Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-08-12

ax9Ves&B had brought with it an
Immense practice, and I
should be guilty OF an indiscretiou il I
were even TO hint at the identity OF
some Of the iilustrious clients who
crossed our humble threshold in Baker
street Holmes, however. Ike all great
artists. lived for his arts sake. and.
save in the case of the Duke OF Holder
nesse. have seldom known him claim
any large reward for his inestimable
services. So unworidly was he-or so
capricious-that he frequently refused
his help to the powerful aud wealthy
where the problem made no appeal to
his symplthies. while he would devote
weeks Of most intense application to
the affairs OF some humble client whose
case presented those strange and dra-
matte qualities which appealed to his
Imagination and challenged his inge-
nuity
In this memorable year '95 a curious
and incongruous succession OF cases
had Engaged his attention. ranging
from his famous Investigation OF the
sudden death OF Cardinal Tosca-an
inquiry which was carried out by him
at the express desire of bis holiness the
pope-down 10 his arrest OF Wilson, the
notorious canary trainer. which remov-
ed plague spot from the east end OF
London. Close on the heels OF these
two famous cases came the tragedy OF
Woodlands Lee and the very obscure
circumstances which surrounded the
death of Captain Peter Carey. No rec
ord Of the doings OF Mr. Sherlock
Holmes would be complete which did
not include some account OF this very
unusual affair.
During the first week OF July nv
friend had been absent SO often and so
long from our lodgings that 1 knew he
had something on hand The fact that
several rough looking men called dur
ing that time and inquired for Captain
Basil made me understand that Holmes
was working somewhere under one OF
the numerous DISCUSSES ans names with
which he concealed his own formi-
dabie identity. He had at least Ave
small refugees Ia different parts OF
London In which he was able to
change his personality. He said moth
ing OF his business to me. and II was
not my habit 20 force a confidence.
The first positive sign which he gave
me OF the direction which his investi-
CATION was taking was an extraordl-
nary one. He had gone out before
breakfast, and had sat down TO
mine when he strobe into the room.
his hat upon his head and a huge
barb headed spear tucked like an UNI
brella under his arm.
Good gracious, Holmes" ! cried.
you don't mean 10 say that you have
been walking about London with that
thingl"
Il drove TO the butchers and back {"
''The butcher's?"
And / return with an excellent an
petite. There can be no question, my
dear Watson. OF the value OF exercise
before breakfast But I am prepared
90 bet that you viii not guess the form
that my exercise has taken"
II win not attempt H."
He chuckled as he poured out the cof-
Zee.
'-If you could have looked into Al.
lardyee's back shop you would have
seen dead pig swung from a hook In
the ceiling and a gentleman IN his
shirt sleeves furiously stab0ing at Il
with this weapon. l was that ener-
getic person and / have satisfied my
self that by no exertion OF my strength
can 1 transfix the pig with q single
blow Perhaps you would care 60
try?'
mot for worlds. But why we're you
doing this?"
Because il seemed 20 ne 20 have an
indirect bearing upon the mystery OF
Woodman's Lee. An. Hopkins, / got
your wire last night, and I have been
expecting you. Come and join US"
Our visitor was an exceedingly alert
man, thirty years OF age, dressed In a
quiet tweed suit, but retaining the
erect bearing OF one who was accus-
toned to official uniform. / recognized
him at once as Stanley Hopkins. a
young police inspector. for whose fu-
ture Holmes had high hopes, while he
in turn professed the admiration and
respect Of pupil for the scientific
methods of the famous amateur. Hop
kins' brow was ciouded. and he sat
down with an air of deep detection.
''No. thank you, sir. I brealfasted
before cane round 1 spent the night
IN town, for | came up yesterday to re-
port"
"And what had you TO report7's
"Failure, sir; absolute failure"
''You have made no progressP'
'sNone"
"Dear mel ] must have look at
the matter"
II wish to heavens that you would.
Mr.. Holmes It's my first pig chance.
and am at my wits end For good
ness sake, come down and lend me a
hand"
''well well. 1t just happens that have
already read all the available evidence.
including the report OF abe inquest,
with some care. BY the way. what do
you make OF that tobacco pouch found
on the scene Of the crimei Is there no
ciew there
Hopkins locked surprised.
lit was the mans own pouch. sir.
His inisiz'= gere inside It And It was