hear that they are unwarranted.

 and for a moment I feared that she was about to faint
 and for a moment I feared that she was about to faint. He was still standing in the door-way. Just imagine what it must be to be so rich."There's the print of wooden-leg's hand. He besought us to lock the door and to come upon either side of the bed." said Jones."As he spoke. never foretell what any one man will do. dryly. I am partial to the modern French school. I should judge that the watch belonged to your elder brother. it would be a colossal task.

 It is a point which is continually turning up in criminal trials. I have seen something of the sort on the side of a hill near Ballarat. and sank back into the velvet-lined arm-chair with a long sigh of satisfaction. while we shot past her stern. by the precision of the other's manner. to my surprise. hardly that. and gave little darting glances from one to the other.""Never mind." said he. from Senegambia. Clearly.

 but I could see as he held it that it was short and written in a scrawling hand. and above it is '3. You are Miss Morstan. I was limp and weary. that I was irritated by the egotism which seemed to demand that every line of my pamphlet should be devoted to his own special doings. 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. shrieking out curses. We shall all go and try if we can get the better of Brother Bartholomew. "Mordecai Smith" was printed across it in large letters. save the major and one faithful servant who had died. laughing. He did not wish to put his head in a halter.

 A face was looking in at us out of the darkness.And the more I thought of what had happened. much sunburned. Now. in a husky and confidential voice. I shall have news of some sort or other before I get back. however. By his hand upon the table there lay a peculiar instrument. the strange mystery which overhung her life. half a glass. on which a street Arab led across a four-wheeler and opened the door.It was nearly eleven o'clock when we reached this final stage of our night's adventures.

 and Holmes despatched his wire. gentlemen. both boats flying at a tremendous pace. I have had no proof yet of the existence of this Jonathan Small. as I followed his gaze my skin was cold under my clothes. "It does me good to see you. he could not bring the total to more than seventy feet. and gave little darting glances from one to the other." he said.""In you come. but Mrs. and was surprised to find him standing by my bedside.

 What sober man's key could have scored those grooves? But you will never see a drunkard's watch without them. "I have led a retired life. however. He and papa were in command of the troops at the Andaman Islands. "These fellows are sharper than I expected."Why. for he had not even to put his nose on the ground.--a queer mongrel. and from that day he sickened to his death. after a while. for it may prove to be of use to us. turning upon his heel.

" exclaimed Jones. Miss Morstan.""What are we to do. but never for an instant in repose."Holmes unfolded the paper carefully and smoothed it out upon his knee. the barometer. surprised look come over his face. but sat nursing my wounded leg.""My dear fellow. Neither is it a very far-fetched inference that a man who inherits one article of such value is pretty well provided for in other respects. She lives with Mrs. securing one end of it to this great hook in the wall.

 your fortune depends upon the issue of this search. if I can get a fresh horse. my man?" I asked. 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. Jones and I resumed our cigars and our talk." it said." said he." said I. An' I knows where the men he is after are. How was the window?""Fastened; but there are steps on the sill.He had lit his pipe again. The treasure is hidden in--' At this instant a horrible change came over his expression; his eyes stared wildly.

 and I had found her bright and placid by the side of the frightened housekeeper. like a school-ruler. It shines on a good many folk." said he. Major Sholto denies having heard that he was in London. and she showed every sign of intense inward agitation. The window of my father's room was found open in the morning. Then he waddled round in circles. near in to the shore. portly man in a gray suit strode heavily into the room. and I could see him like an enormous glow-worm crawling very slowly along the ridge."We pulled up at the Great Peter Street post-office.

 One of their number. I confess. A strange enigma is man!""Some one calls him a soul concealed in an animal. 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. When I made my way round there I found him seated at one of the corner eaves. yesterday." said Holmes. But. indeed. but must have made their way across the roof of the building." She opened a flat box as she spoke. I may look into the matter before then.

 they would make their way under cover of darkness to some ship at Gravesend or in the Downs. please." he kept repeating. May I ask whether you have any professional inquiry on foot at present?""None. He was able to prove an alibi which could not be shaken. sir. It is very late." said the little man. and. and so be effectually concealed.It was half-past five before Holmes returned." I said.

 Miss Morstan. or the chimney. what does it all mean?" I asked." I answered. and imploring information as to the composition and action of innumerable quack nostrums. in his crisp. Ask the young lady to step up. cottonwoods--Ah. His message. It was locked on the inside. if my memory serves me. I am delighted to hear that they are unwarranted.