The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-01


 never any mystery in the matter, though, as l said yestenday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Is that there Is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel"
 Who was he then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Sutherland?"
 The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the passage, and tap at the door.
 This is the girls step father, MT. James Windibank," said Holmes. He has written to me to say that he would be here at six. Come in''
 "The man who entered was a sturdy, mddle-szed fellow some thirty years of age, clean shaven, and sallow skinned, with bland. insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and penetrating gray eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of us, placed his shiny top hat upon the side-board, and with slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair.
 Good evening, MT. James Windibank," said Holmes. q think that this type- written letter Is from you, In which you made an appointment with me for 6 o'clock?'
 "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am lit- tie late, but I am not quite my own mas ter, you know. l am sorry that Miss SutDtTldId tTOuDltu you dDOul lulS little matter, for I think 1t is far better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite against my wishes that she came, but she is very excitable impul- sive girl, you may have noticed, and she Is not easily controlled when she had made up her mind on a point. Of course, l did not mind you so much. as you are not connected with the official police but it Is not pleasant to have a family misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it Is a useless expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer An gel?'
 "On the contrary" said Holmes quiet ly; 'I have every reason to believe that l will succeed in discovering MT. Hosmer Ansel'
 MT Windibank gave a violent start, and dropped his gloves. "I am delighted to hear it, he said.
 Tt Is a curious thing" remarked Holmes. that typewriter has really quite as much individuality as a mans hand writing Unless they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one side. Now, you remark in this note of yours MT. Windi- bank that in every case there is some little slurring over of the e. and slight defect In the tail of the T.. There are fourteen other characteristics, but those are the more OBVIOUS.
 "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and no doubt 1t is little worn" our visitor answered glancing keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes.
 And now I will show you what is real ly a very interesting study, MT Windi- bank" Holmes continued. 1 think Of writing another little monograph some Of these days on the typewriter and its re- fe aith Ut I have devoted some little attention. l have here four letters which purport to come from the missing man. They are all typewritten In each case not only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will observe, if you care to use my magnifying lense, that the fourteen other characteristics to which nave ailudeo are there as well.'
 Mir Windibank sprang out Of his chair and picked up his hat. 'T cannot waste time over this kind of fantastic talk. MT. Holmes" he said. If you can catch the man. catch him, and let me know when you have eone It."
 Certainly" said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the lock. T let you know, then, that have caught him. What Where? shouted MT. Windi- bank. turning white to his lips, and glanc- ing about him like rat in a trap. 70, 1t won't do-really 1t won't" said Holmes suavely. There is no possible getting out of it, MT. Windibank. It Is quite too transparent. and 1t was very bad compliment when you said that It was impossible for me to solve so sim- ple a question. That's right. Sit down and let us talk 1t over.'
 Our visitor collapsed into a chair with i ghastly face and glitter of moisture | on his brow "It-it's not actionable,' he | stammered
 "I am very much afraid that 1t is not. But between ourselves, Wlndibank, it was I as cruel and selfish and heartless trick | in a petty way as ever came before me. Now. let me just run over the course Of events, and you will contradict me if l l go wrong.
 | The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his breast. like one who is utterly crushed Holmes stuck his feet I'D on the corner of the mante- piece. and, leaning back with his hands In | his pockets, began talking, rather to him. self. as 1t seemed, than to us. "The man married woman very much older than himself for her money" said l he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money | of the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was considerable sum. | for people in their position, and the loss of 1t would have made a serious differ ence. It was worth an effort to preserve | it. The daughter was of good. amiable 1 disposition. but affectionate and warm- 1 hearted in her ways. so that 1t was evi- | dent that with her fair personal advan- tages, and her little income. she would not 1 be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would mean, of course, the | loss of hundred a year, so what does her stepfather do to prevent 1t? He takes ] the obvious course of keeping her ai