Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-01

wick. No doubt the object of our journey
was to catch him in the very act, and l
could not but admire the cunning with
which my friend had inserted wrong clue
in the evening paper, to give the fell
low the idea that he could continue his
scheme with immunity 1 was not sur
should take my revolver with me. He had
himself picked up the loaded hunting-crop
which was his favorite weapon.
A four-wheeler was at the door at eleven
and in 1t we drove to spot at the other
side of Hammersmith Bridge. Here the
cabman was directed to wait. A short
walk brought us to q secluded road fringed
with pleasant houses each standing in its
own grounds. In the light of street
lamp we read 'Laburnum Villa" upon the
gate post of one of them. The occupants
had evidently retired for rest, for all was
dark save for fanlight over the hall
door. which shed a single blurred circle
on to the garden path. The wooden fence
which separated the grounds from the
road threw a dense black shadow upon
the inner side, and here it was that we
crouched.
Il fear that you'll have a long wait"
Holmes whispered. I'VE may thank our
stars that 1t is not raining. | don't think
we can even venture to smoke to pass the
time. However, it's two to one chance
that we get something to pay US for our
trouble
not to be so long as Holmes had led us
to fear, and 1t ended in a very sudden and
singular fashion. In an instant, without
the least sound to warn us of his coming,
the garden gate swung open, and a 1.-THE,
dark figure, as swift and active an ape,
rushed up the garden patch. We saw 1t
whisk past the light thrown from over the
door and disappear against the black shad-
of the house. There was a long pause
during which we held our breath, and then
a very gentle creaking sound came to our
ears. The window was being opened. The
noise ceased, and again there was a long
silence The fellow making his "
into the house. We saw the sudden flash
of a dark lantern inside the room. What
he sought was evidently not there, for
again we saw the flash through another
blind and then through another.
Let us get to the open window We
will nab him as he climbs out" Lestrade
whispered.
But before we could move, the man had
emerged agairS AS he come out into the
glimmering patch of light, we saw that he
carried something white under his arm. He
looked stealthily all around him. The 81
lence of the deserted street treasured him.
Turning his back upon us he laid down
his burden, and the next instant there was
the sound of sharp tap, followed by a
clatter and rattle. The man was so intent
upon what he was doing that he never
heard our steps, we stole across the
grass plot. With the bound of tiger Holmes
was on his back. and an instant later
Lestrade and 1 had him by either wrist,
and the handouts had been fastened. AS
we turned him over l saw a hideous, sal
low face, with writing, furious features
glaring up at us, and l knew that 1t was
indeed the man of the photograph whom
We had secured.
But it was not our prisoner to whom
Holmes was giving his attention Squatted
on the doorstep he was engaged in most
carefully examining that which the man
had brought from the house. 1t was bust
of Napoleon, like the one which we had
seen that morning, and it had been broken
into similar fragments. Carefully Holmes
held each separate shard to the light
but in no way did it differ from any other
shattered piece of plaster. He had just
completed his examination when the hall
lights flew up, the door opened, and the
owner of the house, a jovial, rotund figure
in shirt and trousers, presented himself.
Mr.. Josiah Brown, L suppose?" said
Holmes
Yes, sir; and you, no doubt, are Mr.
Sherlock Holmes? 1 had the note which
You sent by the express messenger, and
did exactly what you told me. We locked
every door on the inside and awaited de-
velopments. Well, I'm very glad to see
that you have got the rascal. l hope, gen.
tlemen, that you will come in and have
some refreshment."
However, Lestrade was anxious to get his
man into safe quarters. so within a few
minutes our cab had been summoned and
we were all four upon our way to London.
Not a word would our captive say, but he
glared at us from the shadow of his matted
hair and once, when my hand seemed
within his reach, he snapped at it like
hungry wolf. We stayed long enough at
the police station to learn that a search of
his clothing revealed nothing save a few
shillings and a long sheath knife, the han
die of which bore copious traces of recent
blood.
That's all right" said Lestrade. as we
parted. 'Hill knows all these gentry, and
he will give name to him. You II find that
my theory of the Malta will work out all
right But I'm sure 1 am exceedingly
obliged to you, Mr.. Holmes, for the work.
manlike way in which you laid hands upon
him. 1 don't quite understand it all yet"
81 fear 1t is rather too late an hour for
explanations, said Holmes. Besides,
there are one or two details which are not
finished off, and 1t is one of those cases
which are worth working out to the very
end If you will come round once more TO
my rooms at o'clock tomorrow, 1 think
shall be able to show YOU that even now
you have not grasped the entire meaning
of this business, which presents some fea-
lures which make 1t absolutely original in
the history of crime. If ever ! permit you
to chronicle any more of my little prob
lens. Watson. foresee that you will en-