Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-05-19

considerable wealth. a small timber yard
still exists. however, at the back OF the
house, and last night. about IL o'clock,
an alarm was given that one of the stacks
was on fire. The engines were soon upon
the spot, but the dry wood burned with
great fury, and 1t was impossible TO ar
rest the conflagration until the stack had
been entirely consumed Up to this point
the incident bore the appearance of an
ordinary accident. but fresh indications
seem to point to serious crime. Surprise
was expressed at the absence of the mas
ter of the establishment from the scene
Of the fire, and an inquiry followed, which
showed that he had disappeared from the
house. An examination of his room re-
vealed that the bed had not been slept IN,
that safe which stood in 1t was open,
that number of important papers We're
scattered about the room and finally that
there were signs Of a murderous strussle'
slight traces Of blood being found within
the room. ana an oaken walking stick.
which also showed stains Of blood upon
the handle. 1t is known that Mr. Jonas
Oldacre had received late VISITOR IN ms
bedroom upon that night. and the Suck
found has been identified as the property
of this person, who is young LONDON
solicitor named John Hector McFarlane,
Junior partner Of Graham & McFar-
police believe that they have evidence In
their possession which supplies a very
convincing motive for the crime, ana al
together 1t cannot be doubted that sensa'
tional developments will follow
Later.-It is rumored as we go to press
that John Hector McFarlane has actually
been arrested on the charge Of the murder
of Jonas Oldacre. 1t Is at least certain
that a warrant has been Issued There
have been further and sinister develop
ments in the investigation at Norwood.
Besides the signs Of q struggle IN the
room of the unfortunate builder 1t is
now known that the French windows
of his bedroom (Which is on the ground
floor were found to be open, that there
were marks as IL some bulky object
had been dragged across to the wood pile,
and finally it is asserted that charred re-
mains have been found among the char
coal ashes Of the fire. The police theory is
that a most sensational crime has been
committed, that the victim was dubbed
to death in his own bedroom, his papers
rifled and his dead body dragged across
TO the wood stack. which was then lgniteo'
SO as to hide all traces Of the crime Ihe
conduct of the criminal inSestlgatlon mas
been left In the experienced hands OF In
spector I.estrade Of Scotland Yard. who is
following up. the clews with ms accus-
toned energy and sagacity.
Sherlock Holmes listened, with closed
ewes and finger tips together, to this re-
markable account.
"The case has certainly some points
of interest" said he in his languid
fashion. May ask, in the first place,
Mr.. McFarlane, how it is that you are
still at liberty, since there appears to
be enough evidence to Justify your ar
rest?"
81 live at Torrington Lodge, Black
heath, with my parents, Mr.. Holmes,
but last night, having to do business
very late with Mr.. Jonas Oldacre, l
stayed at q hotel in Norwood and
came to my business from there. l
knew nothing Of this affair until was
in the train, when read what you
have Just heard. at once saw the hor-
rible danger Of my position, and / hur-
ried to put the case into your hands.
have no doubt that should have been
arrested either at my city office or at
my home. A man followed me from
London Bridge station, and I have no
doubt Great heaven! What Is that?"
1t was clang of the bell, followed
instantly by heavy steps upon the stair.
A moment later our old friend Lestrade
appeared in the doorway. Over his
shoulder caught glimpse Of one or
two uniformed policemen outside.
"Mr. John Hector McFarlaneY said
Lestrade.
Our unfortunate client rose, with q
CHASTITY face.
81 arrest you for the willful murder of
Mr.. Jonas Oldacre of Lower Norwood"
NTcFarlane turned to us with ges-
ture Of despair and sank into his chair
once more like one who is crushed.
zone moment, Lestrade," said
Holmes. "IIalf an hour more or less
can make no difference to you. and the
gentleman was about to give us an ac-
count of this very interesting affair
which might aid us in clearing it up"
81 think there will be no difficulty in
clearing it up said Lestrade grimly.
"None the less, with your permits
sion, should be much interested ia
hear his account"
well, Mr.. Holmes, it is difficult for
me to refuse you anything, for you have
been of use to the force once or twice
in the past. and we owe you good
turn at Scotland Yard" said Lestrade
"At the same time must remain with
my prisoner, and am bound to warn
him that anything he may say will ap-
IN, inc him -
81 wish nothing better" said our
client. "All I ask is that you should
hear and recognize the absolute truth. .
I1estrade looked at his watch. It'll
give you half an hour" said he.
II must explain first" said McFarlane,
that l knew nothing of. Mr.. Jonas
Oldacre. His name was familiar to me,
for many years ago my parents were
acquainted with him, but they drifted
apart l was very much surprised,
therefore, when yesterday about 8
o'clock in the afternoon he walked into
my Office in the city. But was still
more astonished when he told me the
object Of his visit. He had in his hand
several sheets of notebook, covered
with scrubbed writing-here they are
and he laid them on my table.
"-.Here is my WILL said he. I want
you, Mr. McFarlane, to cast it into
proper legal shape. will sit here
while you do So
II set myself to copy it, and you can
imagine my establishment when found
that, with some reservations, he had