Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-06-17

StToHS. He Hciu my IFleuu cara III his hand, and he looked up with no very pleased expression upon his dour features.
 ''I have heard your name, Mir. Sher- lock Holmes, and I am aware of your profession-one of which by no means approve"
 Tn that, doctor, you will find your self in agreement with every criminal in the country" said my friend quietly.
 ''So far as your efforts are directed toward the suppression of crime, sir, they must have the support of every reasonable member of the community, though I 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 the secrets of private individuals, when you rake up family. matters which are better hidden, and when you incidental ly waste the time of men who are more busy than yourself. At the present mo- ment, for example, I should be writing a treatise instead of conversing with you"
 No doubt, doctor, and yet the con- versation may prove more important than the treatise. Incidentally l may tell you that we are doing the reverse of what you very justly blame, and that we are endeavoring to prevent any, thing like public exposure of private matters which must necessarily follow when once the case is fairly in the hands of the official police. You may look upon me simply as an irregular pioneer, who goes in front of the reg ular forces of the country I have come to ask you about Mr. Godfrey Staunton.'
 What about him?'
 You know him, do you not?'
 He is an intimate friend of mine."
 You are aware that he has disap. peared?" z--r-zss..- ,,
 ''Ah, indeed"' There was no change of expression in the rugged features of the doctor
 He left his hotel last night-he has not been heard Of.
 "No doubt he will return"
 Tomorrow is the varsity football match"
 T have no sympathy with these childish games. The young mans fate interests me deeply, since I know him and like him. The football match does not come within my horizon at all.''
 T claim your sympathy. then, in my investigation of MT. Staunton's fate. Do you know where he is?''
 Certainly not"
 You have not seen him since yester- dayT'
 No, I have not.'
 Was Mir. Staunton a healthy man?"
 Absolutely
 Did you ever know him ill?
 Never"
 Holmes popped a sheet of paper be- fore the doctors eyes ''Then perhaps you will explain this receipted bill for 13 guineas paid by MT. Godfrey Staun- ton last month to Dr. Leslie Arm strong of Cambridge. I picked 1t out from among the papers upon his desk ?
 The doctor flushed with anger
 T do not feel that there is any reason why should render an explanation to you. Mir. Holmes"
 Holmes replaced the bill in his note- book. If you prefer a public explana- tion, it must come sooner or later" said he. T have already told you that can hush up that which others will be bound to publish. and you would really be wiser to take me into your con- plete confidence"
 ''I know nothing about it.
 Did you hear from Mir. Staunton in London?"
 Certainly not"
 Dear me. dear me e- the postofice again" Holmes sighed wearily. "A most urgent telegram was dispatched to you from London by Godfrey Staunton at 6:15 yesterday evening-a telegram which is undoubtedly associ- ated with his disappearance-and yet you have not had if. It is most cul- pablo. I shall certainly go down to the office here and register a con- plaint."
 Dr. Leslie Armstrong sprang up from behind his desk, and his dark face was crimson with fury. .r.--.l
 "I'll trouble you to walk out of my house. sir" said he You can tell your employer Lord Mount-James. that do not wish to have anything to do either with him or with his agents. No. sir-not another word.- He rang the bell furiously. John. show these gentlemen out" A pompous butler ushered US severely to the door. and we found ourselves in the street Holmes burst out laughing.
 ''Dr. Leslie Armstrong is certainly a man of energy and character" said he. "I have not seen a man who if he turns his talents that way. was more calculated to fill the gap left by the illustrious Moriarty. And now. my poor Watson. here we are. stranded and friendless in this inhospitable town. which We cannot leave without abandoning our case. This little inn just opposite Armstrong's house is adapted to our needs. If you would engage front room and purchase the necesSarieS for the night. may have time 10 make a few in quiries'' These few inquiries proved. however. to be a more lengthy proceeding than Holmes had imagined. for he did not