Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1895-06-20
CHAPTER vnL-CoNr1NuED.


eve must take care that he does not
now bring us to the place where the
4creosote barrel came FROM" observed.
Il had thought of that. But you no
tice that he keeps on the pavement,
whereas the barrel passed down the
roadway. No, we are on the true scent
now"
It tended down towards the river
side, running through Belmont place
and Princes street. At the end Of
Broad street it ran right down to the
waters edge, where there was q small
wooden wharf. Toby led us to the
very edge of this, and there stood
whining, looking out on the dark cur
rent beyond.
eve are out of luck said Holmes.
4'They have taken to a boat here"
Several small punts and skiffs were
lying about in the water and on the
edge of the wharf. We took Toby
round to each in turn, but, though he
smiled earnestly, he made no sign.
Close to the rude landing stage was
a small brick house, with a wooden
placard swung out through the second
window. ''Mordecai Smith was printed
across it in large letters, and. under
meath: ''Boats to hire by the hour or
day" A second inscription above the
door informed us that steam launch
was kept-a statement which was con-
frmed by great pile of coke upon the
jetty. Sherlock Holmes looked slowly
round, and his face assumed an ominous
expression.
This looks bad" said he. ''Those
fellows are sharper than I expected.
They seem to have covered their tracks.
There has, fear, been preconcerted
management here"
He was approaching the door of the
house, when it opened, and a little
,curly-headed lad of six came running
out, followed by stoutish. red-faced
woman with large sponge in her hand.
''You come back and be washed.
jack she shouted. Come back, you
young imp. For if your father comes
home and finds you like that, he'll
let US hear of it,
Dear little chap!" said Holmes,
sstrategically. What rosy-cheeked
young rascal! Now, Jack, is there any
thing you would like?"
The youth pondered for a moment.
I'D like shillin','' said he.
Nothing you would like better?"
I'D like two shiIlin' better" the
prodigy answered, after some thought.
Here you are, theni Catch-A fine
child, Mrs Smith,
''Lor' bless you, sir, he is that, and
forward. He gets most too much for
zTne to manage, specially when my man
as away days alta time
Away, is hep said Holmes, in dis
appointed voice. 81 am sorry for that,
for wanted to speak to Mr.. Smith"
''He's been away since yesterday
amornin', sir, and, truth to tell. am be
1ginnin' to feel frightened about him.
But if it is about a boat, sir, maybe
could serve as we'll"
81 wanted to hire his steam launch
''Why, bless you. sir, it is in the steam
launch that he has gone. That's what
puzzles me; for know there amt more
Goals in her than would take her &c
about Woolwich and back. If he'd beer
away in the barge I'd ha' though'
enothin'; for many time a job has taker
him as far as Gravesend, and then i
there was much dom there he might ha
stayed over. But what good is q steam
launch without coals?"
''He might have bought some at {
wharf down the river"
..He might, sir. but it weren't hi:
way Many time I've heard him cal
-out at the prices they charge for few
odd bags. Besides, don't like tina
wooden-legged man, wi his ugly face
and outlandish talk. What did hs
want alws = sknockin' about here ter2'