Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-25
WATERBURY EVENING DEMOCRAT. THURsDAY MAY 25. 1905

1RBURY EVENING Dl the spot. but the dry wood burned with great fury and 1t was impossible to ar rest the confiagration until the stack had been entirely consumed. Up to this point the incident bore the appearance of an ordinary accident but fresh indications seem to point to serious crime Surprise was expressed at the absence of the mas ter of the establishment from the scene of the fire, and an inquiry followed, which showed that he had disappeared from the house. An examination of his room re- vealed that the bed had not been slept in, that a safe which stood in 1t was open, that number of important papers were scattered about the room and finally that there were signs of a murderous struggle, slight traces of blood being found within the room, and an oaken walking SUCK, which also showed stains of blood upon the handle. It Is known that MT. 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 & McFar- lane of 426 Gresham buildings, E.. C. The police believe that they have evidence in their possession which supplies very convincing motive for the crime. and all together it cannot be doubted that sensa- tional developments will follow.
 Later--It Is rumored as we go to press that John Hector McFarlane has actually been arrested on the charge of the. murder of Jonas Oldacre. It is at least certain that a warrant has been issued. There have been further and sinister develop ments in the investigation at Norwood Besides the signs of a struggle In the room of the unfortunate builder IL is now known that the French windows of his bedroom (which is on the ground foor) were found to be open. that there were marks as if some bulky obJec1 had been dragged across to the wood pile and finally 1t Is asserted that eharred re- mains have been found among the char coal ashes of the fire. The police theory li that a most sensational crime has beer committed, that the victim was clubbeo to death in his own bedroom, his papers rified and his dead body dragged across to the wood stack. which was then ignited i 30 as to hide all traces of the crime. The conduct of the criminal investigation has been left in the experienced hands or Tn spector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. who + following up the clews with his accus toned energy and sagacity.
 Sherlock Holmes listened, with closed eyes and finger tips together, to this re markabic account.
 i "rhe case has certainly some points of interest," said he in his languic fashion. May I ask, in the first place MT. McFarlane. how it is that you art still at liberty, since there appears tt be enough evidence to justify your ar restT'
 i q live at Torrington Lodge. Black heath, with my parents. Mir. Holmes but last night. having to do business very late with Mir. Jonas Oldacre, stayed at a hotel in Norwood and came to my business from there. knew nothing of this affair until l wa, in the train. when I read what vol have just heard. at once saw the hor rible danger of my position, and hur ried to put the case into your hands. have no doubt that should have beel arrested either at my city office or a my home. A man followed me iron London Bridge station, and have n' doubt Great heaven! What is that?'
 It was a clang of the bell, followed instantly by heavy steps upon the stair A moment later our old friend Lestrad appeared in the doorway. Over hi shoulder I caught glimpse of one o two uniformed policemen outside.
 "Mr. John Hector McFarlane" sai, Lestrade.
 Our unfortunate client rose, with
 ghastly face. 7feer e>onTuo
 II arrest you for the willful murder 0 Mfr. Jonas Oldacre of Lower Norwood.
 McFarlane turned to us with ges ture of despair and sank into his chai once more like one who is crushed.
 "One moment. Lestrade.' sail Holmes. Half an hour more or les can make no difference to you. and tn gentleman was about to give us an ac count of this very interesting affai which might aid us in clearing it up."
 'I think there will be no difficulty f clearing it up." said Lestrade grimiy.
 'None the less. with your permis sion, should he mpch interested t hear his account -5aytt
 Well. Mir. Holmes. 1t is difficult fc me to refuse you anything. for you hay been of use to the force once or twic in the past. and we owe you a goo turn at Scotland Yard" said Lestrad At the same time must remain wit my prisoner. and l am bound to war him that anything he may say will al pear in evidence against him."
 '1 wish nothing better" said O, client All I ask is that you shoul hear and recognize the absolute truth
 Lestrade looked at his watch. TT give you half an hour." said he.
 "I must explain first" said McFarlan .'that I knew nothing of Mir Jons Oldacre. His name was familiar to m