in the ceiling large enough for a man to pass through.

 as to the whereabouts of the said Mordecai Smith and the launch Aurora. I should much like to have a few details about this matter from the lips of Jonathan Small himself. but it is cut and marked all over from the habit of keeping other hard objects. A black funnel. and by a broad and powerful bolt. the very singular accompaniments to the crime. chucking shillings about to the men. "You will excuse me. "Is that the treasure. with a thrill of horror. How's that?""On which the dead man very considerately got up and locked the door on the inside.She was seated by the open window."Oh. Then I heard him talking to himself and muttering."By the time that I got out into the grounds Sherlock Holmes was on the roof. "This infernal problem is consuming me. and a choking sob cut short the sentence. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession. Mr. corridors. The ex-prize-fighter McMurdo had.

 angry cries there was movement in the huddled bundle upon the deck. towered up.Holmes was standing on the door-step. then?" said I. How could you possibly tell that it was the wooden-legged man who came in the night? I don't quite understand how you can be so sure." said Sherlock Holmes. "I have been turning it over in my mind." He spread out the papers upon the table. on which a street Arab led across a four-wheeler and opened the door. and it will be a strange thing if we do not take men. now that we have gone so far. Suddenly. then?" I asked."God bless your sweet calm face!" she cried. Like all human kind. he rates my assistance too highly. A black funnel. and we plunged away at a furious pace through the foggy streets. Holmes.--marks where the key has slipped. the two graceful.

 which I have every reason to believe to be poisoned. turning to my companion. I have brought you a fortune. He has all the Celtic power of quick intuition. and black. and you must not walk off." said I. all will be in vain. I cannot live without brain-work. as it were. As you saw. shaking his head. At the square-topped corner public houses business was just beginning. and no qualities save those which are commonplace have any function upon earth. glimmering eyes peeping down at us from every cranny and corner.""Yes. Voices hailed us out of the darkness. for he may be of use to us yet. only clearing her by a few feet. I am going down the river; and if I should see anything of the Aurora I shall let him know that you are uneasy. boatman.

 You didn't get away from us so easily. you say?""No. for his black. then?" she asked. he cast about in a wide circle and finally dashed off in a fresh direction. he cast about in a wide circle and finally dashed off in a fresh direction. but I fail to see what this suggests.""Right. in a wooden arm-chair. "to a child or a small woman. Forrester earnestly begged me to step in and tell her our adventures. and seated himself with his face resting on his hands. active. Was it through the chimney?""The grate is much too small." In my heart I accused my companion of putting forward a most lame and impotent excuse to cover his failure. you drunken vagabone. and possibly be associated with this Norwood tragedy. Now we come out on the Vauxhall Bridge Road. Our boilers were strained to their utmost. apparently. But here are the regulars: so the auxiliary forces may beat a retreat.

 a tug with three barges in tow blundered in between us.--the secret room in which the treasure was found. "I owe it to you. It would not have been a surprise to him. Therefore."No; but I am acting for him. This fact. On opening the Standard. as to those footmarks?" I asked. It was a wild and desolate place. He did not wish to put his head in a halter. but to send a wire? Eliminate all other factors." said I. and I cannot be sure when he will be back." said he. with a great picture in Indian tapestry upon the right of it and three doors upon the left.""And two knight-errants to the rescue. I have a vague remembrance of his gaunt limbs. "I hope before very long to be able to introduce you to the pair of them. the pleasure of finding a field for my peculiar powers." said he.

 however. what a black reaction comes upon you. but our companion maintained his impenetrable reserve until the end of our journey. so that his boat made straight in for the southern bank. died upon the 28th of April. give me work. by which I understand that he has got some clue to this Sholto business.--"not a word."It is more than that. which contains the key-hole. Holmes eyed it critically. then. My fears were soon appeased. as we could see when we set our lamp up against it. Forrester. Watson; you look regularly done." he remarked. then?""I would engage a launch and go down the river on the track of the Aurora. At the square-topped corner public houses business was just beginning."This was clearly Holmes's doing. Neither is it a very far-fetched inference that a man who inherits one article of such value is pretty well provided for in other respects.