The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1902-02-15


th res were well acquainted with the |
house, for Mr.. Jones' well-known
technical knowledge and his powers
of minute observation have en-
abled him to prove conclusively that |
the miscreants could not have entered |
by the door or by the window, but must
have made their way across the roof of
the building, and so through a trap
door into room which communicated
with that in which the body was found.
This fact which has been very clearly
made out, proves conclusively that it
was 10 mere haphazard burglary. The
prompt and energetic action of the Off
GERS of the law shows the great advan-
tage of the presence on such occasions
of a single vigorous and masterful
mind We cannot but think that it
supplies an argument to those who
would wish to see our detectives more
decentralized. and brought into closer
and more effective touch with the
cases which it is their duty to investi-
gate"
isn't it gorgeous" said Holmes,
grinning over his coffee cup. what
do you think of it?"
II think that we have had close
shave ourselves of being arrested for
the crime"
$50 do !. wouldn't answer for our
safety now, he should happen to have
another of his attacks of energy"
At this moment there was loud
ring at the bell, and I could hear Mrs.
Hudson, our landlady, raising her
voice in wall ofexpostulation and dis
may.
by heaven, Holiness" I said, half
rising, 81 believe that they are really
after u.s.
mo, it's not quite so bad as that. 1t
is the unofficial force-the Baker street
irregulars."
AS he spoke, there came swift pat
tering of naked feet upon the stairs, a
clatter of high voices, and in rushed
a dozen dirty and ragged little street.
Arabs. There was some show of disci-
pline among them, despite their tu-
multuons entry, for they instantly
drew up in line and stood facing us
with expectant faces. One of their
mum Der, taller and older than the 9TH
ers, stood forward with an air of loung-
ing superiority which was very funny
in such a disreputable little scarecrow.
SCOT your message, SIR" said he,
land brought 'em on sharp. Three bob
and tanner for tickets"
Here you are said Holmes, pro-
ducing some silver. I'm future they
can report to you, Virgins, and you to
me. cannot have the house invaded
in this way. However, it is just as we'll
that you should all hear the instruc-
tions. want to find the wherea bouts
of steam launch called the Aurora,
owner Mordecai Smith, black with two
red streaks, funnel black with a white
band. She is down the river some
where. want one boy to be at Nor
decai Smiths landing-stage opposite
Millbank to say if the boat comes back.
You must divide it out among your
selves, and do both banks thoroughly.
Let me know the moment you have
news. Is that all clear?"
Eyes, guv'nor," said Virgins.
"The old scale of pay, and guinea
to the boy who finds the boat. Here's
day in advance. Now off you go!''
He handed them shilling each, and
away they buzzed down the stairs, and
II saw them moment later streaming
down the street.
"If the launch is above water they
will find her." said Holmes, as he rose
from the table and lit his pipe. ''They
can go everywhere, see everything
overhear everyone. l expect to hear
before evening that they have spotted
her. In the meanwhile, we can do
nothing but await results. We cannot
pick up the broken trail until we find
either the Aurora or Mr.. Mordecai
Smith.
'Toby could eat these scraps, dare
say. Are you going to bed, Holiness"
''No; am not tired. / have curl
GUS constitution. never remember
feeling tired by work, though idleness
exhausts me completely. / am going
to smoke and to think over this queer
business to which my fair client has
introduced us. If ever man had al
easy task, this of ours ought to be
Wooden-legged men are not SO com
mon, but the other man must, l SHOULD
think, be absolutely unique"
THAT other man again.
81 have no wish to make a mystery
of him-to you, anyway. But yor
must have formed your own opinion
Now, do consider the data. Diminutivt
footmarks, toes never fettered by
boots, naked feet. stone-headed woode1
mace, great agility, small poisoned
darts What do you make of all this?'
"a savage" exclaimed. perhaps
one of those Indians who were the as
sociates of Jonathan Small"
Hardly that" said he. when frs
I saw signs of strange weapons wa
inclined to think so; but the remark
able character of the footmarks caused
, me to reconsider my views. Some O.
the inhabitants of the Indian peninsula
are small men, but none could have
left such marks as that. The Hindo
proper has long and thin feet. TIL
, sandal-wearing Mohammedan has tn
great toe well separated from tn