Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-08-11

he room. And an oakeh walking stick
which also showed stains OF blood upon
the handle. 1t is known that Mr.. Jonas
Oldacre had received a late visitor In his
bedroom upon that night, and the stick
found has been identified as the property
OF this person. who Is young London
solicitor named John Hector McFarlane.
Junior partner OF Graham G. McFar-
lane OF 48 Gresham buildings. q. G. The
police believe that they have evidence in
their possession which supplies very
convincing motive for the crime. and al
together It cannot be doubted that sensa-
donal developments will follow.
Later-It Is rumored as we 60 to press
that John Hector McFarlane has actually
been arrested on the charge Of the murder
pf Jonas Oldacre. It is at least certain
that warrant has been issued. There
have been further and sinister develop
ments In the investigation at Norwood.
Besides the signs of q struggle In the
room Of the unfortunate builder It Is
now known that the French windows
OF his bedroom (which is on the ground
hoor) were found to be open, that there
We're marks as II some bulky object
had been dragged across to the wood pile,
and finally 1t is asserted that charred re-
mains have been found among the char
coal ashes Of the fire. The police theory is
that mosH sensational crime has been
committed. that the victim was dubbed
to death in his own bedroom, his papers
rlfled and his dead body dragged across
to the wood stack, which was then ignited,
SO as to hide all traces Of thescrime. The
conduct of the criminal investigation has
been left in the experienced hands Of In
spector Lestrade of Scotland Yard, who Is
following up the clews with his accus-
toned energy and sagacity
Sherlock Holmes listened, with closed
eyes and finger tips together, to this re-
markable account.
The case has certainly some points
Of interest,"" said he In his languid
fashion. May ask, In the first place,
Mr.. McFarlane, how it Is that you are
still at liberty, since there appears to
be enough evidence to justify your ar
rest p
II live at Torrington Lodge, Black
heath, with my parents, Mr.. Holmes,
but last night, having to do business
very late with Mr.. Jonas Oldacre, 1
stayed ut hotel In Norwood and
came to my business from there. 1
knew nothing of this affair until was
In the train, when I read what you
have just heard. at once saw the hor-
Erible danger Of my position, and hur-
ried to put the case into your hands. /
have no doubt that should have been
arrested either at my city Office or at
my home. A man followed me from
London Bridge station, and have no
doubt Great heaven! What is that
1t was a clang Of the bell, followed
instantly by heavy steps upon the stair.
A moment later our old friend Lestrade
appeared in the doorway. Over his
shoulder caught a glimpse Of one or
two uniformed policemen outside.
"Mr. John Hector McFarlanar' said
Lestrade.
Our unfortunate client rose. with
CHASTITY face.
Il arrest YOU for the willful murder Of
Mr.. Jonas Oldacre Of Lower Norwood"
McFarlane turned to US with ges-
ture Of despair and sank into his chair
once more like one who is crushed.
Zone moment, Lestrade," said
Holmes. Half an hour more or less
can make no difference to you, and the
gentleman was about to give us an ac-
count Of this very interesting affair.
which might aid US in clearing it up"
II think there will be no difficulty In
clearing 1t up" said Lestrade grimly.
None the less. with your permits
sion, ] should be much interested to
kear his account"
"Well, Mr.. Holmes. 1t is difficult for
me to refuse you anything, for you have
been Of use to the force once or twice
IN the past, and we owe you good
turn at Scotland Yard" said Lestrade.
TAT the same time / must remain with
my prisoner. and am bound to warn
him that anything he may say win APP
pear in evidence against him"
y wish nothing better,' said our
client, "All ask is that you should
hear and recognize the absolute truth"
Isestrade looked at his watch. "I'll
give you half an hour" said he.