Chapter 8 of The Sign of the four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
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Chapter 8, the Baker Street Irregulars.
What now I asked Toby has lost his character for infallibility,
he acted according to his lights said Holmes lifting him down
from the barrel and walking him out of the Timber yard.
If you consider how much creosote is carted about London.
In one day, it is no great wonder that our Trail should
have been crossed. It is much used now, especially
for the seasoning of wood. Poor Toby is not to blame.
We must get on the main scent again I suppose.
Yes and fortunately we have no distance to go.
Evidently what puzzled a dog at the corner of nights place.
Was that? They were two different Trails
running in opposite directions. We took the wrong one.
It only remains to follow the other.
It was no difficulty about this on leading, Toby to the place
where he had committed his fault.
He cast about in a Wide Circle and finally dashed off in a
fresh direction, we must take care that he doesn't.
Now bring us to the place where the creosote Barrel came from.
I observed, I had sort of that, but you notice that he keeps on
the pavement, whereas the barrel passed down the roadway.
No, we are on the true sent now, it tended down towards The
Riverside running through Belmont Place and princes
street. At the end of Broad Street, it
ran right down to the water's edge where there was a small,
wooden Wharf. Toby led us to the very edge of
this and there stood whining, looking out on the dark current
Beyond, We are out of luck said Holmes, they have taken to a
boat here. Several small punts and Skiffs
were lying about in the water and on the edge of the wharf.
We took, Toby round to each in turn, but though he sniffed
earnestly, he made no sign close to the rude.
Landing stage was a small brick house with a wooden placard
slung out through the second window.
Mordecai Smith was printed across it in large letters and
underneath boats to hire by the hour or day.
A second inscription above the Or informed us that a steam
launch was kept a statement, which was confirmed by a great
pile of coke. Pain.
The Jetty Sherlock Holmes looked slowly round and his face
assumed an ominous expression. This looks bad said he, these
fellows are sharper than I expected.
They seem to have covered their tracks.
There has I fear been preconcerted management here?
He was approaching the door of the house when it opened and the
little curly-headed lad of six came running out, followed by a
stoutish red-faced woman with a large sponge in her hand.
You come back and be washed Jack.
She shouted come back here young imp for if your father comes
home and finds you like that. He let us hear of it.
Dear little chap said Holmes strategically what a
rosy-cheeked young Rascal now Jack is there anything you would
like The youth pondered for a moment.
I'd like a Schilling said, he nothing.
You would like better. I'd like to Schilling bear The
Prodigy answered after some thought.
Here you are, then catch a fine child mrs.
Smith Lor, bless you, sir. He is that and forward.
He gets a mouse. Too much for me to manage,
especially when my mind is away days at a time away.
Is he said, Holmes in a disappointed voice.
I am. Sorry for that.
For I wanted to speak to mr. Smith.
He's been away since yesterday morning, sir and Truth to tell.
I'm beginning to feel frightened about him but if it was about
about Sir, maybe I could serve as well.
I wanted to hire the steam launch.
Why bless you sir? It is in the steam launch, that
he's gone. That's what puzzles me, find out
there ain't more coals in her than would take it about
woollett chin back. If he'd been away in the barge
out of thought, nothing for many a time, a job is taken as far as
Gravesend and then if there was much doing there in my estate
over but what good is a steam launch without curls?
He might have bought some at a wharf down the river.
He might sir, but it weren't his way many a time.
I've heard him call out the prices.
They charge for a few odd bags. Besides, I don't like that
wooden-legged man with his ugly face and outlandish, talk what
did he want? Always knocking about here for I
wouldn't like it man. Said Holmes with Bland surprise?
Yes sir. A brown monkey face chap.
It's called more than once for my old, man.
It was in that roused him up. Yes.
Tonight. And what's more?
My man knew he was coming for, he had steamed up in a launch.
I tell you, straight sir, I don't feel easy in my mind about
it. But my dear mrs.
Smith said Holmes shrugging his shoulders.
You are frightening yourself about nothing.
How could you possibly tell that it was?
The wooden-legged man who came in the night.
I don't quite understand how you can be so sure he's voice sir.
I know his voice which is kind of thick and foggy.
He tapped at the winder about three.
It would be shower leg. My e says, 'I time to turn out
God Well man, woke up. Jim that's my oldest and away.
They went without so much as a word to me.
I could hear the wooden leg clacking on the stones and was
this wooden-legged man. Alone couldn't say, I'm not sure
sir. I didn't hear no one else.
I am. Sorry.
Mrs. Farris for I wanted to steam launch and I have heard
good reports of the let me see what is her name the Aurora sir?
Ah she's not that old green launched with a yellow line.
Very Broad in the beam now. Indeed Jesus trim a little thing
as any on the river. She's been freshly painted black
with two red streaks. Thanks, I hope you will hear
soon from mr. Smith, I'm going down the river
and if I should see anything of the Aurora I shall let him know
that you're uneasy a black funnel.
You say? Now, sir, black with a white
band, of course it was a sides which were black.
Good morning, mrs. Smith.
There is a Boatman here with a weary Watson.
We shall take it and cross the river.
The main thing with people of that sort said, Holmes, as we
sat in the sheets of the weary is never to let them think that
their information can be of the slightest importance to you.
If you do, they will instantly shut up like an oyster.
If you listen to them under protest as it were, you are very
likely to get what you want. Our course now seems pretty
clear that I what would you do? Then I would Engage The launch
and go down the river on the track of the Aurora.
My dear fellow, it would be a colossal task.
She may have touched it. Any Wharf on either side of the
stream between here and Greenwich below the bridge,
there is a perfect Labyrinth of Landing places for miles.
It would take you days and days to exhaust them.
If you set about it alone, Employ the police then, no, I
shall probably call athelney Jones in at the last moment.
He's not a bad fellow and I should not like to do anything,
which would injure him professionally, but I have a
fancy for working it out myself. Now that we have gone so far
Could we advertise then asking for information?
From war fingers, worse and worse?
Our men would know that the chase was hot at their heels and
they will be off out of the country.
As it is. They are likely enough to leave
but as long as they think they are perfectly safe, they will be
in no hurry Jones is energy will be of use to us there.
For his view of the case is sure to push itself into the Daily
Press and The Runaways will think that everyone is off on
the wrong scent. What are we to do?
Then I asked as we landed near Millburn, Penitentiary take this
handsome drive home have some breakfast and get an hours
sleep. It is quite on the cards.
We maybe a foot tonight. Again, stop at a telegraph
office. Cabbie we will keep Toby for, he
may be of use to us yet. We pulled up at the great Peter
Street, post office, and homes despatched, his wire whom.
Do you think that is too? He asked as we resumed our
journey I'm sure, I don't know. You remember, the Baker Street
division of the detective police force, who my employed in the
Jefferson hope case. Well said I laughing, this is
just the case where they might be invaluable, if they fail, I
have other resources. But I shall try them first.
That why I was to my dirty little Lieutenant Wiggins and I
expect that he and his gang will be with us before we finished
our breakfast. It was between eight and nine
now, and I was conscious of a strong reaction.
After the successive excitement's of the night, I was
limp and weary befogged in mind and fatigued in body.
I had not the professional enthusiasm, which carried my
companion on, nor could I look at the matter as a mere abstract
intellectual problem, as far as the death of Bartholomew sholto
went, I had heard little good of him and could feel no intense
antipathy to his Murderers. The treasure, however, was a
different matter that or part of it, belonged rightfully to miss
morstan. While there was a chance of
recovering it. I was ready to devote my life to
the one object true. If I found it, who would
probably put her forever beyond my reach yet, it would be a
petty and selfish love, which would be influenced by such a
thought as that if homes could work to find the criminals, I
had a 10-fold stronger reason to urge me on to find the treasure.
A bath at Baker Street and a complete change freshen me up
wonderfully. When I came down to our room, I
found the breakfast laid and homes pouring out the coffee,
here it is, said he laughing and pointing to an open newspaper,
the energetic Jones and the ubiquitous reporter have fixed
it up between them, but you've had enough of a case better.
Have your ham and eggs first. I took the paper from him and
read the short notice, which was headed mysterious business at
upper Norwood. About 12 o'clock last night.
So the standard mr. Bartholomew sholto of
pondicherry Lodge Upper Norwood, was found dead in his room under
circumstances, which point to foul play.
As far as we can learn. No, actual traces of violence,
were found upon mr. Sholto's person, but a valuable
collection of Indian gems, which the deceased gentleman had
inherited. From his father has been carried
off. The discovery was first made by
mr. Sherlock Holmes, and dr.
Watson who had called at the house with mr.
Thaddeus. Zsolt.
Oh, brother of the deceased by a singular piece of Good.
Fortune, mr. Athelney Jones, the well-known
member of the detective police force happened to be at the
Norwood Police Station and was on the ground within half an
hour of the first alarm, his trained and experienced
faculties were at once. Directed towards the detection
of the criminals. With the gratifying result.
That the brother Thaddeus sholto has already been arrested
together with the housekeeper mrs.
Bernstone. Indian butler named Lal Rao and
a porter or gatekeeper named McMurdo.
It is quite certain that the thief or thieves were well
acquainted with the house for mr.
Jones's. Well-known technical knowledge.
And his powers of minut. Observation have a nailed him to
prove conclusively that the miscreants could not have
entered by the door, or by the window, but must have made their
way across the roof of the building.
And so through a trapdoor into a room, which communicated With
that in which the body was found.
This fact which has been very clearly made out proves
conclusively, that it was no mere haphazard burglary, The
Prompt and energetic action of the officers of the law shows.
The great advantage of the presence on such occasions of a
single. Vigorous, and masterful mind we
cannot but think that it supplies an argument to those
who would wish to see our detectives more decentralized.
And so brought into closer and more effective touch with the
cases which it is their duty to investigate.
Isn't it? Gorgeous said, Holmes grinning
over his coffee cup. What do you think of it?
I think that we have had a close shave ourselves of being
arrested for the crime. so do I, I wouldn't answer for our safety
now, if you should happen to have another of his attacks of
energy, At this moment, there was a loud ring at the bell and
I could hear mrs. Hudson our landlady raising her
voice in a way love expostulation and dismay by
Heavens Holmes. I said half Rising I believe
that they are really after us. Now, it's not quite so bad as
that. It is The Unofficial Force the
Baker Street Irregulars as he spoke.
There came, a swift patterning 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 despite their tumultuous entry, for the
instantly Drew up in line and stood facing us with expectant
faces. One of their number taller and
older than the others, stood forward with an air of lounging
superiority, which was very funny in such a disreputable
little scarecrow. Got your message.
Sir said he and brought them on Sharp three.
Bob, and a tenner for tickets here, you are said Holmes
producing some silver in future. They can report 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
instructions. I want to find the whereabouts
of a steam launch called the Aurora owner, Mordecai Smith
black with to read, Streaks, funnel black with a white band.
She is down the river somewhere. I want one boy to be at Mordecai
Smith landing-stage opposite Milbank to say it's a boat comes
back. You must divide it out among
yourselves and do both Banks thoroughly, let me know.
The moment you have news, is that all clear?
Yes, Governor said, Wiggins the old scale of pay and a guinea to
the boy who finds the boat. Here's a day in advance.
Now off you go, he handed him, a shilling each.
And a way they Buzz down the stairs and I saw them a moment
later streaming down the street. If the launch is above water,
they will find her said, Holmes as he rose from the table and
lit his pipe, they can go everywhere.
See everything over here, everyone.
I expect to hear before evening, that they have spotted her.
In the meanwhile, we can do nothing but await results.
We cannot pick up the broken trail until we find either the
Aurora or mr. Mordecai Smith, Toby could eat
these scraps. I daresay.
Are you going to bed homes? No, I am not tired.
I have a curious Constitution. I never remember feeling tired
by work though. Idleness exhaust.
Me completely. I'm 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 shouldn't think
be 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, do consider the data diminutive footmarks toes.
Never fettered by boots naked feet stone-headed.
Wooden mace great agility, small poisoned darts.
What do you make of all this a Savage exclaimed?
Perhaps one of those Indians who were the associates of Jonathan
small Hardly that said he when first I saw signs of strange
weapons, I was inclined to think so but the remarkable character
of the foot marks caused me to reconsider My Views some of the
inhabitants of the Indian Peninsula are small men but none
could have left such marks as that the Hindu proper has long
and thin feet. The sandal-wearing mohammedan
has the great toe well separated from the others because the
thong Thing is, commonly passed between these little darts to
could only be shot in one way. They are from a blowpipe.
Now, then where are we to find our Savage?
South American, I hazarded. He stretched his hand up and
took down a bulky volume from the Shelf.
This is the first volume of a gazetteer, which is now being
published. It may be looked upon as the
very latest Authority. What have we here, Andaman
Islands? Situated, 340 miles to the north
of Sumatra in the Bay of Bengal hum hum, what's all this moist
climate Coral reefs sharks Port. Blair convict Barracks?
Rutland Island? Cotton Woods are.
Here we are the Aborigines of the Andaman Islands.
May perhaps claim the distinction of being the
smallest race. Upon this Earth, though some
Anthropologist prefer the Bushmen of Africa, the Digger,
Indians of America, and the Terra del Fuego.
Means the average height is rather below 4 feet.
Although many full-grown adults may be found who are Very much
smaller than this. They are a fierce morose and
intractable people though capable of forming most devoted
friendships when their confidence has once been gained
marked at Watson now then listen to this, they are naturally
hideous, having large misshapen heads, small Fierce eyes and
distorted features their feet and hands.
However, are remarkably small. So intractable and fierce are
they that all the efforts of the British?
Vishal have failed to win them. Over in any degree, they have
always been a terror to Shipwrecked Cruise braining the
survivors with their stone-headed clubs or shooting
them with their poisoned arrows. These massacres are invariably
concluded by a cannibal feast. Nice amiable people Watson if
this fellow had been left to his own unaided devices, this affair
might have taken an even more ghastly turn, I fancy that, even
as it is Jonathan, small would give a good deal not to have
employed him, but how came it have such singular companion?
That is more than I can tell. Since however, we had already
determined that small had come from the andamans He's not so
very wonderful that this island should be with him.
No doubt, we shall know all about it in time.
Look here. Watson you look regularly done
lie down there on the sofa and see if I can put you to sleep.
He took up his violin from the corner, and as I stretch myself
out he began to play some low dreamy melodious.
Are his own, no doubt. For he had a remarkable gift for
improvisation. I have a vague remembrance of
his gaunt, limbs, his Earnest face and the rise and fall of
his bow. Then I seem to be floated
peacefully away upon a soft sea of sound until I found myself in
Dreamland with the sweet Ace of Mary morstan looking down upon
me. End of chapter 8.