The Press., 1895-05-23
CHAPTER TX

woke, strengthened and refreshed. ShCr- lock Holmes still sat exactly as l had left him, save that he had laid aside his violin and was deep in book. He looked across at me as I stirred, and noticed that his face was dark and troubled.
 You have slept soundly," he said. II feared that our talk would wake you."
 II heard nothing," answered. Have you had fresh news, then?"
 Unfortunately, no. l confess that am surprised and disappointed. Iexpected 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 nights outing"
 No; we can do nothing. We can only wait. If we go ourselves, the message might come i'll our absence and delay be caused. You can do what you will, but must remain on guard
 'Then I shall run over to Camberwell and call upon Mrs. Cecil Forester. She asked me to yesterday
 "On Mrs Cecil Forrester?" asked Holmes, with the twinkle of d smile in his eyes.
 well, O1 course, O11 MlSS NOISCSSA OOO. They were anxious to hear what hap pened."
 II would not tell them too much," said Holmes. "Womcn are never to be entirely trusted, not the best of thcm."
 did not pause to argue over this atrO- cious sentiment. II 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 we'll return Toby, for don't think it is at all likely that we shall have any use for him now"
 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 little weary after her nights 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 l spoke of MT. Sholto's death, I said nothing of the exact manner and method of it. With all my omissions, however, there was enough to startle and amaze them.
 Ut is rOmancc!" cried Mrs. Forester "An injured lady, half a million in treas ure, a black cannibal and a wooden legged ruffian. They take the place of the con ventional dragon or wicked earl
 And two knights errant to the rescue, " added Miss Morstan, with bright glance at me.
 "Why, Mary, yonr fortune depends up- on the issue of this search. Idon't think that you are nearly excited enough Just imagine what it must be to be so rich and to have the world at your fect!'
 It sent little thrill of joy to my heart to notice that she showed no sign of elatiOn at the prospect. On tho contrary, she gave toss of her proud head, as though the matter wore one in which she took small interest.
 Ut is for MT. Thaddeus Sholto that am anxious, " she said. Nothing else is of any consequence but l 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 1 left Camberwell and quito dark by the timo l reached home. My companion s book and pipe lay by his chair, but he had disappeared. l looked about in the hope of seeing a note, | but there was none.
 II suppose that MT. Sherlock Holmes has | gone out?' 1 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, II am afraid for his health?''
 "Why so, Mrs. Hudson?" 'Wcll, he's that strange, sir. A liter you was gono he walked, and he walked, up and down, and up and down, until was weary of the sound of his footstep. Then heard him talking to himself and nut tering, and every time tho bell rang out he came on the stair head with, What is that, Mrs. Hudson?' and now he has slammed off to his room, but can hear him walking away the same as ever. hope he's not going to be i'll, sir. ven tured to say something to him about cool ing medicine, but he turned on me, sir, with such look that don't know how ever got out of the room.'' II don't think that you have any cause to be uneasy, Mrs. Hudson, answered II have seen him like this before He has