But destined resumed long hour, and in circumstances which shock hardly second caused by his springing door I had stood for some minutes looking silent figure bed His face was almost covered clothes and he appeared asleep Then, unable to settle down to reading, I walked slowly round the room, examining the pictures of celebrated criminals every wall was adorned Finally, in my aimless perambulation, mantelpiece litter of pipes, tobacco-pouches, syringes, penknives, revolver-cartridges, and other debris was scattered over it midst was small black and white ivory box with sliding lid neat little thing, and I had stretched out my hand to examine it more closely when-

dreadful cry that - yell which heard down the street My skin went cold and my hair bristled horrible scream As I turned I caught glimpse of convulsed face and frantic eyes I stood paralyzed, little box in my hand

"Put it down ! Down, this instant, Watson- this instant, ! " His head sank back pillow and deep sigh of relief as I replaced the box mantelpiece "I hate my things touched, Watson that I hate it You fidget me beyond endurance You, doctor- enough to drive patient into an asylum Sit down, man, and let me have my rest ! "

The incident left most unpleasant impression upon my mind The violent and causeless excitement, followed brutality of speech, removed usual suavity, showed me how deep disorganization mind Of all ruins, that of noble mind most deplorable I sat in silent dejection until the stipulated time had passed watching the clock as I, for hardly six before he began same feverish animation as before

"Now, Watson," said he " any change in your pocket ? "

"Yes "

"Any silver ? "

"A "

" half-crowns ? "

" five "

"Ah, too few ! Too few ! How very unfortunate, Watson ! However, such put them in your watchpocket And all the rest of your money in your left trouserpocket balance you better like that "

raving insanity He shuddered, and again made sound between cough and sob

" now light the gas, Watson, but very careful that not instant shall it be more than half on I implore you careful, Watson , excellent No, not draw the blind Now the kindness some letters and papers table within my reach, Now litter mantelpiece Excellent, Watson ! sugar-tongs there Kindly raise that small ivory box with its assistance Place it here papers Good ! now go and fetch Mr Culverton Smith, of 13 Lower Burke Street "

the truth, my desire to fetch doctor had somewhat weakened, for poor Holmes was so obviously delirious seemed dangerous to leave him However, as eager now to consult the person named as he obstinate in refusing

"I never heard the name," said I

"Possibly not, my good Watson It may surprise you man upon earth best versed disease medical man, but planter Mr Culverton Smith is well-known resident of Sumatra, now visiting London An outbreak disease upon his plantation, distant from medical aid, caused him to study it himself, with some rather far-reaching consequences very methodical person, and desire you to start before six, because well aware that find him study persuade him here and the benefit unique experience disease, the investigation of been his dearest hobby, doubt that help me "

Holmes's remarks as consecutive whole and will not attempt to indicate how they were interrupted by gaspings for breath and those clutchings hands which indicated the pain suffering His appearance had changed worse during the few hours that I Those hectic spots were more pronounced, the eyes shone more brightly out of darker hollows, and cold sweat glimmered upon his brow He still retained, however, the jaunty gallantry speech last gasp always be the master

" tell him exactly how left me," said he " convey the very impression in your own mind- dying man- dying and delirious man Indeed, think why the whole bed ocean one solid mass of oysters, so prolific the creatures seem Ah, wandering ! Strange how the brain controls the brain ! I saying, Watson ? "

"My directions Culverton Smith "

"Ah, yes, I remember My life depends upon it Plead , Watson no good feeling His nephew, Watson- I had suspicions of foul play and I allowed him it The boy died horribly He has grudge against me soften him, Watson Beg him, pray him, get him here by any means save me- only he ! "

" bring him in cab, if to carry him down "

" do nothing sort persuade him And then return in front of him Make any excuse so as not Don't forget, Watson You won't fail me You never did fail me natural enemies which limit the increase creatures You and I, Watson, our part Shall the world, then, be overrun by oysters ? No, no; horrible ! You'll convey all in your mind "

I left him full image magnificent intellect babbling like foolish child He had handed me the key, and with happy thought it with me lest lock himself in Mrs Hudson was waiting, trembling and weeping, passage Behind me as I passed flat I heard Holmes's high, thin voice in some delirious chant Below, as I stood whistling for cab, man came on me fog

"How is Mr Holmes, sir ? " he asked

an old acquaintance, Inspector Morton, of Scotland Yard, dressed in unofficial tweeds

" very ill," I answered

He looked at me in most singular fashion Had it not been too fiendish, imagined gleam fanlight showed exultation face

"I heard some rumour of it," said he

The cab had driven up, and I left him

Lower Burke Street proved line of fine houses lying vague borderland between Notting Hill and Kensington The particular one at which my cabman pulled up had an air of smug and demure respectability in its old-fashioned iron railings, its massive folding-door, and its shining brasswork All was in keeping with, solemn butler who appeared framed pink radiance of tinted electric light behind him

"Yes, Mr Culverton Smith is in, Dr Watson ! , sir, take up your card "

My humble name and title appear to impress Mr Culverton Smith half-open door I heard high, petulant, penetrating voice

"Who person ? What does he want ? Dear me, Staples, how often have that , not disturbed in my hours of study ? "

There came gentle flow of soothing explanation butler

"Well, I won't see him, Staples 't have my work interrupted like this not at home Say so tell him morning if he really must see me "

Again the gentle murmur