The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1905-07-28
THE RETURN OF
SHERLOCK HOTTIES.
Continued from page e.
By A. CONAN DOYLE.

~ starting point for our investi-
CATION" he hailed cab kings
Cross station said he.
I'VE have a journey, then"
Eyes, / think we must run down to
Cambridge together. All the indica-
lions seem to me to point in that direc-
ton"
"Tell me-" l asked, as we ratified up
Gray's Inn road "have you any sus-
picion vet as to the cause of the dis
appearance? l don't think that among
all orr cases | have known one where
the motives are more obscure. Surely
YOU don't really imagine that he may
be kidnapped in order to give informa-
ton against his wealthy uncle?"
81 confess, my dear Watson, that
that does not appeal to me as very
probable explanation. 1t struck me,
however, as being the one which was
most likely to interest that exceedingly
unpleasant old person"
1T certainly did that, but what are
your alternatives"
Il could mention several. You must
admit that it is curious and suggestive
that this incident should occur ON the
eve of this important match and
should involve the only man whose
presence seems essential to the sue
cess of the side. 1t may, of course, be
a coincidence, but it is interesting.
Amateur sport is free from betting,
but good deal of outside betting goes
on among the public, and it is possible
that it might be worth some ones while
to get at player as the ruffians of the
turf get at a race horse. There is one
explanation A second very obvious
one is that this young man really is
the heir Of a great property, however
modest his means may at present be,
and it is not impossible that a plot to
hold him for ransom might be con-
cocted."
"These theories take no account of
I the telegram"
"Quite true, Watson. The telegram
still remains the only solid thing with
which we have to deal, and we must
not permit our attention to wander
away from it. 1t is to gain light upon
the purpose of this telegram that we
are now upon our way to Cambridge.
The path of our investigation is at
present obscure, but shall be very
much surprised if before evening we
have not cleared it up or made a con-
siderable advance along it,
1t was already dark when we reached
the old university city. Holmes took
cab at the station and ordered the
man to drive to the house of DR.. Les
lie Armstrong. A few minutes later
we had stopped at large mansion in
the busiest thoroughfare. We were
shown in and after long wait were
at last admitted into the consulting
room, where we found the doctor seat
ed behind bis table.
1t argues the degree in which l had
lost touch with my profession that the
name of Leslie Armstrong was I'M
known to me. Now am aware that
he is not only one of the heads of the
medical school of the university, but
thinker of European reputation in more
than one branch of science. Yet even
. without knowing his brilliant record
one could not fail to be impressed by
p mere glance at the MANTLE square,
Massive face, the brooding eyes under
'the matched brows and the granite
moding of the inflexible jaw, man
of deep character, a man with an alert
mind, grim. ascetic, self contained. for
midable-so read Dr. Leslie Arm
strong. He held my friends card in
his hand, and he looked up with no
Very pleased expression upon his dour
Features.
n Il have heard your name, Mr.. Sher-
lock Holmes, and l am aware of your
8profession-one of which I by no means
approve"
In that, doctor, you will find your
self in agreement with every criminal
in the country" said my friend quietly.
80 far as your efforts are directed
Howard the suppression of crime, sir,
they must have the support of every
Reasonable member of the community,
Though l cannot doubt that the official
machinery is amply sufficient for the
purpose. Where your calling is more
open to criticism is when you pry into
Pie secrets of private individuals, when
you rake up family matters which are