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wsKMrnmi Bj A. CON AH DOYLE. CHAPTER VIII.—(CONCLUDED.) 8VNOP818. CHAPTER I—Introduces Sherlock Holmes. It.—A prepossessing young lady arrives and begs the assistance of the detective lu unravel ing the mystery. Ill and IV.—Miss Morstan, accompanied by Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson, keeps a singular appointment and learns that she is an heiress and particulars of her father's death. What Thaddeus Shoito knows about the "sign of the four. V.—The party in search of further information reaches Pondicherry Lodge, where they-find Bartholomew Shoito murdered, the treasure chest gone and a scrawl "the sign of the four." VI and VII.—Sherlock Holmes demonstrates his theory of the case, in which Inspector Athelney Jones does not concur, and starts on the clew of the one-legged man, b-lieved to l«' the Jonathan Small, who is one of the "four." VIII.—Sherlock Holmes calls in the Maker street irregulars igamins), who are detached to watch the river. "Isn't it gorgeous? said Holmes, grin ning over his coffee cup "What do you think of it?" "I think that we have had a close shave ourselves of being arrested for th9 crime." "So do I. I wouldn't answer for our safety now if ho should happen to have anothor of hisattneksof energy." At this moment there was a loud ring at the bell, and 1 could hear Mrs. Hudson, our landlady, raising her voice in a wail of expostulation and dismay. "By heaven, Holmes," I said, half ris ing, "I believe that they are really after ual" "No it is not quite BO bad as that. It la the unofficial force—the Baker street ir regulars." As he spoke there camo a swift patter ing of naked feet upon the stairs, a clatter of high voices, and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street arabs. There was some show of discipline among them, de spite their tumultuous entry, for they in stantly drew up in line and stood facing ua with expectant faces. One of their number, taller and older than the others, stood forward with an air of lounging su periority which was very funny in such a disreputable little scarecrow. "Got your message, sir," said he, "and brought 'em on sharp Three bob and a tanner for tickets." "Here you are," said Holmes, producing aome silver. "In future they can re port to you, Wiggins, and you to me. I cannot have the house invaded in this way. However, it is just as well that you should all hear the instruc tions. I want to find the whereabouts of a steam launch called the Aurora—own er, Mordecai Smith—black, with two red streaks funnel black, with a white band. She is down the river somewhere. I want one boy to beat Mordecai Smith's landing stage, opposite Millbank, to say if the boat comes back. You must divide it out among yourselves and do both banks thoroughly. Let me know the moment you have news la that all clcari1" "Yes, guv'nor," said Wiggins. "The old scale of pay and a guinea to the boy who finds the boat. Here's a day in advance.4 Now, off you go!" He handed them a' shilling each, and away they buzzed down the stairs, and I saw ti's.n r. moment later streaming down the sue "If the launch is above water, the v. i'l find her,"said Holmes as he roaefrc:i table and lit his pipe. "They can go: -i where, see everything, overhear ever I expect to hear before evening th it '.n. have spotted her. In the meanwhile v.. can do nothing but await results \V, cannot pick up the broken trail tint v.. find either the Aurora or Mr. Mordct-ai •Smith." "Toby could eat these scraps, I dare say. Are you going to bed, Holmes?" "No. I am not tired." I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely. I am going to smoke and to think over this queer business to which my fair client has introduced us. If ever man had an easy task, this of ours ought to be. Wooden legged men are not so common, but the other man must, I should think, bo absolutely unique." "That other Man again!" "I have no wish to make a mystery of him—to you anyway. But you must have formed your own opinion. Now, du con sider the data—diminutive footmarks, toes never fettered by boots, naked feet, stone headed ivooden mace, great agility, small poisoned darts. What do you make of all this?" "A savage!" I exclaimed. "Perhaps one of those Indians who were the associates of Jonathan Small." "Hardly that." Paid he "When first I saw signs of strange weapons, I was in clined to think so, but the remarkabla character of the footmarks caused me to reconsider my view. Some of tho inhabit ants of the Indian peninsula are small men, but none could have left such marks as that. The Hindoo proper has long and thin feet. The sandal wearing Moham medan has the great toe well separated from tho others, because the thong is com monly passed between. These little darts, too, could only be shot in one way. They are from a blowpipe Now. then, where are wo to find our savase?" "South Aniori -nii." I hazarded. Ho stretched hU hand up ami took down a bulky volume from the shelf. "This is the first volume of a gazetteer which is now being published. It may bo looked upon as tho very latest authority. What have wo here? 'Andaman islands, situated 340 miles to tho north of Sumatra, in the bay of Bengal.' Hum! Hum! What's all this? Moist climate, coral reefs, sharks, Port Blair, convict barracks, Rutland is land, cottonwoods—ah, here wo are: 'The aborigines of the Andaman islands may perhaps claim tho distinction of being the smallest race upon this earth, though some anthropologists prefer tho Bushmen of Africa, tho Digger Indians of America and the Terra del Fuegians. The average height is rather below four feet, although many full grown adults may be found who aro very much smaller than this. They arc a fierce, morose and intractable people, though capable of forming most devoted friendships whon their confidence has one been gained.' Mark that, Watson. Now, then, listen to this: 'They are nat urally hideous, having large, misshapen heads, small, fierce eves and distorted features. Their feet and hands, however, aro remarkably small. So intractable and fierce are they that all the efforts of the British officials have failed to win them over in any degree. They have always been a terror to shipwrecked crews, brain ing the survivors with their stone headed clubs or shooting them with their poisoned arrow3. These massacres are invariably concluded by a cannibal feast.' Nice, amiable people, Watson I If this fellow had been left to his own unaided devices, this affair might have taken an even mora ghastly turn. I fancy that, even as it is, Jonathan Small would give a good deal not to have orooloyed him." out now came no to h£ve ao singular companion?" "Ah, that is more than I can tell. Since, however, we had had already determined that Small had come from the Andamans, it is not so very wonderful that this is lander should be with him. No doubt wo shall know all about it in time. Look here, Watson. You look regularly done. Lie down thero on tho sofa and see if I can put you to sloep." He took up his violin from the corner, and as I stretched myself out he began to play some low, dreamy, melodious air— his own, no doubt, for he had a remarka ble gift for improvisation. I havo a vague remembrnnco of his gaunt limbs, his ear nest faco and the rise and fall of his bow. Then I seemed to bo floated peacefully away upon soft sea of sound until I found myself in dreamland, with tho sweet face of Mary Morstan looking down upon me. CHAPTER IX. It was late in tho afternoon before I woko, strengthened and refreshed. Sher lock Holmes still sat exactly as I had left him, save that he had laid aside his violin and was deep in a book. Ho looked across at me as I stirred, and I noticed that his face was dark and troubled. "You have-slept soundly," he said. "I feared tliut our talk would wake you." "I heard nothing," I answered. "Have you had fresh news, then?" "Unfortunately, no. I confess that I am surprised and disappointed. I expected something definite by this time. Wiggins has just been up to report. He says that no trace can be found of the launch. It is a provoking check, for every hour is of importance." "Can I do anything? I am perfectly fresh now and quite ready for another night's outing." "No we can do nothing. We can only wait. If we go ourselves, the message might come in our absence and delay be caused. You can do what you will, but I must remain on guard." "Then I shall run over to Camberwell and call upon Mrs. Cecil Forrester. She asked mo to yesterday." "On Mrs. Cecil Forrester?" asked Holmes, with the twinkle of a smile in his eyes. "Well, of course, on Miss Morstan too. They were anxious to hear what hap pened. "I would not tell them too much," said Holmes. "Women are never to be entirely trusted, not the best of them." I did not pause to argue over this atro cious sentimept. "I shall be back in an hour or two," I remarked. "All right! Good luck! But, I say, if you are crossing the river you may as well return Toby, for I don't think it is at all likely that we shall have any use for him now." I took our mongrel accordingly and left him, together with a half sovereign, at the old naturalist's in Pinchin lane. At Camberwell I found Miss Morstan a little weary after her night's adventures, but very eager to hear the news. Mrs. For rester, too, was full of curiosity. I told them all that we had done, suppressing, however, the more dreadful parts of the tragedy. Thus, although I spoke of Mr. Sholto's death, I said nothing of the exact manner and method of it. With all my omissions, however, there was enough ta startle and amaze them. "It is a romance!" cried Mrs. Forrester. "An injured lady, half a million in treas ure, a black cannibal and a wooden legged ruffian. They take tho place of the con ventional dragon or wicked earl." "And two knights errant to the rescue," added Miss Morstan, with a bright glance at me. "Why, Mary, your fortune depends up on the issue of this search. I don't think that you are nearly excited enough. Just imagine what it must be to be so rich and to havo the world at your feet!" It sent a little thrill of joy to my heart to notice that she-showed no sign of elation at tho prospect. On tho contrary, 6he gave a toss of her proud head, as though the matter were one in which she took Email interest. "It is for Mr. Thaddeus Shoito that I am anrdous," she said. "Nothing else is of any consequence, but I think that he has behaved most kindly and honorably throughout. It is our duty to clear him of this dreadful and unfounded charge." It was evening before I left Camberwell and quito dark by tho time I reached home. My companion's book and pipe lay by his chair, but he had disappeared. I looked about in the hope of seeing a note, but thero was none. "I suppose that Mr. Sherlock Holmes has gone out?" I said to Mrs. Hudson as she came up to lower the blinds. "No, sir. He has gone to his room, sir. Do you know, sir," sinking her voice into an impressive whisper, "lam afraid for his health?" ''Why so, Mrs. Hudson?" "Well, he's that strange, sir. After you was gone he walked, and ho walked, up and down, and up and down, until I was weary of tho sound of his footstep. Then I heard him talking to himself and mut tering, and every time tho bell rang out he came on the stair bead with, 'What is that, Mrs. Hudson?' and now he has elammed off to his room, but I can tyear him walking away the same as ever. I hope he's not going to bo ill, sir. I ven tured to say something to him about cool ing medicine, but ho turned on me, sir, with such a look that I don't know how ever I got out of the room." "I don't think that you have any cause to be uneasy, Mrs. Hudson," I answered. "I havo seen him like this before. He has some small matter upon his mind which makes him restless." I tried to speak lightly to our worthy landlady, but I was myself somewhat uneasy when, through the long night, I still from time to time heard tho dull sound of his tread and knew how his keen spirit was chafing against this involuntary, inaction. At breakfast time ho looked worn and haggard, with a little fleck of feverish color upon either cheek. "You aro knocking yourself up, old man," I remarked. "I heard you march ing about in tho night." "No I could not sleep," ho answered "This infernal problem is consuming me. It is too much to be balked by so petty an obstacle when all else had been overcome. I know the men, tho launch—everything —and yet I can get no news. I have set. other agencies at work and used every means at my disposal. The whole river has been searched on either side, but there is no news, nor has Mrs. Smith heard of her husband. I shall come to the conclu sion soon that they havo scuttled tho craft. But thcr? aro objections to that." "Or that Mrs. Smith has put us on a wrong scent." "No I think that may be dismissed. 1 had inquiries made, and there ia a launch of that description." "Could It havo gone up the river?" "I have considered that possibility, too, and there is jy search ^artj.yho will work up as fur ns KlchmonO. If lioiiews comes today, I shall start off myself tomorrow and go for the men rather than the boat. But surely, surely, we shall hear some thing. We did not, however. Not a word came to ua either from Wigglna or from the other agencies. There were articles in most of tho papers upon tho Norwood tragedy. They all appoared to be rathor hostlio to the unfortunato Thaddeus Shoi to. No fresh details were to bo found, however, in any of them, save that an in quest was to be hold upon the following day. I walked ovor to Camberwell in tho evening to report our ill success to tho la dies, and on my return 1 found Holmes dejected and somewhat morose. He would hardly reply to my questions and busied himself ail evening in an nbstruso chem ical analysis which involved much heating of rotorts and distilling of vapors, ending at last in a smell which fairly drove me out of tho upartmcnt. Up to the small hours of the morning I could hoar tho clinking of his test tubes, which told mo that ho was still engaged in his malodor ous experiment. In tho early dawn I woko with a start and was surprised to find him standing by my bedside clad in a rude sailor dress, with a peajackct and a coarse red scarf round his neck. "I am off down tho river, Watson," said he. "I have been turning it over in my mind, and I can see only one way out of it. It is worth trying, at all events." "Surely I can come with you, then?" said I. "No you can be much more useful if you will remain here as my representative. I am loath to go, for it is quite on the cards that some message may come during the day, though Wiggins was despondent about it last night. I want you to open all notes and telegrams and to act on your own judgment if any news should come. Can I rely upon you?" "Most certainly." "I am afraid that you will not be able to wire to mo, for I can hardly tell yet where I may find myself. If I am in luck, however, I may not be gone so very long. I shall have news of some sort or other before I get back.'' I had heard nothing of him by break fast time. On opening The Standard, however, I found that there was a fresh allusion to tho business. "With reference to tho Upper Norwood tragedy," it re marked, "we havo reason to believe that tho matter promises to be even more com plex and mysterious than was orrginally supposed. Fresh evidenco has shown that it is quito impossible that Mr. Thaddeus Shoito could havo been in any way con cerned in the matter. Ho and the house keeper, Mrs. Bcrnstone, were both released yesterday evening." It is believed, how ever, that the police have a clew as to tho real culprits, and that it is being prose cuted by Mr. Atholney Jones of Scotland Yard with all his well known energy and sagacity. Further arrests may be expected at any moment." "That is satisfactory, so far as it goes," thought I. "Friend Shoito is safe, at any rate. I wonder what the fresh clew may be, though it seems to be a Stereotyped form whenever the police have made a blunder." I tossed the paper down upon the table, but at that moment my eye caught an ad vertisement in the agony column. It ran this way: "Lost.—Whereas Mordecai Smith, boat man, and his eon Jim, left Smith's wharf at or about 3 o'clock last Tuesday morn ing in the steam launch Aurora, black with two red stripes, funnel black with a whito band, tho sum of £5 will be paid to any ono who can give information to Mrs. Smith, at Smith's wharf, or at 221b Baker street, as to the whereabouts of tho said Mordecai Smith and tho launch Aurora." This was clearly Holmes' doing. The Baker street address was enough to prove that. It struck mo as rather ingenious, becauso it might behead by the fugitives without their seeing in it more than the natural anxiety of a wife for her missing husband. It was a long day. Every time that a knock camo to the door or a sharp step passed in tho street I imagined that it was either Holmes returning or an answer to his advertisement. I tried to read, but my thoughts would wander off to our strange quest and to tho ill assorted and villainous pair whom wo were pursuing. Could thero be, I wondered, somo radical flaw in my companion's reasoning? Might he bo suffering from somo huge self de ception? Was it not possible that his nim ble and speculative mind bad 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. He was likely, I thought, to fall into error through the overrefinement of his logic—his preference for a subtle and bizarre explanation when a plainer and ,:e commonplace one lay ready to his hand. Yet, on tho other hand, I had myself seen the evidence, and I had heard the reasons for his deductions. When I looked back on the lorn? chain of curious circumstances, many of them trivial in themselves, but all tending in the same direction, I could not disguise from my self that even if Holmes' explanation were incorrect the true theory must be equally outro and startling. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon there waa loud peal at tho bell, an authoritative voice in the hall, and, to my surprise, no less a person than Mr. Athelney Jones was shown up to me. Very different be was, however, from the brusque and mas terful professor of common sense who had taken over tho enso so confidently at Up per Norwood. His expression was down cast and his bearing meek and even apol ogetic. "Good day, sir, good day!" said he. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes is out, I under stand." "Yes, and I cannot be sure when ho wilj be back. But perhaps you would caro to wait. Take that chair and try one of these cigars." "Thank you. I don't mind if I do," said hn, mopping his faco with a red ban danna handkerchief. "And a v.-liisky r.nd soda?" "Well, half glass. It is very hot for the time of ye:, r. i'.i.'l I havo had a good deal to worry nr.d try me You know my theory about this Norwood case?" "I remember that you expressed one." "Well, I have been obliged toroconsider it. I had my net drawn tightly round Mr. Shoito, sir, when, pop! ho went through a hole in the middlo of it. Ho was abb to prove an :.li!/i which could not bo shaken. I-'rom tho time that ho left his brother's loom ho was never out of sight of 8'.mo ono or other. So it could not be ho who climbed over roofs and through trapdoors, It is a very dark case, and my professional credit Is nt stako. I should be very glad of a little assistance." "Wo all need he!p sometimes," said I. "Your friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, 19 a wonderful man, elr," said he in a husky and confidential voice. 4_Elf»n. who Ta riot To be lieu t). 7 have known that young man go into a good many oases, but I nevor saw the case yet that ho could not throw alight upon. He it irregular In his methods and a littlo quick perhaps In jumping at theories but, on the whole, I think ho would have made a most promis ing officer, and I don caro who knows it. I havo had a wire from him this morning, by which I understand that he has got somo clow to this Shoito buslneaa. Here ia his message." Ho took tho telegram out of his pocket and handed it to mo. It was dated from Poplar at 13 o'clock. "Go to Baker street at onco," it said. "If I have not returned, wait for me. I am closo on the track of tho Shoito gang. You can conio with us tonight if you want to bo in at tho finish." "This sounds well. Ho has evidently picked up the scent again," said I. "Ah, then ho has been at fault, too," exclaimed Jones, with evident satisfaction. "Even tho best of us aro thrown off somo times. Of courso this may provo to bo a false alarm, but it is my duty as an ofllccr of tho law to allow nochanco to slip. But there is 6omo ono at tho door. Perhaps this is ho." A heavy step was hoard ascending tho stairs, with a great wheezing and rattling, as from a man who was sorely put to it for breath. Once or twice he stopped, as though the climb were too much for him, but at last he made his way to our door and entered. His appearance corresponded to the sounds which we had heard. He was an aged man, clad in a seafaring garb, with an old peajacket buttoned up to his throat. His back was bowed, Ills knees were shaky, and his breathing was pain fully asthmatic. As ho leaned upon a thick oaken cudgel his shoulders heaved in the effort to draw the air into his lungs. He had a colored scarf round his chin, and I could see little of his faco save a pair of keen dark eyes, overhung by busby white brows, and his long gray side whiskers. Altogether he gave me the impression of a respectable master mariner who had fallen into years and poverty. "What Is it, my man?" I asked. He looked about him in tho slow,method ical fashion of old age. "Is Mr. Sherlock Holmes here?" said he. "No, but I am acting for him. You can tell mo any message you have for him." "It was to himself Iwas to tell it," said he. "But I tell you that I am acting for him. Was it about Mordecai Smith's boat?" "Yes. I knows well where it is, and 1 knows where the men he is after are, and I knows where the treasure is. I knows all about it." "Then tell me, and I shall let him know." "It was to him I was to tell it," he re peated, with the petulant obstinacy of a very old man. "Well, you must wait for him." "No, no, I ain't goin to lose a whole day to please no one. If Mr. Holmes ain't here, then Mr. Holmes must find it all out for himself. I don't care about the look of either of you, and I won't tell a word." He shuffled toward the door, but Athel ney Jones got in front of him. "Wait a bit, my friend," said he. "You have important information, and you must not walk off. We shall keep you, whether you like or not, until our friend returns." The old man mado a little run toward the door, but as Athelney Jones put his broad back up against it he recognized the uselessness of resistance. "Pretty sort o' treatment this!" he cried, stamping his stick. "I come here to see a gentleman, and you two, who I never saw in my life, seize me and treat me in this fashion!" "You will bo none tho worse," I said. "We shall recompense you for the loss of your time. Sit over here on the sofa, and you will not have long to wait." He came across sullenly enough and sooted himself, with his face resting on his hands. Jones and I resumed our cigars and our talk. Suddenly, however, Holmes' voico broke in upon us. "I think that you might offer mo a cigar, too. he said. Wo both started in our chairs. There was Holmes sitting close to us, with an air of quiet amusement. "Holmes!" I exclaimed. "You here? But where is the old man?" "Here is the old man," said he, holding out a heap of white hair. "Here he is— wig, whiskers, eyebrowsand all. I thought my disguise was pretty good, but I hardly expected that it would stand that test." "Ah, you rogue!" cried Jones, highly delighted. You would have made an actor, and a rare one. You had- the proper workhouse cough,, and thoso weak legs of yours are worth Jt'10 a week. I thought I knew the glint of your eye, though. You didn't get away from us so easily, you seo." "I havo been working in that gctup all day," said he, lighting bis cigar. "You ace, a good many at the criminal classes begin to know ma, especially since our friend here took to publishing aome of my cases, so I can only go on the warpath un der some simple disguise like this. You got my wire?" "Yes that was what brought me here." "How has your case prospered?" "It has all come to nothing. I have had to release two of my prisoners, and there Is no evidence against the other two." "Never mind. We shall give you two others in the place of them. But you must put yourself under my orders. You are wolcome to all the official credit, but ou must act on the lines thatl point out. that agreed?" "Entirely, if you will help mo to the men." "Well, then, in the first place I shall want a fast police boat—a steam launch— to bo at tho Westminster stairs at 7 o'clock." "That is easily managed. There is al ways one aboutthere, but I can step across tho road and telophono to make sure." "Then I shall want two 6tanch men, in case of resistance." "Thero will bo two or three in tho boat. What else?" "When wo secure tho men, wo shall get tho treasure. I think it would boa pleas ure to my friend hero to tako tho box round to tho young lady to whom half of it rightfully belongs. Let her be the first to open it—eh, Watson?" "It would bo a great pleasure to mo." "Rather an irregular proceeding," said Jones, shaking his head, "However, tho whole thing is irregular, and I suppose wo must wink nt it. Tho treasure must after ward bo handed ovor to tho authorities until nfter tho official investigation." "Certainly. That is easily managed Ono other point. I should much like to havo a few details about this matter from the lips of Jonathan Small himself. You know I liko to work the detail of my cases out. Thero is no objection to my having an unofficial Interview with him, oither here In my rooms or elsewhere, aa long aa he is cfflcirjiL'y ruardedf" tTWeRTyou are master of the altuatlon. I have had no proof yet of tho ezlatenoe of thia Jonathan Small. However, If you can oatch him, I don't see how I can re fuae you an interview with him." "That is understood, then?" "Perfectly. Is thero anything else?" "Only that I insist upon you dining with us. It will be roady In half an hour. I havo oysters and a braeo of grouse, with aomcthing a littlo cho! in whlto wlno. Watson, you havo never yet recognized my merits as a housekeeper." CHAPTER X. Our meal was a merry one. Holmes could talk exceedingly well when he clioso, and that night he did chooso. He appeared to be in a stato of nervous exal tation I havo never known him so bril liant. lie spoke on a quick succession of subjects, on miracle plays, on mediaeval pottery, on Stradlvarlus violins, on tho Buddhism of Ceylon and on tho warships of the uture, handling each as though ho had r.uulo a special study of it. His bright humor marked the reaction from his black depression of tho preceding days. Athelney Jones proved to be a sociable soul in his hours of relaxation and faced his dinner with tho air of a bon vivant. For myself, I felt elated at tho thought that wo were nearing tho end of our task, and I caught something of Holmes' gay ety. None of us alluded during dinner to tho causo which had brought us together. When tho cloth was cleared, Holmes glanced at his watch and filled up three glasses with port. "Ono bumper," said he, ''to the success of our little expedition. And now it is high time we were off. Have you a pistol, Watson?" "1 have my old service revolver in my desk." "You had best take it, then. It is well to bo prepared. I sec that tho cab is at tho door. I ordered it for half past 6." It was a little past 7 before we reached the Westminster wharf and found our launch awaiting us. Holmes eyed it crit ically. "Is thero anything to mark itasapo lice boat?" Y'es that green lamp at the side." "Then tako it off." Tho small change was made, we Stepped on board, and tho ropes were cast off. Jones, Holmes and I sat in the stern. There was one man at the rudder, one to tend the engines and two burly police in spectors forward. "Where to?" asked Jones. "To tho Tower. Tell them to stop op posite to Jacobsou's yard." Our craft was evidently a very fast one. We shot past the long lines of loaded barges as though they were stationary. Holmes smiled with satisfaction as wo overhauled a river steamer and left her bo bind. "We ought to be able to catch anything on tho river," be said. "Well, hardly that, but there are not many launches to boat us." "We shall have to catch the Aurora, and Ehe has a name for being a clipper. I will tell you bow the land lies, Watson. You recollect how annoyed I was at being balked by so small a thing?" "Yes." "Well, I gave my mind a thorough rest by plunging into a chemical analysis. One of our greatest statesmen has said that a change of work Is the best rest. So it is. When 1 had succeeded in dissolving the hydrc^carbon which I was at work at, I came back to our problem of the Sholtoa and thought the whole matter out again. My boys had been up the river and down without result. The launch was not at any landing stage or wharf, nor had it re turned. Yet it could hardly have been acuttled to hide their traces, though that always remained as a possible hypothesis if all else failed. I knew that this man Small had a certain degree of low cun ning, but I did not think him capable ot anything in the nature of delicate finesse. That is usually a product of higher educa tion. I then reflected that since he had certainly been in London some time, as we had evidence that ho maintained a continual watch over Pondichcrry Lodge, he could hardly lcavo at a moment's no tice, but would need somo time, if it were only a day, to arrange his affairs. This was the balance of probability, at any rate." "It seems tome to be a littlo weak," said I. "It is more probable tdat he had arranged his affairs beforo ever he set out upon his expedition." "No I hardly think so. This lair of his would bo too valuablo a retreat in caso of need for him to give it up until ho was sure that he could do without it. But a second consideration struck mo. Jonathan Small must havo felt that the peculiar appearance of his companion, however much ho may have topcoatcd him, would give rise to gossip and possibly be associ ated with this Norwood tragedy. Ho was quite sharp enough to see that. They had started from tlioir headquarters under cover of darkness, and he would wish to get back before it was broad light. Now, It was past 3 o'clock, according to Mrs. Smith, when they got the boat. It would bo quite bright, and people would be about in an hour or so. Therefore, I argued, they did not go very far. They paid Smith well to hold his tongue, re served his launch for the final escape and hurried to their lodgings with the treasure box. In a couple of nights, when they bad time to see what view the papers took and whether there was any suspicion, they would make their way under cover of darkness to somo ship at Graveaend or in the Downs, where no doubt they had al teady arranged for passages to America or the colonies." (To be Continued.) Farmers, Get a Copy of Coin. Every farmer who wants some plain, practical information on the silver and financial question, should get a copy of "Coin's Financial School." It will be the most satisfactory investment made in a long time. After reading Coin lend it to your neighbor nod urge turn to rend it. The financial question is the most ab sorbing topic of the day. The book will be sent free, post paid, to any new yearly subscriber of the Weekly Alert, or to any old subscriber paying the amount of year's subscrip tion or it can be had of newsdealers for 25 cents a copy. It. is in simple, plain language that any reader can under stand. Weekly aubsoribera entitled to World'a Fair city premium for subscription, pay moot in full, oan have choice of "Coin'a Financial School if they ao deaire. Notify office. NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. This is to certify: That M. L. Parker and W. C. Tubbs have this day formed a special partnership The aaine of said partnership and the name under which such partnership shall be con ducted is and shall be M. L. Parker & Company, at Jamestown, North Dakota. The general nature of the business of said partnership, shall be dealing at retail In clothing, hats, caps and men's furnishing goods. The names of the partners and their residences are: M. L. Parker, who resides at Jamestown, North Dakota, who is a general partner, and W. C. Tubbs, who resides at Fargo, North Dakota, who is a special partner. Saul special partner has contributed to the common stock ot said firm In cash, live thousand dollars. Said partnership will Itegln on the Third day of May, A. D. 1805. and shall end ou the last day of April. 1900. Witness the hands of the parties hereto. May Third, 1895. \V. c. TUBUS, L.PAHKKK, First Pub. May 9, 1S95. HEALED PROPOSALS. Sealed proposals for furnishing supplies for the North Dakota Hospital for the Insane, con sisting of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes for the yearending June 80th, 1896, will be received by the steward at his office at the hos pital. .lamestown, N. D.,up to 10 o'clock, June 4th, 1895. Bids can be made for dry goods only, groceries only, clothing only, boots and shoes only, or for all. The list must lie separate, the articles to be listed in the same order as in the schedules. Schedules of supplies required will be furnished ou application to the steward. Samples of articles in the schedule checked lu red ink must be furnished the steward. All goous to be delivered at the hospital at such times and in such quantities as the steward may direct, all bids must be accompanied by a certified check for $100 to be forfeited to the state if bidders fail to enter into contract if his bid is accepted, otherwise to be returned. The successful bidder will lie required to furnish a satisfactory bond for the faithful performance of the contract. The samples of unsuccessful bid ders to be returned with their certified check. All goods must be of good qualitv. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. All goods to be marked "Proposals for furnishing supplies for the insane hospital." The samples must be delivered to the steward before 10 a. 3., June 3rd, 1899. The bids will be opened and considered by the trustees at 11 o'clock June 5th. 1895. Jamestown, N. D., May 4tli, 1895. 0 IKN I.OVEI.I,, Steward. First Pub. May 9.1894. NOTICE OF SALE. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a judgment and decree in foreclosure, rendered and given by the district court of -the fifth judicial district, in and for the county of Stuts man, and state of North Dakota, and entered and docketed in the otlice of the clerk of said court In and for said county, on the 17th day of April, 1895, in an action wherein Alliance Mort gage and Investment Co. is plaintiff, and Reuben S. Winslo wis defendant, in favor of said plain tiff and against the said Defendant Keuben S. 4'inslowforthesumof Seven Hundred Eighty live dollars and Eighty-four cents, which judgment and decree, among other things, directed the sale by me of the real estate here inafter described to satisfy the amount oi said judgment, with interest thereon and the costs ano expenses of such sale, or so much thereof as the proceeds of such sale applicable thereto will satisfy. And by virtue of a writ to me issued out of the office of the clerk of said court iu and for said county of Stutsman and under the seal of said court, directing me to sell said real F.J.J,Eddy,sheriff roperty pursuant to said judgment and decree of said county, and person appointed by said court to make said sale, will sell the hereinafter described real estate to the highest bidder, for cash, at public auction, at the front door of the court house in the city ef Jamestown, in the countv of Stutsman, and state of North Dakota, on the 35th day of May, A. D. 1895. at two o'clock p. in. of that day to satisfy said judgment, wltn interest and costs thereon, and the costs and expenses of such sale, or so much thereof as the proceeds of such sale applicable thereto will satisfy. The premises to be sold as aforesaid pursuant to said judgment and decree, and to said writ, and to this notice, are described in said judgment, decree and writ, as follows, towit: The west one-half of the northwest quarter, and the west one-half of the* southwest quarter of section number 12 in township 140, north of range 64 west of the 5th principal meridian, containing 100 acres more or less. J.J.EDDY, Sheriff of Stutsman County, N. D. EDGAR W. CAMP, Attorney for Plaintiff. First Pub. April 18, 1895. SUMMONS. State of North Dakota, I County of Stutsman. 8 In District Court,Fifth Judicial District. (VS. 'r I.. U.Heberling, Defendant. The state of North Dakota to the above named defendant: You are hereby summoned and re quired to answer the conmlaint of the ulaintiff in the above entitled action, which is filed in the office of the clerk of the district court of the fifth judicial district, in and for the county of Stutsman, and state of North Dakota, and to serve a copy of your answer to the said complaint on the subscriber at his office in Jamestown, in said county and state, within thirty days after the service of this sum mons upon you, exclusive of the day of sucli ser vice, and if you fall to answer the said com plaint within the time aforesaid, the plaintiff in this action will take judgment against vou for the sum of thirty dollars, with interest at the rate of seven psr cent per annum from the 18th day of August. A. D. 1892. together with costs and disbursements of this action. Dated March 30th, 1895. (loo. C. EACER, Plaintiff's attorney, .Jamestown, North Dakota. You will take notice further that the complaint In the above entitled action was filed In the office of the clerk -of the court in and for Stuts man county, North Dakota, April 1,1895. GKO. C. EAGER, Attorney for Plaintiff, Jamestown, N. D. First Pub. April 18,1895. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION. Land Office at Fargo, N. D. April 89th, 1895. Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make five year final proof in support of his claim, and secure final entry thereof, and that said proof will be made before John H. Severn clerk of the district court at Jamestown. Stuts man county, N. I)., on June 31st, 1895, viz: SAMUEL A. PORTER, H. E. No. 17898 for the N. E. 54, sec. 8, twp. 141, range 62, Stutsman county, N. D. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, said land, viz: Chailes Anderson, Henry I.aBrasch, James Kane. William Stuff, allot Gray, N. D. F. Baldwin. A. E. SUNUKRHAUF, Attorney. Register. .Flist Pub. May 2,1895. SEALED PROPOSALS. Sealed nroposals will be received by the steward at his office. North Dakota Hospital for the Insane, Jamestown, V. D., until 10 a. in.. .June 4th, 1895, for furnishing North Dakota coal for hospital for year commencing June 15th, 1895. The coal to be the best qualitv deep-mined coal to be free from dust, clay or other loreign sub stance. to be delivered at the hospital boiler house In such quantities monthly as the steward may direct, coal to be weighed on hospital scales. Bidders will give name and location of mine from which they propose to furnish coal. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. The Itlds will be opened and considered by the trustees at 11 o'clock a. m. June 4th. 1H95. Bids to be marked "proposals for furnishing coal." .Jamestown, N. D„ May 4th, 1895. OIIDKX I.OVELI., Steward, First pub. May 9. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. In the matterof the estate of James Thompson, deceased. AH persons having claims against said James Thompson, deceased, are required to exhibit the same, with the necessary vouchers, to W. B. S. Trimble, agent ot the executor or said estate, at his office in city of Jamestown, in the countv of Stutsman, state of North Dakota, and that's months have been limited as the time for creditors to present their claims against said 68tiit6 Dated this sixth day of Mav. A. D. 1805. FUA.SK THOMPSON, Executor. E.w. Camp, attorney for executor. First Pub. May 9,1896. t' fc Jki