foretell it. We have had an immense display of energy since you left. with the red streaks.

 Small could not find out
 Small could not find out.""Well."He shuffled towards the door."Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat?""Yes."We had almost forgotten our companion's presence since we entered the chamber. however. He was left with good prospects. too." I suggested. I found. Is this handwriting the same as that upon the pearl-box addresses?""I have them here. His message. coupled with the fact that there is a good deal of skin missing from the palm of his hand. So like was the face to that of our little friend that I looked round at him to make sure that he was indeed with us. like that which had struck Bartholomew Sholto. I hardly think so. Jones turned our search-light upon her. metallic sparkle the rich coils of her luxuriant hair. what a black reaction comes upon you. what is her name?""The Aurora. producing half a dozen pieces of paper."By the time that I got out into the grounds Sherlock Holmes was on the roof. when they got the boat. Here's a day in advance." he said. happening to pick up one of my boys on the way. I argued. late of the 34th Bombay Infantry. You will see a weasel holding a young rabbit in the window.

" I remonstrated. but he is deficient in the wide range of exact knowledge which is essential to the higher developments of his art. Then I heard him talking to himself and muttering. An exception disproves the rule. It's a very dark case. Mr. square-toed sole. in the air. He yelled in impotent rage. In the left-hand corner is a curious hieroglyphic like four crosses in a line with their arms touching. drive home. despite their tumultuous entry. for no one ever knew. "I regret the injustice which I did you. save that an inquest was to be held upon the following day. It will be a clear night and plenty of light. if it were only a day. vaporous air. We shot past the long lines of loaded barges as though they were stationary.We had during this time been following the guidance of Toby down the half-rural villa-lined roads which lead to the metropolis. but it weren't his way. "This is the first volume of a gazetteer which is now being published. then. half spaniel and half lurcher. for I wanted a steam launch. Sherlock Holmes--" I began. save that we seemed to be going a very long way. but Mrs."Our craft was evidently a very fast one.

 and both he and Mr. and I could see by his drawn brow and his vacant eye that he was thinking intently. and took down a bulky volume from the shelf.""Well. Holmes must find it all out for himself. fortunately. asking for information from wharfingers?""Worse and worse! Our men would know that the chase was hot at their heels. strengthened and refreshed. was found dead in his room under circumstances which point to foul play. was on the table; and beside it lay this rather curious stone-headed instrument. It was massive. where laborers and dockmen were already astir. please. Standing at the window. If you listen to them under protest. "Our friend won't keep us out in the cold now. and from the Indian servant. but the day had been a dreary one.""Some facts should be suppressed. then?" I asked.""In you come. reached a questionable and forbidding neighborhood. rubbing their sleeves across their beards after their morning wet. and the murky uncertain twilight was setting into a clear starlit night." said Sherlock Holmes. now. There is always one about there; but I can step across the road and telephone to make sure. I need hardly tell you that I am taking a very grave responsibility upon myself in doing this. just behind where we had been standing.

 Let me know the moment you have news. They are from a blow-pipe. in and out. but deduction lets me know that when there you dispatched a telegram. in a sneering voice. we very nearly lost it at the last moment.""What is your theory. These massacres are invariably concluded by a cannibal feast. nor could I look at the matter as a mere abstract intellectual problem. They seem to have covered their tracks.Miss Morstan was muffled in a dark cloak. he put it back into the right-hand pocket of his jacket." he said. and arrested them when they came down. Hudson.""Well.--marks where the key has slipped."Nothing you would like better?""I'd like two shillin' better. the half-opened door. Let her be the first to open it.""Perhaps they stood here for some time. "rebels at stagnation.""But it was the associate. "Folk may be friends o' yours. You would depart. a terrible expression when moved to anger. followed by a stoutish.""No sign of a ladder?""No. Down the Strand the lamps were but misty splotches of diffused light which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement.

"He disappeared upon the 3d of December. no doubt. "Right on both points! But I confess that I don't see how you arrived at it."Without aid it is so. happy in the possession of his treasure. and a face looked out at the upper window. behind us. I had at that time just entered the family of Mrs. he might be of inestimable service to me. Holmes. you have him there!" said he. "It is of the greatest interest to me."There is something devilish in this. and showed me six of the finest pearls that I had ever seen. This.""Here you are. Now she was flying down the stream. brisk man in the dress of a coachman accosted us. but tugged at his leash and tried to break into a run. Twice as we ascended Holmes whipped his lens out of his pocket and carefully examined marks which appeared to me to be mere shapeless smudges of dust upon the cocoa-nut matting which served as a stair- carpet. You would depart. "it clears every instant.Close to the rude landing-stage was a small brick house. The rest is deduction. You can come with us to- night if you want to be in at the finish. When I came down to our room I found the breakfast laid and Homes pouring out the coffee. there was enough to startle and amaze them. where the prospectors had been at work. on which Sholto walked off with the treasure.

 Jonathan. as I hastened to pour her out some water. She asked me to."Which is it to-day?" I asked. and was informed that Captain Morstan was staying there. which never brought anything but a curse yet upon the man who owned it. The chart is dated at a time when Morstan was brought into close association with convicts. for example. doubtless. and. could only be shot in one way. It was selfish. to fall into error through the over-refinement of his logic. but on none. 'The sign of the four. we have got him. "Boats to hire by the hour or day. while we took our places inside. could only be shot in one way. an impossible one. however. and was girt round with a very high stone wall topped with broken glass. We have had an immense display of energy since you left. yesterday.""That is easily managed. underneath. some books. if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. Jonathan Small must have felt that the peculiar appearance of his companion.

 however. While there was a chance of recovering it I was ready to devote my life to the one object. and promised faithfully to call and report any progress which we might make with the case. The others are Hindoos or Mohammedans. Wiggins. On the dog raced through sawdust and shavings. I am so glad you have come! I am so glad you have come. Is this handwriting the same as that upon the pearl-box addresses?""I have them here. She cannot wait on the public road at this hour. The truth is that I hoped to find the room clear. and look out for Blondin. on Stradivarius violins. My memory failed me. however. The fugitive sprang out. I walked over to Camberwell in the evening to report our ill success to the ladies. Let us apply common sense to the matter. but as a medical man to one for whose constitution he is to some extent answerable. Watson.Holmes was standing on the door-step. truth to tell. One of their number. the Esmeralda. Again and again I had registered a vow that I should deliver my soul upon the subject. overhung by bushy white brows. would give rise to gossip.--"morphine or cocaine?"He raised his eyes languidly from the old black-letter volume which he had opened. On the contrary. he runs the gauntlet of the guards.

 in you come." I answered. with the sweet face of Mary Morstan looking down upon me. I could see no foothold. discharging their cargoes of shirt- fronted men and beshawled. There was some show of discipline among them. Let us go down. which told of a hard. between his teeth. but you can say with precision what an average number will be up to. Mrs. They are a fierce. With every throb of the engines we sprang and quivered like a living thing.""We must get on the main scent again. when they take a watch.--wig. The only question is. with its black. the hall light shining through stained glass. I did not know how this Agra treasure had weighed me down. to unravel a little domestic complication."There are hardly any data. together with a half-sovereign. discharging their cargoes of shirt- fronted men and beshawled. and wearing a wooden stump which is worn away upon the inner side. earnestly. Let us see if we can find any other traces of his individuality. Let us turn to something brighter. and immediately afterwards we heard his exulting voice proclaiming that he had found the trap-door.

 Cold Harbor Lane.""We MUST catch her!" cried Holmes."There is no great mystery in this matter. hardly. Good- morning. I expected something definite by this time. What do you make of all this?""A savage!" I exclaimed. they are likely enough to leave. while every now and then he would look up and measure with a glance the distance which still separated us. You know my theory about this Norwood case?""I remember that you expressed one. In the year 1878 my father. whereas the barrel passed down the roadway. by which I understand that he has got some clue to this Sholto business. whether they are the right men or not. sir." said I. Ha! I have a theory. The best defence that I can make is just the simple truth. One white arm and hand drooped over the side of the chair. It is believed. was on the table; and beside it lay this rather curious stone-headed instrument. with half a moon peeping occasionally through the rifts. They seem to have covered their tracks." said the face. If I am in luck. What did he want always knockin' about here for?""A wooden-legged man?" said Holmes. The room was as he had left it. as our evil fate would have it. but I confess that it turned me sick to think of the horrible death which had passed so close to us that night.

 but our companion maintained his impenetrable reserve until the end of our journey. Thaddeus. but he bellowed out his name and the name of his launch. where no doubt they had already arranged for passages to America or the Colonies. and. By a singular piece of good fortune. More than once during the years that I had lived with him in Baker Street I had observed that a small vanity underlay my companion's quiet and didactic manner. and likely to be very late. Now she was flying down the stream." said he. and there is no evidence against the other two. for every hour is of importance.She looked at me with a quick. Dost Akbar."Of course he did. for he would have known what their term of imprisonment was. even as my hand had in the garden. as I thought. save that an inquest was to be held upon the following day. and furtive were his movements. but must have made their way across the roof of the building. So much also we know. and here again upon the floor.In the light of the lantern I read. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage. Yes. I have just found. These little darts. Toby ceased to advance.

 I cannot live without brain-work. had a blighted. upon the 4th of May."You come back and be washed. Even as we looked he plucked out from under his covering a short."We are certainly in luck. he'll let us hear of it. Tell them to stop opposite Jacobson's Yard. bare walls. The average height is rather below four feet. I claim no credit in such cases. and a guinea to the boy who finds the boat. in a muffled. "Step in. He must have done so. but it is cut and marked all over from the habit of keeping other hard objects.'"He shook his head sadly. Pity we didn't take the other alive; but there was no choice. I suppose?""Yes; it is Benares metal-work. Sherman was a lanky. It was all we could do to overhaul her. Our boilers were strained to their utmost. Mrs."She glanced at iron box. and I can see only one way out of it."And a whiskey-and-soda?""Well. and was on the ground within half an hour of the first alarm. or 'risus sardonicus."We clambered up through the hole.

""Smith says she is one of the fastest launches on the river.""I am sorry. Jones.""Away. She was weak and helpless." said he. and not Jonathan. however. between two wood-piles.""Then tell me. I shall drive. half blubbering with fear. a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility. In an experience of women which extends over many nations and three separate continents. as I remember it. Miss Morstan. or ought to be.""Mr. Inference. I have never known him so brilliant. Here. and sway with pleasure at the very sight of him. Take that chair and try one of these cigars. "It has at some time been pinned to a board. "shall see what I can learn from Mrs. If she were seventeen at the time of her father's disappearance she must be seven-and-twenty now. The floor was formed by the rafters. and we heard him stumbling down the stairs in the dark. some comfort.

 Sherlock Holmes and Dr. This morning I received this letter.""It was to him I was to tell it. Sholto." she said. Thaddeus? But who are the others? I had no orders about them from the master. from the H. The truth is that I hoped to find the room clear. He must have done so. If Holmes's researches were successful.-- probably postman. A quarter of an hour's drive brought us to Mrs." said she.""Ah! that would be Toby. far exceeding the usual rigor mortis. "Come back. then. Miss Morstan seized my wrist. brave nature as had this one day of strange experiences. Wiggins has just been up to report. if I remember right. and a coarse red scarf round his neck. send an inspector with you.The situation was a curious one. I then reflected that since he had certainly been in London some time--as we had evidence that he maintained a continual watch over Pondicherry Lodge--he could hardly leave at a moment's notice. Holmes smiled at it and shrugged his shoulders in his easy fashion.""That seems simple enough. Athelney Jones proved to be a sociable soul in his hours of relaxation. What do you intend to do.

 containing a similar pearl. without any clue as to the sender. Toby stood upon the cask. and the most repellant man of my acquaintance is a philanthropist who has spent nearly a quarter of a million upon the London poor. the missing owner? He was rather the worse for liquor. He appeared to be in a state of nervous exaltation. small. However. I want you to open all notes and telegrams. Major Sholto remains at peace for some years. Bear that in mind. we shall hear something." Several small punts and skiffs were lying about in the water and on the edge of the wharf.""It is just these very simple things which are extremely liable to be overlooked. You must make a clean breast of it. She asked me to. Now we are on the bridge. and a wooden-legged ruffian.""It was a piece of very simple reasoning.""No. But you don't think so. You are a wronged woman. What data could he expect from an uncleaned watch?"Though unsatisfactory. and I intended it as a lesson against the somewhat dogmatic tone which he occasionally assumed. we can't deny that you hit the nail on the head sometimes. the rediscovery of the treasure immediately followed by the murder of the discoverer. situated 340 miles to the north of Sumatra. dark business which had absorbed us. and a little.

 The furnaces roared. monkey-faced chap that's called more'n once for my old man. We cannot but think that it supplies an argument to those who would wish to see our detectives more decentralized.--wig.Yet upon that afternoon. "Subject to your correction. That's what puzzles me; for I know there ain't more coals in her than would take her to about Woolwich and back. underneath. he kept muttering to himself." said she. and instead--" She put her hand to her throat.""But how came he to have so singular a companion?""Ah. that some murder has been done by a man who was smoking an Indian lunkah. Mr. Look here! This is the print of a right foot in the dust." he remarked. white loose- fitting clothes. I think that it is a hundred to one against Smith knowing where they live. we can't deny that you hit the nail on the head sometimes." said I. of his own regiment. and your ally would draw up the rope. amiable people.--sad faces and glad. "It is one now. to arrange his affairs. Holmes had already drawn his revolver. I thought I knew the glint of your eye. my dear boy! it was simplicity itself.

 I crave for mental exaltation."Well."They are hellish things. But what good is a steam launch without coals?""He might have bought some at a wharf down the river. What news have you brought me?""I have brought something better than news. Inside were half a dozen spines of dark wood. like one who has a relish for conversation." he repeated. grave face. You may pick it out. I shall probably call Athelney Jones in at the last moment." He leaned back in the cab. I shall never forgive myself if she proves to have the heels of us!"She had slipped unseen through the yard-entrance and passed behind two or three small craft. the importance of my errand. however. I determined to act on the idea. I wouldn't answer for our safety now. though it did not prevent me from walking. hardly that. Oh.""We MUST catch her!" cried Holmes. I determined to act on the idea.""That is easily managed. We communicated with him. Mr. why did not Jonathan Small get the treasure himself? The answer is obvious. His great powers. Now." said I.

W. the one at Riga in 1857. mark you. If ever man had an easy task. for all beneath was in shadow. from the H. As we drove away I stole a glance back.""No? You surprise me. So we stood hand in hand. deep-chested man stood in the opening."This is terrible!" I said to Holmes. I ordered it for half-past six. I came back to our problem of the Sholtos. dear! I know that I shall go mad!" He jerked his arms and stamped his feet in a kind of convulsive frenzy. In the year 1878 my father. Major Sholto remains at peace for some years. He takes with him. is one 'Upon the Distinction between the Ashes of the Various Tobaccoes. I have every reason to believe. And rather to Jonathan's disgust. When I looked back on the long chain of curious circumstances. Now. that I was irritated by the egotism which seemed to demand that every line of my pamphlet should be devoted to his own special doings. "I really do not feel equal to giving directions.As I listened to the words and realized what they meant. in a husky and confidential voice. outward bound for the Brazils. 'Wir sind gewohnt das die Menschen verhoehnen was sie nicht verstehen."It is absolutely impossible.

 So says the statistician. with a bright glance at me. laughing. who are on a stranger errand than you and I." exclaimed Holmes. 'There she lies. for he mistakes a white tradesman for him. as you say. My fears were soon appeased." said Jones. I had inquiries made. I think. and I could see little of his face save a pair of keen dark eyes. Now. which left only his face exposed; but that face was enough to give a man a sleepless night. well gloved. I found that there was a fresh allusion to the business.""There will be two or three in the boat. it is no great wonder that our trail should have been crossed. What is the chief difference?""Your toes are all cramped together."I had heard nothing of him by breakfast-time. and with a kind of choking cough fell sideways into the stream.""He acted according to his lights. sir. "but I was to ask you to give me your word that neither of your companions is a police-officer.""You had best take it. they are likely enough to leave. we shall hear something. did you deduce the telegram?""Why.

 but. He has all the Celtic power of quick intuition. July 7. Here is my monograph upon the tracing of footsteps. or the chimney."It looks like a thorn. That is where old Mrs. You surely know my knock by this time. I tried to read. and you. and a wooden-legged ruffian." he said. That is Bartholomew's window up there where the moonshine strikes. "If I guarantee them. Clearly. Here's a day in advance.""It was I who opened it. the very singular accompaniments to the crime. I think that it would be a pleasure to my friend here to take the box round to the young lady to whom half of it rightfully belongs. Of course as to his personal appearance he must be middle-aged." I remarked. Yet a man has mounted by the window. which produces much the same effect as if you worked a love-story or an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid. That was the balance of probability."See here. and to spare. The Baker Street address was enough to prove that. you drunken vagabone. then?" she asked.

--Watson. Bernstone gives him far from a good character."Good-day. box in hand." said I. were both released yesterday evening. in Lower Camberwell: so it is not very far. hardly. for I don't think it is at all likely that we shall have any use for him now. Give me problems.""Or that Mrs. I am sure. until the gray turban and white feather were but a speck in the sombre crowd. and pronounce a specialist's opinion." said Holmes. Good- morning. no doubt. These flashes come upon me at times. I shall never forgive myself if she proves to have the heels of us!"She had slipped unseen through the yard-entrance and passed behind two or three small craft. and look out for Blondin." said my companion. "to the success of our little expedition. was full of kindness and love. "Nothing else is of any consequence; but I think that he has behaved most kindly and honorably throughout. I could hear the wooden leg clackin' on the stones. then. Bartholomew Sholto.""That is all over. I hope he's not going to be ill.

 clad in a rude sailor dress with a pea-jacket. About six years ago--to be exact. well in view. though idleness exhausts me completely. you see. like a great metallic heart. as though they had frequently been used as a ladder. which has been very clearly made out. and a dense drizzly fog lay low upon the great city. We had shot through the Pool."The object which he held up to me was a small pocket or pouch woven out of colored grasses and with a few tawdry beads strung round it. "His letters were full of allusions to the major. there came a swift pattering of naked feet upon the stairs. I think."Your friend Mr. without any clue as to the sender. for a stream of dark-colored liquid had trickled out from it. How could you expect so small and weak a man as this black fellow to overpower Mr.At three o'clock in the afternoon there was a loud peal at the bell."It tended down towards the river-side." he answered.""I shall bring him. Bernstone. And here is a circular muddy mark. at Smith's Wharf. Mr. He had a colored scarf round his chin.""Well. and now found ourselves in Kennington Lane.

When the cloth was cleared. sir.""I may be very obtuse.--to you. as I thought.--the monster tentacles which the giant city was throwing out into the country. of Pondicherry Lodge. They take the place of the conventional dragon or wicked earl. Forrester's poker. Watson?""I have my old service-revolver in my desk.""On Mrs. doggy! Good old Toby! Smell it. "It is of the first importance." I cried. It was a shock to me to hear that I had placed my friends in such horrible peril. I knew his voice. and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street-Arabs. "I heard you marching about in the night. with a bright glance at me. I can see the two of them now as they stood. not attractive. from day to day I had become more irritable at the sight.--Just you carry them down with you." said he.""You are both very kind. You and I and--yes. we had already determined that Small had come from the Andamans. You recollect how annoyed I was at being balked by so small a thing?""Yes. There was something strangely incongruous in this Oriental figure framed in the commonplace door-way of a third-rate suburban dwelling-house.

 though my heart was heavy within me.--his preference for a subtle and bizarre explanation when a plainer and more commonplace one lay ready to his hand. Thaddeus Sholto. The staves of the barrel and the wheels of the trolley were smeared with a dark liquid. I knows well where it is. Finally. Holmes eyed it critically. "Look at his long letters."I did not pause to argue over this atrocious sentiment."Do not imagine. I could not disguise from myself that even if Holmes's explanation were incorrect the true theory must be equally outre and startling. Jim. Beside it is written. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. If we are pretty quick in catching our men. and her whole pose and figure spoke of an absorbing melancholy.He gave a shrill whistle.""His luggage?""Remained at the hotel."See here. The carboy has been cracked. "I had already considered that possibility. "However. this Hippocratic smile. have you?""I have my stick. There was. You must divide it out among yourselves. "Toby has lost his character for infallibility. what is her name?""The Aurora. for I don't think it is at all likely that we shall have any use for him now.

 our expedition in the evening. "Hum! I have no recollection of the name.""None. He did not wish to put his head in a halter. However. 'Show a leg. sure enough. Let us see how it fits in with the sequel. Sholto's death. however. together with a half-sovereign. Their feet and hands. How could you expect so small and weak a man as this black fellow to overpower Mr. while at the same time I could have her at a few hours' notice."I confess that I had my doubts myself when I reflected upon the great traffic which had passed along the London road in the interval. even the policemen and stokers." he added."Now. I chose his launch because I heard that she was a flier.""A dog. with a pair of very small twinkling eyes which looked keenly out from between swollen and puffy pouches. "This unexpected occurrence. She was a blonde young lady. and that l an e.""Could it have gone up the river?""I have considered that possibility too. and knew how his keen spirit was chafing against this involuntary inaction. of course. You must divide it out among yourselves. I fear.

 Mrs. In the silence of the night we could hear the panting and clanking of their machinery. at Smith's Wharf. You will drive.""Or had escaped. The iron-work was two-thirds of an inch thick all round. and then burst into a passion of weeping. but is there any resemblance between this hand and that of your father?""Nothing could be more unlike. Miss Morstan and I stood together. Better have your ham and eggs first. There is much food for thought in Richter. I had my net drawn tightly round Mr. for I'm guyed at by the children. A double line of glass-stoppered bottles was drawn up upon the wall opposite the door." I remonstrated. let us put ourselves in the place of Jonathan Small. befogged in mind and fatigued in body. Watson. not attractive." he said. there may be something deeper underlying it. but never did sport give me such a wild thrill as this mad."I sprang from my chair and limped impatiently about the room with considerable bitterness in my heart. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage." I answered. and you will not have long to wait. sir. Suddenly. I walked over to Camberwell in the evening to report our ill success to the ladies.

""Thank you. There is nothing more to be learned here. I see that the cab is at the door. "They have robbed him of the treasure! There is the hole through which we lowered it. risk the loss of those great powers with which you have been endowed? Remember that I speak not only as one comrade to another. It only remains to follow the other. which I found to contain a very large and lustrous pearl. and has been a convict. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil-smelling mess. and was girt round with a very high stone wall topped with broken glass. or ought to be. I should not like to suggest false hopes. The major had retired some little time before. "Look out that you don't prick yourself. no. Watson?""I have my old service-revolver in my desk.""Why. indeed.--though parallel cases suggest themselves from India. If Holmes could work to find the criminals."It was evening before I left Camberwell."He shuffled towards the door. We shall wait here until your return. and reascended the stairs. and that at which we stopped was as dark as its neighbors. anyway." he said. at any rate. There is no other white man.

-- Holmes's new method of search. and looked at it as a man of his capacity would."He did not seem offended. which is kind o' thick and foggy." Several small punts and skiffs were lying about in the water and on the edge of the wharf. by which I understand that he has got some clue to this Sholto business. having large.Close to the rude landing-stage was a small brick house." she said. "Friend Sholto is safe. It was to take her at a disadvantage to obtrude love upon her at such a time. shrieking out curses. and the ropes were cast off. upon the 4th of May. with his nose on the ground. and blue- tinted glasses." said I."You have no reason for fear. As far as we can learn. That is where old Mrs. "We shall recompense you for the loss of your time. I was able to refer him to two parallel cases. "I am all right again. I ought to be back before three. several bricks had been loosened. the very picture of canine indecision." said Jones." I cried."We pulled up at the Great Peter Street post-office.

"He took up his violin from the corner. firm way.""Confound the fellow! It's a most break-neck place. The creature instantly broke into a succession of high. and led him to the foot of the water-barrel. we can do nothing but await results. Take that chair and try one of these cigars. so we transferred it carefully to our own little cabin.""And two knight-errants to the rescue."There is something devilish in this. cabby! We will keep Toby.""Ah. for I can hardly tell yet where I may find myself.--the Baker Street irregulars. Sholto. What did he want always knockin' about here for?""A wooden-legged man?" said Holmes." said Holmes. stokers! Make her do all she can! If we burn the boat we must have them!"We were fairly after her now. He was stiff and cold. Let her be the first to open it. you see.' said the foreman. Watson! This is really a very pretty demonstration. sailors.""Ah! She's not that old green launch with a yellow line. putting his hand against the sloping wall. owner Mordecai Smith. What does he do then? He guards himself against a wooden-legged man. with directions to make a trifling change in her.

 on consulting the back files of the Times.""Well." said Holmes. I have been guilty of several monographs. and the frail shell vibrated and creaked with the fierce energy which was driving us along.""That seems simple enough. with something of the air of a clinical professor expounding to his class.""Well. That was the train of events as far as I can decipher them. this is hardly a case for me to theorize over. I did not at all expect to be so accurate.""I think we gain a little. "There must be some mistake. It is quite on the cards that we may be afoot to- night again. laughing.""Why. He's off again. and whether there was any suspicion. of course I do!" he wheezed. "I think I shall have a pull at that flask. At first I had some idea as to the direction in which we were driving; but soon. half spaniel and half lurcher. but as a medical man to one for whose constitution he is to some extent answerable.""No sign of a ladder?""No. but none could have left such marks as that. on the advice of the manager of the hotel. or I should have been able to foretell it. We have had an immense display of energy since you left. with the red streaks.