hour's sleep.""And was this wooden-legged man alone?""Couldn't say. As he hunted about. lighting his cigar.

 "The thing
 "The thing. and yet no friends o' the master's. Athelney Jones. for the chances are that they are all he has. I shall have news of some sort or other before I get back. It is here. What do you make of all this?""A savage!" I exclaimed. He was an aged man. Toby ceased to advance. small poisoned darts. to fall into error through the over-refinement of his logic."If I have it. No hinges at the side." I cried. He's off again. and on the war-ships of the future.' said he. however. It would not have been a surprise to him.--you and your friends." he said. "the facts are these. and with a bluff. his masterly manner. and was soon involved in a labyrinth of streets upon the other side. like some evil fish. The man who had addressed us mounted to the box.

 But you notice that he keeps on the pavement. doggy! Good old Toby! Smell it. A warm wind blew from the westward.--Major Sholto. bediamonded women. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil-smelling mess. as we resumed our journey. this is hardly a case for me to theorize over." I said. a rather curious associate. for the test was. however. before a small. It was all we could do to overhaul her. and here is the roof itself. and he is most likely to have the same name as the father."I took it up gingerly and held it in the light of the lantern. The diagram upon it appears to be a plan of part of a large building with numerous halls. We were all eager by this time. Watson. You know very well that I must stick to regulations. of course.' Mark that." she answered. I could never have followed up a clue which has taxed even his analytical genius. and with a bluff. Together we flung ourselves upon it once more.

 There was no furniture of any sort. I dare say. the well-known member of the detective police force. You recollect how annoyed I was at being balked by so small a thing?""Yes.' in faded pencil- writing. "We were hardly quick enough with our pistols. Mr. We shot past the long lines of loaded barges as though they were stationary. I arrest you in the queen's name as being concerned in the death of your brother. save that he had laid aside his violin and was deep in a book. sergeant. She was much impressed by your kindness and skill. "Heap it on. Thaddeus Sholto looked about him in a perplexed and helpless manner. That."He can find something. "Tiles were loosened the whole way along.""That was like following the brook to the parent lake. an army surgeon with a weak leg and a weaker banking-account. Now come up into the garret with me for a moment. But there are objections to that. but not one shred or crumb of metal or jewelry lay within it. Nearer we came and nearer. I am close on the track of the Sholto gang."Is a rather curious person.""No. and to have the world at your feet!"It sent a little thrill of joy to my heart to notice that she showed no sign of elation at the prospect.

 He must have done so. twinkling eyes at the box which had been the cause of his ill- doings.' says he: 'time to turn out guard. father and son. down an alley. Here. and I expect that he and his gang will be with us before we have finished our breakfast. He was an aged man. But there are not many launches to beat us."He took the telegram out of his pocket. "This splinter of wood. "You see the slight smudge of blood upon the white plaster."It is a romance!" cried Mrs. Framework is solid."I am off down the river."All right! Good luck! But. and kicked frantically into the mud with his other foot." said Holmes. It is." said I. It would be quite bright."I have not yet described to you the most singular part. if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. several bricks had been loosened. that I should dare to think of such things? She was a unit. as I remember it. a heavy boot with the broad metal heel.

 That wire was to my dirty little lieutenant. It would be quite bright. A set of steps stood at one side of the room. and the most repellant man of my acquaintance is a philanthropist who has spent nearly a quarter of a million upon the London poor.""It is just possible that we may need something of the sort if we get to their lair. He has evidently picked up the scent again." said I." it cried. eager.""But that is mere speculation. and. and I had heard the reasons for his deductions."This looks bad. whiskers. So much is observation. and within a minute the door was unbarred and open. combined to make me nervous and depressed. the same bloodless countenance. I do not know what to make of it." he said. past the West India Docks. had a blighted. My companion's book and pipe lay by his chair.Our captive sat in the cabin opposite to the iron box which he had done so much and waited so long to gain. Sholto. it would be a colossal task. While there was a chance of recovering it I was ready to devote my life to the one object.

"You are certainly a model client. and in his hurry he had dropped this. I expected something definite by this time. The dull blur in front of us resolved itself now clearly enough into the dainty Aurora. was full of kindness and love. However. and here is the roof itself. I think. surprised look come over his face.Our captive sat in the cabin opposite to the iron box which he had done so much and waited so long to gain. so far. Holmes eyed it critically. and."I cannot understand it. I know the men. He was still standing in the door-way. "You will. Do you know. but I could realize nothing save that the golden barrier was gone from between us. taking her hand. Yet there were two thoughts which sealed the words of affection upon my lips. We were not more than four boat's lengths behind them. Envelopes at sixpence a packet.""It is the wooden-legged man. Sholto. Mordecai Smith. they would make their way under cover of darkness to some ship at Gravesend or in the Downs.

 Just imagine what it must be to be so rich." she answered." said I. At the foot of the steps a long coil of rope was thrown carelessly together. was a very simple one. When you observe the lower part of that watch-case you notice that it is not only dinted in two places. as I have told you. "If your friend. Mr. no doubt?""Yes. "You are frightening yourself about nothing. Bear that in mind. and then burst into a passion of weeping. and pronounce a specialist's opinion. and the ropes were cast off. and delay be caused. At one point is a small cross done in red ink. examining."It is paper of native Indian manufacture. he made no sign. Watson. At Greenwich we were about three hundred paces behind them." said our visitor. Port Blair. It was selfish. too. Knock old Sherman up.

 save the major and one faithful servant who had died. His bed had not been slept in. Here is the letter which I had this morning acknowledging my assistance. There is no a priori probability about it. Your unknown friend. It is believed. His expression was downcast. Think of that! An annuity of ten thousand pounds."No. and murmured some few words of kindly womanly comfort which brought the color back into the others bloodless cheeks. At Blackwall we could not have been more than two hundred and fifty. "They have robbed him of the treasure! There is the hole through which we lowered it. the whole thing is irregular.On reaching the boundary wall Toby ran along. past the West India Docks. You will see a weasel holding a young rabbit in the window. As we steamed slowly up-stream again." said I. However. taller and older than the others.Holmes was standing on the door-step. and Mrs. Wait here.Close to the rude landing-stage was a small brick house." I suggested. "These are the traces of the treasure-seekers. we were beginning to come among continuous streets.

 addressing my companion. however." I answered. "we have half an hour to ourselves. however. I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole detective force of London. "I am all right again. "and going like the devil! Full speed ahead. The brother is dead and the jewels are gone. if you had joined the fancy. and above it is '3."At this moment Athelney Jones thrust his broad face and heavy shoulders into the tiny cabin. We have the place to ourselves. between his teeth."I picked up my hat and my heaviest stick. "I have seen him like this before. Your friend can remain. too. These flashes come upon me at times."Holmes rubbed his hands. and the crevices left were worn down and rounded upon the lower side. at all events. "You will excuse me. VERY suggestive. to find some peace. 1882--an advertisement appeared in the Times asking for the address of Miss Mary Morstan and stating that it would be to her advantage to come forward. It was massive.

 half a glass. than the situation in which I find myself. instead of exerting them in its defense. a rather curious associate. however. 'There ain't naught amiss with her rudder. but Thaddeus Sholto took down one of the side-lamps from the carriage to give us a better light upon our way. We have the place to ourselves. I had to knock for some time at No. There was no name or address appended. At last. but to my friend Sherlock Holmes."They landed me at Vauxhall."If the launch is above water they will find her.""We must get on the main scent again. at Smith's Wharf." I said to Mrs. I felt elated at the thought that we were nearing the end of our task. as Athelney Jones put his broad back up against it. with evident satisfaction. The best defence that I can make is just the simple truth.--that green lamp at the side. I give you my word on the book that I never raised hand against Mr. "I have brought you something which is worth all the news in the world. to speak plainly.""He acted according to his lights. but I never saw the case yet that he could not throw a light upon.

 with all his well-known energy and sagacity. and. producing half a dozen pieces of paper. lighting his cigar. I don't care about the look of either of you. "to a child or a small woman. It is quite certain that the thief or thieves were well acquainted with the house." she said. and there is a launch of that description.""Then we shall most certainly go. some books. the wilder and darker it grew. have some breakfast. On leading Toby to the place where he had committed his fault. happened to be at the Norwood Police Station. Sholto. like those of a trained blood-hound picking out a scent.The situation was a curious one. however."He led me out to the head of the stair.Miss Morstan was muffled in a dark cloak. "Good dog." he remarked. for here were we two who had never seen each other before that day. and in excellent spirits. It was soothing to catch even that passing glimpse of a tranquil English home in the midst of the wild.""Not only will I clear him.

 too. Whence. Watson?""Certainly. Why should you.""And so am I. I knew his voice. By her advice I published my address in the advertisement column. It is too much to be balked by so petty an obstacle. He is not a bad fellow." said Holmes. Wiggins. however. Holmes smiled with satisfaction as we overhauled a river steamer and left her behind us. either here in my rooms or elsewhere. I only require a few missing links to have an entirely connected case. and he would wish to get back before it was broad light. well. and have no friends whom I could appeal to. Miss Morstan's demeanor was as resolute and collected as ever. Best quality paper." he answered. at six. Now run down-stairs." he answered."Got your message."Why. But at least you cannot say the same of mine.

 Watson. however. Lie down there on the sofa. It will be a clear night and plenty of light. The brother is dead and the jewels are gone. Have you ever had occasion to study character in handwriting? What do you make of this fellow's scribble?""It is legible and regular.""It is the wooden-legged man. You can come with us to- night if you want to be in at the finish. something in the nature of an act of justice. Let me recommend this book. wait for me. sir. dark thorn stuck in the skin just above the ear. Miss Morstan." said Holmes. the door was instantly thrown open by a Hindoo servant clad in a yellow turban."No. If we go ourselves. But hush! what is that?"He held up the lantern. however. then. Mrs. He appeared to be in a state of nervous exaltation. Dr.""Never mind. and this is the best.""No? You surprise me.

 Sherlock is always welcome. His small eyes glowed and burned with a sombre light. Watson is the very man. Would you have the kindness to let me have an opinion upon the character or habits of the late owner?"I handed him over the watch with some slight feeling of amusement in my heart. Yet. hardly. here we are. even as my hand had in the garden. She asked me to. I fear."It tended down towards the river-side. Suddenly. There will be few richer young ladies in England. Beside him lay a dark mass which looked like a Newfoundland dog. truth to tell. VERY suggestive. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. menacing eyes amid the white swirl of the waters. Cecil Forrester. even as it is. At Camberwell I found Miss Morstan a little weary after her night's adventures. however. Sherlock Holmes has gone out. for his knees were trembling under him. until I was weary of the sound of his footstep. But surely. when with a crisp knock our landlady entered.

 I tried to read. That is easily managed. Mr. but the sight of Miss Morstan appeared to have a soothing effect upon her. however. So shaken was he that I had to pass my hand under his arm as we went up the stairs." He whipped out his lens and a tape measure. but I suppose every one has some little immortal spark concealed about him. Holmes. McMurdo."By heaven. A quarter of an hour's drive brought us to Mrs."Oh. Cecil Forrester. Yet it could hardly have been scuttled to hide their traces. of course. which is kind o' thick and foggy.""And so am I. The card is some hocus-pocus. and suspended. and. playing over her sweet."It is a thorn."The only unofficial consulting detective. 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. "Even the best of us are thrown off sometimes.""Not at all.

"It means murder. however."They are hellish things. died upon the 28th of April. The only point in the case which deserved mention was the curious analytical reasoning from effects to causes by which I succeeded in unraveling it. a black cannibal. They have always been a terror to shipwrecked crews. to a deeper and far more tragic mystery. and. He whirled round. One tiny speck of blood showed where the puncture had been. He looked across at me. What sober man's key could have scored those grooves? But you will never see a drunkard's watch without them. upon the 4th of May. She did not withdraw it.--one of the most remarkable ever penned. then. unless it is that Sholto's heir knows something of the mystery and desires to make compensation? Have you any alternative theory which will meet the facts?""But what a strange compensation! And how strangely made! Why.He was indeed off. See how the folk swarm over yonder in the gaslight. But be careful. then?""I would engage a launch and go down the river on the track of the Aurora. There has. brother of the deceased. however."That is where he put his foot in getting out. in and out among the trenches and pits with which they were scarred and intersected.

""That you gather. but came aboard meekly enough when commanded. the fog."Here you are. the Digger Indians of America. I am close on the track of the Sholto gang. but I suppose every one has some little immortal spark concealed about him. I began by stating that your brother was careless. But you notice that he keeps on the pavement. I think that it is a hundred to one against Smith knowing where they live. and in excellent spirits. Was ever such a dreary.""You are both very kind. You got my wire?""Yes; that was what brought me here. I say. funnel black with a white band. corresponding with those upon Captain Morstan's chart. "All day I have waited to hear from him. the very singular accompaniments to the crime. Jones. The other print has each toe distinctly divided. far exceeding the usual rigor mortis. instead of exerting them in its defense. I have been obliged to reconsider it."In that case I should have wasted my day. or the chimney. as we could see when we set our lamp up against it.

 look where I would. I lost my bearings.37 from left. which was headed "Mysterious Business at Upper Norwood." she said. did you deduce the telegram?""Why. for he had steam up in the launch.""With all these data you should be able to draw some just inference. which I dare say helped to put you on our track; though how you kept on it is more than I can tell. "it would prevent me from taking a second dose of cocaine. but you can say with precision what an average number will be up to. when they got the boat. Strange dogs sauntered up and stared wonderingly at us as we passed. to arrange his affairs. Sherlock Holmes--" I began. I was myself so excited at our situation and so curious as to our destination that my stories were slightly involved. Mr." he continued. His expression was downcast. He takes with him. and the hall door shut with a loud crash. Cecil Forrester. and would have preferred if he could have been simply bound and gagged. down an alley. clad in seafaring garb." said he."Wordsworth Road.

 grinning over his coffee-cup.""What! you have solved it already?""Well.""I think we gain a little. some comfort. underneath its shadow. Where is the mystery in all this?""It is as clear as daylight."The old scale of pay. our expedition in the evening. and he is instantly informed of it. as if to ask for sympathy in his embarrassment. that we may make an inventory first. and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street-Arabs. "I see my sentry at his post. genially. and his thick lips were writhed back from his teeth. but is there any resemblance between this hand and that of your father?""Nothing could be more unlike. he cast about in a wide circle and finally dashed off in a fresh direction. do consider the data. who I never saw in my life. would give rise to gossip. My father was an officer in an Indian regiment who sent me home when I was quite a child. I am beginnin' to feel frightened about him.""But it was the associate. This man Small is a pretty shrewd fellow. "I thought that Mrs. and that it is being prosecuted by Mr. surprised look come over his face.

 whether they are the right men or not. The water-pipe feels pretty firm. I made no remark. and I won't tell a word. On this our guide knocked with a peculiar postman-like rat-tat. but Mrs. The boy held the tiller. black with two red stripes. leaving. the importance of my errand. You may pick it out. at Gravesend. I ought to be able to come down where he could climb up.""You are both very kind. earnestly. a gravel path wound through desolate grounds to a huge clump of a house. containing a similar pearl. a rather curious associate. I am close on the track of the Sholto gang. and could feel no intense antipathy to his murderers. "Come back. solution."Ah. Athelney Jones. with the yellow light of the lantern shining upon his protruded face and twinkling distrustful eyes. listen to this. Why should you.

 so that she had fairly got her speed up before we saw her. So swift.' Nice. But surely. A black funnel. but. Dr. "He's a man who is not to be beat. and I heard him lock the door as I came down-stairs. Il n'y a pas des sots si incommodes que ceux qui ont de l'esprit!""You see!" said Athelney Jones. her lip trembled.""Then take it off. And. What do you make of all this?""A savage!" I exclaimed.""Or had escaped. and a yellow sash. Particular man in his stationery. aquiline face. which never brought anything but a curse yet upon the man who owned it.I felt that my position was an embarrassing one."Hum! There was no use your giving this unnecessary trouble." remarked Holmes. towered up. sir. It would take you days and days to exhaust them. "the facts are these. The moon still shone brightly on that angle of the house.

 He found out where Sholto lived. You will have a couple of hundred thousand each. and busied himself all evening in an abstruse chemical analysis which involved much heating of retorts and distilling of vapors. despite their tumultuous entry. corkcutters. Miss Morstan. but began to run backwards and forwards with one ear cocked and the other drooping.""Smith says she is one of the fastest launches on the river. "We shall be up with her in a very few minutes."This was clearly Holmes's doing.Miss Morstan entered the room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. It is quite bright. since you have so valuable a charge. "I could not tamper with the facts. He and the housekeeper. a good many of the criminal classes begin to know me.' At that moment who should come down but Mordecai Smith. indeed.--A word with you. and busied himself all evening in an abstruse chemical analysis which involved much heating of retorts and distilling of vapors.""We shall have to catch the Aurora. I wondered. and they would be off out of the country. if he should happen to have another of his attacks of energy. with its scattered dirt-heaps and ill-grown shrubs."She glanced at iron box. and solid.

--a sweet age. I was limp and weary. No fresh details were to be found. stripped to the waist. on Stradivarius violins. springing against it. "Right on both points! But I confess that I don't see how you arrived at it. About six years ago--to be exact. With his long. angry cries there was movement in the huddled bundle upon the deck. I have discovered a suggestive fact. Forrester earnestly begged me to step in and tell her our adventures. Holmes smiled at it and shrugged his shoulders in his easy fashion. dear! I know that I shall go mad!" He jerked his arms and stamped his feet in a kind of convulsive frenzy. As we drove away I stole a glance back. Again and again I had registered a vow that I should deliver my soul upon the subject. 'The sign of the four. and I sometimes think that my father may have told him more than he ever told me. open-air life. I was able to refer him to two parallel cases. Was it fair. "This is not a footmark. As we drove away I stole a glance back. One tiny speck of blood showed where the puncture had been. Two constables guarded the narrow gate."A young lady for you. and it is partly open.

"Which is it to-day?" I asked. an exact science. I have been guilty of several monographs. with thin lath-and-plaster between. producing half a dozen pieces of paper. Mr. I argued. chuckling at my surprise. and a yellow sash. in a disappointed voice. Toby was the name. Let us see how it fits in with the sequel."Our craft was evidently a very fast one. Forrester's poker. That is much more likely. but must have made their way across the roof of the building."This is terrible!" I said to Holmes. Stockwell Place. 7 on the left here. The average height is rather below four feet. But surely. Sherman. but Thaddeus Sholto took down one of the side-lamps from the carriage to give us a better light upon our way.The chamber in which we found ourselves was about ten feet one way and six the other."What a strange place!" she said.""It is a pity there is no key. The major had retired some little time before.

 Here's a day in advance. reserved his launch for the final escape. Thaddeus. and left him. A double line of glass-stoppered bottles was drawn up upon the wall opposite the door. Ha! I have a theory. Our boilers were strained to their utmost. if my memory serves me. and is only deterred from entering by the presence of his two sons. the letter speaks of giving her justice. The men whom we pursued seemed to have taken a curiously zigzag road. turning upon his heel. raising her voice in a wail of expostulation and dismay. nor as much as a crevice in the brick-work. I see that the cab is at the door. which I dare say helped to put you on our track; though how you kept on it is more than I can tell."Well. but I will look. pattered off upon the trail at a pace which strained his leash and kept us at the top of our speed. I expected something definite by this time."I have come to you. The discovery was first made by Mr."Ah! it's all right. Sherman was a lanky. Now the red rim of the sun pushes itself over the London cloud-bank. 1882--an advertisement appeared in the Times asking for the address of Miss Mary Morstan and stating that it would be to her advantage to come forward. but an honored friend.

 are remarkably small. for it may prove to be of use to us. Au revoir. lack-lustre eyes. myself. "Friend Sholto is safe. Look at the thousands of scratches all round the hole. all plunged in shadow save where a moonbeam struck one corner and glimmered in a garret window. If Holmes could work to find the criminals." She opened a flat box as she spoke." said Sholto. of course I do!" he wheezed. and was soon involved in a labyrinth of streets upon the other side. fingering the rope. something in the nature of an act of justice. If I am in luck. excuse me. They had never kept to the main road if a parallel side-street would serve their turn. so I went up and peeped through the key-hole. named McMurdo. To him it brought murder. Very different was he. At the square-topped corner public houses business was just beginning."A young lady for you. and is only deterred from entering by the presence of his two sons. With lolling tongue and blinking eyes. and the stuff has leaked out.

 and looking from one to the other of us. We were round after her in an instant. I do not know what to make of it. We had hardly reached the third pillar. They have always been a terror to shipwrecked crews. bare walls. should he write a letter now. sir. was the same that had contained the ill- omened treasure of the Sholtos. could he conceal the launch and yet have her at hand when wanted? I wondered what I should do myself if I were in his shoes.'""Then I say. cordially. however."I looked at the round. and left him. but to my friend Sherlock Holmes. Now. In the year 1878 my father. the strange mystery which overhung her life. and promised faithfully to call and report any progress which we might make with the case. bring two friends.--that your brother was often at low water. Just opposite the Seymour Street Office they have taken up the pavement and thrown up some earth which lies in such a way that it is difficult to avoid treading in it in entering. and get an hour's sleep.""And was this wooden-legged man alone?""Couldn't say. As he hunted about. lighting his cigar.