The Press., 1895-05-09

I lens and q tape measure and hurried about the room on his knees, measuring, com paring examining, with his long, thin nose only a few inches from the blanks and his beady eyes gleaming and deep set like those of a bird. So swift, silent and furtive were his movements, lilS those of 8 trained bloodhound picking out q scent, that could not but think what terrible criminal he would have made had he turned his energy and sagacity against the law instead of exorting them in it's de- fense. As he hunted about he kept nut tering to himself, and finally he broke out into loud crow of delight.
 'We arc certainly in luck, said he "We ought to have very little trouble now. No. has had the misfortune to tread in tho crcOsote. You can sec the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil smelling mess. The carboy has been cracked, you sec, and the stuff has leaked out"
 "What then?" asked.
 Why, we have got him, that's all, ]" said he. II know dog that would fol low that scent to the worlds end. If a pack can track trailed herring across a shire, how far can specially trained hound follow so pungent a smell as this? 1t sounds like sum i'll the rule of three The answer should give us the But, halo! Here are the accredited representa- tives of the law
 Heavy steps and the clamor of loud voices were audible from below, and the hall door shut with loud crash
 Before they come," said Holmes, just put your hand here on this poor fellows arm and here on his leg. What do you feel?''
 TI1D, oIo La, l answered.
 "Quite so. They are in state of treme contraction, far exceeding the usual rigor mortis. Coupled with this distortion of the face, this Hippocrntic smile, or 'risus sardonicus, as the old W 'itcrs call ed it, what conclusion would it 'uggesG to your mind?"
 Death from some powerful vegetable alkaloid, IanswerSd "Some strychnine like substance whIcn would produce tet- anus"
 'That was the idea which occurred to me the instant 1 saw the drawn muscles of the face. On getting into the room l at once looked for the means by which the poison had entered tho system. As you saw, discovered thorn which had been driven or shot with no great force into the scalp. You observe that the part struck was that which would be turned toward the hole in the ceiling if the man were erect in his chair. Now, examine this thorn"
 took it up gingerly and held it in the light of the lantern. It was long, sharp and black, with glazed look near tho point, as though some gummy substance had dried upon it. The blunt end had been trimmed and rounded off with a knife.
 "Is that an English thorn?" he asked
 "No, it certainly is not.
 With all these data you should be able to draw some just inference. But here are the regulars, so the auxiliary forces may beat a retreat.
 As he spoke the steps, which had been coming nearer, sounded loudly on the passage, and very stout, portly man in gray suit strode heavily into the room He was red faced, burly and plethOric with pair of very small twinliling eyes, which looked keenly out from hctwcen swollen and puffy pouches. He was close ly followed by an inspector i'll uniform and by the still palpitating ThaddeL Sholto.
 Hore's business, " he cried in a muf- fled, husky voice Here's a pretty busi ness But who are all these? Why, the house seems to be as full as rabbit war rem.
 II think you must rccollcct me, MT Athclney Jones, ' said Holmes quietly.
 Why, of course do," he whcczcd It's MT. Sherlock Holmes, the thcorist Remember you? I'll never forget how you lectured us all on causes and infer enCcs and effects in the Bishopgato jewel case It's true you set us on the right track, but you'll own now that it was more by good luck than good guidance. "
 It was piece of very simple reason ing :"
 Oh, como, now, come Never be ashamed to own up But what is all this? Bad business, bad businessl Stern fact here-no room for theories How lucky that happened to be out at Norwood over another easel was at the station when a message arrived What d'you think the man died Uf?''
 'Oh, this is hardly case for me to theorize oyer," said Holmes dryly
 Mo- no. Still we can't deny that you hit tho nail on the head sometimes. Dear me! Door locked, understand. Jewels worth half a million missing How was the window?"
 Fastened, but there are steps on the sill |"
 Well, well, if it was fastened, the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. That's common sense. Man might have died in fit, but then the jewels are miss ing. Ha, have a theoryl Those flashes come upon me at times. Just step out side, sergeant, and you. MT. Sholto. Your friend can remain. What do you think of this, Holmes? Sholto was, on his own confession, with his brother last night. The brother died in fit, on which Sholto walked off with the treasure, How's thatf"
 "On which the dead man very consider ately got up and locked the door on the inside"