The Washington times., 1905-05-28

there is train which will take me into
Waterloo at eight"
''Bnt how about our investigation in
London?" asked Phelps, ruefuIIy
I'VE can do that tomorrow I think
that just at present can be of more
immediate use here"
You might tell them at Briarbrae
that I hope to be back tomorrow night y
cried Phelps. as we began to move from
the platform.
Il hardly expect TO go back to Briar-
brae." answered Holmes. and waved his
hand to US cheerily as we shot out from
the statioS
Phelps and I talked it over on our
Journey. but neither of us could devise
a satisfactory reason for this new de-
yelopment
81 suppose he wants to find out some
clue as 10 the burglary last night, if a
burglar 1t was. For myself, I don't be
lieve 1t was an ordinary thief
What is your own idea, them"
Upon my word. you may put it down
TO my weak nerves or not, but I believe
there Is some deep political intrigue
going on around me, and that for some
reason that passes my understanding
my life is aimed at by the conspirators
It sounds high-fown and absurd. but
consider the facts! Why should a thief
try To break in at a bedroom window
where there could 6e no hope of any
plumber. and mhy should he come with
q long knifedn his hand
You are s,sre it was not q house
breakers jiTnmy?"
"Oh. no: it vas a knife. I saw the
fash of the bl3de quite distinctly
But why on earth should you be pur-
sued with such animosity?''
''Ah. that is the question.
| We'll. if Holmes takes the same
view. that would account for his action
would it net? Presuning that youl
! theory Is correct if he can lay his
hands upon the man who threatened yoI
last night he will have gone 8, long way
toward finding who took the nava
| treaty. It is ;,hs,Ird to suppose that yol
have two enemies. one of whom robs
YOU while the other threatens youl
| life"
"Rut Holmes eatd that he was not
going to Briar:,rae
| II have kaown Him for some time
| said I, but never knew him do any
| thing yet without a very good reason.
| and with that our conversation driftet
oft on to other topics.
But it was Il weary day for me
| Phelps was still weak after his long i'll
ness, and his misfortunes made hin
querulous and nervous. In vain I Ell
deavored to interest MIN in Afghanistan
| In India. In social questions, in any
thing which might take his mind out o
the groove He would always come
/ back to his lost treaty. wondering
| guessing, speculatiug as to wha
Holmes was doing. what steps Lore
Holdhurst was taking, what news "
should have in the morning, AS tn
| evening wore on his excitement becam
quite painful.
You have implicit faith IN Holmes?'
he asked.
"I have seen hin do some remarkabl
things
| but he never brought light into any
thing quite so dark as this?''
"Oh, yes; I have known him solv'
questions which presented fewer clue
than yours"
But not where such large interest
are at stake?"
IT don't know that To my certain
knowledge he has acted on behalf o
three Of the reigning houses Of Europ-
in very vital matters
"But you know him we'll, Watson. H
is such an inscrutabIe fellow that
never quite know what to make of him
Do you think he is hopeful? Do yol
think he exDects to make a success o
it?''
"He has said nothing"
THAT is q bad sign
con the contrary, l have noticed tha
when he IS off the trail he generall
says so, 1t is when he is on a seen
and is not quite absolutely sure yet
is the right one that he is most tact
turn. Now, my dear fellow. we can
help matters by making ourselves neTv
Gus about them, SO let me implore yo
to sgo 10 bed and so be fresh for what
: ever may await us tomorrow.