The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-06-05


wards the door, but, as Athelney Jones
put his broad back up against 1t. he
recognized the uselessness cfresistance.
Pretty sort O treatment this: he
cried stamping his stick. II come here
to see a gentleman. and you two. who
l never saw in my life, seize me and
treat me in this fashion,
You will be none the worse, / said.
1--WE shall recompense you for the loss
of your time. Sit over here on the
sofa, and you will not have long to
wait
He came across sullenly enough, and
seated himself with his face resting on
his hands. Jones and resumed our
cigars and our talk. Suddenly, how
ever. Holmes voice broke in upon us.
II think that you might offer me
cigar, too," he said.
We both started in our chairs. There
was Holmes sitting close to us with an
air Of quiet amusement.
Holmes I exclaimed. you here!
But where is the old man?''
Here is the old man, said he, hold
ing out heap of white hair. Here
he is-wig, whiskers, eyebrows, and
ALL thought my disguise was pretty
good, but I 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 workhouse cough, and those
weak legs Of yours are worth ten
pound week. thought knew the
CLINT of your eye, though. You didn't
get away from US SO easily, you see."
81 have been working in that get-up
all day. said he, lighting his cigar.
.sYou see, good many Of the criminal
classes begin tc know unexpectedly
since our friend here took to publish
ing some of my cases; so l can only 60
On the warpath under some simple dis
grise like this. You got my wire?'
Yes; that was what brought me
here
"How has your case prosperec9"
"It has all come to nothing. I have
had to release two of my prisoners, and
there is no evidence against the other
two"
Never mind. Weshall give you two
others in the place of them. But you
must put yourself under my orders.
You are welcome to all the official
credit, but you must act on the lines
that point out. Is that agreed?'
Entirely, if you will help me to the
men"
We'll, then, in the first place I shall
want afastpolice-boat-a steam launch
to be at the Westminster Stairs at
seven o'clock
That is easily managed. There is
always one about there; but I can step
across the road and telephone 70 make
sure.
Then I shall want two stanch men,
in case of resistance
There will be two or three in the
BOAT What else?"
when we secure the men we shall
get the treasure. think that it would
be pleasure to my friend here to take
the box round to the young lady to
whom half of it righrfully belongs.
Let her be the first to open it. Eh,
Watson?''
1T would be a great pleasure to
me.
Rather an irregular proceeding"
said Jones. shaking his head. How
ever, the whole thing is irregular, and
suppose we must wink at it. The
treasure must afterwards be handed
over to the authorities until after the
official investigation"
Certainly. That is easily managed.
One other point. should like much
to have few details about this matter
from the lips of Jonathan Small him
SELF. You know 1 like to work the de-
tail Of my cases out. There is no OBJ
lection to my having an unofficial in
terview with him either here in my
rooms or elsewhere. as long as he is ef-
fciently gusrded?''
well, YOU are ma o. he situa-
ton. l have lad no ifs yet of
the existence Of Jonathan Small. How
ever, if you can catch him. don't see
how can refuse you an interview with
him
That is understood. them"
Perfectly IS there anything else?"
Only that insist upon Your dining
with us. 1t will be ready in half an
hour. I have oysters and brace of
grouse. with something alittle choice
in white wine. Watson, you have never
yet recognized my merits as house
keerar'' -