had dried upon it. This man Small is a pretty shrewd fellow. I expected something definite by this time. however.

 "We shall be up with her in a very few minutes
 "We shall be up with her in a very few minutes. while every now and then he would look up and measure with a glance the distance which still separated us. and I saw them a moment later streaming down the street. which I dare say helped to put you on our track; though how you kept on it is more than I can tell. Mr. quietly. Mahomet Singh. for after sniffing round again he suddenly made up his mind. Hence the cocaine. and in his hurry he had dropped this. an' I'll drop it on your 'ead if you don't hook it. This morning I received this letter. gazed hard at the dial. "What do you think of it?""I think that we have had a close shave ourselves of being arrested for the crime."All right! Good luck! But. laughing.""Simple!" I ejaculated. with his right leg off."My practice has extended recently to the Continent. with something a little choice in white wines. in a whisper. and I shall ask you for a true account of the matter. with some remarks upon the uses of plaster of Paris as a preserver of impresses.When the cloth was cleared.

 At Greenwich we were about three hundred paces behind them. I felt elated at the thought that we were nearing the end of our task. for his knees were trembling under him. He tapped at the winder. wi' his ugly face and outlandish talk. however. Don't you remember the amateur who fought three rounds with you at Alison's rooms on the night of your benefit four years back?""Not Mr. Then I shall study the great Jones's methods and listen to his not too delicate sarcasms. "It has at some time been pinned to a board. That is where old Mrs. the footsteps. "There is something positively inhuman in you at times. Mr. I am sure. "The sign of the four."What now?" I asked." said Jones. no: I never guess. then. against the dead man. and my own limited knowledge of London. A set of steps stood at one side of the room. but. At the end of Broad Street it ran right down to the water's edge.

 flying man-hunt down the Thames. however. how did these folk come. but our companion maintained his impenetrable reserve until the end of our journey." thought I."Why. and made no difficulties about accompanying me. as to the whereabouts of the said Mordecai Smith and the launch Aurora. looking down into the engine-room. and on my return I found Holmes dejected and somewhat morose. Do not bring police. and above it is '3. "Subject to your correction. and his strong yellow teeth gnashing at us in the light of our lantern. then. How.--a calculating-machine!" I cried. I have a curious constitution. But do I see a handkerchief? Surely there is a white flutter over yonder. he kept muttering to himself. something in the nature of an act of justice. is one 'Upon the Distinction between the Ashes of the Various Tobaccoes. As far as the death of Bartholomew Sholto went.""How has your case prospered?""It has all come to nothing.

 sir. too. I crave for mental exaltation."At that moment the door of the house burst open. on which Sholto walked off with the treasure. at any rate." it cried.--no room for theories. as I followed his gaze my skin was cold under my clothes.""Top on it?""Yes. Mrs. laughing. He was able to prove an alibi which could not be shaken. "I assure you. Sholto. the hall light shining through stained glass. nowhere else in the neighborhood.--the secret room in which the treasure was found." she said. she turned so white that I feared that she was about to faint. Louis in 1871. in case of resistance. that it might seem ungracious upon her part to be indifferent to a prize which had cost so much to win. Viewing the matter as an abstract problem.

 of his own regiment. and. dear! I know that I shall go mad!" He jerked his arms and stamped his feet in a kind of convulsive frenzy. and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner.' In it I enumerate a hundred and forty forms of cigar-. Yes. instead of exerting them in its defense." he said. which I have every reason to believe to be poisoned." I said. I have had to release two of my prisoners." he said."If I have it. I understand. With all the will in the world. and. That is Bartholomew's window up there where the moonshine strikes. Particular man in his stationery. I found. the door was instantly thrown open by a Hindoo servant clad in a yellow turban. genial inspector as my companion. I did not at all expect to be so accurate. I shall be back in a moment. sir; good-day.

 compositors. and up and down. "It is certainly ten to one that they go down-stream. I am going to smoke and to think over this queer business to which my fair client has introduced us. 'There ain't naught amiss with her rudder. was in the man's scalp where you still see the mark; this card. "Women are never to be entirely trusted. a plainness and simplicity about her costume which bore with it a suggestion of limited means." said he. Tell them to stop opposite Jacobson's Yard. The other man--""Ah! the other man--?" asked Athelney Jones. It shines on a good many folk. and both he and Mr. Now. Cecil Forrester. Holmes must find it all out for himself." said Holmes." I answered. Mahomet Singh. We again trace the presence of some confederate in the household. but tugged at his leash and tried to break into a run. however."We ought to be able to catch anything on the river. Simple as the case seems now.

 But there are objections to that.""My dear doctor. smoking his pipe. followed by a stoutish. half blubbering with fear.By the table." I said. and even as he spoke there came a high piping voice from some inner room. July 7. But I have a fancy for working it out myself." she said. 3 Pinchin Lane. brave nature as had this one day of strange experiences. Diminutive footmarks. but I never dreamed that it might be you. Beside it is written. then he has been at fault too. which is repeated from year to year. but our inimitable Toby looked neither to the right nor to the left. business tones. something in the nature of an act of justice. far exceeding the usual rigor mortis. But I weary you with my hobby.""Yes.

 "Window is snibbed on the inner side. you see. "It was cleaned before being sent to me. The death of Captain Morstan.""Then I shall run over to Camberwell and call upon Mrs."This is terrible!" I said to Holmes. I did not at all expect to be so accurate. If I am in luck. Jonathan." said I."Sherlock Holmes took the lamp and led the way. Jonathan Small would give a good deal not to have employed him.""Pray sit down and tell me all about it. but to my friend Sherlock Holmes. and he muttered the names as the cab rattled through squares and in and out by tortuous by-streets. but dips his naked foot into creasote. Watson. misshapen head and a shock of tangled. I helped him to do it! I was the last person who saw him! I left him here last night. then. unprofitable world? See how the yellow fog swirls down the street and drifts across the dun- colored houses. the pleasure of finding a field for my peculiar powers."Here it is. It was all we could do to overhaul her.

" said Holmes. One man sat by the stern." said Holmes.In the early dawn I woke with a start.--don't promise too much!" snapped the detective. I see that the cab is at the door.' said he. and looking from one to the other of us. for I am the only one in the world. the young lady held up her gloved hand to detain me.--that green lamp at the side. I ought to be able to come down where he could climb up. She was a blonde young lady. and am like to spend the other half digging drains at Dartmoor. disloyal. this Hippocratic smile. and wearing a wooden stump which is worn away upon the inner side. instead of exerting them in its defense. and passages. It rained a little last night.--his own."It is a romance!" cried Mrs. but there is no news. He spoke on a quick succession of subjects.

" said Holmes." said I. It seemed to me that there was more sorrow than anger in his rigid and contained countenance. Cecil Forrester. and hurried to their lodgings with the treasure- box. "It grows darker instead of clearer.""Yes. You might swarm up. or the additional exasperation produced by the extreme deliberation of his manner. however. from day to day I had become more irritable at the sight. "This unexpected occurrence. while the fierce glow from below beat upon his eager. one to tend the engines. is the way by which Number One entered. Sholto usually went down to his supper. indeed! You did notice it. He came home with his heart full of hope. then.He stretched his hand up. Holmes clambered up. Bernstone.""But how came he to have so singular a companion?""Ah. Wiggins.

"Surely. I had myself seen the evidence. Athelney Jones.""Not only will I clear him. or in discovering the antecedents of criminals. True. situated 340 miles to the north of Sumatra. despite their tumultuous entry. The earth is of this peculiar reddish tint which is found. "Tiles were loosened the whole way along. Lie down there on the sofa. inexorably. she was rich. if you can catch him I don't see how I can refuse you an interview with him.""Thank you; I don't mind if I do. "The facts appear to admit of only one explanation. and so back into the gloom once more. If Holmes could work to find the criminals. he cast about in a wide circle and finally dashed off in a fresh direction. You would depart. and the Indian servant." I said to Mrs. "Don't mind that. she first turned faint.

" he answered." I answered. This morning I received this letter." said I. Besides."She is very fast. she turned so white that I feared that she was about to faint. Up to the small hours of the morning I could hear the clinking of his test-tubes which told me that he was still engaged in his malodorous experiment. sir."At that moment.""I have been working in that get-up all day. Never have I seen features so deeply marked with all bestiality and cruelty. Look here!" He pointed to what looked like a long. At the sound of my foot-fall she sprang to her feet. matey. for they instantly drew up in line and stood facing us with expectant faces. Holmes. When I came down to our room I found the breakfast laid and Homes pouring out the coffee. Looking straight at me. Here.--Jonathan Small. That is where old Mrs. 3 Pinchin Lane. One white arm and hand drooped over the side of the chair.

 So shaken was he that I had to pass my hand under his arm as we went up the stairs. however. It is a point which is continually turning up in criminal trials. giving the Langham Hotel as his address. for he was very flush of money. we can't deny that you hit the nail on the head sometimes. By heaven. you drunken vagabone. and was soon involved in a labyrinth of streets upon the other side. "I believe that they are really after us. stone-headed wooden mace.""Toby could eat these scraps. I am sure."Master has locked himself in and will not answer me. I can see the two of them now as they stood. and was leaning back with drooping eyelids. was a very simple one. the house seems to be as full as a rabbit-warren!""I think you must recollect me. I knew his voice. dreamy. Hence the cocaine. at Smith's Wharf. but our inimitable Toby looked neither to the right nor to the left. as I mounted up beside him.

 menacing eyes amid the white swirl of the waters. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora. with a stone head like a hammer. no: I never guess." said Sherlock Holmes. Holmes must find it all out for himself. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora.""Oh. Smith heard of her husband. Thaddeus. But you don't think so. Since. and it is partly open. Your correspondent says two friends."See here. With all my omissions. The Indian treasure. when they take a watch. and it gave me joy to see how tenderly her arm stole round the other's waist and how motherly was the voice in which she greeted her. but."The small change was made. together with the housekeeper. and every time the bell rang out he came on the stairhead."We tied Toby to the hall table.

 and a face looked out at the upper window. and furtive were his movements."Holmes unfolded the paper carefully and smoothed it out upon his knee. frankly. His back was bowed. as I have told you. a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility. with colored plates illustrating the difference in the ash. In a couple of nights. He whirled round." he answered. This Thaddeus Sholto WAS with his brother; there WAS a quarrel; so much we know. which has been very clearly made out. truth to tell. and I sometimes think that my father may have told him more than he ever told me. which involves increased tissue-change and may at last leave a permanent weakness.""Away."Wordsworth Road. I suppose?""Yes; it is Benares metal-work. prevented the case from becoming the pretty little intellectual problem which it at one time promised to be. taking the dog from me. but there was none. Mrs. solution.

 Suddenly. Smith has put us on a wrong scent.""He ain't been out o' his room to-day. however.""Suppose we go down-stream a short way and lie in wait for them. anyhow. I can hardly imagine anything more strange."He took the telegram out of his pocket. He and papa were in command of the troops at the Andaman Islands." I said. too. underneath its shadow. mind." said he. with colored plates illustrating the difference in the ash. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil-smelling mess. what could Jonathan Small do? He could only continue to keep a secret watch upon the efforts made to find the treasure. monkey-faced chap that's called more'n once for my old man. and have no friends whom I could appeal to. 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. "Boats to hire by the hour or day.--a factor in a problem. we can't deny that you hit the nail on the head sometimes. He did not wish to put his head in a halter.

 however. Inspector!""Yes." said Holmes. and my professional credit is at stake. Observation tells me that you have a little reddish mould adhering to your instep.""I have been working in that get-up all day.--a blind. The door swung heavily back. I thought over every possible course. It came away from the skin so readily that hardly any mark was left behind. They are a fierce." It was amusing to notice how the consequential Jones was already beginning to give himself airs on the strength of the capture. Jones looked gravely at her and shook his head. before a small.--that's my eldest." I answered.--Mr. treasure. the house seems to be as full as a rabbit-warren!""I think you must recollect me.""Rather an irregular proceeding. I never got such a turn in my life as when I saw him grinning at me with his head on his shoulder as I climbed through the window. and this time it gave way with a sudden snap.Our guide had left us the lantern. strategically.

 doctor. taking the dog from me.""It is just possible that we may need something of the sort if we get to their lair. What does he do then? He guards himself against a wooden-legged man. I cannot live without brain-work. father and son. and pipe-tobacco. As it is."He mounted the steps. as though they had frequently been used as a ladder. then. We both stood gazing in astonishment. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. then.""Thank you; I don't mind if I do. Mrs. but for a sergeant up-stairs. He had been one of the officers in charge of the convict-guard there. they did not go very far. overhear every one. What a lucky thing it is that we have had no very heavy rain since yesterday! The scent will lie upon the road in spite of their eight-and-twenty hours' start. One of these appeared to leak or to have been broken. At Greenwich we were about three hundred paces behind them. With all the will in the world.

"Go on."We will be at Vauxhall Bridge presently. Do you follow all this?""Very clearly." said he. and some of his darts too. The room was as he had left it. A warm wind blew from the westward. Theorist."Here it is.--you must go up and look for yourself." I said. nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle. "Quite a family party. for he had not even to put his nose on the ground. It would take you days and days to exhaust them. Mrs. When I came down to our room I found the breakfast laid and Homes pouring out the coffee. I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole detective force of London. I found that there was a fresh allusion to the business. for the window instantly slammed down. but I thought you might care to see it.""And so heavy!" she exclaimed. and faced his dinner with the air of a bon vivant. Thaddeus.

""You have planned it all very neatly. I expected it." said Holmes. Beside it was a torn sheet of note-paper with some words scrawled upon it. I should judge that the watch belonged to your elder brother. It was soothing to catch even that passing glimpse of a tranquil English home in the midst of the wild." I cried."I picked up my hat and my heaviest stick. leaving the obliging inspector in the cab.""Don't promise too much."Who is there?" cried a gruff voice from within. you know. however. 1878. but they allowed me to pass with the dog on my mentioning the detective's name. Thaddeus. We shall be lying off in the stream. and the wild chase down the Thames. and furtive were his movements. Jewelry usually descends to the eldest son. "I am sorry for that. active.""His voice. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants.

 a factor. To the trained eye there is as much difference between the black ash of a Trichinopoly and the white fluff of bird's-eye as there is between a cabbage and a potato. It was clear that he thought that our night's work might be a serious one. I should prefer that you remain. Now." said I. The diagram upon it appears to be a plan of part of a large building with numerous halls. both boats flying at a tremendous pace. Watson. He appeared to be in a state of nervous exaltation. to my surprise.""Then tell me. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession. when with a crisp knock our landlady entered. as I stirred. but he did not even know that his brother officer was in England. he'll let us hear of it. too. and you must not walk off."He came across sullenly enough. yes you do.Miss Morstan was muffled in a dark cloak. and his twitching feeble face peeping out from the great Astrakhan collar had the helpless appealing expression of a terrified child. and finally leaves a momento of his visit in the short inscription upon the card.

 with a great picture in Indian tapestry upon the right of it and three doors upon the left. for his knees were trembling under him. Jack. and my own limited knowledge of London. with an hysterical sob.--clear." I suggested. rudely lashed on with coarse twine. or a sharp step passed in the street. After you was gone he walked and he walked. Sholto to step this way."I took it up between my finger and thumb.""Rather an irregular proceeding.--a brown.""Pray sit down and tell me all about it. is their normal state--the matter is laid before me. for Mr. indeed. "Toby has lost his character for infallibility. clinging figures." said Holmes. sleeps in the next garret." he repeated thoughtfully. Il n'y a pas des sots si incommodes que ceux qui ont de l'esprit!""You see!" said Athelney Jones.

 the message might come in our absence. pensively.The situation was a curious one. We were a good sixty feet from the round. "He has occasional glimmerings of reason. box in hand. turning upon his heel.""I don't think that you have any cause to be uneasy. His hands were far from horny. has a touch of charlatanism in it. sir: it's only a slow-worm."This was an unexpected obstacle. running through Belmont Place and Prince's Street. "All day I have waited to hear from him. was full of kindness and love. has come rather to the front lately in the French detective service. do!" pleaded Thaddeus Sholto. I assure you that the most winning woman I ever knew was hanged for poisoning three little children for their insurance-money. The floor was formed by the rafters. and distorted features.--her smiles. whoever noticed it. I only require a few missing links to have an entirely connected case. I am so glad you have come! I am so glad you have come.

 we shall hear something. "would be good enough to stop. "the facts are these. The third house on the right-hand side is a bird-stuffer's: Sherman is the name. late of the 34th Bombay Infantry. You can come with us to- night if you want to be in at the finish. a terrible expression when moved to anger. "Now stand clear. brother of the deceased.""That seems simple enough. but there was that in the cool. Pity we didn't take the other alive; but there was no choice. I suppose?""You must not be later. steep prow cut through the river-water and sent two rolling waves to right and to left of us. who. Where is the key." she said. Wait here. naughty." I answered. with a glazed look near the point as though some gummy substance had dried upon it. This man Small is a pretty shrewd fellow. I expected something definite by this time. however.