Page 33 (1/1)

"Hol"

He had recovered his self-possession in an instant "I was staggered for theis quite natural My memory failed me, or I should have been able to foretell it There is nothing o down"

"What is your theory, then, as to those footained the lower room once more

"My dear Watson, try a little analysis yourself," said he, with a touch of impatience "You know my methods Apply them, and it will be instructive to co which will cover the facts," I answered

"It will be clear enough to you soon," he said, in an off-hand way "I think that there is nothing else of importance here, but I will look" He whipped out his lens and a tape , co thin nose only a few inches fro and deep-set like those of a bird So swift, silent, and furtive were hisout a scent, that I could not but think what a terrible criacity against the law, instead of exerting the to hiht

"We are certainly in luck," said he "We ought to have very little trouble now Number One has had the misfortune to tread in the creosote You can see the outline of the edge of his s mess The carboy has been cracked, You see, and the stuff has leaked out"

"What then?" I asked

"Why, we have got hi that would follow that scent to the world's end If a pack can track a trailed herring across a shire, how far can a specially-trained hound follow so pungent a smell as this? It sounds like a suive us the--But halloo! here are the accredited representatives of the law"

Heavy steps and the clamor of loud voices were audible from below, and the hall door shut with a loud crash

"Before they come," said Holmes, "just put your hand here on this poor fellow's ar What do you feel?"