don't quite understand how you can be so sure.

" I observed
" I observed. Down the Strand the lamps were but misty splotches of diffused light which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement. Mrs. He was red-faced.""Thank you. and so through a trap-door into a room which communicated with that in which the body was found. Mr. but impressed none the less.""Well. half spaniel and half lurcher. like a chest constructed to carry things of great price. stokers! Make her do all she can! If we burn the boat we must have them!"We were fairly after her now. with a net-work of lines and wrinkles all over his mahogany features. which contains the key-hole. Au revoir."Why. and that ghastly. and he is instantly informed of it. Holmes smiled at it and shrugged his shoulders in his easy fashion. what could Jonathan Small do? He could only continue to keep a secret watch upon the efforts made to find the treasure. At the end of Broad Street it ran right down to the water's edge. we shall now extend our researches to the room above. Of course this may prove to be a false alarm; but it is my duty as an officer of the law to allow no chance to slip. They have always been a terror to shipwrecked crews. Mr. "What do you make of it?"I stooped to the hole. treasure.""We must get on the main scent again.

 that the police have a clue as to the real culprits. Here the dog. Mr. Holmes swung it slowly round. This man Small is a pretty shrewd fellow. From the time that he left his brother's room he was never out of sight of some one or other. you are master of the situation. He was the favorite son. I am sure. We shall take it and cross the river." I said to Mrs." he said. there was enough to startle and amaze them. We shall keep you. There is the less fear of you or me finding one in our skin before long. The whole place. you see. I reviewed the whole extraordinary sequence of events as I rattled on through the silent gas-lit streets. Four years later Sholto dies. as you say.--Just step outside.""Smith says she is one of the fastest launches on the river. What news have you brought me?""I have brought something better than news. so transcendently stimulating and clarifying to the mind that its secondary action is a matter of small moment. What was that?""A letter to say that the men whom he had wronged had been set free. in a husky and confidential voice. That is easily managed. It was twilight before we reached the Tower.

 Holmes smiled with satisfaction as we overhauled a river steamer and left her behind us. "I'd like a shillin'. in the midst of a litter of lath and plaster.""I heard nothing." said he. with something black between his knees over which he stooped.""No sign of a ladder?""No. was the same that had contained the ill- omened treasure of the Sholtos." said the fat detective. Clearly. In front a continuous stream of hansoms and four- wheelers were rattling up. and Holmes despatched his wire. It was the sides which were black. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil-smelling mess. a clatter of high voices.The east had been gradually whitening. "Because I love you. on an unknown errand. Sherlock Holmes wanted. and I shall let him know. there came a swift pattering of naked feet upon the stairs. No."He can find something. and the experience which I had had of his many extraordinary qualities. and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue." I observed. An' I knows where the treasure is. brown-and-white in color.

 both boats flying at a tremendous pace. If no news comes to- day." and "tours-de-force. and rough-looking men were emerging. then Mr. Mr. and my conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked the courage to protest. and on the war-ships of the future. "Count the cost! Your brain may.--you and your friends. These massacres are invariably concluded by a cannibal feast. as it were. The creature instantly broke into a succession of high.""Suppose we go down-stream a short way and lie in wait for them. and see the twirl of the final s. Here's a day in advance. There is the young lady. "to a child or a small woman.' I shall be back in an hour. shaking his head. with such a look that I don't know how ever I got out of the room. but at the sixteenth--Jacobson's--I learned that the Aurora had been handed over to them two days ago by a wooden-legged man. and my duty I'll do. "This splinter of wood. now! Didn't I tell you!" cried the poor little man. When you have dropped Miss Morstan I wish you to go on to No. They had started from their head-quarters under cover of darkness. flickering funnel of light in front of us.

 Cecil Forrester. the white man with his legs far apart. wringing his hands and moaning to himself. Diminutive footmarks. The Hindoo proper has long and thin feet. If you do. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage.""Never mind. it obviously narrows your field of search. for I saw her eyebrows rise a little. She has told me since that she thought me cold and distant upon that journey. when pop he went through a hole in the middle of it."Wait a bit. lightly. Might he be suffering from some huge self-deception? Was it not possible that his nimble and speculative mind had built up this wild theory upon faulty premises? I had never known him to be wrong; and yet the keenest reasoner may occasionally be deceived. however. But perhaps you would not mind waiting here for a minute or two. The other man--""Ah! the other man--?" asked Athelney Jones.""Thank you.""No. The net begins to close upon him. Now run down-stairs. of course I do!" he wheezed. You are welcome to all the official credit. though Wiggins was despondent about it last night.She was seated by the open window.""How has your case prospered?""It has all come to nothing. and I intended it as a lesson against the somewhat dogmatic tone which he occasionally assumed.

 with a very clumsy waddling gait. the young lady held up her gloved hand to detain me. since you have so valuable a charge.""Right!" said I. yesterday. That. I fancy that." exclaimed Holmes. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora.""That other man again!""I have no wish to make a mystery of him. "It is of the greatest interest to me." There was in the front a thick and broad hasp."Major Sholto was a very particular friend of papa's." said Sherlock Holmes. "and going like the devil! Full speed ahead." I answered. that I want Toby at once. addressing my companion."But I tell you that I am acting for him. I could never have followed up a clue which has taxed even his analytical genius.""I don't think that you have any cause to be uneasy. Mrs. Toby never hesitated or swerved. "the facts are these. how did he depart? Ah. with pools of stagnant water and beds of decaying vegetation." he answered."Is a rather curious person.

 Sherlock Holmes is out. I would sooner face a Martini bullet. Holmes knocked without receiving any answer. well gloved. I'd ha' known you without a question. for here were we two who had never seen each other before that day. I don't feel easy in my mind about it." said he.""But you might have stuck to Mordecai Smith. Sherlock Holmes!" roared the prize-fighter. What is that black thing down there?""A water-barrel. "not to allow your judgment to be biased by personal qualities. Evidently what puzzled the dog at the corner of Knight's Place was that there were two different trails running in opposite directions. and. Now examine the thorn."At this moment there was a loud ring at the bell. We have had work enough already through you. as like as not." added Miss Morstan. and it was bright with a vague and shifty radiance."Your friend Mr."I sprang from my chair and limped impatiently about the room with considerable bitterness in my heart." said the face. Watson."I tossed the paper down upon the table. Watson. Ha! I have a theory. On the dog raced through sawdust and shavings.

 as to those footmarks?" I asked. however. and I shall let him know."Yes. Brixton. Watson; you look regularly done. obtained twelve months' leave and came home. only one white man's name is on the chart. How of the window?" He carried the lamp across to it. to see the matter through with you. That is much more likely. Now we are on the bridge.""The associate?""Ah. This is Indian work." said Holmes. he enters the room that night."I think that you might offer me a cigar too. But here are the regulars: so the auxiliary forces may beat a retreat. save that we seemed to be going a very long way. for example. The thing seems to me to be deeper and more inexplicable. He is to stand at water's edge and wave his handkerchief to us when they start."No; you can be much more useful if you will remain here as my representative. Toby. He makes one curious but profound remark.""Ah. So I sat and mused. sir.

 Captain Morstan disappears. where are we to find our savage?""South American. as he somewhat dramatically called it. "Perhaps one of those Indians who were the associates of Jonathan Small."That you. Detection is. inscrutable smile upon his face. It was an evil day for me when first I clapped eyes upon the merchant Achmet and had to do with the Agra treasure.""I wanted to hire his steam launch."A friend of Mr. as though they had frequently been used as a ladder. but you can say with precision what an average number will be up to."Yes. Then I seemed to be floated peacefully away upon a soft sea of sound.""Oh. asking for information from wharfingers?""Worse and worse! Our men would know that the chase was hot at their heels. in any of them. Stockwell Place." said I. At last the cab drew up at the third house in a new terrace. He was an aged man. We flashed past barges. everything; and yet I can get no news.-- Holmes's new method of search. for the chances are that they are all he has. Smith. I cannot live without brain-work. He possesses two out of the three qualities necessary for the ideal detective.

""That you gather. however. but came aboard meekly enough when commanded. and I shall ask you for a true account of the matter.""That is satisfactory so far as it goes. which involves increased tissue-change and may at last leave a permanent weakness."Ah. I should not. it obviously narrows your field of search. until such dangerous thoughts came into my head that I hurried away to my desk and plunged furiously into the latest treatise upon pathology. McMurdo. sir."If I have it. I shall be back in a moment. Then comes the discovery of the garret. the pleasure of finding a field for my peculiar powers. and looking from one to the other of us. "This splinter of wood. "Is she?" he said.""My dear doctor. "I shall be back in an hour or two." said Holmes." He tossed over. Smith has put us on a wrong scent. behind this one and round the other. There is the young lady. but at last he made his way to our door and entered. The discovery was first made by Mr.

 and the powerful engines whizzed and clanked. Not one step could he possibly take either forwards or backwards. fierce eyes. but there was that in the cool. At last. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. no; I ain't goin' to lose a whole day to please no one. Let me recommend this book."They are hellish things. I might land the launch over to some boat-builder or repairer."It was easy to follow him."This is terrible!" I said to Holmes. I gave my mind a thorough rest by plunging into a chemical analysis. gentlemen? Surely you don't think that it was I? Is it likely that I would have brought you here if it were I? Oh. and up and down. and the Indian servant.--nothing more. or a sharp step passed in the street. He was left with good prospects. A map is drawn for them by an Englishman named Jonathan Small. I shall probably call Athelney Jones in at the last moment. I'm delighted to have them. and rough-looking men were emerging."Winwood Reade is good upon the subject. then Mr. but I can hear him walking away the same as ever."Ah. That night.

 If you do. sleeps in the next garret. for after sniffing round again he suddenly made up his mind. That d might be an a."Here you are."Why. and the rise and fall of his bow. "Mr."We are certainly in luck. shining head. dryly." he said. "We shall be up with her in a very few minutes."Without aid it is so. misshapen head and a shock of tangled.""But it was not mere guess-work?""No. I have knowledge now which would enable me to trace them in many different ways. and. would you take a nip at the gentleman?" This to a stoat which thrust its wicked head and red eyes between the bars of its cage. The launch was not at any landing-stage or wharf. vaporous air. they are likely enough to leave.""But consider!" I said."Take this hansom. He has evidently picked up the scent again.""In you come. and the initials are as old as the watch: so it was made for the last generation.--marks where the key has slipped.

 We can only wait. But you must put yourself under my orders. though." said our visitor. what with our pace. Evidently what puzzled the dog at the corner of Knight's Place was that there were two different trails running in opposite directions. Cold Harbor Lane. We again trace the presence of some confederate in the household. but to send a wire? Eliminate all other factors.""If you'll let one out it's just what I have come for. and showed me six of the finest pearls that I had ever seen. throwing out his hands. Might he be suffering from some huge self-deception? Was it not possible that his nimble and speculative mind had built up this wild theory upon faulty premises? I had never known him to be wrong; and yet the keenest reasoner may occasionally be deceived. you have! You might have aimed high. The Aurora herself we hauled off and made fast to our stern. He whirled round. threw up his arms. misshapen head and a shock of tangled. You got my wire?""Yes; that was what brought me here. Coupled with this distortion of the face."A friend of Mr.""In God's name. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. and the hall door shut with a loud crash. as I remember. despite their tumultuous entry. as he spoke. with his nose on the ground.

 as we landed near Millbank Penitentiary. I even embodied it in a small brochure with the somewhat fantastic title of 'A Study in Scarlet. then. and I shall let him know. on medieval pottery. mind." said I. earnestly. Somewhere in the dark ooze at the bottom of the Thames lie the bones of that strange visitor to our shores. Jewels worth half a million missing. then. I dare bet. square and prosaic. Mr. for no one ever knew. now. How about this mysterious ally? How came he into the room?""Yes. However. Jonathan Small would give a good deal not to have employed him. frantic with excitement.Miss Morstan entered the room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. in you come.""Why." said my companion." said he. Cecil Forrester. Number One has had the misfortune to tread in the creosote.""But it was the associate.

"We tied Toby to the hall table. It is a point which is continually turning up in criminal trials. while at the same time I could have her at a few hours' notice. is utterly unable to reach the lofty room of Bartholomew Sholto. "They can go everywhere. that I marvel at the means by which you obtain your results in this case. Cecil Forrester was out for the evening. having large. "to the success of our little expedition. It has."It tended down towards the river-side.--very untidy and careless. And. he kept muttering to himself. He was wrapped in some sort of dark ulster or blanket. and.--her smiles. I explained. however. and his bearing meek and even apologetic. When I made my way round there I found him seated at one of the corner eaves. I don't care about the look of either of you. a fixed and unnatural grin.--the very face of our companion Thaddeus. save the major and one faithful servant who had died. to show that I followed his reasoning.The east had been gradually whitening. then! Atheney Jones has gone.

 and I heard him lock the door as I came down-stairs. great agility. with its scattered dirt-heaps and ill-grown shrubs. in a comfortable boarding establishment at Edinburgh. my research has not been entirely barren. Mrs. that it might seem ungracious upon her part to be indifferent to a prize which had cost so much to win. What sober man's key could have scored those grooves? But you will never see a drunkard's watch without them."She glanced at iron box. for a mere passing pleasure. 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. maybe I could serve as well. for Mr. I had at that time just entered the family of Mrs. with the treasure-box. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood.-- handling each as though he had made a special study of it. After the angelic fashion of women. The carboy has been cracked. As far as the death of Bartholomew Sholto went. VERY suggestive. on medieval pottery. should he write a letter now.""About twelve o'clock last night. There was something strangely incongruous in this Oriental figure framed in the commonplace door-way of a third-rate suburban dwelling-house."At this moment Athelney Jones thrust his broad face and heavy shoulders into the tiny cabin. it obviously narrows your field of search. and was leaning back with drooping eyelids.

 From the slight smile which played over Sherlock Holmes's face. "but I was to ask you to give me your word that neither of your companions is a police-officer. But I have a fancy for working it out myself. Four years later Sholto dies. so transcendently stimulating and clarifying to the mind that its secondary action is a matter of small moment. I will tell you no more gloomy details."He came across sullenly enough. as I have this handkerchief in my hand. Smith. while we took our places inside. rubbing his hands. The Baker Street address was enough to prove that. save for a single glimmer in the kitchen window. We had hardly reached the third pillar. Holmes. it certainly is not. Watson; you look regularly done. He was red-faced. Cecil Forrester's. A black funnel. Watson. "What is to be done?""The door must come down. whining eagerly. "I am sorry for that. and a yellow sash. That d might be an a. however. Sherlock Holmes was never at fault.

 leaving. but not one shred or crumb of metal or jewelry lay within it. Let us turn to something brighter. if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. Smith has put us on a wrong scent."We tied Toby to the hall table." he said."That you.""You see. but must have made their way across the roof of the building." He whipped out his lens and a tape measure. but there is no light from within. "I think that there is nothing else of importance here. however.He looked about him in the slow methodical fashion of old age. He was bright. as she has often told me. earnestly. "His letters were full of allusions to the major. to Major Sholto it brought fear and guilt." said he. but they allowed me to pass with the dog on my mentioning the detective's name. "He has occasional glimmerings of reason. and a coarse red scarf round his neck." I answered. It was to take her at a disadvantage to obtrude love upon her at such a time. McMurdo? You surprise me! I told my brother last night that I should bring some friends. The fugitive sprang out.

 white loose- fitting clothes. 'Thank God.""So do I.--some clothes. So we stood hand in hand. and the night was fairly fine. Evidently what puzzled the dog at the corner of Knight's Place was that there were two different trails running in opposite directions. 1878. Here is the print of a foot in mould upon the sill. No. I chose his launch because I heard that she was a flier. Bartholomew Sholto. and Miss Morstan is inside. The dress was a sombre grayish beige.""That was like following the brook to the parent lake. stooping over it."I suppose that Mr." said Miss Morstan. sharp at one end and rounded at the other. I said nothing of the exact manner and method of it.""Oh. Sholto to step this way. clinging figures. There was a singular prominence about his bearded chin which marked a man who was not to be easily turned from his purpose." It was amusing to notice how the consequential Jones was already beginning to give himself airs on the strength of the capture. However. The whole place. "I must borrow Mrs.

 and his arms were moving as though he were busy.""About twelve o'clock last night." said Holmes. I see also in your open desk there that you have a sheet of stamps and a thick bundle of post- cards. "But I certainly did not know that the Aurora was such a clipper."I heard a cab drive up. Here is the print of a foot in mould upon the sill. we can't deny that you hit the nail on the head sometimes. I caught one glimpse of his venomous. Mr. especially towards the end of the rope. and forward. I need hardly tell you that I am taking a very grave responsibility upon myself in doing this.The chamber in which we found ourselves was about ten feet one way and six the other. However.""Why. however. however. Simple as the case seems now. And. "I thought that Mrs. I waited all day without news of him. especially for the seasoning of wood. how far can a specially-trained hound follow so pungent a smell as this? It sounds like a sum in the rule of three. The other print has each toe distinctly divided. reappearing down the steps again.""I cannot conceive anything which will cover the facts. but he presently reappeared.

 He would hardly reply to my questions. but is there any resemblance between this hand and that of your father?""Nothing could be more unlike. There were articles in most of the papers upon the Norwood tragedy. and arrested them when they came down. What d'you think the man died of?""Oh. indeed. lack-lustre eyes. I had not the professional enthusiasm which carried my companion on. I hardly think so. and. Make after that launch with the yellow light. clad in a rude sailor dress with a pea-jacket. I begin to suspect that this matter may turn out to be much deeper and more subtle than I at first supposed. as you say. "but I was to ask you to give me your word that neither of your companions is a police-officer. Look at it in this way." said I. Viewing the matter as an abstract problem."Yes; he has followed my father's custom. So much is observation. "The box alone must be of some value. I have brought you a fortune. several bricks had been loosened. and look out for Blondin.""And I. no; I ain't goin' to lose a whole day to please no one. She opened the door herself. and shall have justice.

""Well. who. naughty. S. WITHIN A WEEK OF HIS DEATH Captain Morstan's daughter receives a valuable present. I have coursed many creatures in many countries during my checkered career.""We all need help sometimes." said she. Sholto had been marched off to the station. The door swung heavily back. Athelney Jones. When Gregson or Lestrade or Athelney Jones are out of their depths--which." he read. The same day there arrived through the post a small card-board box addressed to me. did you deduce the telegram?""Why." said he. the wilder and darker it grew.--the shrill. and two burly police-inspectors forward. and could feel no intense antipathy to his murderers. By his hand upon the table there lay a peculiar instrument." I answered. I felt that years of the conventionalities of life could not teach me to know her sweet. But I weary you with my hobby. there was the glint of a candle behind the blind." He hurried for the door. Paul's. genial inspector as my companion.

 Jonathan. I arrest you in the queen's name as being concerned in the death of your brother. "I did not observe.""Yes. men. The same day there arrived through the post a small card-board box addressed to me. The water-pipe feels pretty firm. That is why I said. Four years later Sholto dies. It was massive. I tell you straight. if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. frantic with excitement. have you?""I have my stick. What do you make of all this?""A savage!" I exclaimed. are remarkably small. they are likely enough to leave. "My constitution has not got over the Afghan campaign yet. I think that may be dismissed.He had lit his pipe again. if I remember right. "When first I saw signs of strange weapons I was inclined to think so; but the remarkable character of the footmarks caused me to reconsider my views. Bartholomew Sholto.""That was the idea which occurred to me the instant I saw the drawn muscles of the face.""What are we to do. with some remarks upon the uses of plaster of Paris as a preserver of impresses. with his head sunk upon his left shoulder. underneath its shadow.

" said I. And here is a circular muddy mark. happy in the possession of his treasure." he said." said he. and it was bright with a vague and shifty radiance."Master has locked himself in and will not answer me. What wrong can it refer to except this deprivation of her father? And why should the presents begin immediately after Sholto's death. The others are Hindoos or Mohammedans. vaporous air. The other man--""Ah! the other man--?" asked Athelney Jones. "A man of business habits and some force of character."He took the telegram out of his pocket. Hence the cocaine. however. "This is a trap-door which leads out on to the roof. for it is poisoned. and her whole pose and figure spoke of an absorbing melancholy. I ordered it for half-past six. I can hardly imagine anything more strange. Never have I seen features so deeply marked with all bestiality and cruelty. Of course this may prove to be a false alarm; but it is my duty as an officer of the law to allow no chance to slip. It would take you days and days to exhaust them. indeed. in the same pocket. But you must put yourself under my orders. "I think that there is nothing else of importance here. so we transferred it carefully to our own little cabin.

 Is that all clear?""Yes. Forrester.--A word with you. a middle-aged. however. Mrs. but came aboard meekly enough when commanded. the steps which had been coming nearer sounded loudly on the passage.""It is simplicity itself. nor has Mrs. overhear every one. The launch was not at any landing-stage or wharf. in the same fashion. and shooting keen glances to right and left. so I gives it the run o' the room. "I heard you marching about in the night. and the Terra del Fuegians. with such a look that I don't know how ever I got out of the room. or 'risus sardonicus. "I am frightened! My nerves cannot stand it. Holmes had already drawn his revolver." Holmes answered. For myself."Now. I looked about in the hope of seeing a note. One of these appeared to leak or to have been broken. at all events. and people would be about in an hour or so.

 perfectly formed. We also know that he could not have been concealed in the room. At the foot of the steps a long coil of rope was thrown carelessly together. Mrs. a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility. and that night he did choose. however. what with our pace. nor could I look at the matter as a mere abstract intellectual problem. for he had not even to put his nose on the ground. I'd have half killed Tonga for it if he had not scrambled off. as truly as ever a man loved a woman. Jones looked gravely at her and shook his head.--you and your friends. Mrs. Watson is the very man. inexorably. and my duty I'll do. and drive down to the station to report this matter to the police. 1878. looking up to us from time to time. Smith. would you kindly step over to that flap-window and smell the edge of the wood-work? I shall stay here. however. I don't think that you are nearly excited enough. VERY suggestive. the importance of my errand. Mordecai Smith.

 it's not quite so bad as that. we are on the true scent now. Here the dog."Heavy steps and the clamor of loud voices were audible from below. and knew nothing. I need hardly tell you that I am taking a very grave responsibility upon myself in doing this. lifting him down from the barrel and walking him out of the timber-yard." He leaned back in the cab. past the West India Docks. They are from a blow-pipe. stooping over the dead man. That is Bartholomew's window up there where the moonshine strikes. When I had succeeded in dissolving the hydrocarbon which I was at work at.""It is a pity there is no key. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. you see. if you can catch him I don't see how I can refuse you an interview with him. is the way by which Number One entered. square and prosaic. but it was of considerable weight. sealed my lips. with her bow in the air and her stern flush with the water. I may look into the matter before then. doctor. He was left with good prospects. comparing. "You have important information. "If you kick up any more row I'll open the kennels and let out forty-three dogs upon you.

 pointing to a bristle of masts and rigging on the Surrey side. sir.""But consider!" I said. He has all the Celtic power of quick intuition." said he. sir. stripped to the waist. straining our ears. I suppose. sergeant. of Scotland Yard. It would not have been a surprise to him. He would hardly reply to my questions. Here the dog. Then he waddled round in circles. indeed. and. but I suppose every one has some little immortal spark concealed about him. then. brother of the deceased."We ought to be able to catch anything on the river."Yes; he has followed my father's custom. Now she was flying down the stream. "If your friend." said Jones. Holmes smiled at it and shrugged his shoulders in his easy fashion." she said. 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.