The Washington times., 1905-05-28

Holmes stroiied round the house with
his hands in his pockets and negfi-
gent air which was unusual with him.
by the way" said he to Joseph Har-
| rison, you found some piss ~, / under
stand. where the fellow scaled the
fence. Let us have look at that
The plump young man led Us to a
spot where the top of one OF the wooden
rails had been cracked. a small frag-
ment of wood was hanging down
Holmes pulled 1t of and examined it
critically.
! "Dou you think that was done last
| night? 1t looks rather old, doss it not?'
| ''Well. possibly So
There are no marks of any one jump
| ing down upon the other side, No. I
fancy we shall get no help here. Let
US go back TO the bedroom and talk the
matter over"
Percy Phelps was walking very slowly,
leaning upon the arm Of his future
bro:her-in-law. Holmes walked swiftly
across the iaVn, and we were at the
| open window 6r the bedroom long before
the others came up.
| Miss Harrison" SAID Ifsimes. speak
| ing with the utmost intensity of man
| ner. .-you must stay wnere you are ali
day. Let nothing prevent you frbm
staying where You are all day. It is
of the utmost Importance
| Certainly, If you wish it, Mir.
Holmes" said the girl in astonishment.
/ When you go TO bed lock the door OF
| this room on the outside and keep the
key Promise 10 do this
| But Percy?"
| HE will come TO London with US "
| And am 1 TO remain here?'
st is for his sake. You can serve
him. Quick. Promise!'
| She gave a quick nod of assent just
as the other two came up.
| Why do YOU sit mop1ng there. An
nie?'' cried her brother Come out into
the sunshine
"No. thank you, Joseph. I have a
slight headache and this room is de-
ltciously cool and soothing"
What do you propose now, MIR.
Holiness" asked our client.
| 'WeI. In Investigating this minor az
fair we must not lose sight of our main
inquiry. It would be q very great help
TO me IL you would come up 10 London
with Us"
| AT once?"
We'll, as soon as you conveniently
can. Say in an hour"
81 feel quite strong enough, If I can
/
| THE greatest possible
| Perhaps you would like me TO stay
| there tonight?'
II was just going to propose it,
''Then, II my friend of the night comes
| to revisit me, he VIII find the bird flown
We are all in your hands. Mr.. Holmes
and you must tell us exactly what you
would like done. Perhaps you would
prefer that Joseph came with US so as
to look after me2''
| "Oh, no; my friend Watson is a. medi-
cal man. you know, and he'll look after
you. Wen have our lunch here. If yor
will permit us, and then we shall al
three set off for town together"
1t was arranged as he suggested
though Miss Harrison excused herselt
from leaving the bedroom, in accordance
with Holmes suggestion. What the OBJ
tect of my friends maueuYers was
could not conceive, unless it were Il
keep the lady away from Phelps. who
rejoiced by his returning health and by
the prospect of action, lunched with IL!
in the dining-room. Holmes had still
more startling surprise for US. however
for, after accompanying us down to tht
station and seeing us into our carriage
he calmly announced that he had no in
tention of leaving Woking.
There are one or two small points
which / should desire to clear up be
fore l co. said he. Your absence
Mr.. Phelps, will In some ways rathe
assist me. Watson, when you reacl
London you would oblige me by driving
; at once to Baker street with cur frient
; here. and remaining with him until
see you again. 1t Is fortunate that yo'
are old school-fellows. as you must hav
much 10 talk over. Mr.. Phelps can hav
the spare bedroom tonight. and 1 vii
HE with you in time for breakfast, 70