tal tap
upon the shoulder--what can one make of such a denouement? But the quick
inference, the subtle trap, the clever forecast of coming events, the
triumphant vindication of bold theories--are these not the pride and the
justification of our life's work? At the present moment you thrill with
the glamour of the situation and the anticipation of the hunt. Where
would be that thrill if I had been as definite as a timetable? I only
ask a little patience, Mr. Mac, and all will be clear to you."

"Well, I hope the pride and justification and the rest of it will come
before we all get our death of cold," said the London detective with
comic resignation.

We all had good reason to join in the aspiration; for our vigil was a
long and bitter one. Slowly the shadows darkened over the long, sombre
face of the old house. A cold, damp reek from the moat chilled us to
the bones and set our teeth chattering. There was a single lamp over the
gateway and a steady globe of light in the fatal study. Everything else
was dark and still.

"How long is this to last?" asked the inspector finally. "And what is it
we are watching for?"

"I have no more notion than you how long it is to last," Holmes answered
with some asperity. "If criminals would always schedule their movements
like railway trains, it would certainly be more convenient for all of
us. As to what it is we--Well, THAT'S what we are watching for!"

As he spoke the bright, yellow light in the study was obscured by
somebody passing to and fro before it. The laurels among which we lay
were immediately opposite the window and not more than a hundred feet
from it. Presently it was thrown open with a whining of hinges, and we
could dimly see the dark outline of a man's head and shoulders looking
out into the gloom. For some minutes he peered forth in furtive,
stealthy fashion, as one who wishes to be assured that he is unobserved.
Then he leaned forward, and in the intense silence we were aware of the
soft lapping of agitated water. He seemed to be stirring up the moat
with something which he held in his hand. Then suddenly he hauled
something in as a fisherman lands a fish--some large, round object which
obscured the light as it was dragged through the open casement.

"Now!" cried Holmes. "Now!"

We were all upon our feet, staggering after him with our stiffened
limbs, while he ran swiftly across the bridge and rang violently at the
bell. There was the rasping of bolts from th