The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-19

odd cases in which I have during the last
eight years studied the methods of my friend
Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some
comic, large number merely strange, but
none commonplace; for, working as he did
rather for the love Of his art than for the
requirement of wealth, he refused to associate
himself with any investigation which did not
tend towards the unusual, and even the fan
tactic. OF all these varied cases, however,
cannot recall any which presented more sim
Sular features than that which was associated
with the well-known Surrey family Of the Roy
lofts of Stoke Moran. The events in question
occurred in the early days of my association
with Holmes, when were sharing rooms az
bachelors in Baker street. 1t is possible that
I might have placed them upon record be-
fore. but q promise Of secrecy was made at
the time, from which have only been reed
during the last month by the untimely deatn
Of the lady to whom the pledge was given.
It is perhaps as well that the facts should
now come to light, for have reasons to know
that there are widespread rumors as to the
death of DR.. Grimesby Roylott which tend to
make tho matter even more terrible than the
truth.
It Was carly in April in the year 1888 that
woke one morning to find Sherlock Holmes
standing, fully dressed, by the side OF my
he'd He was a late riser rule, ana as the
clock on the mantelpiece showed me that 1t
was only quarter past T., blinked UP at
him IN some surprise, and perhaps Just a little
resentment. for I was myself regular In my
habits. .'~-- 49,.
Every sorry to knock you up, Watson said
he "'but it's the common lot this morning.
Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she retorted
upon me, and I on you.'
"What is it, then-a hre7'
mo; client. It seems that young lady
has arrived in a considerable state OF excite
ment, who insists upon seeing me. She Is
waiting now in the sitting room. Now. when
young ladies wander about the metropolis at
this hour of the morning, and knock sleepy
people up out OF their beds, I presume that
it is something very pressing which they have
to communicate. Should 1t prove to be an in
teresting case, you would, I am sure, WISH
to follow it from the outset thought, at any
rate, that should call you and give you the
chance
''My dear fellow, would not miss it fol
anything"
I had no keener pleasure than in following
Holmes in his professional Investigations, and
in admiring the rapid deductions, as swift as
intuitions, and yet always founded on logica
basis, with which he unravelled the problems
which were submitted to him. I rapidly threw
on my clothes, and was ready in few min
utes to accompany my friend down to the sit
ting ROOM. 1 lady dressed in black and heavily
yelled, who had been sitting in the window
rose as entered.
"Good morning, madam" said Holmes, cheer
lily. my name is shss.ock Holmes. This II
my intimate friend and associate, DR.. Watson
before whom you can speak freely as be
fore myself. Ha! I am glad to see that Mrs
Hudson has had the good sense to light tn
fire. Pray draw up to 1t, and I shall orde
you cup of hot coffee, for observe that 20
are shivering."
ut is not cold which makes me shtver,
said the woman, in low voice, changing he
seat requested.
what, thenT' ~
at is fear, Mr., Holmes. 1t is terror.
She raised her veil as she spoke, and we coul
see that she indeed in pitiable stat
of agitation, her face all drawn and gray
with restless, frightened eyes, like those o
some hunted animal. Her features and fgur
were those Of woman of &c. but her hal
was shot with premature gray, and her e1
preston was weary and haggard sherloc
Holmes ran her over with one Of his quick, all
comprehensive glances. ue-.a...
'tYou must not fear,'' said he, soothinglJ
bending forward and patting her forearm. wv
shall soon set matters right have no doub'
You have come in by train this morning,
see" ~
'tYou know me, them"
mo but I observe the second half OF
return ticket in the palm Of your left glove
You must have started early, and yet you ha
good drive in dog-cart, along heavy roads
before you reached the station
The lady gave violent start, and stare
In bewilderment at my companion. 49,.
''There is no mystery, my dear madam" sal
he, smiling. 1.-THE left arm Of your Jacket
spattered with mud in less than seve
places The marks are perfectly fresh. The'
Is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws I
null in that way, and then only when you g
on the left-hand side Of the driver"
.sWhatever your reasons may be, you a.
perfectly correct said she. II started fro
home before 6, reached Leatherhead at twen
past, and came in by the first train to. Waite
loo. Sir, can stand this strain no longe
shall go mad If 1t continues. I have o,
to turn te-none, save only one, who cares f
me, and he poor fellow, can be Of little al
I have heard of you, Mr.. Holmes; have heal
of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you helpe
In the hour Of her sore need, It was fro
her that had your address. Oh, sir, do "
not think that you could help me, too, al
at least throw little light thru the den
darkness which surrounds me-? At present
81 Is out of my power to reward you for 20,
services, but in month or six weeks sha
be married, with the control Of my own incom
and then at least you shall not find me u
grateful" - E .E@
s Holmes turned to his DESK and unlocking
drew out small casebook, which he Co
suited
s ''Farintosh," said he. "Ah,s yes I reca
the case; it was concerned with an opal thar
think it was before your time, Watson.
can only say madam, that. shall be hapl
to devote the same care to your case as
did to that Of your friend. AS to rewar
8 my profession is its own reward; but you a
ut liberty to defray whatever expenses I m,
be put to, at the time which suits you bes
81 And now beg that you Will lay before
everything that may help us in forming !.
opinion upon the matter
.Alas!' replied our visitor, "the very he
s Tor OF. my situation lies in the fact that q
fears are so vague, and my suspicious depel
10 entirely upon small points, which mig
seem trivial to another, that even he to who
s Of all others have right to look for he
and advice looks upon all that tell hi
about it as the fancies of a nervous woma
He does not say so, but can read 1t fire.