Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-08-06
CHAPTER VIII.

de acted according to his lights"
said Holmes, lifting him down from
the barrel and walking him out of the
timber yard. eff you consider how
much creosote is carted about London
In one day, it is no great wonder that
our trail should have been crossed. It
Is much used now, especially for the
seasoning of wood. Poor Toby is not
to blame"
I'VE must get on the main scent
again, I suppose"
Yes. And, fortunately, we have no
distance to go. Evidently what puzzled
the dog at the corner of Knights
place was that there were two differ
ent trails running in opposite direc-
lions. We took the wrong one. It only
remains to follow the other"
There was no difficulty about this.
On leading Toby to the place where he
had committed his fault, he cast about
In wide circle, and finally dashed off
in fresh direction.
I'VE must take care that he does not
now bring us to the place where the
creosote barrel came FROM" observed.
Il had thought of that. But you no
ttce that he keeps on the pavement,
whereas the barrel passed down the
roadway No, we are on the true scent
now"
1t tended down towards the river
side, running through Belmont place
ano Princes street. At the end of
Broad street it ran right down to the
waters edge, where there was a small
wooden wharf. Toby led us to the
very edge of this, and there stood
whining, looking out on the dark cur
rent beyond.
1--WE are out Of luck" said Holmes.
"They have taken to boat here"
Several small punts and slxiffs. were
lying about in the water and on the
edge of the wharf. We took Toby
round to each in turn, but. though he
shifted earnestly, he made no sign.
Close to the rude landing stage was
small brick house, with a wooden
placaId swung out through the second
window. "Mordecai Smith" was printed
across it in large letters, and, under
meath: Boats to hire by the hour or
DAY." A second inscription above the
door informed us that a steam launch
was kept-a statement which was con-
hrmed by great pile of coke upon the
1ettT. Sherlock Holmes looked slowly
round, and his face assumed an ominous
expression.
This looks bad" said he. '"Those
fellows are sharper than | expected.
They seem to have covered their tracks.
There has, fear, been preconcerted
mani ?ement here"
de was approaching the door of the
house, when it opened, and little
curly-headed lad of six came running
out, followed by a stoutish, red-faced
woman with large sponge in her hand.
"Iou come back and be washed.
Jack, F" she shouted. Come back. Won
young imp. For if your father comes
home and finds you like that. he'll
let us hear of it,"
Dear little chapl" said Holmes.
strategically. What a rosy-cheelSed
young rascal! Now, Jack, is there any
thing you would likeP'
The youth pondered for moment.
I'D like shillin'," said he.
Nothing you would like better?"
I'd like two shillin' better" the
prodigy answered, after some thought.
Here you are, then! Catch-A fine
child, Mrs. smith,
"Lor' bless you, sir, he is that. and
forward. He gets most too much for
me to manage, specially when my man
is away days alta time"
Away, is hep" said Holmes, in a dis.
appointed voice. al am sorry for that.
for wanted to speak to Mr. Smith"
He's been away since yesterday
mornin', sir, and, truth to tell, am be-
ginnin' to feel frightened about him.
But If 1T is about boat, sir, maybe
could serve as we'll"
y wanted to hire his steam launch"
why, bless you, sir, it is in the steam
launch that he has gone That's what
puzzles me; for know there amt more
Goals in her than would take her to
about Woolwich and back If he'd been
away in the barge I'd ha' thought
nothin'; for many a time job has aiken
him as far as Gravesend, and then if
there was much dom there he might ha
stayed over. But what good is a steam
launch without coalS?"
He might have bought some at a |
wharf down the river
He might, sir, but it weren't his |
way. Many a time I've heard him call |
out at the prices they charge for a few
odd bags. Besides, | don't like that
wooden-legged man, wi his ugly face |
and outlandish talk What did he !
want always knoclIin' about here for?" |
"A wooden-legged man?" said |
Holmes, with bland surprise.
Yes, sir, brown, monkey faced |
chap that's called more'n once for nv
Old man 1t was him that reused him |
mp yesternight, and, what's more, nv !
man knew he was comm, for he had |
steam up in the launch | tell Won
straight, sir, ! don't feel easy in my
mind about it,"
But, my dear Mrs smith," said
holmes, Struggling his shoulders.
You are frightening yourself about
nothing How could you possibly tell
that 1T was the wooden-legged man
who came in the night? | don't quite
understand how you can be so sure"
Hls voice, sir. | knew his voice
winch is kind o thick and foggy He
tapped at the winder-about three il