The Press., 1895-05-30

Small had a certain degree of low cun- ming, but did not think him capable of anything in the nature of delicate f1nesse. That is usually a product oe higher educa- tion. then reflected that since he had certainly been in London some time, as we had evidence that he maintained a continual watch over Pondicherry Lodge, he could hardly leave at a moments no- tice, but would need some time, If it were only a day, to arrange his affairs. This was the balance of probability, at any rate.''
 Ut seems Co me to be a little weak" said I. Ut is more probable that he had arranged his affairs before ever he set out upon his expedition.
 ''No; I hardly think so. This lair of his would be too valuable retreat in case of need for him to give it up until he was sure that he could do without it. But second consideration struck me. Jonathan Small must have felt that the peculiar appearance of his companion, however much he may have topcoatod him, would give rise to gossip and possibly be associ- ated> with this Norwood tragedy. He was quite sharp enough to see that. They had started from their headquarters under cover of darkness, and he would wish to get back before it was broad light. Now. 1t was past 3 o'clock according to Mrs. Smith, when they got the boat. It would be quite bright, and people would be about in an hour or so. Therefore, argued, they did not go very far. They paid Smith we'll to hold his tongue, re- served his launch for the final escape and hurried to their lodgings IHith the treasure box. In a couple of nights, when they had timo to see what view the papers took and whether there was any suspicion, they would make their way under cover of darkness to some ship at Gravcsend or in the Downs, where no doubt they had al ready arranged for passages to America or the colonies" :"
 But the launchf They could not have taken that to their lodgings"
 Quite so. I argued that the launch must be no great way off, in spite of it's invisibility. then put myself in the place of Small and looked at it as man of his capacity would. He would proba- bly consider that to send back the launch or to keep it at wharf would make pur- suit easy if the police did happen to get on his track. How, then, could ho conceal the launch and yet have her on hand when wantedP wondered what would do my self if were in his shoes. l could only think of one way of doing it. l might hand the launch over to some boa, builder or repairer, with directions to mako n tri- fling change in her. Sho would then be ! removed to his shed or yard. n.ll so be effectually concealed, while at tho same time could have her at n few hours mo- tice'
 That seems simple enough.''
 Ut is just these very simple things which arc extremely liable to be over | looked. However, determined to act on the idea. l started at once in this harmless | seaman's rig and inquired at all the yards down the river. I drew blanks at 15, but at the sixteenth-Jacobson' 's-I learned that the Aurora had been handed over to them two days ago by a wooden legged man, with some trivial directions as to her rudder. There ain't naught amiss with l her rudder. said tho foreman. There she l lies, with the rcd streaks.' At that mo- ment who should come down but Morde- cai Smith, the missing owner! He was rather the worse for liquor. I should not, of course, have known him, but he bel l lowed out his name and the name of his launch. I want her tonight at g o'clock, l said he-'8 o'clock sharp, mind, for have | two gentlemen who won t be kept waiting. , They had evidently paid him well, for he was very flush of money, chucking shil- lings about to the men. l followed him some distance, but he subsided into an alehouse, so went back to the yard, and happening to pick up one of my boys on the way I stationed him as a sentry over l the launch. He is to stand at the water S edge and wave his handkerchief to us when they start. We shall be lying of in the stream, and 1t will be strange thing | If we do not take men, treasure and all. " You have planned it all very neatly, whether they are the right men or not, " said Jones, but if the affair were in my hands 1 should have had body of police in JacObson's yard and arrested them when they came down."
 (Which would have been never. This | man Small is pretty shrewd fellow. He would send scout on ahead, and if any thing made him suspicious he would lie snug for another week"
 But you might have stuck to Mordecai Smith, and so been led to their hiding place." said I.
 "In that case should have wasted my day. think that it is hundred to one against Smith knowing where they live. As long as he has liquor and good pay why should he ask questions2 They send him messages what to do. No; thought over every possible course, and this is the best. ''
 While this conversation had been pro- ceeding we had been shooting the long se- ries of bridges which span the Thames. As we passed the city the last rays of the sun were gliding the cross upon the sum- init of St. Paul's. It was twilight before we reached the Tower.
 ''That is Jacobson 8 yard" said Holmes, pointing to bristle of masts and rigging on the Surreyside. "Cruise gently up and down here under cover of this string of lighters" He took pair of night glasses from his pocket and gazed for some time at the shore. "Ise my sentry at his post '' he remarked, but no sign of handker- chief"
 Suppose we go down stream a short way and lie in wait for them," said Jones eagerly. We were all eager by this time,