The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-07-06
BY CONAN DOYLE.

SpNCC luCrc WuS NCCUWICu Ill UtUOu-Ecu
letters Il single wOrd-"Ilache."
what do you think Of tlat?" cried
the detective with the air of show
man exhibiting his show. This was
overlooked because it was In the durk-
est corner Of the room, and no one
thought Of looking there. The murder
or has written 1t with his or her own
blood. See this smear where 1t has
trinklcd dow nthe wall That disposes
of the idea Of suicide anyhow. Why
was that corner chosen to write 1t on ?
I will tell you. See that candle oh the
mantcl-piece? 1t was lit ut the time,
and IL was lit this corner would be
the brightest instead of the darkest Dor.
ton Of the WALL"
"And what does 1t mean. now that
you have found it," asked Grcgson, In
a depreciatOry voice.
"Mean? Why, it means that the writ
or was going to put the female name
Rachel, but was disturbed before lie or
she had time to finish. You mark my
words. when this case comes to be
cleared up, you will find that a woman
named Rachel has something to do
with it. It's all very well for you to
laugh, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes. You may
be very smart and clever, but the old
hound Is the best, when all is said and
DONE"
II really beg your pardon!" said my
companion, who had rufflcd the little
mans temper by bursting into IN ex-
plosiOn of laughter. You certainly
have the credit of being the first of US
to find this out, and, as you say, 1t
bears every mark of having been writ
ten by the other participant in last
nights mystery. have not had time
to examine this room yet. but with
your permission shall do SO now"
AS lie spoke he whipped Il tape meas
urc and a large round magnifying glass
from his pocket. With these two i'm
PIGMENTS he trOttct noiselessly about
the room. sometimes stopping, occa-
kneeling. and once lying fiat
upon his face. So engrosscd was hc
with his occupation that he appeared
to have forgotten our presence, for he
cllatted away to himself under his
breath tie whole time, keeping up n
running fire of ordinations, groans,
whistles aud little cries suggestive Of
and Of hope. As
him was irresistibly remind
cd OF a pure blOoded, well-trainefl fox
hound as 1t dashes backward and for
ward through the covert. whining In its
cagerness. until 1t comes across the lost
scent. For twenty minutes or more he
continued his researches, measuring
with the most exact care the distance
between marks, which were entirely
invisible to me, and occasionally apply.
ing his tape to the walls In an equally
manner. In one place
he gathered up very carefully Il little
pile Of gray dust from the floor aud
packed it away In an envelope. Final.
ly he examined with his glass the word
upon the wall, going over every letter
Of 1t with the most minute eXactness
This dOne.hc appeared to be satisfied,
for he replaced his tape and his glass
in his pocket.
''They say that genius ia TN infinite
capacity for taking palms," he remark.
ed, with Il smile. Its very bad def
milton, but 1t does apply to detective
work."
GrcgsOn and Lestrade had watched
the manOeuvrcs of their amateur COM
paniOn with considerable curiosity and
some contempt. They evidently failed
to appreciate the fact which had be-
gun to realize that Sherlock Holiness
smallest actions were all directed to-
ward some definite and practical end.
What do you think Of It sir:" they
both asked.
ut would bic robbing you Of the cred
1t OF the case II was to presume to
help you" remarked luy friend. You
are doing so we'll low that 1t would be
I pity for any one tn interfere" There
was world of sarcasm IN his voice as
he spoke. III YOU will let ne know
how your Investigations 90" he con-
tinual. II shall be happy to give you
any help can. In the meantime, l
should like to speak to the constable
who found the body. Can you give me
his name and adlr"sS?"
Lestra'lc glanced mt his notebook.
"JOhn Rance" re said. "Hc il off duty
now. You will find lin ut No. &C Aud
ley Court. Remington Park Gate"
Holmes took Il note Of tho address.
Come along, Doctor" he said; I'VE
shall 20 and look him up. Ill tell you
one thing which may help you in the
case," he continued, turning to the two
detectives. There has been murder
done. and the murderer was a man.
He was more than six feet high, and
was in the prime Of life, had small feet
for his height, wore coarse, squarc-toed
boots, and smoked a TrichinOpoly cigar.
He came here with his victim in four
wheeled cab, which was drawn by q
horse with three old shoes aud one new
one OH his off fore leg. In all proba-
bility the murderer had florid face,
and the finger nails of his right hand
We're remarkably long. These are only
Il few Indications, but they may assist
YOU"
Lestradc and Gregson glanced Mt
each other with an incretlulous smile.
If this man was murdered, how was
1t dOne?" asked the former.
Poison" said Sherlock Holmes, curt
~, and strobe off. Zone other thing.
Lcstradc," he added, turning round ut
the door, 'Racle' is the German for
revenge SO don't lose your time look
ing for Miss Rachel"
With this Partllian shot he walked
away, leaving the two rivals open
mouthed behind him.
CHAPTER Nv.