A Study in Scarlet (Serial Edition Cover) — page 76: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

68 A STUDY IN SCARLET, “No, sir, we hain’t,” said one of the youths. “T hardly expected you would. You must keep on until you do. Here are your wages.” He handed each of them a shilling. “ Now, off you go, and come back with a better report next time.” He waved his hand, and they scampered away down- stairs like so many rats, and we heard their shrill voices next moment in the street. “There’s more work to be got out of one of those little beggars than out of a dozen of the force,” Holmes remarked. “The mere sight of an official-looking per- son seals men’s lips. ‘These youngsters, however, go everywhere and hear everything. They are as sharp as needles, too; all they want is organization.” “Is it on this Brixton case that you are employing them?” I asked. “Yes; there is a point which I wish to ascertain. It is merelya matter of time. Halloo! we are going to hear some news now with a vengeance! Here is Gregson coming down the road with beatitude written upon every feature of his face. Bound for us, I know. Yes, he is stopping. ‘There he is!” There was a violent peal at the bell, and in a few seconds the fair-haired detective came up the stairs, three steps at a time, and burst into our sitting- room. “ My dear fellow,” he cried, wringing Holmes’s unre. sponsive hand, “congratulate me! I have made the whole thing as clear as day.” - A shade of anxiety seemed to me to cross my com: panion’s expressive face. Gomicboo C) (Eo)