pinioned his feet as well as his hands. That done, we rose to our feet

breathless and panting.

 

“We have his cab,” said Sherlock Holmes. “It will serve to take him to Scotland

Yard. And now, gentlemen,” he continued, with a pleasant smile, “we have reached

the end of our little mystery. You are very welcome to put any questions that

you like to me now, and there is no danger that I will refuse to answer them.”

 

PART II.

 

_The Country of the Saints._

 

CHAPTER I.

 

ON THE GREAT ALKALI PLAIN.

 

In the central portion of the great North American Continent there lies an arid

and repulsive desert, which for many a long year served as a barrier against the

advance of civilisation. From the Sierra Nevada to Nebraska, and from the

Yellowstone River in the north to the Colorado upon the south, is a region of

desolation and silence. Nor is Nature always in one mood throughout this grim

district. It comprises snow-capped and lofty mountains, and dark and gloomy

valleys. There are swift-flowing rivers which dash through jagged cañons; and

there are enormous plains, which in winter are white with snow, and in summer

are grey with the saline alkali dust. They all preserve, however, the common