Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-10-03
changed suddenly to that Of child
asking questions Of Its teacher.

changed suddenly 10 tudt VI cuiiu
asking questions Of Its teacher.
"Well, don't think that is very hard
to explain. A very deep, malicious,
vindictive person Is the gentleman who
is now waiting US downstairs. You
know that he was once refused by Nc
Farlane's mother? You don't! told
you that you should 60 to Blackheath
first and Norwood afterward. Well.
this injury, as he would consider It.
has ranked In his wicked, scheming
brain, and all his life he has longed for
vengeance, but never seen his chance.
During the last year or two things have
gone against hlm-secret speculation,
think-and he finds himself In a bad
way. He determines to swindle bis
creditors, and for this purpose he pays
large checks to certain Mr.. Cornelius,
who is, l imagine, himself under an
other name. I have not traced these
checks yet, but have no doubt that
they were banked under that name at
some provincial town, where Oldacre
from time to time led double exist
ence. He intended to change his name
altogether, draw his money and van
ish, starting life again elsewhere"
"Well, that's likely enough"
ut would strike him that in disap-
pearing he might throw oil pursuit of
his track and Mt the same time have an
ample and crushing revenge upon his
old sweetheart If he could give the i'm
preston that he had been murdered by
her only child. 1t was masterpiece Of
villainy, and he carried 1t out like a
master. The idea Of the will, which
would give an obvious motive for the
crime, the secret visit unknown to his
own parents, the retention Of the stick,
the blood and the animal remains and
buttons in the wood pile-all were ad-
mirable. 1t was a net from which 1t
seemed to me, a few hours ago, that
there was no possible escape. But he
had not that supreme gift Of the artist,
the knowledge of when to stop. He
wished to improve that which was al
ready perfect-to draw the rope tighter
yet round the neck Of his unfortunate
victim-and so he ruined all. Let US
descend, Lestrade. There are just one
or two questions that would ask
him."
The malignant creature was seated
in his own parlor with policeman
upon each side Of him.
1T was joke, my good sir-a prac-
ti:al joke, nothing more,' he whined
necessarily. II assure you, sir, that l
simply concealed myself in order to
see the effect of my disappearance, and
am sure that you would not be 80
unjust as to imagine that would have
allowed any harm to befall poor young
Mr.. McFarlane."
That's for jury to decide" said
Lestrade. Anyhow, we shall have
you on charge Of conspiracy. If not
for attempted murder"
"And you'll probably find that your
creditors will impound the banking ac-
count Of Mr.. Cornelius" said Holmes.
The little man started and turned his
malignant eyes upon my friend.
II have to thank you for good
DEAL" said he. Perhaps I'll pay my
debt some day"
Holmes smiled indulgently.
81 fancy that for some few years
you will find your time very fully oc-
cupied." said he. by the way. what
was it you put into the wood pile be-
sides your old trousers? A dead dog.
or rabbits, or what? You won't tell!
Dear me, how very unkind Of you!
Well. we'll dare say that couple OF
rabbits would account both for the
blood and for the charred ashes. II
ever you write an account. Watson,
you can make rabbits serve your
turn"