Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-04-25

refinement OF his logic-nis preference
for q subtle and Bizarre explanation
when . palmer md more common
place one lay ready 10 bis hand Yet,
on the other hand, had myself seen
the evidence, and had heard the rea-
sons for his deductions. When looked
back on the long chain Of curious cir
cumstances, many Of them trivial In
themselves, but all tending in the same
direction, | could not disguise from
myself that even il Holmes explana-
ton were incorrect the true theory
must be equally outre and startling.
At three o'clock in the afternoon
there was loud peal at the bell, an
authoritative voice in the hall, and, to
my surprise, no less person than Mr..
Athelney Jones was shown up TO me.
Very different was he, however, from
the brusquc and mastcrful professor Of
common sense who had taken over the
case 50 confidently at Upper Norwood.
His expression was downeast, and his
bearing meek and even apologize.
Good day, sir; good day." said he.
"Mr. Sherlock Holmes Is out, under
stand"
Yes, and cannot be sure when he
will be back. But perhaps you would
care to wait. Take that chair and try
one Of these cigars
"Thank you; don't mind II do"
said he, hopping his face with red
bandanna handkerchief.
"And a-whisky-and-soda?'
well. half a glass. 1t is very hot
for the time Of year. and have had
good deal to worry and try me. You
know my theory about this Norwood
case?"
81 remember that you expressed
one"
well, have been obliged to recon-
slider it. had my net drawn tightly
round Mr. Sholto, sir, when pop he went
through hole in the middle Of it. lie
was able to prove an alibi which could
not be shaken. From the time that he
left his brothers room he was never
out Of sight Of some one or other So
1t could not be he who climbed over
roofs and through trap-doors It's a
very dark case, and my professional
credit Is at stake. | should be very glad
Of d little assistance
I'VE all need help sometimes, said |.
"Your friend, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes,
Is wonderful man, SIR said he, in a
husky and confidential voice Hes a
man who is not to be beat. have
known that young man 60 into good
many cases, but never saw the case
yet that he could not throw n light
upon. lie is irregular in his methods,
and little quick, perhaps, in jumping
at theories, but, on the whole, think
he would have made most promising
officer, and | don't care who knows it.
| have had wire from him this morn
ing, by which understand that he has
got some clew to this Sholto business.
Here is his message"
lie took the telegram out Of his
pocket, and handed it to me. II was
dated from Poplar at twelve o'clock.
go to Baker street at once,' IT said.
1T have not returned, whit for me.
nm close on the track Of the Sholto
gang You can come with us tonight
II you want to be in at the finish"
This sounds we'll lie has evidently
picked up the scent again" said J..
"Ah, then he has been at fault too"
exclaimed Jones, with evident satisfac-
ton. Even the best Of us are thrown
off sometimes OF course this may
prove to be false alarm; but it is my |
duty as an officer of the law to allow
no chance to slip. But there Is some
one at the door. Perhaps this is he"
A heavy step was heard ascending |
the stairs with q great Wheeling and
rattling as from man who was sorely
put to 1t for breath. Once or twice he
stopped, as though the climb was too
much for him, but OF last he made his
way to our door and entered. His ap-
pearance corresponded to the sounds
which we had heard. He was an aged
man, clad in seafaring garb, with an
old pcalackct buttoncd up to his
throat His back was bowed, his knees
were shahg, and his breathing was
painfully asthmatic. AS he leaned
upon thick oaken cudgel his Shout
dcrs heaycd in the effort to draw air
into his lungs. lie had colorod scarf
round his chin. and could see little of
his face save a pair Of keen dark eyes,
overhung by bushy white brows, and