The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-14

Of his own butterflies. a pin, a cork
and a card, and we add him to the
Baker Street collection!' He burst into
one of his rare fits of laughter as he
turned away from the. picture. I have
not heard him laugh often. and 1t has
always BODIED i'll to somebody.
1 was up betimes in the morning, but
Holmes was afoot earlier still, for 1 saw
him as dressed coming up the drive.
yes, we should have a full day to-
day he remarked, and he rubbed his
hands with the joy of action. 1.-The
nets are all in place. and the drag is
about to begin. Well know before the
day is out whether we have caught our
big, lean-jawed pike, or whether he has
got through the meshes.''
Have you been on the moor already?''
II have sent a report from Grimpen to
Princetown as to the death of Selden.
think I can promise that none OF you
will be troubled in the matter. And l
have also communicated with my faith
full Cartwright, who would certainly
have pined away at the door Of my hut,
as a dog does at his masters grave, If
had not set his mind at rest about my
safety"
What is the next move?"
ITO see Sir Henry. Ah here he isl"
Good morning. Holmes" said the bar
onet You look like a, general who
is planning a battle with his chief of
the staff"
That is the exact situation. Watson
was asking for orders
and SO DO II
understand, to dine with our friends the
Stapletons Tonight"
II hope that you will come also. They
are very hospitable people. and I am
sure that they would be very glad to
see you.
II fear that Watson and 1 must go to
London
.'To London?"
Yes. 1 think that we should be more
useful there at the present juncture."
The baronet's face perceptibly length
ened.
81 hoped that you were going to see
mo through this business. The Hall aud
the moor are not very pleasant places
when one is alone
My dear fellow, you must trust me
implicitly and do exactly what I tell
you. You can tell your friends that
we should have been happy to have
come with you, but that urgent business
required us 10 be in town. We
hope very soon to return to
Devonshire. Will you remember to give
them that message?"
If YOU insist upon it,
There is no alternative, assure YOU
saw by the baronet's clouded rrow
that he was deeply hurt by what he re-
garded as our desertion.
when do You desire to go?'' he asked.
colby.
Immediately after breakfast We VIII
drive in to Coombe Tracey. but Watson
will leave his things as a pledge that he
Will come back to you. Watson. YOU
will send a note to Stapleton to tell him
that YOU regret that you canl7t come"
II have a good mind to go to London
with you. said the baronet. why
Should I stay here alone?'
Because it is your post of duty Be-
would do as You We're told. and I tell
you to stay
.'All right. then, I'll stay
"One more direction. wish you to
drive to Merripit House. Send back your
trap, however, and let them know that
you intend to walk home
ITO walk across the moore"
Yes
But that is the very thing which you
nave 50 CllSn cautioned me not TO 90.
This time YOU may do it with SAFETY
If I had not every confidence in your
nerve and courage I would not suggest
it. but it is essential that you should 90
it
Then I will do it,
''And as You value your life do net so
across the moor in any direction sac
aloong the straight path wnieh leads
from Merripit House to The Grimpcl
Road. and is your natural Way ho1ae'
II will do Just what YOU say
Very good. l should be glad TO get
away as soon after breakfast as possible,
so as to reach London in the afternoon y
/ was much astourded by this pro
gramme, though ! remein':e:ed that
Holmes had said TO Stapsctun On the
night before that his visit would t.: mi
nate next day. 1t hal not crossed NY
mind however. that he would wish RE
to so with him. nor could I understand
how we could both be absent al a mo-
ment which he himself declared to Re
critical. There was nothing for it, how
ever. but implicit obedience; so we baca
goodbye to our rueful friend, and y