Wallowa chieftain. [volume] (Joseph, Union County, Or.) 1884-1909, 1902-10-16
CHAPTER VU-Continued.


edge that you are a smart man, and
that you have your own methods of
working. We want something more
than mere theory and preaching now,
though. II is a case of taking the
man. : have made my case out and
it seems l was wrong. Young Char
pentier could not have been engaged in
this second affair. Lestrade went after
his man, Stangerson. and it appears
that he was wrong. too. You have
thrown out hints here and hints there,
and seem TO know more than We do.
but the time has come when We feel
that We have a right 10 ask you
straight how much you do know Of
the business. Can you name the man
who did it,"
Il cannot help feeling that Gregson
is right, sir remarked Lestrade. We
have both tried. and We have both
failed. You have remarked more than
once since l have been in the room
that you had all the evidence which
you require. Surely you will not with
hold it any longer?"
Any delay in arrestinE the assas-
sin I observed, might give him time
to perpetrate some fresh atrocity."
Thus pressed by US all, Holmes
showed signs OF irresolution
He continued 10 walk up and down
the room with his head sunk on his
chest and his brows drawn down. as
was his habit when lost in thought.
There will be no more murders" he
said, at last, stopping abruptly and fac
ing us. You can put that considera-
ton out of the question. You have
asked ME if | know the name of the
assassin. I do. The mere knowing of
his name is a small thing. however.
compared with the power of laying our
hands upon him. This I expect very
shortly to do. I have good hopes of
managing it through my own arrange
ments: but it is a thing which needs
delicate handling. for we have a
shrewd and desperate man to deal
with, who is supported. as I have had
occasion to prove. by another who is as
clever as himself. AS long as this man
has no idea that any one can have a
clew, there is some chance of securing
him; but If he had the slightest sus-
picion. he would change his name. and
vanish in an instant among the four
million inhabitants of this great city.
Without meaning to hurt either of your
feelings. | am bound to say that ! con-
slider these men to be more than d
match for the official force. and that is
why I have not asked your assistance.
II fail shall of course. incur all the
blame due 10 this omission: but that
am prepared for. At present I am
ready to promise that the instant
I can communicate with you without
endangering my own combinations
shall DO So"
Gregson and Lestrade seemed to be
far from satisfied by this assurance, or
by the deprecating allusion to the de-
tective police
The former had flushed up to the
roots Of his fiaXen hair while the
others beady eyes glistened with curl
osity and resentment.
Neither Of them had time to speak
however. before there was a tap at the
door and the spokesman Of the street
arab. young Virgins introduced his
Insignificant and unsavOry person.
please sir he said touching his
forelock, Il have the cab down stairs s.
Good boy" said Holmes. blandly.
''Why don't you introduce this pattern
at Scotland Yard?" he continued, TAX
ing q pair of steel handouts from d
drawer. See how beautifully the
spring works. They fasten in an in
slant"
THE old pattern is good enough. -
remarked Lestrade III we can find the
man TO put them on"
every good. very good" said Holmes
smiling. The Cabman may as we'll
help me with my boxes. Just ask him
to step up, Virgins"
was surprised to find my compan-
ion speaking as though we were about
t. start out on a journey since he had
not said nothing to me about it.
There was a small portmanteau in
the room, and this he pulled out and
began TO strap.
He was busily engaged at it when
the cabman entered the room.
Just give me a help with this
buckle. cabman." he said, kneeling
over his task, and never turning his
head.
The fellow came forward with a
somewhat sullen defiant air, and put
down his hands to assist
At that instant there was a sharp
click, the jangling Of metal. and Sher-
lock Holmes snrang to his feet again.
Gentlemen" he cried, with flashing
eyes. 'let me introduce to you Mr. JEFF
ferson Hope the murderer of Enoch
Drebber and Joseph Stangerson.
The whole thing occurred in a mo-
nent-so quickly that l had no time to
realize It,
I have a vivid recollection Of that in
slant, Of Holmes triumphant express
sion and the ring Of his voice, OF the
cabman's dazed. savage face, as he
glared at the glistening handouts.
which had appeared as If by magic
upon his wrists.
For a second or two We might have
been a group Of statues. Then. with
an inarticulate roar of fury. the pris-
oner wrenched himself free from
Holmes grasp. and hurled himself
through the window.
Woodwork and glass gave way be
fore him; but before he got quite
through Gregson, Lestrade and Holmes
sprang upon him like so many stag
hounds.
He was dragged back into the room
and then commenced a terrific conflict
So powerful and so fierce was he