Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1902-08-14

"And what does II mean, now tnat
you have found it?" asked Gregson, In
deprecatory tone.
'Mean7 Why, IL means that the
writer was going TO put the female
name Rachel, but was disturbed before
he or she had time TO finish. You mark
my words. when this case comes TO be
cleared up you'll find that a woman
named Rachel has something TO do
with II. It's all very well for you 10
laugh, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes. You may
be very smart and clever. but the old
hound Is the best, when all 10 said and
done"
Il really beg your pardon!" said my
companion. who had rufIied the little
mans temper by bursting into an ex-
ploslon Of laughter. you certainly
have the credit OF being the FIRST OF us
to find out. and. as you say. II bears
every mark of having been written BY
the other participant In last nights
mystery. I have not had time 10 ex-
anime this room yet, but with your
permission shall do so now"
As he spoke he whipped tape meas
ure and q large, round, magnifying
glass from his pocket
so engrossed was he with his occu.
patton that he appeared to have for.
gotten our presence. for he chartered
away to himself under his breath the
whole time, keeping up a running hre
OF exclamatlons, groans. whistles and
little cries suggestive of encourage
mept and OF hope.
As | watched him ] was irresistibly
reminded OF pure-blooded. we'll
trained fox hound as It dashes back
ward and forward through the covert,
whining In It's eagerness, until 1t comes
across the lost scent.
For twenty minutes or more he con
tInued his researches. measuring with
the most exact care the distance be-
tween marks which were entirely in
visible to me. and occasionally apply
ing his tape to the walls In an equally
lncomprehensible manner.
In one place he gathered very care
fully little pile Of gray dust from the
floor, and packed 1t away in an envel-
ope. Finally he examined with his glass
the word upon the wall, going over ev-
cry letter Of II with the most minute
exactness.
This done, he appeared to be salts
fed, for he replaced his tape and his
glass In his pocket.
They say that genius is an infinite
capacity for taking pains" he re-
marked, with a smile. IT'S very
bad definition. but 1t does apply to de-
tectIye work"
Gregson and Lestrade had watched
the maneuvers OF their amateur com
panion with considerable curiosity and
some contempt.
They evidently failed to appreciate
the fact, which had begun to realize,
that Sherlock Holmes smallest actions
were all directed toward some definite
and practical end.
what do you think of it, sir?" they
both asked.
1T would be robbing you OF the cred
Il of the case IL was to presume TO
help you," remarked my friend. You
are doing so well now that 1t would De
a pity for any one to interfere" There
was a world of sarcasm in his voice as
he spoke. "If you will let me know
how your Investigations CO." he con
tinued, Il shall be happy to give you
any help | can. In the meantime,
should like TO speak to the constable
who found the body. Can you give me
his name and address?"
John Rance" he said. HE Is on
duty now. You will find him at 4e
Audley Court, Kensington Park Gate
Holmes took note OF the address.
Come along. DOCTOR" he said; I'VE
shall go and look him up. I'll tell you
one thing which may help you In the
case" he continued, turning to the two
detectives. There has been murder
done. and the murderer was a man
He was more than six feet high, was
in the prime Of life. had small feet fol
his height, wore coarse, square-toec
boots. and smoked a Trichinopoly
cigar. He came here with his victim
In a four-wheeled cab, which was
drawn by a horse with three old shoes
and one new one on his OF foreleg. In
all probability the murderer had flor
i'd face, and the finger nails OF his
right hand were remarkably long
These are only few indications, but
they may assist you."
LestraIe and Gregson looked at eacf
other with an incredulous smile.
"If this man was murdered, how wa'
1t done?" asked the former.
Poison" said Sherlock Holmes
curtly, and strobe OF. Zone othel
thing, Lestrade," he added, turning
round at the door: 'Rache' Is the
German for revenge so don't los'
your time looking for Miss Rachel"
With which Parthian shot he walked
away leaving the two rivals open
mouthed behind him.