The Press., 1895-05-30
1t was to himself was to tell it, " said

Ut was to himself was to tell it," said he.
 "But tell you that am acting for him. Was it about MOrdecai Smith s boat2"
 ''Yes. I knows we'll where it is, and knows where the men he is after are, and knows where t,.e treasure is. knows all about it.''
 ''Tben tell me, and I sail let him know"
 ''It was to him I was to f Il it," he re- peated, with the petulant obstinacy of a very old man.
 Well, you must wait for him."
 "No, no, ain't goin to lOse a whole day to please no ono. If MT. Holmes ain t here, then Mir. Holmes must find it all out for himself. don't care about the look of either of you, and won't tell a word"
 He shuffled toward the door, but Athel- ney Jones got in front of him.
 Wait a bit, my friend," said he You have important information, and you must not walk off. We shall keep you, whether you like or not, until our friend returns"
 The old man made little run toward the door, but as Athelney Jones put his broad back up against it he recognized the uSeleSSneSS or resistance.
 ''Pretty sort O treatment this!" he cried, stamping his stick. come here to see a gentleman, and you two, who never saw in my life, seize me and treat me in this fashion!'
 "You will be none the worse," I said. "We shall recompense you for the loss oi your time. Sit over here on tho sofa, and you will not have long to wait
 Hn onmo 0orOcc c1l1lnnlv nnOnoh and seated himself, with his face re sting on his hands. Jones and I resumed our cigars and our talk. Suddenly, however, Holmes voice broke in upon us.
 II think that you might offer me a cigar, too," he said.
 We both started in our chairs. There was Holmes sitting close to us, with an ai1 of quiet amusement.
 "Holmes!'' l exclaimed. "You herei But where is the old man?'
 Here is the old man," said he, holding out heap of white hair. Here he is wig, whiskcrs, eyebrows and all. thought my disguise was pretty good, but l hardly expected that it would stand that test.
 "Ah, you rogue!" cried Jones, highly delighted. You would have made an actor, and rare one. You had the proper workhonse cough, and those weak legs Of yours arc worth 91O week. l thought knew the glint of your eye, though. You didn't get away from us so easily, you see."
 II have been working in that getup all day." said be, lighting his cigar. You see, a good many of the criminal classe! begin- to know me, especially since Oul friend here took to publishing some of my cases, so can only go on the warpath un der some simple disguise liko this. YOt got my WirC?'
 "Yes; that was what brought me here. :
 "How has your case prOspCred?"
 ''It has all come to nothing. 1 have haC to release two of my prisoners, and ther' is no evidence against the other two"
 Never mind We shall givo you twt others in the place of them. But vol must put yourself under my orders. Yol are welcome to all the official credit, bu you must act on the lines that point out Is that agrced?'
 Entirely, if you will help mo to th men.'
 Well then, in the first place shal want a fast police boat-a steam launch to be at tho Westminster stairs at o'clock"
 That is easily managed. There is al ways one about there, but can step acros the road and telephone to make sure" Then shall want two stanoh men, il case of resistance
 "There will be two or three in the boat What else?''
 "When we secure the men, we shall ge the treasure. think it would be pleas ure to my friend hero to take the bo round to the young lady to whom halt 0 | it rightfully belongs. Let her be the frs to open itch, Watson?" It would be great pleasure to me-" Rather an irregular proceeding" sai Jones, shaking his head. However, tn whole thing is irregular, and suppose W must wink at it. The treasure must after | ward bo handed over to tho authoritie until after the official investi gation."
 Certainly. That is easily managed One other point. 1 should much like | have few details about this matter frO1 the lips of Jonathan Small himself. Yo 1 know like to work the detail of my case out There is no objection to my having a unofficial interview with him, either her in my rooms or elsewhere, as long as he efficiently guarded?'' ''Well, you are master of the situation have had no proof yet of the existence ( this Jonathan Small. However, if yo can catch him, don't see how I can rt fuse you an interview with him." That is understood, then?" "Perfectly. Is there anything else?"
 "Only that I insist upon you dinin with us. It will be ready in half an houl haVo oysters and brace of grouse, wit something a little choice in white wine Watson, you have never yet recognize | my merits as housekecper."