The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-07-27

rch. but we did not know how very rich
he was until we came 70 examine his Secu-
rites The total value Of the estate was
close on to 4 million"
Dear mel It - q stake for which q
man might well play a desperate game
And one more question, Doctor Mortimer.
Surprising that anything happened to our
young friend here-you will forgive the TN
pleasant hypothssis!-who would inherit the
estateT-
Sin Rodger Baskerville, Sir Charles's
younger brother. died unmarried, the estate
would descend to the Desmonds, who are
distant cousins. James Desmond Is an ell
derry clergyman in Westnorland-"
Thank you These details are all OF
great interest Have you Llet Mr.. James
Desmond?'
"Yes; he once came down 10 visit Sir
Charles He is . man OF venerable sp-
pearancs and OF sanity life I remember
that he refused to accept any settlement
from Sir Charles though he pressed It up
on him"
And this man of simple tastes would be
the heir to Sir Charles's thousandsr'
He would be the heir to the estate, be-
cause that is entailed. He would also be
the heir to the money unless 1t were wiIled
otherwise ~ the present owner, who can.
of course. do what he likes with it"
And you have made your will, Sir
Heny?"
"No, Mr.. Holmes. I have not. I've had
no time. for IT was only yesterday that
1 learned how matters stood. But in any
case 1 feel that the money should go with
the title and estate. Tha was my poor
uncle's idea. How Is the owner going to
restore the glories OF the BaskeryiUes IL
he has not money enough to keep I'D the
property? House. land and dollars must
go together"
quite sc. Well. Sir Henry, I am Of enc
mind with you as 10 the advisablity Of your
going down to DevOnshire without delay.
There Is only one provision which 1 must
make. You certainly must not 20 clone
Doctor Mortimer returns with me-"
But Doctor Mortimer has his practice
TO attend TO. and his house Is miles away
from yours With all the goodwill in the
world, he may be unable 10 help you. No,
Sr Henry, you must take with you some
one. q trusty man. who viii be always by
your side"
ia It possible that you could come your
self, Mr.. HolmeS7"
IF matters came to q crisis I should
enceavor to be present in person; but
you can understand that, with nv exten-
siVe consulting practice and with the con-
slant appeals which reach me from MANY
quarters. it is impossible for me to be
absent from London for an indefinite tims
At the present instant one OF the most
revered names in England is being be-
smirched by a ~blackmailer, and only I can
stop a disastrous scandal. You will SEQ
how impossible it Is for me to 90 to Dart
moor"
Whom would you recommend, thenT'
Holmes laid his hand upon my arm.
II my friend would undertake. II thera
- no man who is better worth having at
your side when you are In a tight place.
L" $1,000
The proposition took me compJeteIv bv
surprise. but before 1 had time 10 answer.
Baskerville seized me by the hand and
wrung II heartily.
Well, now. that Is real kind OF Won
Doctor Watson" said he. You see how
it is with me. and you know just as much
about the matter as I do. II you win come
down TO Baskerville Hall and see me
through III never forget it"
The promise OF adventure had aIways
fascination for me. and I was compile
mented by the words of Holmes and by
the eagerness with which the Raronet
hailed me as a companion.
II Will come, with pleasure" said I. II
do not know how I could employ my time
better"
And you viii report very carefully to
me-" said Holmes. when a crisis comes.
as it will do. I will direct how you shall
act I suppose that by Saturday all might
be ready?"
Would that suit Doctor watson?'
Perfectly"