The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-17

nights. and had a mind to speak to
him about it," said he. 1.-TWO or three
times l have heard his steps in the pas
sage, coming and going, just about the
hour you name
Perhaps then he pays a visit every
night to that particular window" sug-
gested.
able to shadow him, and what 1t is
that he is after. I wonder what your
friend Holmes would do, If he were
here"
II believe that he would do exactly
what you now suggest" said I. HE
would follow Barrymore and see what
he did"
Then we shall do it together
But surely he would hear u.s.
'The man is rather deaf. and In any
case we must take our chance of that.
We'll sit up in my room tonight, ana
wait until he passes" Sir Henry rubbed
his hands with pleasure, aud it was evil
dent that he hailed the adventure as q
relief to his somewhat quiet life upon
the moor.
The baronet has been in communica-
ton with the architect VINO prepared the
plans for Sir Charles, and with a con-
tractor from London, so that we may ex-
pect great changes to begin here soon.
There have been decorators and furnish
erg up from Plymouth, and it is evil
dent that tour friend has large IDEAS
and means to spare no pains or expense
to restore the grandeur of his family.
When the house is renovated ana refur-
nished, all that he will need will be
wife to make it complete. Between our
selves there are pretty clear signs that
this will not be wanting II the lady Is
willing, for 7 have seldom seen man
more infatuated with a woman than he
Is with our beautiful neighbor, Miss Sta
pleton. And yet the course of true love
does not run quite as smoothly as one
would under the circumstances expect
To-day, for example, its surface was
broken by a very unexpected ripple.
which has caused our friend considerable
perplexity and annoyance.
After the conversation Which 1 have
quoted about Barrymore Sir Henry put
on his hat and prepared to go out. AS
matter of course I did the same
What, are you coming, Watson!s he
asked looking at me in a curious way.
THAT depends on whether you are
going on the moor" said I.
Yes. am
We'll, you know what my instructions
are. I am sorry to intrude, but YOU
heard how earnestly Holmes insisted that
l should not leave You, and especially
that you should not go alone upon the
moor
Sir Henry put his hand upon my shout
der, with a pleasant smile. .;
MY dear fellow" said he. Holmes,
with all his wisdom. did not foresee some
things which have happened since I have
been on the moor. You understand me-?
am sure that You are the last man in
the world who would wish to be a, spoil
sport. l must go out alone"
1t put me in most awkward position.
was at loss what to say or what to
do, and before / had made up my mind
he picked up his cane and was gone.
But when I came to think the matter
over my conscience reproached me bitter
ly for having on any pretext allowed him
to go out of my sight. I imagined what
my feelings would be if 1 had to return
to you and to confess that some mis-
fortune had occurred through my disre-
I. gard for your instructions. I assure you
| my cheeks flushed at the very thought
| 1t might not even now be too late to
| overtaie him, SO I set off at once in the
| direction of Merripit House.
| hurried along the road at the top of
my speed without seeing anything of Sir
| Henry, until I came to the point where
] the moor path branches off. There, fear
| ing that perhaps ! had come in the
wrong direction after all, mounted a
! hill from which I could command
| view-the same hill which is cut into the
| dark quarry. Thence saw him at once.
| He was on the moor path, about a quar-
ter Of a mile of, and a lady was by his
side who could only be Miss Stapleton.
1t was clear that there was already an
understanding between them and that
ihey had met by appointment They
were walking slowly along in deep con-
versation. and I saw her making quick
little movements of her hands as II she
were very earnest in what she was say
ing. while he listened intenty. and once
Of twice shook his head in strong dis
sent. I stood among the rocks watching