Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-18

found within the room, and an oaken walk
ing stick, which also showed stains of blood
upon the handle. 1t is known that Mr..
Jonas Oldacre had received a late visitor
in his bed room upon that night, and the
stick found has been identified as the prop
erty of this person, who is a young London
solicitor named John Hector McFarlane,
junior partner of Graham & McFarlane of
1876 Gresham Buildings, e. c. The police
believe that they have evidence in their
possession which supplies very convincing
motive for the crime. and altogether 1t
cannot be doubted that sensational develop
mentS Will follow.
.'Later-It is rumored as we go to press
that Mr.. John Hector McFarlane has
actually been arrested on the charge of the
murder of Mr.. Jonas Oldacre. 1t is at least
certain that warrant has been issued.
There have been Aurther and sinister de-
velopmentS in the investigation at Nor
wood. Besides the signs of struggle in
| the room of the unfortunate builder it is
| now known that the French windows of his
| bed room (Which Is on the ground floor were
| found to be open, that there We're marks
! as if some bulky object mad been dragged
! across to the wood pile, and, finally, it is
| asserted that charred remains have been
| found among the charcoal ashes of the fire
1 The police theory Is that most sensational
| crime has been committed, that the victim
| was dubbed to death In his own bed ROOM
| his papers rifed and his dead body dragged
| across to the woodstock, which was then
| ignited as to hide all traces of the crime.
| The conduct of the criminal investigation
! has been left in the experienced hands of
| Inspector LeStrade OF Scotland Yard, who
is following up the clews with his accus-
| toned energy and sagacity."
| Sherlock Holmes listened with closed eyes
| and finger tips together to this remarkable
| account
THE case has certainly some points of
| interest," said he, in his languid fashion.
| May l ask in the first place. Mr.. Nc
| Farlane, how it is that you are still at lib
| erty, since there appears to be enough evil
| Ganca n iuStifV arreSt2'
| II live at Torrington Lodge, Blackheath,
| with my parents, Mr.. Holmes, but last
night, having to do business very late with
| Mr.. Jonas Oldacre, l stayed at an hotel in
| Norwood, and came to my business from
| there. | knew nothing of this affair until l
| was in the train, when read what you
have just heard l at once saw the hor-
| rible danger of my position, and l hurried
to put the case into your hands. l have no
doubt that 1 should have been arrested
| either at my city Office or at my home. A
| man followed me from London Bridge Sta
ton, and have no doubt Great heaven!
what is that?
1t was a clang of the bell, followed in
| stantly by heavy steps upon the stair. A
| moment later our old friend Lestrade APP
| peared in the doorway. over his shoulder l
caught glimpse OF one or two uniformed
| policemen outside.
| trade.
Our unfortunate client rose with a ghast-
| ly face.
Il arrest you for the willful murder of
| Mr. Jonas Oldacre of Lower Norwood"
McF'arlane turned to us with a gesture
of despair and sank into his chair once
more like one who is crushed.
lone moment, Lestrade, said Holmes
Half an hour more or less can make nc
| difference to you, and the gentleman was
about to give US an account of this very
interesting affair which might aid us in
clearing it up."
II think there will be no difficulty In
clearing 1t up" said Lestrade grimly.