Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-04

ing over the handle-bar. Concealment
again. you see. You really have done re-
markably badly. He returns to the house,
and you want to find out who he is. You
come to a London house-agent."
What should l have done?" l cried with
some heat
Gone to the nearest public-house. That
is the center of country gossip. They would
have told you every name, from tn master
to the scullery-maid. Williamson? 1t con-
veys nothing to my mind. If he is an
elderly man he is not this active
cycist. who sprints away from that young
lady's athletic pursuit. What have we
gained by your expedition? The knowledge
that the girls story is tine. l have never
doubted it. That there is connection be-
tween the cyclist and the Hall. never
doubted that either. That the Hail is ten
anted by Williamson. Who's the better for
that? Well, well. my dear sir, don't look
so depressed. We can do little more until
next Saturday. and in the meantime may
make one or two inquiries myself
Next morning we had a note from MSS
Smith. recounting shortly and accurately
the very incidents which had seen. put the
pith of the letter lay in the postscript:
II am sure that you will respect my con-
fidence Mr. Holmes, when tell you that
my place here has become difficult, owing
to the fact that my employer mas pToposed
marriage to me. / am convinced that his
feelings are most deep and most honorable
At the same time, my promise is OF course
given He took my refusal very seriously,
but also very gently. You can unoeIs,anu'
however. that the situation is little
strained. . ...,
Our young friend seems to be getting
into deep waters sad Holmes, thought
fully. as he finished the letter t,,r Inc case
certainly presents more features or
interest and more possibility or de-
velopment than l had originally thought.
T should be none the worse Tor a quiet
neaceful day in the country, and / am IN
clined to run down this afternoon and test
one or two theories which l have form
ed,
Holmes quiet day in the country had a
singular termination, for he arrived at
Baker street late in the evening, with
cut lip and a discolored lump upon his
forehead, besides a general air or as
sipation which would nave MADE MS own
person the fitting object OF, a Scotland Yard
investigation. He was immensely tickled
by his own adventures and laughed heart
lily as he recounted them. III
IT get so little active exercise that 1t is
always a treat" said he. ~ You are aware
that I have some proficiency in the good
old British sport of boxing. Occasionally,
it is of service; today for example, I
should have come to very ignom:nious GRIEF
without it, ~ D@
1 begged him to tell me what had oc-
CURED.
II found that country pub which 1 had
already recommended to your notice. and
there / made my discreet inquiries. I was
in the bar, and garrulous landlord was
giving me all that wanted. Williamson is
a white-bearded man, and he lives alone
with a small staff OF servants at the Hail.
There is some rumour that he is or has been
a clergyman, but one or two incidents Of his
short residence at the Hall struck me as
peculiarly unecclesiasticai. I have already
made some inquiries at a clerical agency.
and they tell me that there was man
of that name In orders, whose career has
been singularly dark one. The landlord
further informed me that there are usually
weekend visitors-.a warm lot, sir at the
Hail. and especially one genaltman with
red mustache. Mr. Woodley by name.
who was always there. We had got as far
as this, when who should walk in but the
gentleman himself, who had been drinking
his beer In the tap-room and had heard the
whole conversation. Who was /? What
did / want? What did mean by asking
questions? He had fine flow OF language.
and his adjectives were very vigorous. He
ended string OF abuse by q vicious back
handler. which failed to entirely avoid.
The next few minutes were delicious. It
was a straight left against slogging ruff
fian. I emerged as you see me. Mr.. Wood
ley went home n cart. go ended nay