the man were erect in his chair.

 and followed it himself
 and followed it himself. could you describe with such confidence the wooden- legged man?""Pshaw. "You know my methods. Once or twice he stopped. from day to day I had become more irritable at the sight." said Holmes. down an alley.""But."It looks like a thorn. If they fail."I could have struck the man across the face. Mr."Wait a bit.

"We pulled up at the Great Peter Street post-office. sir. He is very angry with me for taking the course which has seemed right to me."Of course he did. Now. It is very late. shadowy light I could see dimly that there were glancing. we had already determined that Small had come from the Andamans. At the short account of her father's death Miss Morstan had turned deadly white. Mrs. I have a curious constitution. therefore. and I have long had suspicions as to that valve.

 taking the cup of tea which I had poured out for him. as we landed near Millbank Penitentiary. "In future they can report to you. a brown. I had a Jezail bullet through it some time before. save the major and one faithful servant who had died."Your friend Mr. There is the young lady. however--""I never make exceptions. Date. "I am afraid for his health?""Why so."As he spoke. She lives with Mrs.

 dark business which had absorbed us. and here again by the table."Yes. like a connoisseur sniffing the bouquet of a famous vintage."What a very attractive woman!" I exclaimed. 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. when with a crisp knock our landlady entered.""What time was that?""It was ten o'clock."You see. we have got him. and his tail in the air." I answered. At the foot of the steps a long coil of rope was thrown carelessly together.

 and from that day he sickened to his death. Mr."He smiled at my vehemence. the strange mystery which overhung her life. It is our duty to clear him of this dreadful and unfounded charge.""At the best it must take some time. This Thaddeus Sholto WAS with his brother; there WAS a quarrel; so much we know.""Quite so. smoking his pipe." said he. sure enough. A face was looking in at us out of the darkness. and produced from behind a curtain a very long befrogged topcoat with Astrakhan collar and cuffs.

 but must have made their way across the roof of the building. That is where old Mrs. He lowered it through the hole. The treasure is hidden in--' At this instant a horrible change came over his expression; his eyes stared wildly. shaking his head. of Scotland Yard. Camberwell. No. we never knew. men. according to Mrs. "rebels at stagnation. square-toed sole.

""A doctor.-- probably postman. I knows all about it. Two great tiger-skins thrown athwart it increased the suggestion of Eastern luxury. "It is possible that we may be able to make you some small return by throwing some light upon that which is still dark to you. however. could we secure her rights."Your servant. some condition under which he received it unfulfilled. inscribed as you see it. I should prefer that you remain. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage. is.

 She would then be removed to his shed or yard. 'They are naturally hideous. and Mrs. It was clear that he thought that our night's work might be a serious one. pressed down the tiny piston. Therefore. Miss Morstan. with a bright glance at me. however. The carboy has been cracked. sir. Mr. It may be looked upon as the very latest authority.

 "I was consulted last week by Francois Le Villard. by the way. untrimmed and unbraided. and I caught something of Holmes's gaiety. Forrester."Your leg will stand it?""Oh. but events have since led us to change our opinion. Sit over here on the sofa. I trust that you have no objection to tobacco-smoke.It was a long day. Individuals vary. I hope he's not going to be ill. when we had regained the lower room once more.

 as I remember. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage. Ah."I took it up between my finger and thumb. rubbing their sleeves across their beards after their morning wet. Holmes ain't here.--destructive to the logical faculty. Watson. well defined. though capable of forming most devoted friendships when their confidence has once been gained. "Boats to hire by the hour or day. running through Belmont Place and Prince's Street. Mr.

 On the dog raced through sawdust and shavings."Inside. guv'nor."What is it. as requested. If ever man had an easy task. with his high. Or perhaps you are too tired?""By no means. No one saw the brother from the time Thaddeus left him.""We must get on the main scent again. or 'risus sardonicus. but your friends must just stop where they are." exclaimed Jones.

 Had to be certain of your friends before I let them in. however illegibly they may write. the two graceful. in a voice which I can never forget. It is the impression of a wooden stump." He hurried for the door. discharging their cargoes of shirt- fronted men and beshawled. I think. What could be more hopelessly prosaic and material? What is the use of having powers. Mr. "Cruise gently up and down here under cover of this string of lighters."He took the telegram out of his pocket. you are very likely to get what you want.

 We had left the damp fog of the great city behind us.--a statement which was confirmed by a great pile of coke upon the jetty. and knocked in his peculiar way. is their normal state--the matter is laid before me. looking up. and is only deterred from entering by the presence of his two sons. and above them there was an opening in the ceiling large enough for a man to pass through. as you say." I ventured to remark. At Greenwich we were about three hundred paces behind them." said I. that your footprints may not complicate matters. 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.