The Savannah morning news., 1902-09-14
XIV.
THE HOUND OF THE BAsKER-
VILLES

VILLES.
One of Sherlock Holmes defects-if,
indeed, one may call it a defect-was
that he was exceedingly 10th to COM
municate his full plans to any other
person until the instant of their full
filment. Partly it came no doubt from
his own masterful nature which loved
to dominate and surprise those who
were around him. Partly, also, from
his professional caution, which urged
him never to take any chances. The
result, however, was very trying for
those who were acting as his agents
and assistants. l had often suffered
under it, but never more so than dur
ing that long drive in the darkness.
The great ordeal was in front of us;
at last we were about to make our
final effort, and yet Holmes had said
nothing, and l could only surmise what
his course of action would be. My
nerves thrilled with anticipation when
at last the cold wind upon our faces
and the dark, void spaces on either
side of the narrow road told me that
we were back upon the moor once
again. Every stride of the horses and
every turn of the wheels was taking
us nearer to our supreme adventure.
Our conversation was hampered by
the presence of the driver of the hired
wagonette, so that we We're forced to
talk of trivial matters when our nerves
We're tense with emotion and anticipa-
ton. 1t was relief to me, after that
unnatural restraint, when we at last
passed Frankland's house and knew
that we were drawing near to the Hall
and to the scene of action. We did
not drive up to the door, but got down
near the gate of the avenue. The wag-
onette was paid off and ordered to re-
turn to Coombe Tracey forthwith,
while we started to walk to Merripit
House.
Are you armed, Lestrade?"
The little detective smiled.
LAS long as ! have my trousers 1
have .hip-pocket, and as long as 1
have my hip-pocket have something
in it."
Good! My friend and I are also
ready for emergencies"
You're mighty close about this af-
fair, Mr.. Holmes. What's the game
now?"
"A waiting game"
'cMy word, it does not seem a very
cheerful place. said the detective, with
a shiver, glancing round him at the
gloomy slopes of the hill and at the
huge lake of fog which lay over the
Grimpen Mire. II see the lights of a
house ahead of us
THAT is Merripit House and the end
of our journey. 1 must request you to
walk on tiptoe and not to talk above a
whisper"
We moved cautiously along the track
as If we were bound for the house,
but Holmes halted us when we were
| about two hundred yards from it.
This will do" said he. These rocks
upon the right make an admirable
| SCREEN
I'VE are to wait here?"
YES, we shall make out little am
bush here Get into this hollow, Lee
strade. You have been inside the house
have you not, Watson? Can you tell
the position of the rooms? What are
| those iatticed windows at this end?'
II think they are the kitchen win
dows.
And the one beyond, which shines
so brightly?''
That is certainly the dining-room.'
1.-THE blinds are up. You know the lie
of the land best. Creep forward quietly
and see what they are doing-but for
heavens SAX don't let them know
that they are watched!
l tiptoed down the path and stopped
behind the low wall which surrounded
the stunted orchard. Creeping in its
shadow / reached a point whence
could look straight through the incur
tanned window.
There were only two men in the
room, Sir Henry and Stapleton. They
sat with their profiles towards me on
either side OF the round table. Both OF
them We're smoking cigars, and coffee
and wine were IN front OF them. sta
pleton was talking with animation. bat
the baronet looked pale and distract
| Perhaps the thought OF that lonely
walk across the iii-omened moor Was
weighing heavily upon his mind.
A. watched them stapleton rose
ana left the room, while Sir Henry nh
Cd bis glass again and leaned back in