Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-05-17

est. He then led the way inside and
went over the whole building from
basement to attic. Most OF the rooms
were unfurnished, but none the less
Holmes inspected them all minutely.
Finally, on the top corridor, which ran
outside three untenanted bedrooms, he
again was seized with a spasm of mer-
riment
There are really some very unique
features about this case, Watson" said
he. Il think ii is time now that We
took our friend I.eStrade into our conf
dence He has had his little smile at
our expense, and perhaps we may do
as much by him if my reading Of this
problem proves to be correct Yes, yes,
think l see how we should approach
it"
The Scotland Yard detective was still
writing in the parIor when Holmes in
terrupted him.
Il understood that you were writing
a report of this case" said he.
so l am"
Don't you think it may be little
premature? 1 can't help thinking that
your evidence is not complete"
Lestrade knew my friend too we'll to
disregard his words. He laid down his
pen and looked curiously at him.
What do you mean, Mr.. Holmes?"
"Only that there is an important wit
ness whom you have not seen"
Can you produce himT'
Il think 1 can"
Then do So"
II will do my best. How many con-
stables have you:"
There are three within call"
Excellent said Holmes. May
ask if they are all large, ablebodied
men with powerful voices?"
Il have no doubt they are, though L
fail to see what their voices have to do
with it,
Perhaps L can help you to see that
and one or two other things as WELL"
said Holmes. kindly summon your
men, and 1 will try"
Five minutes later three policemen
had assembled in the hall.
In the clubhouse you will find a con-
siderable quantity of straw" said
Holmes. Il will ask you to carry in
two bundles of it. l think it will be
of the greatest assistance in producing
the witness whom l require. Thank
you very much. / believe you have
some matches in your pocket, Watson.
Now, Mr.. Lestrade, l will ask you all
to accompany me to the top landing"
AS / have said. there was a broad
corridor there, which ran outside three
empty bedrooms. At one end of the
corridor we were all marshaled by
Sherlock Holmes, the constables grin
MING nd I 10 ta nj af ri
with amazement, expectation and deri-
sion chasing each other across his fea-
lures. Holmes stood before us with
the air of a conjurer who is perform.
ing trick.
Would you kindly send one of your
constables for two buckets of water?
Put the straw on the floor here, free
from the wall on either side. Now l
think that we are all ready"
Lestrade's face had begun to grow
red and angry.
Il don't know whether you are play
ing a game with us, MIR. Sherlock
Holmes" said he. IF you know any
thing you can surely say it without all
this tOmfoolery."
Il assure you, my good Lestrade,
that l have an excellent reason for
everything that l do. You may posi-
bly, remember that you chaffed me
little some hours ago when the sun
seemed on your side of the hedge, so
you must not grudge me a little pomp
and ceremony now. Might / ask you,
Watson, to open that window and then
to put a match TO the edge of the
straw
l did So and, driven by the draft,
coil of gray smoke swirled down the
corridor, while the dry straw cracked
and famed.
Now we must see if we can find this
witness for you, Lestrade. Might 1
ask you all to join in the cry of FireY
Now, then-one, two, three
Fire. we all yelled.
Thank you. will trouble you once
again"
Fire
Just once more. gentlemen, and all
together"
Fire. The shout must have rung
over Norwood.
1t had hardly died away when an
amazing thing happened. A door sud
denly few open out of what appeared
TO be solid wall at the end of the cor
TluOE ana u lllllt WlLcucu man
out OF it like rabbit out OF its bur-
row
Capital" said Holmes calmly.
Watson, a bucket Of water over the
straw. That will do. Lestrade. allow
me TO present you with your principal
missing witness, Mr.. Jonas Oldacre."
The detective stared at the newcOm-
er with blank amaLement. The latter
was blinking in the bright light of the
corridor and peering at us and at the
smoldering fire. 1t was an odlous
fscs-crafty, vicious, malignant, with
shifty. light gray eyes and white
lasheS.
What's this. thenT' said Lestrade at
last. What have you been doing all
this time, eh :"
Oldacre gave an uneasy laugh, shrink
ing back from the furious red face Of
the angry detective.