New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-25

AN EXPERIENCE OF PYM. AMATEUR
HOLMES.

HOLMES.
Ppm had shrunk from all publicity in connec-
ton with his cases. and the police were WILING
enough to accept the credit which attached to MS
discoveries They willingly allowed him to efface
himself and il was full half year after his ilrSt
successful investigation before the Mystery Of
the Patent Spur brought him into the eye Of the
public. With that he sprang into fame al a
SINCE bound. and for time his name was as
familiar in the ears Of English-speaking people
az that Of Gladstone or Bismarck. The story in
itself is sufficiently striking and terrible. but ii Is
related here less with an eye to its melodramatic
force than to the methods Of observation and
Of reasoning by which the truth was brought to
light.
one night in the Christmas week Ppm was I'M
usually companionable and laxative. We We're
sitting by the fire in bright lamplight, when
Pym's servant came with a knock to the door,
and being told to enter announced a visitor
Mr. Prckett of Scotland Yard.
"Show Mr. Prickett in here" said Ppm, and a
minute later the eminent detective entered. car
rying with him touch of the icy night outside
well PriCkett? Draw ii chair to the fire. what
is it?'
We'll sir" said the Inspector. with certain
air of reluctance which had in IT something al
most shamefaced. Not to go fooling about, Mr.
for my teeth. and that's all there is about ii.
thought perhaps YOU might take an interest in
it, There's a thousand pounds reward offered
The case has been put into my hands, and
thousand pounds is lot sir, 10 a man in my
position"
THE case of Mr.. Caffery. suppose" said Pym
THE case of Mr. Cafferv" said the Inspector
''Mr Gerald Cafery is outside in his carriage at
this minute. The poor gentlemans just used up
with anxiety about the disappearance of his
cousin told him I'd come about to the end OF
my tether and ventured to advise a cOnsulta-
ton with you sir He's here in the hope that
you'll give It him.
Il shall be very happy to see Mr. Caffery,
said Ppm. Ring the bell. Nenab!es.
"Ill go down and fetch him, sir. said MI
Prickett who was his feet already At an
asserting nod from Pym he withdrew. and very
shortly came back again with gentleman Of eX-
traordinary stature and proportions. He was
full six feet six inches in height and of very
massive build He was Of dark complexion ana
heavily mustached and bearded, hut ne was pdie'
and had look of great pain and fatigue. lie
carried his left arm in a sling. and his left hand
was cased in huge fingerless glove OF green
oiled silk. Ppm placed chair for him. and gave
him a cordial greeting
Il have read OF your cousins case. Mr.. CAT
ferry he said, and If my advice can be OF any
service to you l shall be very happy indeed TO
give it," .
Il am profoundly obliged to YOU. Mr.. Pym,"
the visitor answered in a voice which matched
his frame tone extraordinarily full and reso-
nant you know some Of the details already.
Yes" said Ppm. Il think SO. Mr.. Prickett
and yourself may correct any inaccuracy In my
statement. Your cousin. Mr.. George william
Caffery. disappeared on the 2lst of last month.
He engaged to be married to Miss Constance
Noble, of Castle Grange. and was believed 70 De
devout,y attached 10 that lady She was believed
10 return his affection and there was no appar-
ent reason why he should not have been perfectly
Of le hon G
possessed Of considerable wealth. the news
papers assess his fortune at something Ike fifteen
thousand a year. He was young, and enjoyed
magnificent health. There is no ground for sup
posing that he had anything TO fear or avoid II
is thought TO be impossible that he could have
left this country without being observed. 1t Is
one OF YOUR family habits Mr. Caffery. to be OF
uncommon stature. and your cousin was about
your own height and noticeable anywhere. For
the same reason IT is believed that he cannot
we'll be in hiding. The only known person who
could have any possible interest in his death
Myself" our visitors massive voice broke
tn IF George died before me- unmarried
should inherit his estate; if died unmarried be
fore him. he would inherit mine The family
property was equally divided between us.
Exactly" said Pym. Your cousin was last
seen-or to be precise. he Is last reported as
having been seen-at Castle Grange. mile from
Miss Mobiles residence. He was walking away
from 1t in the direction Of Buxton. and was OBJ
served to be in riding dress The man who saw
him was John Holt Miss Mobiles gardener There
can be little doubt about the accuracy OF his tes-
timony for he was familiar with your cousin and
passed him in fair light within hundred
yards There is but one matter OF further inter
est The missing man was walking IN the
direction Of disused quarry, and on the follow
ing day an old building standing near that
quarry was fired by some unknown agency ana
burned TO the ground. most painstaking search
has been made among the ruins, but nothing
has been discovered there to give color to rear
that Mr. Canery may have persisted in the fire
you SEEM Mr.. Pym." said visitor. ITO be
in full possession of the facts" He spoke in the
groaning voice Of man in EXTREMIST PAIN, and
his pale face went paler yet. He looked. huge
and powerful as he was, as If he were about 10
swoon. ,s a,
sir" said Prickett speaking with respectful
sympathy but the sufferer. half recovering
waved him away impatiently with a sweep OF ms
right arm. why not. sir?' Prickett urged i
didn't hurt you last time hope. Mr. Canery
had the misfortune" he explained, ITO scad ms
hand in one Of them new-fangled bath Geysers
Now sir he appealed to Mr. CaheIy' = We go'
the cooling lotion in my pocket SIT, ana III surf
these gentlemen won't mind. ,,
81 am half A surgeon. sir. said Pym; allo"
me-" Mr. Caffery resisted family Dut gave an
other ghastly groan and surrendered fym
handling him with practical dexterity. drew the
covering from the injured hand, revealing ina
member packed in cotton wool. He stripped thiS
away win great gentleness and taking a rol
of clean cotton wool and bottle from Prickett
outstretched hand. proceeded to dress the IN
3urios which to my unaccustOmed sense wer'
srewsome indeed to look at. The whole hand was
One dreadful wound. and when the cold lotioI
first touched the surface Of It, the patient moahed
"A dreadful scald." said Pym YOU should RESI-
entirely. oc..o. ...,,h .b,.
How can rest" asked the sufferer. with TINS
concern upon my mind
Leave the case to MI. frcKett anu my sen.
.o,d pom with "A manner OF some authority
"Plt Yourself at once under the hands Of a com
netent medical man. and give yourself absolute
repose of body. Unless you OBEY rae. you VII
iosa that hand TO a certainty-prObaby limb
not improbably your life The case is not one t(
play with. ,,s>, cc G..
can do nothing to help the case forward now. anC
II Mr. Pricketts belief in your acumen Is Jus'lhed
sir | could scarcely leave II IN aoier hahos
Money Is not object But Prickett mas IN
ctr,,c.ians and full nnWerS WITH YOUR permls