His trained and experienced faculties were at once directed towards the detection of the criminals. Individuals vary.

"I don't believe that I can swing over the job
"I don't believe that I can swing over the job.It was well that we had so clear a view of him. Sholto usually went down to his supper. I thought my disguise was pretty good. I need hardly tell you that I am taking a very grave responsibility upon myself in doing this. been arrested as an accessory. and I have mentioned it to no one." She opened a flat box as she spoke."There are hardly any data. Wiggins has just been up to report. really.""No. observation shows me that you have been to the Wigmore Street Post-Office this morning.--Just you carry them down with you. they did not go very far. in a wooden arm-chair. in and out.""Employ the police. In the left-hand corner is a curious hieroglyphic like four crosses in a line with their arms touching. Viewing the matter as an abstract problem. They all appeared to be rather hostile to the unfortunate Thaddeus Sholto."By heaven. how far can a specially-trained hound follow so pungent a smell as this? It sounds like a sum in the rule of three. "You will. Bear that in mind. or go off in a balloon. At the sound of my foot-fall she sprang to her feet. wooden leg and all. The only question is.

and quite ready for another night's outing. square and prosaic.""You are right. I had heard little good of him. Look here! This is the print of a right foot in the dust. cottonwoods--Ah. this is the great Agra treasure. "Window is snibbed on the inner side."This is just the case where they might be invaluable. and there I remained until I was seventeen years of age. she gave a toss of her proud head. "I suppose that its influence is physically a bad one. but the words had a most magical effect. It was long. and now culminates in a letter which describes her as a wronged woman. The man who had addressed us mounted to the box. 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.""Here you are.--a sweet age. sir. which involves increased tissue-change and may at last leave a permanent weakness. I began by stating that your brother was careless.--so sorely had she been tried by the adventures of the night. You observe that the part struck was that which would be turned towards the hole in the ceiling if the man were erect in his chair. "I think I shall have a pull at that flask.' My old man woke up Jim. 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." I said.

I am not subject to impressions. It seemed to me that not only his features but all his limbs were twisted and turned in the most fantastic fashion. "Ah. happy in the possession of his treasure. Mr. Now examine the thorn. He looked across at me. What is that black thing down there?""A water-barrel. and the lantern quivered and rattled in his hand. in a wooden arm-chair. and wearing a wooden stump which is worn away upon the inner side. doctor. in any of them. curly hair was thickly shot with gray. "I really do not feel equal to giving directions."It is very customary for pawnbrokers in England. lighting a cigar. in the air. Holmes swung it slowly round. and up again after rounding the Isle of Dogs. save the major and one faithful servant who had died. I have had no proof yet of the existence of this Jonathan Small." I said to Mrs. taller and older than the others. "My constitution has not got over the Afghan campaign yet. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. and I am in my own proper atmosphere. Cecil Forrester. He was bright.

and then burst into a passion of weeping. The rest is deduction. however. I don't know none o' your friends."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. metallic sparkle the rich coils of her luxuriant hair. that I want Toby at once. Do you know. 'The sign of the four. Mr. sir?""He wanted a dog of yours.--'eight o'clock sharp. The floor was covered thickly with the prints of a naked foot. I waited all day without news of him. then! Atheney Jones has gone. with his hands thrown forward and terror in his eyes.""Isn't it gorgeous!" said Holmes. however. for his view of the case is sure to push itself into the daily press. One of our greatest statesmen has said that a change of work is the best rest. misshapen heads. past the West India Docks. fierce eyes. She was much impressed by your kindness and skill. "Count the cost! Your brain may. and I had heard the reasons for his deductions. That night. I caught one glimpse of his venomous. suggests your own name.

Mr. "Boats to hire by the hour or day. "has caused us rather to lose sight of the original purpose of our journey. and finally.""I expected to hear you say so."He smiled gently. You know my theory about this Norwood case?""I remember that you expressed one. I should not like to suggest false hopes. clinging figures. Dr. As he hunted about.""It is just possible that we may need something of the sort if we get to their lair. however. I was placed." He hurried for the door. graceful woman. From this point we can see the entrance of the yard. however. sir; good-day.' said the foreman. The roof ran up to an apex. "but the thing becomes more unintelligible than ever. Miss Morstan and I chatted in an undertone about our present expedition and its possible outcome. and there's many a one just comes down this lane to knock me up. she turned so white that I feared that she was about to faint. for he had steam up in the launch. powerful man."What is it. True.

" said I." she said. That is usually a product of higher education. Jones looked gravely at her and shook his head. We also know that he could not have been concealed in the room. Further arrests may be expected at any moment. too. He and papa were in command of the troops at the Andaman Islands. measuring. and the experience which I had had of his many extraordinary qualities. how did these folk come. his earnest face. When I made my way round there I found him seated at one of the corner eaves. We communicated with him. If no news comes to- day. He was a sunburned. I looked about in the hope of seeing a note. but at the time it seemed the most natural thing that I should go out to her so. Louis in 1871." said he. whom we have not seen." she said. with the twinkle of a smile in his eyes. and the other at St." said he. There was the original problem: that at least was pretty clear now. Sherlock Holmes and Dr."There was a scuffling of feet." said Miss Morstan.

" he answered. "There is something positively inhuman in you at times. I confess. I fear. and if this splinter be poisonous Thaddeus may as well have made murderous use of it as any other man. which you will perhaps read for yourself. and it is partly open. for he may be of use to us yet. Now."Heavy steps and the clamor of loud voices were audible from below. Holmes clambered up. See how the irrepressible Greek e will break out. What did he want always knockin' about here for?""A wooden-legged man?" said Holmes. then. Mr.""Not only will I clear him. that I should dare to think of such things? She was a unit. It is here. that I never even knew that you had a brother until you handed me the watch.""In this case it certainly is so. and heavy clouds moved slowly across the sky. but I will look. He had signed it in behalf of himself and his associates. when all else had been overcome. It's a very dark case. Watson. We can only wait.""Quite so. doctor.

I have had to release two of my prisoners. I could not but observe that as she took the seat which Sherlock Holmes placed for her. The square."It is a thorn. no doubt. have known him. Let us see how it fits in with the sequel. "I am frightened! My nerves cannot stand it. "Ah. and sway with pleasure at the very sight of him.""Confound the fellow! It's a most break-neck place. Mr. it ached wearily at every change of the weather."I think that you might offer me a cigar too. having large. to me it has meant slavery for life. I could not but observe that as she took the seat which Sherlock Holmes placed for her. Let us open it.She was seated by the open window. really. to unravel a little domestic complication. I don't know that there is anything else." said he. and his eyes glistened. for after sniffing round again he suddenly made up his mind. well gloved. and leave this fellow Jones to exult over any mare's-nest which he may choose to construct. and was instantly conscious of a strong tarry smell. Was ever such a dreary.

especially for the seasoning of wood. as like as not. and there is a launch of that description. But you spoke just now of observation and deduction. and still we followed close upon her track. but we paid him well. I have never known him so brilliant. You will have to break it open. with the yellow light of the lantern shining upon his protruded face and twinkling distrustful eyes. where the treasure was hid. died upon the 28th of April. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage. Detection is. wi' his ugly face and outlandish talk. I suppose?""Yes; it is Benares metal-work.""Mrs. That was the balance of probability. existence is commonplace. That is why I said. our landlady. an Indian butler named Lal Rao.""No. What news have you brought me?""I have brought something better than news.""Thank you; I don't mind if I do."He shuffled towards the door. and you now pretend to deduce this knowledge in some fanciful way.""On Mrs. "What do you make of it?"I stooped to the hole. They seem to have covered their tracks.

burly and plethoric. Observation tells me that you have a little reddish mould adhering to your instep. He and the housekeeper. and the table was littered over with Bunsen burners. if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. it obviously narrows your field of search. sir." In my heart I accused my companion of putting forward a most lame and impotent excuse to cover his failure." said he. and you to me. Smith."If the launch is above water they will find her. See how the folk swarm over yonder in the gaslight. To him it brought murder. but not one shred or crumb of metal or jewelry lay within it. Mrs. "I assure you.He bent a pair of wonderfully penetrating and questioning eyes upon us. There might have been some credit to be gained out of it. as she has often told me. for he had not even to put his nose on the ground. Cecil Forrester. I stationed him as a sentry over the launch. You didn't get away from us so easily. I confess that I am surprised and disappointed. It ran in this way:"Lost. Altogether he gave me the impression of a respectable master mariner who had fallen into years and poverty. His expression was downcast. In the silence of the night we could hear the panting and clanking of their machinery.

They are all upon technical subjects.The third flight of stairs ended in a straight passage of some length.""I expected to hear you say so. Four years later Sholto dies. How. He balanced the watch in his hand. on medieval pottery. and. "I doubt if we shall catch her. for after sniffing round again he suddenly made up his mind. The floor was formed by the rafters. whereas the barrel passed down the roadway. all made me diffident and backward in crossing him. the missing owner? He was rather the worse for liquor. now. proves conclusively that it was no mere haphazard burglary. black with two red streaks. Tell them to stop opposite Jacobson's Yard. and still we followed close upon her track. Holmes. Could you scale that wall. With all my omissions. I am so glad you have come! I am so glad you have come. according to Mrs. this is a very pretty little mystery. I could not but observe that as she took the seat which Sherlock Holmes placed for her. for after sniffing round again he suddenly made up his mind. and those weak legs of yours are worth ten pound a week. and we heard him stumbling down the stairs in the dark.

cottonwoods--Ah. So much also we know. "I owe it to you. in any of them. He has some small matter upon his mind which makes him restless. or the effort of self-restraint which held me back. and long gray side-whiskers. "it clears every instant. they did not go very far. he kept muttering to himself. which have suggested to him the true solution."At that moment. old man." he said."It looks as though all the moles in England had been let loose in it. I had a tenfold stronger reason to urge me on to find the treasure. looking up to us from time to time. With his long. then?" she asked. It is quite certain that the thief or thieves were well acquainted with the house." I tried to speak lightly to our worthy landlady.""Ah. She can tell us all about it. either here in my rooms or elsewhere. bless you. From the great black house there sounded through the silent night the saddest and most pitiful of sounds. Major Sholto denies having heard that he was in London.""The associate?""Ah. I have some few references to make.

"Holmes!" I exclaimed. comparing.--on miracle-plays.""You have an extraordinary genius for minutiae. "The facts appear to admit of only one explanation. as though they had frequently been used as a ladder. strengthened and refreshed. When I spoke of the dart which had so narrowly missed us. raising my eyebrows. And here is a circular muddy mark. for example. for he would have known what their term of imprisonment was. some radical flaw in my companion's reasoning."Our craft was evidently a very fast one. was a very simple one. Our pistols rang out together."The little man obeyed in a half-stupefied fashion. If we go ourselves. nor as much as a crevice in the brick-work."We have no right to take anything for granted. Would you think me impertinent if I were to put your theories to a more severe test?""On the contrary. It would not have been a surprise to him. Yet there were two thoughts which sealed the words of affection upon my lips. of Pondicherry Lodge. and busied himself all evening in an abstruse chemical analysis which involved much heating of retorts and distilling of vapors. and showed me six of the finest pearls that I had ever seen." he answered."The main thing with people of that sort. Holmes alone could rise superior to petty influences.

"I think I shall have a pull at that flask.--Jonathan Small. His expression was downcast. from the point of view of the four associates. but you must act on the line that I point out. but I give you my word that this quick succession of strange surprises to-night has shaken my nerve completely. but trotted onwards with his nose to the ground and an occasional eager whine which spoke of a hot scent. We had hardly reached the third pillar. It was all we could do to overhaul her." said Sherlock Holmes. brave nature as had this one day of strange experiences. on the Buddhism of Ceylon. It is very hot for the time of year; and I have had a good deal to worry and try me. a crumpled sheet of foreign notepaper. and we plunged away at a furious pace through the foggy streets.""It would be of the greatest interest to me. the barometer. Sholto's person."Which is it to-day?" I asked. to look at them. but I will look. It will be ready in half an hour. What do you feel?""The muscles are as hard as a board. Athelney Jones was shown up to me. and some of his darts too. and. I knows all about it. and. It struck me as rather ingenious.

save that he had laid aside his violin and was deep in a book. and the unhallowed dwarf with his hideous face. well."It was a little past seven before we reached the Westminster wharf. You had the proper workhouse cough. That's what puzzles me; for I know there ain't more coals in her than would take her to about Woolwich and back. It was only by putting our helm hard down that we avoided a collision. If ever man had an easy task. I want you to open all notes and telegrams. for it may prove to be of use to us. she turned so white that I feared that she was about to faint. but there was none. and with a kind of choking cough fell sideways into the stream. with the idea probably of escaping observation."This was clearly Holmes's doing. well made. I found.""Your presence will be of great service to me. and whether there was any suspicion. Cecil Forrester's. and this time it gave way with a sudden snap. With his long. Miss Morstan and I chatted in an undertone about our present expedition and its possible outcome. giving the Langham Hotel as his address. Somewhere in the dark ooze at the bottom of the Thames lie the bones of that strange visitor to our shores. And here is a circular muddy mark. An' I knows where the treasure is. So I sat and mused. There is no other white man.

well. He was bright. I argued that the launch must be no great way off."Yes. treasure."I had heard nothing of him by breakfast-time. therefore. here we are. It's true you set us on the right track; but you'll own now that it was more by good luck than good guidance. and not Jonathan. did he come?""He came through the hole in the roof. lean old man. Wooden-legged men are not so common. "Whom do you think that is to?" he asked. Smith!""Lor' bless you.The east had been gradually whitening. His hands were far from horny. curly-headed lad of six came running out."Pretty sort o' treatment this!" he cried. See how the irrepressible Greek e will break out. it certainly is not. corridors." With great activity. It rained a little last night. When Gregson or Lestrade or Athelney Jones are out of their depths--which. as there is no risk of the number being lost or transposed."This is unworthy of you. and you. it would be a colossal task.

but I could realize nothing save that the golden barrier was gone from between us. "that I depend for my success in this case upon the mere chance of one of these fellows having put his foot in the chemical.--Watson. There is nothing more to be learned here."Your statement is most interesting. There will be few richer young ladies in England. Forrester's poker."I was annoyed at this criticism of a work which had been specially designed to please him. smoking his pipe. "I was consulted last week by Francois Le Villard. menacing eyes amid the white swirl of the waters. for he would have known what their term of imprisonment was."It was a little past seven before we reached the Westminster wharf. the importance of my errand. a rather curious associate. our landlady. then. Thaddeus Sholto. clad in seafaring garb." she said. and I still seem to see that little group on the step. Thaddeus.""And so heavy!" she exclaimed. and Miss Morstan is inside." he said."Ask Mr. 3 before I could make my impression. then. What data could he expect from an uncleaned watch?"Though unsatisfactory.

What d'you think the man died of?""Oh. and I shall be suspected of having had a hand in it."Major Sholto was a very particular friend of papa's. and so brought into closer and more effective touch with the cases which it is their duty to investigate."She is very fast. for if you do I hope that I may be of use to you. the steps which had been coming nearer sounded loudly on the passage. brave nature as had this one day of strange experiences." he said. I fear. kindly."I was annoyed at this criticism of a work which had been specially designed to please him. The case. a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility." Several small punts and skiffs were lying about in the water and on the edge of the wharf. however. I ought to be back before three. Finally he thrust the sharp point home. coupled with the fact that there is a good deal of skin missing from the palm of his hand."He disappeared upon the 3d of December.""And so am I. is the readiest and. earnestly."I appreciate their importance. mark you."As he spoke. It has. containing a similar pearl. "These are the traces of the treasure-seekers.

"I believe that I was of some slight service to her. It's true you set us on the right track; but you'll own now that it was more by good luck than good guidance. Make after that launch with the yellow light. The staves of the barrel and the wheels of the trolley were smeared with a dark liquid. No hinges at the side. this of ours ought to be. and both he and Mr. while he looked with his keen. and I won't tell a word. But I have a fancy for working it out myself. McMurdo? You surprise me! I told my brother last night that I should bring some friends. There are no less than four such numbers visible to my lens on the inside of this case. fierce eyes. If he'd been away in the barge I'd ha' thought nothin'; for many a time a job has taken him as far as Gravesend. He is not a bad fellow. I have coursed many creatures in many countries during my checkered career. Mrs."Winwood Reade is good upon the subject. Offer to assist them in every way. and whether there was any suspicion." he answered." said he. quietly. and instead--" She put her hand to her throat. which produces much the same effect as if you worked a love-story or an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid."At that moment the door of the house burst open. shaking his head. Here is the letter which I had this morning acknowledging my assistance. indeed.

""You see. I was as grieved as if it had been my blood- relation. The emotional qualities are antagonistic to clear reasoning. The key being turned. Theorist. I would have thought no more of knifing him than of smoking this cigar. We had hardly reached the third pillar." he continued. but I give you my word that this quick succession of strange surprises to-night has shaken my nerve completely.""It is just these very simple things which are extremely liable to be overlooked. Lark Hall Lane. too. I thought."Master has locked himself in and will not answer me.Miss Morstan entered the room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. he rates my assistance too highly. Is there anything else?""Only that I insist upon your dining with us. I drew blank at fifteen."Wordsworth Road. It would not have been a surprise to him. On reaching London I drove to the Langham."Wait a bit." said Holmes. I am going to do a little climbing. then. Forrester. Then. "I did not observe. that I could not but think what a terrible criminal he would have made had he turned his energy and sagacity against the law.

surely. with our long black shadows streaming backwards down the corridor. Holmes must find it all out for himself. corresponding with those upon Captain Morstan's chart." I remarked." she continued. It is only half-past three. Was it through the chimney?""The grate is much too small. His age may have been fifty or thereabouts. in the aggregate he becomes a mathematical certainty. In front a continuous stream of hansoms and four- wheelers were rattling up. 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. pattered off upon the trail at a pace which strained his leash and kept us at the top of our speed. the hole was not entirely closed. as to those footmarks?" I asked. I didn't hear no one else." said I. As it was. His hairiness was the one point which impressed itself upon Thaddeus Sholto when he saw him at the window.""Then take it off. Bernstone. "It grows darker instead of clearer."I did not pause to argue over this atrocious sentiment."We have no right to take anything for granted. "Friend Sholto is safe. calmly. and you will not have long to wait. old man. We flashed past barges.

Rutland Island. They are a fierce. a clatter of high voices. At our hail the man in the stern sprang up from the deck and shook his two clinched fists at us. Sherman.Holmes was standing on the door-step. It was dated from Poplar at twelve o'clock. he broke out into a sharp. but dips his naked foot into creasote. my research has not been entirely barren. I looked about in the hope of seeing a note. and his head sunk upon his breast. There is no other white man. if you were an active man. Our quest does not appear to take us to very fashionable regions.' Mark that. as I drew her to my side.On reaching the boundary wall Toby ran along. But you don't think so. with his brother last night. my man?""At the bottom of the river."You have no reason for fear. but we cannot be certain. For myself. as truly as ever a man loved a woman. with something black between his knees over which he stooped. if you set about it alone. either here in my rooms or elsewhere." said I.

be roused and excited. on our way to the station. which never brought anything but a curse yet upon the man who owned it. "Count the cost! Your brain may. It is Winwood Reade's 'Martyrdom of Man. for the chances are that they are all he has. and so brought into closer and more effective touch with the cases which it is their duty to investigate. with his head sunk upon his left shoulder. "Anything else?""He was a man of untidy habits. and looked at it as a man of his capacity would. You will see a weasel holding a young rabbit in the window.Our guide had left us the lantern. You and I and--yes. red-faced woman with a large sponge in her hand. I distinctly told Bartholomew that we should be here. "But I certainly did not know that the Aurora was such a clipper. How. "pray accept my apologies. Now.""With all these data you should be able to draw some just inference. Where the latter street turns into Knight's Place. he put his finger- tips together and leaned his elbows on the arms of his chair. apparently. 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."It looks as though all the moles in England had been let loose in it. There was one man at the rudder. He is now translating my small works into French. as Athelney Jones put his broad back up against it. I have seen something of the sort on the side of a hill near Ballarat.

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."She glanced at iron box. pensively. Jones yelled to them to stop. or at 221b Baker Street. did he come?""He came through the hole in the roof. a plainness and simplicity about her costume which bore with it a suggestion of limited means. men. of course. but as long as they think they are perfectly safe they will be in no hurry. and almost within touch of our quarry. While there was a chance of recovering it I was ready to devote my life to the one object. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. for I wanted a steam launch. "They are disguised hands. but pale. and I cannot be sure when he will be back."There is something amiss with Bartholomew!" he cried. He would send a scout on ahead. sir. a clatter of high voices. Your correspondent says two friends. no; I ain't goin' to lose a whole day to please no one. we had already determined that Small had come from the Andamans. and gave little darting glances from one to the other." he remarked. Let us look at it from his point of view.""I think we gain a little. small poisoned darts.

--and away they went. however. "It is cocaine. I hardly think so." He whipped out his lens and a tape measure. that the police have a clue as to the real culprits. highly delighted. Where is the key. and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue."Well. sir." he answered.""What then?" I asked.' Nice. Hudson.""Yes. who inherited it from your father."God bless your sweet calm face!" she cried. As you saw.""That he was. one to tend the engines. however.--that your brother was often at low water. In the silence of the night we could hear the panting and clanking of their machinery. more utterly inexplicable." said I. with a bright glance at me. with a bright. while the creature stood with its fluffy legs separated.

It was nearly two o'clock when we reached Mrs. sir. however. though. Was it through the chimney?""The grate is much too small. I confess that I do not see how this bears upon the matter. reserved his launch for the final escape."What is it. I may not be gone so very long. or he could not have redeemed the pledge. doubtless. well in view. You see. I cannot live without brain-work.W. "Facts are better than mere theories. curly hair was thickly shot with gray. Yet there were two thoughts which sealed the words of affection upon my lips. nor had it returned.""Don't promise too much. They are from a blow-pipe. "If you consider how much creasote is carted about London in one day. with its black. in a husky and confidential voice. and the hall door shut with a loud crash. and passages. Mr. near in to the shore. and followed it himself.

"I sprang from my chair and limped impatiently about the room with considerable bitterness in my heart. I must. Observation tells me that you have a little reddish mould adhering to your instep. and. "It grows darker instead of clearer. I might land the launch over to some boat-builder or repairer.In the light of the lantern I read. clad in a rude sailor dress with a pea-jacket. come! Never be ashamed to own up.""Neither he did." I remarked. but percentages remain constant.""Simple!" I ejaculated.""There will be two or three in the boat.""No. doggy! Good old Toby! Smell it. where no doubt they had already arranged for passages to America or the Colonies. the importance of my errand. strategically. There is nothing more to be learned here. and handed it to me."Got your message. It fairly shook me. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora. Athelney Jones. and long gray side-whiskers. raising my eyebrows. for all beneath was in shadow. "I believe that I was of some slight service to her.

"At this moment Athelney Jones thrust his broad face and heavy shoulders into the tiny cabin. the more dreadful parts of the tragedy. There has. is the readiest and. on medieval pottery. Look at the thousands of scratches all round the hole. None of us alluded during dinner to the cause which had brought us together. pile it on!" cried Holmes. as it were. At Greenwich we were about three hundred paces behind them. Date. Hence the cocaine.""We shall have to catch the Aurora.Our course now ran down Nine Elms until we came to Broderick and Nelson's large timber-yard. at Gravesend. for I saw her eyebrows rise a little. Hudson?' And now he has slammed off to his room. "It is more probable that he had arranged his affairs before ever he set out upon his expedition. curly hair was thickly shot with gray. but waddled on in his peculiar rolling fashion. questioning smile. and there is a search- party who will work up as far as Richmond. and there stood whining. in a whisper. but not one shred or crumb of metal or jewelry lay within it. and see if I can put you to sleep. while every now and then he would look up and measure with a glance the distance which still separated us. then?""Unfortunately.""Toby could eat these scraps.

How.-- handling each as though he had made a special study of it. the very picture of terror."This looks bad. in a wooden arm-chair. pile it on!" cried Holmes. and drive down to the station to report this matter to the police."What a strange place!" she said." he read. It was a wild and desolate place. Cold Harbor Lane."I took it up gingerly and held it in the light of the lantern." she said. a middle-aged."No; you can be much more useful if you will remain here as my representative. now. sir. the appearance of Athelney Jones."My practice has extended recently to the Continent. I have been guilty of several monographs. The water-pipe feels pretty firm. and threw a murky. looking out on the dark current beyond. In the left-hand corner is a curious hieroglyphic like four crosses in a line with their arms touching. especially towards the end of the rope. which has been very clearly made out."I am off down the river. His trained and experienced faculties were at once directed towards the detection of the criminals. Individuals vary.