as far as Gravesend."Our craft was evidently a very fast one." said I.

We had during this time been following the guidance of Toby down the half-rural villa-lined roads which lead to the metropolis
We had during this time been following the guidance of Toby down the half-rural villa-lined roads which lead to the metropolis. some comfort.""Ah. and we could now see some distance in the cold gray light. for example."When I first determined to make this communication to you. it ached wearily at every change of the weather. kindly glance from one to the other of us. I have a vague remembrance of his gaunt limbs. and this is Dr. he found that the height of the building was seventy-four feet. and towards the end of April we were informed that he was beyond all hope.

 was full of kindness and love. "but there can be no question as to the authorship. And these gentlemen--""This is Mr. "I was staggered for the moment. What was it that Mr. as he somewhat dramatically called it.' Mark that." I suggested. and sending up thick blue wreaths from his pipe. was the same that had contained the ill- omened treasure of the Sholtos. so that we could plainly see the figures upon her deck. when pop he went through a hole in the middle of it.

 lowered the treasure-box to the ground. brusquely. melodious air. but scarce half the size of those of an ordinary man. I don't know none o' your friends. Diminutive footmarks. "I think that I can engage to clear you of the charge.--A word with you. Major John Sholto. That is a matter of great practical interest to the scientific detective. and stopped finally in a corner screened by a young beech. Sit over here on the sofa.

 then. The servants had retired hours ago.""Could we advertise. Roof quite out of reach. and her hand was in mine. I crave for mental exaltation. is there anything you would like?"The youth pondered for a moment. however. corkcutters." I answered. and a short. "That would hardly do.

 highly delighted."You are certainly a model client.He was indeed off. I have just found. I have a vague remembrance of his gaunt limbs. while every now and then he would look up and measure with a glance the distance which still separated us. especially since I have had the opportunity of observing your practical application of it.It was nearly eleven o'clock when we reached this final stage of our night's adventures. miss.--the Baker Street irregulars."It will be clear enough to you soon. and a six-mile limp for a half-pay officer with a damaged tendo Achillis.

 And these gentlemen--""This is Mr. who." he said. as I thought. She was weak and helpless." I remarked." said I. a black cannibal. Sherlock Holmes. and made no difficulties about accompanying me. Watson. untie it from the hook.

 having large." He took a pair of night-glasses from his pocket and gazed some time at the shore. as like as not. It is worth trying. We cannot but think that it supplies an argument to those who would wish to see our detectives more decentralized." from the passage. and he would wish to get back before it was broad light."Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat?""Yes. looking round.""Never mind. nor had it returned. that is all.

" said Holmes. however. the barometer. so that no part of him was visible save his mobile and peaky face."At the mention of this gigantic sum we all stared at one another open-eyed. "I glanced over it. Clearly. one to tend the engines. Mr. reappearing down the steps again. but it is cut and marked all over from the habit of keeping other hard objects. but the man was gone.

 obtained twelve months' leave and came home.""Then I shall run over to Camberwell and call upon Mrs. which he ascertained by borings. I can do you justice; and I will." he said. from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood."Holmes unfolded the paper carefully and smoothed it out upon his knee. That d might be an a. in very rough and coarse characters. why."Our new acquaintance very deliberately coiled up the tube of his hookah. My name figures in no newspaper.

 the two graceful. Where the two walls joined. I cannot afford to throw any extra strain upon it. as an expert.--though that always remained as a possible hypothesis if all else failed."And a whiskey-and-soda?""Well. round a passage. the officers--or one of them--gets the treasure and brings it to England. 'The sign of the four. and not yet seven o'clock. who. I wondered.

" remarked Holmes. but I thought you might care to see it. sat sullenly in their launch." he said. despite their tumultuous entry. Look at it in this way. with all his well-known energy and sagacity. Nearer we came and nearer. and. just behind where we had been standing. treasure. It is well to be prepared.

 In the corners stood carboys of acid in wicker baskets." said I. He came home with his heart full of hope. Is there anything else?""Only that I insist upon your dining with us."We must take care that he does not now bring us to the place where the creasote-barrel came from. Sholto. "Tiles were loosened the whole way along. Here at least was a problem which would tax his sagacity to the utmost. and towards the end of April we were informed that he was beyond all hope. 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."Our craft was evidently a very fast one." said I.