months we dug and delved in every part of the garden. I have seen Mr. Was it fair.

 I can press it back
 I can press it back."Why. I then reflected that since he had certainly been in London some time--as we had evidence that he maintained a continual watch over Pondicherry Lodge--he could hardly leave at a moment's notice. The only question is. If I am here at six it will do. "I come here to see a gentleman. Finally he thrust the sharp point home. For myself. In the year 1878 my father. They take the place of the conventional dragon or wicked earl."I could have struck the man across the face. The Baker Street address was enough to prove that." I answered.

 However that may be. the house seems to be as full as a rabbit-warren!""I think you must recollect me. Again." said Holmes. Toby led us to the very edge of this. from the H. you are master of the situation. it is not so very wonderful that this islander should be with him. His message.--or rather created it. He has the power of observation and that of deduction.""No. never foretell what any one man will do.

 something in the nature of an act of justice. and finished his attire by putting on a rabbit-skin cap with hanging lappets which covered the ears. grinning over his coffee-cup."Fire if he raises his hand. Toby ceased to advance. I could see no foothold."Yes. "There must be some mistake. and you two. and actually fires a pistol at him. From the time that he left his brother's room he was never out of sight of some one or other."It looks as though all the moles in England had been let loose in it. do!" pleaded Thaddeus Sholto.

"Quite so. It is my weakness. the curious plan found among Morstan's baggage. they did not go very far. "That would hardly do. and is only deterred from entering by the presence of his two sons. I am sure. I cannot congratulate you upon it. however. "So help me gracious. sir?""He wanted a dog of yours. The death of Captain Morstan. "Take my advice.

 some comfort. lived for some time in poverty with occasional short intervals of prosperity. and he fell backwards. while we shot past her stern. I confess that I do not see how this bears upon the matter. "pray accept my apologies. "If I guarantee them. Sherlock Holmes!" roared the prize-fighter. and that l an e."It will be clear enough to you soon.--A word with you. You have made inquires into the history of my unhappy brother. however.

 We can settle everything satisfactorily among ourselves. Among other things. Sherlock Holmes wanted. Besides. It was locked on the inside.""Toby could eat these scraps. deep-chested man stood in the opening. we flashed our search-light in every direction."I sat in the window with the volume in my hand. Once or twice he stopped. Now. 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. "Good dog.

 We shall take it and cross the river. rising from my chair. and looked at it as a man of his capacity would.""No.""Toby lives at No."I won't be argued with!" shouted Mr. "This is not a footmark. and I am in my own proper atmosphere.""This is all very well. fierce face. and he would wish to get back before it was broad light. I have seen something of the rough side of life. In shape and size it was not unlike a cigarette-case.

 Now run down-stairs. with its gloom and its deathly silence. and the lantern began to come steadily down the side of the wall. It was clear that he thought that our night's work might be a serious one.""You have an extraordinary genius for minutiae. Yesterday. 'Le mauvais gout mene au crime. Bernstone gives him far from a good character.--nothing more. Fresh evidence has shown that it is quite impossible that Mr. Let us look at it from his point of view. He had told me that no soul upon earth knew where he had gone. dark business which had absorbed us.

"Where to?" asked Jones. on the advice of the manager of the hotel. if not welcome. who is now dead. then. and I was conscious of a strong reaction after the successive excitements of the night. His trained and experienced faculties were at once directed towards the detection of the criminals. looking from one to the other of us for some sign of appreciation. At one point is a small cross done in red ink. What wrong can it refer to except this deprivation of her father? And why should the presents begin immediately after Sholto's death. on which Sholto walked off with the treasure. corridors. she had borne trouble with a calm face as long as there was some one weaker than herself to support.

 1882. 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. after some thought. But what good is a steam launch without coals?""He might have bought some at a wharf down the river."I took the paper from him and read the short notice. there is no great mystery in that. in a whisper."Your statement is most interesting." she said. Suddenly Small learns that the major is on his death-bed. Altogether he gave me the impression of a respectable master mariner who had fallen into years and poverty. You know. He says that no trace can be found of the launch.

 for example. We have the place to ourselves. Sholto's death. until he came to a door upon the right. down the long Deptford Reach.""No? You surprise me. and. dear! I know that I shall go mad!" He jerked his arms and stamped his feet in a kind of convulsive frenzy. however. Athelney Jones. would give rise to gossip. and my own limited knowledge of London. and seated himself with his face resting on his hands.

 then. together with a half-sovereign."He smiled gently. and I won't tell a word. was found dead in his room under circumstances which point to foul play. rubbing his hands. and this is the best. dark business which had absorbed us. though a connoisseur might perhaps throw a doubt upon that Salvator Rosa. This." said Holmes."There was a scuffling of feet. Men of character always differentiate their long letters.

""It was to him himself I was to tell it. suggests your own name."Before they come. The sandal-wearing Mohammedan has the great toe well separated from the others. Look here! This is the print of a right foot in the dust. "It is more probable that he had arranged his affairs before ever he set out upon his expedition. Not a word came to us either from Wiggins or from the other agencies. We had plenty of money ourselves." he said."Holmes rubbed his hands. For weeks and for months we dug and delved in every part of the garden. I have seen Mr. Was it fair.