Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1895-06-05
CHAPTER vIIL-CoNr1NUEp.

1--WE must take care that he does not
now bring us to the place where the
creosote barrel came FROM" observed
II 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"
1t 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 small
wooden wharf. Toby led us to the
very edge of this, and there stood
whining, looking out on the dark cur
rent beyond.
I'VE are out of luck" said Holmes.
''They have taken to a boat here. "
Several small punts and sl1iffs were
lying about in the water and on the
edge of the wharf We took Toby
round to each in turn, but, though he
shifted 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-
frned 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
They seem to have covered their tracks.
There has, l fear, been preconcerted
management here"
He was approaching the door of the
house, when it opened, and 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,
strategically. 'What a rosy-cheeked
young rascal! Now, Jack, is there any
thing you would like?"
The youth pondered for moment.
z I'D like shillin','' said he.
Nothing you would like better?"
sid like two shillin' BETTER" the
prodigy answered, after some thought.
Here you are, then! Catch-A fine
child, Mrs. Smith,
''Lor' bless you, sir, he is that, and
forward. He gets most too much for
me to manage, specially when my man
is 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
mornin', sir and, truth to tell, am be-
ginnin' to feel frightened about him.
But if it is about boat, sir, maybe l
could serve as we'll"
Il 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 to
about Woolwich and back. If he'd been !
away in the barge I'd ha' thought |
lnothin'; for many time job has taken
him as far as Gravesend, and then if
there was much dom there he might ha'
stayed over. But what good is steam
launch without coals?'
He might have bought some at a
wharf down the river
He might, sir, but it weren't his
way. Many time I've heard him call I
out at the prices they charge for a few
odd bags. Besides, I don't like that
wooden-legged man, WI his ugly face
and outlandish talk. What did he
want always knockin' about here for?"
"a wooden-legged man?" said
Holmes, with bland surprise.
Yes, sir, a brown, monkey-faced
chap that's called more'n once for my
old man. 1t was him that reused him
up yesternight, and, what's more, my
man knew he was comm, for he had
steam up in the launch. l tell you
straight, sir, don't feel easy in my
mind about it."
But, my dear Mrs. Smith," said
Holmes, struggling his shoulders,
''you are frightening yourself about
How could you possibly tell
that it was the wooden-legged man
who came in the night? don't quite
understand how you can be SO sure"
''His voice. sir. knew his voice,
which is kind O. thick and foggy. He
tapped at the winder-about three it
would be. Show a leg, matey,' says
he: time to turn out guard My old
man woke up Jim-that's my eldest
and array they went, without so much |