Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1894-02-09

woman named Rachel has something
to do with il. It's all very well for
you to laugh, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes
You may be very smart and clever, but
the old hound is best, when all is said
and done"
Il really beg your pardonl" said my
companion, who had rufiled the little
mans temper by bursting into an ex-
plosion of laughter. You certainly
have the credit of being the first of us
to find this out, and, as you say, it
bears every mark of having been
written 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 he spoke he whipped a tape
measure and a large, round magnify
ing glass from his pocket. With these
two instruments he trotted noiselessly
about the room, sometimes stopping,
occasionally kneeling. and once lying
fat on his face. So engrossed was he
with his occupation that he appeared
to have forgotten our presence, for he
chartered away to himself under his
breath the whole time. keeping up a
running fire of EXPLANATIONS, groans,
whistles, and little cries suggestive of
encouragement and hope As
watched him ! was irresistibly re-
minded of pure -blooded, well-trained
foxhound as it dashes backward and
forward through the covert, whining
in its eagerness, until it 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 occa-
sionally applying his tape TO the walls
In an equally incomprehensible man.
ner. In one place he gathered very
carefully little pile of gray dust from
the floor and packed il away in an
envelope. Finally he examined with
his glass the words upon the wall. go-
ing over every letter of it with the
most minute exactness. This done, he
appeared to be satisfied, for he re-
placed the tape and glass in his pocket
''They say that genius is an infinite
capacity for taking pains" he remarked
with a smile. Its very bad defini-
ton, but it does apply to detective
work"
Gregson and Lestrade had watched
the maneuvers 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 Holmes
smallest actions were all directed to-
ward some definite and practical end.
What do you think of it?" they
both asked.
SIT would be robbing you of the
credit of the case if | was to presume
to help you," remarked my friend.
"You are doing so well now that 1t
would be pity for anyone to inter-
fere" There was a world of sarcasm
in his voice, as he spoke. IF you will
let me know how your Investigations
60" he continued, Il shall be happy
to give you any help | can. In the
meantime, | should like TO speak to
the constable who found the body.
Can you give me his name and adj
dress?"
Lestrade glanced at his notebook.
John Rance" he said. He is off
duty now You will find him at 46
Audley court, Remington park gate"
Holmes took note of the address.
Come along, doctor" he said; I'VE
shall go and look him up. I'll 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
man. He was more than six feet high,
| was in the prime of life, had small feet
for his height. wore coarse, square
| toed boots and smoked Trichinopoly
| cigar He came here with his victim
| in a four-wheeled cab, which was
| drawn by horse with three old shoes
and one new one on his off fore-leg.
In all probability the murderer had a
florid face, and the fnger-nails of his
| right hand were remarkably long.
These are only few indications, but
they may assist you"
Lestrade and Gregson glanced at
| each other with an incredulous smile.
IF this man was murdered, how
was it done?" asked the former.
Poison" said Sherlock Holmes, curt
| ly, and strobe off "One other thing,
Lestrade." he added, turning round at
the door; 'Rache' is the German for
| 'revenge;' so don't lose your time look
ing for Miss Rachel"
With which Parthian shot he walked
away, leaving the two rivals open
mouthed behind him.
|