"It hit, or it miss, but bound something for friend Hopkins, just to justify this second visit," said he " quite take him into my confidence yet our next scene of operations the shipping office Adelaide-Southampton line, which stands end of Pall Mall, if I remember right second line of steamers which connect South Australia with England, but draw the larger cover first "

Holmes's card sent in manager ensured instant attention, and not long in acquiring all the information In June of '95, line had reached home port It ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, their largest and best boat reference passenger list showed that Miss Fraser, of Adelaide, with her maid had made the voyage in her The boat was now somewhere south Suez Canal on her way to Australia Her officers were the same as in '95, with one exception The first officer, Mr Jack Crocker, made captain and was charge new ship, the BASS ROCK, sailing in two days' time from Southampton He lived at Sydenham, but likely morning for instructions, cared to wait for him

No, Mr Holmes had no desire him, but would more about his record and character

His record was magnificent not an officer fleet to touch him As character, reliable on duty, but wild, desperate fellow off the deck ship hotheaded, excitable, but loyal, honest, and kindhearted That pith information Holmes left the office Adelaide-Southampton company Thence he drove to Scotland Yard, but, instead of entering, he sat cab brows drawn down, lost in profound thought Finally he drove round Charing Cross telegraph office, sent off message, and then, at last, for Baker Street once more

"No, I couldn't , Watson," said he, reentered our room "Once that warrant out, nothing on earth would save him in my career that more real harm by my discovery criminal than ever he had done by his crime learned caution now, and I had rather play tricks law of England than with my own conscience little more before we act "

Before evening, we had visit from Inspector Stanley Hopkins Things going

"I believe that wizard, Mr Holmes I really do sometimes think that powers human Now, how on earth could stolen silver was bottom pond ? "

"I didn't know it "

"But you told me to examine it "

"You got it, then ? "

"Yes, I got it "

" if helped you "

"But you haven't helped me You the affair far more difficult What sort of burglars are they who steal silver and then throw it nearest pond ? "

" certainly rather eccentric behavior merely going idea that silver taken by persons who want itwho merely took it for blind, as it werethen naturally be anxious rid of it "

"But why should such an idea cross your mind ? "

"Well, possible came out French window, the pond with one tempting little hole ice, right in front noses Could there be better hiding-place ? "

"Ah, hiding-placethat is better ! " cried Stanley Hopkins "Yes, yes, it all now ! early, there were folk roads, they were afraid of being seen silver, so they sank it pond, intending to return coast was clear Excellent, Mr Holmesthat is better than your idea of blind "

"Quite so, got an admirable theory that my own ideas were quite wild, but admit that ended in discovering the silver "

"Yes, siryes all your doing But bad setback "

"A setback ? "

"Yes, Mr Holmes The Randall gang were arrested in New York "

"Dear me, Hopkins ! certainly rather against your theory committed murder in Kent last night "

" fatal, Mr Holmesabsolutely fatal Still, other gangs of three besides the Randalls, or it some new gang the police have never heard "

"Quite so, perfectly possible What, off ? "

Yes, Mr Holmes, no rest until got bottom business I suppose no hint ? "

" you one "

"Which ? "

"Well, I suggested blind "

"But why, Mr Holmes, why ? "

"Ah, that's the question, But I commend the idea to your mind possibly find that something You won't stop for dinner ? Well, good-bye, how you get on "

Dinner was over, table cleared before Holmes alluded matter again He had lit his pipe and held his slippered feet cheerful blaze fire Suddenly he looked at his watch "I expect developments, Watson "

"When ? "

"Nowwithin I dare say you thought I acted rather badly to Stanley Hopkins just now ? "

"I trust your judgment "

"A very sensible reply, Watson look at it : what is unofficial, what is official the right to private judgment, but he has none disclose all, or traitor service In doubtful case put him in so painful position, and so I reserve my information until my own mind is clear matter "

"But when will that be ? "

"The time now be present last scene of remarkable little drama "

sound stairs, door was opened to admit as fine specimen of manhood as ever passed through it very tall young man, golden mustached, blue-eyed, with skin which burned by tropical suns, and springy step, which showed huge frame was as active as strong He closed the door behind him, and then he stood with clenched hands and heaving breast, choking down some overmastering emotion

"Sit down, Captain Crocker You got my telegram ? "

Our visitor sank into an armchair and looked from one other of us with questioning eyes "I got your telegram, and hour you said I heard that you down office no getting away Let's hear the worst you going with me ? Arrest me ? Speak out, man ! 't sit there and play with me like cat with mouse "

"Give him cigar," said Holmes "Bite , Captain Crocker, and don't let your nerves run away I sit here smoking if that you were common criminal, Be frank with me and do some good Play tricks with me, and I'll crush you "

"What wish me ? "