The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-05-29
CHAPTER *.
A BREAK N TIE CHAIN.

It was late in the afternoon before
woke, strengthened and refreshed.
Sherlock Holmes still sat exactly as I
had left him, save that he had laid
aside his violin and was deep in a book.
He looked across at ne as I stirred, and
noticed that his face was dark and
troubled.
s'You have slept soundly,'' he said.
II feared that our talk would wake
you
''Iheard nothing, answered. "Have
you had fresh news, then?'
''Unfortunately, no. I confess that I
am surprised and disappointed. Iex-
pected something definite by this time.
Virgins has just been up to report.
He says that no trace can be found Of
the launch. 1t is provoking check,
for every hour is Of importance.
''Can 1 do anything? l am perfectly
fresh now, and quite ready for another
nights outing"
'No; we can do nothing. We can
only wait If we go ourselves, the mes
sage might come in our absence, and
delay be caused You can do what you
will, but 1 must remain on guard
'sThen I shall run over to Gambler
we'll and call upon Mrs Cecil Forester.
She asked me to, yesterday"
ION Mrs Cecil Forester" asked
Holmes, with the twinkle of a smile in
his eyes
well, of course, on Miss Morstan
too. They were anxious to hear what
happened"
IT would not tell them too much"
said Holmes Women are never to be
entirely trusted-not the best of them"
l did not pause to argue over this
atrocious sentiment. II shall be back
in an hour or two," remarked.
'All right! Good luck! But say,
If you are crossing the river you may
as well return Toby, for don't think
it is at all likely that we shall have
any use for him now
took our mongrel accordingly, and
left him, together with half sovereign
at the old naturalist's in Pinchin lane.
At Camberwell l found Hiss Morstan
little weary after her nights advenr
lures, but very eager to hear the news.
Mrs. Forester, ,too,swas full Of curios-
ity. I told them all that we had done,
suppressing, however, the more dread
full parts of the tragedy. Thus, al
though spoke of Mr.. Sholto's death. l
said nothing of the exact manner and
method of it. With all ny omissions,
however, there was enough to startle
and amaze them.
sit is romaIcem cried Mrs. Forres-
ter. An injured lady, half million
in treasure, black cannibal and a
wooden-legged rufian. They take the
place of the conventional dragon or
wicked earl.
And two knight-errants to the res
cue added Miss Morstan, with
bright glance at me.
Why, Mary, Eour fortune depends
upon the issue Of this search. I don't
think that you are nearly excited
enough just imagine what it must
be to be so rich and to have the world
al your feet
1t seat thrill of JOY to my heart to
ton at the prospect. On the contrary,
she gave toss Of her proud head. as
| though the matter We're one in which
| she took small interest.
1T is for Mr.. Thaddeus Sholto that
am anxious she said. Nothing else
is of any consequence; but | think
that he has behaved most kindj7 and
honorablv throughout 1t is oul duty
to clear him of this dreadful and un-
foAlded charge
1t was evening before left Gambler
wei, and quite dark By the time I
reached home. My companions book
and pipe lay by his chair. but he had
disappeared looked about in the
hope Of seeing a note. but there was
none.
Il suppose that AZ. Sherlock Holmes
has gone out. sai,3 to Ms. Hudson as
she came up TO lover the blinds.
NO. sir. lie hes gone to his roo1 !.
sir. Do you knovv. sir" sinking hec
voice into an impressive whisper. i al1
afraid for his hcaich?''
'.Whv so N.Y.. 1Iudson?'
''Wc!}. he's that strange, s::r. After
you was gone he walked and he
walked. sp ;n(, down, and up ana
down. unit! vas weary of TIE sound
OF his foots.cp. Then | heard him
talking to himself and lauttcring. and
every time the bell rang oao he came
on the stair-hea,; With: What IS that,
Mrs. IIudson?, And now be has
slammed Oft to his room. but ca! hear
him walking away the same rs ever. l
hope he's not going to be Ill sir. |
vcntare6; 10 say something to him about
cooling medicine. hut he turned Oh me.
sir, with sach a look that don't know
how | ever got out Of =he room
Il don't think that You have any
cause to be uneasy, Mrs. Hudson" I
answered. u have seen him like this
before. He has some small matter up
on his mind which makes h!En restless.
I tried to speak lightly 70 our WORTH
landl.i.ly but was myself somewhat
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