Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-06-05

not making an effort Look at this" He held up little note with a coat of arms upon the envelope. That be- longs lowell, perhaps it is hardly fair to tell the name until tomorrow morn ing But at that time it will be in the hands of the lady's husband. And all because she will not find a beggarly sum which she could get by turning her diamonds into paste. It is such a pity! Now, you remember the sudden end of the engagement between the Honorable Miss Miles and Colonel Dorking? Only two days before the wedding there was paragraph in the Morning Post to say that it was all off And why? It is almost incredible, but the absurd sum of f1,200 would have settled the whole question. Is it not pitiful? And here find you, a man of sense. boggling about terms when your clients future and honor are at stake. You surprise me, Mir. Holmes"
 What I say is true" Holmes an- swered. "The money cannot be found. Surely it is better for you to take the substantial sum which I offer than to ruin this woman's career, which can ! profit you in no way"
 ''There you make a mistake, Mir. Holmes. An exposure would profit me indirectly to considerable extent. I have eight or ten similar cases matur- ing. If it was circulated among them that I had made severe example of , the LaCy Eva, I should find all of them much more open to reason. You see my point?'
 Holmes sprang from his chair.
 "Get behind him, Watson! Don't let him out. Now, sir, let us see the con- tents of that notebook"
 Milverton had glided as quick as a rat to the side of the room and stood with his back against the wall.
 "Mr. Holmes, MT. Holmes," he said, turning the front of his coat and ex- hibiting the butt of large revolver, which projected from the inside pocket, q have been expecting you to do some thing original. This has been done so often, and what good has ever come from it? I assure you that am arm ed to the teeth, and I am perfectly prepared to use my weapons, knowing that the law will support me. Be sides, your supposition that would bring the letters here in notebook is entirely mistaken would do nothing so foolish. And now, gentlemen, have one or two little interviews this evening, and it is long drive to Hampstead" He stepped forward, took up his coat, laid his hand on his revolver and turned to the door. picked up chair, but Holmes shook his head, and laid it down again. With a bow, a smile and a twinkle Milverton was out of the room, and a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away.
 Holmes sat motionless by the fire, his hands buried deep in his trousers pock- cts, his chin sunk upon his breast, his eyes fixed upon the glowing embers. I For half an hour he was silent and still. Then, with the gesture of a man who has taken his decision, he sprang to his feet and passed into his bedroom. A little later a rakish young workman, with a goatee beard and a swagger, lit his clay pipe at the lamp before de scending into the street. 'Ill be back some time, Watson" said he, and van ished into the night. I understood that he had opened his campaign against Charles August Milverton, but little dreamed the strange shape which that campaign was destined to take.
 For some days Holmes came and went at all hours in this attire but be- yond a remark that his time was spent at Hampstead and that 1t was not wasted I knew nothing of what he was doing. At last, however, on a wild, tempestuous evening, when the wind screamed and rattled against the windows, he returned from his last ex- petition, and. having removed his dis guise. he sat before the fire and laugh cd heartily in his silent inward fashion.
 You would not call me a marrying man, WatsonT "No. indeedw
 ''roun be interested to near mar I'm engaged"
 My dear fellow, I congrat"-
 '-To Milverton's housemaid."
 Good heavens. Holmes.' .FEg
 q wanted information, Watson"
 Surely you have gone too far"
 Tt was most necessary step. I am plumber. with a rising business, Es- colt by name. I have walked out with her each evening. and I have talked with her. Good heavens, those talksl However. have got all I wanted. I know Milverton's house as know the palm of my hand" ...
 But the girl. HolmesT
 He shrugged his shoulders. You cant help 1t, my dear Watson. You must play your cards as best you can when such a stake is on the table However. rejoice to say that I have a hated rival, who will certainly cut me out the instant that my back is turned. What splendid night it is.'
 You like this weatherT'
 Tt suits my purpose. Watson. I mean to burgle Milyerton's house to- night
 I had a catching of the breath and my skin went cold at the words. which