The Press., 1895-05-23

action of the officers of the law shows-the great advantage of the presence on such occasions Uf single vigorous and master full mind. We cannot but think that it supplies an argument to those who would wish to sec our detectives more tlccentral- ized, and so brought into closer and more effective touch with the cases which it is their ( uty to investigate
 Isn't it gorgeous?" said Holmes, grin ming over his coffee cup. What do you think of it?''
 1T think that we have had close shave ourselves of being arrested for the crime"
 "SO do l. I wouldn't answer for our safety now if he should happen to have another of his attacks of energy"
 At this moment there was a loud ring at the bell, and could hear Mrs. Hudson, our landlady, raising her voice in wall of approximation and dismay
 By heaven, Holmes, said, half ris- ing, II believe that they are really after usl''
 No; it is not quite so bad as that It is tho unofficial force-the Baker street ir- regulars.
 As he spoke there came swift pattcr- ing of naked feet upon the stairs, chatter 
 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 us with cxpectant 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, land brought 'em on sharp. Three bob and a tanner for tickets"
 Here you are, said Holmes, producing some 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 we'll that you should all hear the instruc- tions. I want to find the whereabouts of steam launch called the Aurora-own- CT, Mordecal Smith-black, with two red streaks; funnel black, with a white band. She is down the river somewhere. I want one boy to be at MOrdecai Smiths landing stage, opposite Millbank, to say if the boat comes back. You must divide it out among yourselves and do both banks thoroughly. Let mo know the moment you have news. Is that all clCar?'
 "Yes, guv'nor," said Wiggins.
 "The old scale of pay and guinea to the boy who finds the boat. Here's day in advance. Now, off you go!' He handed them a shilling each, and away they bnzzcd down the stairs, and saw them a moment later streaming down the street.
 If the launch is above water, they will And her" said Holmes as he rose from the table and lit his pipe. They can go every where, sco everything, overhear every one. expect to hear before evening that they hox- fc1 In xxybi 1o can do nothing but await results. We cannot pick up tho broken rail until we find either the Aurora or MT. Mordecai Smith. ''
 "Toby could cat these scraps, dare say. Are you going to bed, IIolmes?' No. I am not tired. I have curious | constitution. l never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me cOmplctCI". l 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, l should think, be absolutely unique."
 That other man again!'
 II have nO wish to make a mystery of .inl-to you anyway. But you must have | formed your own opinion. Now, do con- slider the data-diminutive footmarks, toes never fettcred by boots, naked feet, | stone headed wooden 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" said he. w hen first saw signs of strange weapons, was in- clincd to think so, but the remarkable | character of the footmarks caused me to reconsider my view. s'1me of tho inhabit- ants of the Inhiln peninsula are small men, but none cou1 have left such marks | as that. Tho IIinuuO pro par has long and thin feet. I'll" sandal wearing Nfoham medan hs the great l.jo well separated 1 from the others, because he thong is com monly passed between. These littlo darts, too, could only be sl, ill one way. They are from a blowni.'3 x ", then, where arc we to find ou" s.,yag -
 "South American" haz"rdcd.
 He stretched his hand up and took dowr a bulky volume from the shelf This is the first volume of a gazetteer which i! now being published. It may be looked upon as tho very latest authority. What have we hero? 'Andaman islands, situated $40 miles to tho north of Sumatra, in tht bay of Bengal Hum! Hum! Whats al | this? Moist climate coral reefs, sharks | Port Blair, convict barracks, Rutland is land, cotton wOods-ah, here we are: 'Tht aborigines of the Andaman islands may perhaps claim the distinction of being thu smallest race upon this earth, though som' anthropologists prefer the Bushmen 0 Africa, the Digger Indians of America and tho Terra del Fucgians Tho average height is rather below four feet, although many full grown adults may bo found who are very much smaller than this They are fierce, morose and intractabl people, though capable of forming mos devoted friendships when their confidence has one been gained. Mark that, Watson Now, then listen to this: They are nat ural.y hidcous, having large, misshapel