The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-07-06
conviction in his voice that I glanced

conviction in his voice that glanced
up IL. surprise.
my dear fellow, how can you posi-
bly, be so sure of that?"
For the very simple reason that see
the dog himsel fon our very doorstep.
and there is the ring of it's owner. Don
move, I beg you, Watson. He is pro-
fesscnal brother of yours, and your
presence may be of assistance to me-
Now is the dramatic moment OF fate,
Watson when you hear a step upon the
star which is walking into your life.
and you know not whether for good or
III. What does DR.. James Mortimer. the
ma nof scinece, ask Of Sherlock holmes,
Ito specialist in crime? Come in
nIan Of science ask of Sherlock Holmes,
surprise to me. since / had expected
typical country practitioner. He was
very tall, thin man. with long nose
like a beak which jutted out between two
keLn gray eyes. set closely together ana
sparkling brightly from behind a pair
OF gold-rimmed glasses. He was clad In
a professional. but rather slovenly fash
ion for his frock coat was dingy and his
trousers frayed. Though young. his long
Lack was already bowed. and he walked
with a forward thrust of his head and q
general air of peering benevolence. AS
he entered his eyes fell upon the stick
in Holmes hand. and he ran towards it
cry glad" said he II was not sure
whether I had left it here or in the ship
ping office. I would not lose that stick
for the world
"a presentation, I see." said Holmes.
Yes. sir
"FrGm Charing Cross Hospital?''
From one or two friends there on the
occasion of my maria e."
Dear, dear, that's badi' said Holmes
shaking his head.
Dr. Mortimer blinked through his glass
e3 IL mild asonishment-
why was it BAT
Only that you have disarranged our
little deductions. Your marriage, you
saw"
Eye sir I married. and so left the
hospital. and with il all hopes OF a con-
sulting practice. It was necessary to
make a home Of my own
Come. come, we are not SO far wrong
after ALL" said Holmes. And, now, DR..
James Mortimer-
Mister. sir, Mster-a humble NJ. r.
C. S."
"And a man of precise mind. evidently"
"A dabbler in science. Mr.. Holmes. a
PICKER up OF shells on the shores Of the
great unknown ocean, I presume it is
dressing and not"
Nj Sherlock Holmes whom I am ad-
NO, this is my friend DR.. Watson
Glad to meet you sir. have heard
your name mentioned in connection
with that of your friend. You interest
ME very much, Mr.. Holmes. I had hard
ly expected dolchocephalic skull
CT such wel-marled supra-orbital de-
velopment. Would you have any obiec-
ton to my running my finger along your
paretal fssure? A cast OF your skull.
sir. until the original is available. would
be an ornament to any anthropological
II ;p Srtn 10 ha
fulsome, but ! confess that l covet your
SKULL
Sherlock Holmes waved our strange
visitor into a chair. You arc an en-
thLsast in your line OF thought. l per-
Ceive sir, as I am IN mine. said he.
II observe from your forefnger that
you make your own cigarettes. Have
no hesitation in lighting one"
The man drew out paper and tobacco
and twirled the one up in the other with
surprising dexterity. He had long ouiv
cring fingers as agile and restless a the
antennae Of an insect.
Holmes was silent but his little dart
ing glances showed me the interest which
he took in our curious companion.
II presume SIR said he at last, that
It was not merely for the purpose Of ex-
aiming my skull that you have done
me the honor to call here last night and
again today
NO. sir no: though I am happy to
have had the opportunity of doing that
as we'll 1 came to you, Mr.. Holmes.
because T recognized that ! am myself
an impractical man, and because I am
suddenly confronted with a most serious
and extraordinary problem. Recognizing,
as l do, that you are the second highest
expert in Europe"
Indeed sir! May I inquire who has
the honor to be the first?" asked Holmes.
with some asperity.
ITO the man of precise scientific mind