The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1902-05-24
n. Crimson
BY Fred M. Ghde AH70

Are all capable of an explanation,
which we shall arrive at with. pa
tience."
Can we arrive at the number over
| the door with patience?"
Exactly what I was coming to. !
noticed an old pair Of steps in the back
| sitting ROOM. Would you mind placing
them against the fanllght for me?"
David complied readily enough. He
was growing credulous and interested
in spite of himself. At Bells instigation
he placed the steps before the fanlight
and mounted them. Over his head
were the figures 21S in elongated shape
and formed in white porcelain,
"Now, then" Bell said slowly. 'Take
this pocketknife, apply the blade to the
| right-hand lower half of the bottom Of
the figure S-to half the small o, in
fact-and I shall be extremely surprised
II the quarter section doesn't, come
away from the glass Of the fanlight,
leaving the est of the figure intact.
Very gently. please. I want to con-
vince you that the piece comes away
because 1t is broken, and not because
the pressure has cracked 1t. Now,
then"
The point of the knife was hardly un-
der the edge of the porcelain before the
segment Of the lower circle dropped into
Steel's hand. He could feel the edges
of the cement sticking to his fingers.
AS yet the full force of the discovery
was not apparent to him.
G wi into the road and look at the
f%anlight," Bell directed.
David complied, eagerly. A sharp
cry Of surprise escaped him as he
looked up. The change was apparent.
Instead of the figures 218 he could read
now the change to 219-a family in
different 9, but n that would have
passed muster without criticism by
ninety-nine people out Of a hundred.
With a strong light behind the figures
the clumsy 9 would never have been
noticed at all. The very simplicity and
righteousness of the scheme was its
safeguard.
II should like to have the address of
the man who thought that out" David
said dryly. ~
eyes, I fancy that you are dealing
with quite clever people," Bell replied.
And now I have shown you how utter
ly have been deceived over the
number we will go a little further. For
the present, the way in which the fur
niture trick was worked must remain
a mystery. But there has been furnt-
ture here, or this room and the hall
would not have been so carefully swept
and garnished whilst the rest Of the
house remains in so dirty q condition.
If my eyes don't deceive me, I can see
two fresh nails driven into the arch
way leading to the back hall. On those
nails hung the curtain which prevented
you from seeing more than was neces-
sary. Are you still i%ncredulous as to
the house where you had your remark
able adventure?"
IT confess that my faith has been Sc
riously shaken" David admitted. "But
about the furniture? And about my
telephone call from Mr.. Gates town
house? And about my adventure TAX
ing place in the very next house to the
one taken by him at Brighton? And
about Miss Gates agitation when she
learnt my identity? Do you call them
coincidences?"
"No, / DON'T Bell said promptly.
They are merely evidences Of clever
folks taking advantage Of an excellent
strategic position. I said just now that
it was an important point that Mr..
Gates had merely taken the next door
furnished. But we shall come to that
side Of the theory in due course. Have
you any other objections to urge?"
"One more, and I have finished for
the present. When I came here the
other night-provided,. Of course, that
I did come here-immediately upon my
entering the dining room the place was
brilliantly illuminated. Now, directly
the place was void the supply of cleo
trio. current would be cut of at the
meter. So far as I can Judge, some
two or three units must have. been COM
sumed. during my visit. There could
not be many less than ten lights burn
ing for an hour. Now, those units
must show on the meter. Can you read
an electric meter?"
my dear fellow, there is nothing
easier"
.Then let US go down into the base
ment and settle the matter. There Is
pretty sure to be q card on the meter
made up to the day awhen the last ten
ant went out. See. the supply IL cut
of now.
AS Steel spoke he snapped down the
hall switch and no result came. Down
in the basement by the area door stood
the meter. Both switches were turned
OF, but on Bell pressing them down
Steel was enabled to light the passage.
'.There's the card" Bell exclaimed.
Made up to 25th June. 1895. since when
the house has been void. Just q minute
whilst ! read the meter. Yes, that's
right. According to this card in your
hand. provided that the light has not