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

the blue paper, and these slips, 1 have
explained, are the rough draft. Mr.. Jonas
Oldacre then informed that there were
number of documents-building leases,
title deeds, mortgages scrip and so forth
which it was necessary that | should see
and understand. He said that his mind
would not be easy until the whole thing
was settled, and he begged me to come out
to his house at Norwood that night, bring
ing the Will with me, and to arrange mat
ters Remember, my boy, not one word
to your parents about the affair until every
thing is settled. We will keep it as a lit
tie surprise for them He was very insist
ent upon this point and made me promise
it faithfully.
You can imagine, Mr.. Holmes. that
1 was not In humor to refuse him
was my benefactor, and all my desire was
to carry out his wishes in every particular
L sent telegram home, therefor to say
that had important business on hand and
that 1t was impossible for me to say how
late | might be. Mr.. Oldacre had told me
that he would like me to have supper with
him at o, as he might not be home before
that hour. l had some difficulty in finding
his house, however, and it was nearly
half-past before l reached it. l found
him
"one momentr' said Holmes. who
opened the door,
"a middle-aged woman, who was, sup
And 1t was she. l presume, who men
toned your name?'
Exactly" said McFarlane
Pray proceed
McFarlane wiped his damp brow, and
then continued his narrative:
Il was shown by this woman into a
sitting room, where a frugal supper was
laid out. Afterwards, Mr. Jonas Oldacre
led me into his bedroom In which there
stood heavy safe. This he opened and
took out a mass of documents, which we
went over together. 1t was between IL
and IL when we finished. He remarked
that we must not disturb the housekeeper.
He showed me out through his own French
window. which had been open all this
time"
WAS the blind DOWN." asked Holmes.
Il will not be sure, but 1 believe 1t was
only half down. Yes. I remember how he
pulled it up in order to swing open the
window. l could not find my stick. and he
said. Never mind, my boy, I shall see a
good deal of you now, I hope, and I will
claim it.. I left him there. the safe open,
and the papers made up In packets upon
the table. 1t was so late that could not
get back to Blackheath, SO I spent the
night at the Anerley Arms, and l knew
nothing more until 1 read of this horrible
affair in the morning.
Anything more that you would like to
ask Mr.. Holiness said Lestrade whose
eyebrows had gone UP once or twice during
this remarkable explanation.
MOT until have been to Blackheath."
You mean to Norwood" said Lestrade 8
''Oh, yes, no doubt that is what I must
have meant" said Holmes. with his enig-
| NAUTICAL smile Lestrade had learned by
more experiences than he would care to
acknowledge that that razor-iike brain
| could cut through that which was impene-
! trable to him. l saw him look curiously
I at my companion.
II think l should like to have a word
| with you presently, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes, .
\ said he Now, Mr. McFarlane, two OF my
! constabies are at the door, and there is a
| four-wheeler waiting The wretched
young man arose, and with last beseech-