Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-27


 for III wi6S mn his txust ii hF shone h hig featurss HoImeg had liotsued to his story with the utmost attsntjon, and now he rat for some time in silent thought.
 Don't you think. Mr. Cubitt," said he at last. 'that your best plan would be to make direct appeal to your wife and to ask her to share her secret with your
 Hilton Cubitt shook his massive head.
 "A promise is promise. Nr. Holmes. If Elsie wished to tell me she would. If not. 1t is not for me to force her con ddence. But am justified in taking my own line e-and will"
 Then I will help you with all my heart. In the first place. have you heard of any strangers being seen in your neIghborhoodY'
 "No."
 T presume that it is a very quiet place. Any fresh face would cause comment?"
 Tn the immediate neighborhood, yes. But we have several small watering places not very far away. And the farmers take in lodgers."
 These hieroglyphics have evidently | meaning. If it Is purely arbitrary one 1t may be impossible for us to solve 1t. If, on the other hand, it Is systematic, have no doubt that we shall get to the bottom of 1t. But this particular sample is so short that can do nothing, and the facts which you have brought me are so indefinite that we have no basis for an invesn- gation- would suggest that you re- turn to Norfolk, that you keep keen lookout and that you take an exact copy of any fresh dancing men which may appear. It Is a thousand pities that we have not a reproduction of those which were done in chalk upon the window sill. Make a discreet in- Quiry also as to any strangers In the neighborhood. When you have collect ed some fresh evidence come to me again. That Is the best advice which II. ! there are any pressing fresh develop ments shall be always ready to run down and see you in your Norfolk home"
 The interview left Sherlock Holmes very thoughtful and several times in the next few days I saw him take his slip of paper from his notebook and look long and earnestly at the curious figures inscribed upon 1t. He made no allusion to the affair. however, until one afternoon fortnight or 70 later. was going out when he called me back.
 You had better stay here, Watson"
 "Whyr
 Because had a wire from Hilton Cubitt this morning. You remember Hilton Cubitt of the dancing meni He was to reach Liverpool street at 1:2O. He may be here at any. moment. gather from hls wire that there have been some new incidents of impor- tance"
 We had not long to wait, for our Nor folk squire came straight from the sta ton as fast as hanson could bring him. He was looking worried and de pressed, with tired eyes and . lined forehead.
 Its getting on my nerves. this busi- ness, Mr. Holmes," said he as he sank, like a wearied man, into an armchair. Its bad enough to feel that you are surrounded by unseen, unknown folk, who have some kind of design upon you. but when, in addition to that, you know that it is just Killing your wife by inches. then 1t becomes as much as flesh and blood can endure. She's wearing away under it-just wearing away before my eyes."
 Has she said anything yeti"
 No. Mfr. Holmes. she has not And yet there have been times when the poor girl has wanted to speak and yet could not quite bring herself to take the plunge. Ihave tried to help her. but I dare say dId 1t ciunsily and scared her from it. She has spoken about my old family and our reputation in the county and our pride in our unsullled honor. and I always felt 1t was lead ing to the point. but somehow it turned oR before we got there"
 "But you have found out something for yourself?"
 "A good deal. Mir. Holmes. have several fresh dancing men pictures for you to examine. and. what is more i'm portant, have seen the fellow"
 "W'haf-the man who draws themT
 "Yes: saw him at work. But will tell you everything in order. When I got back after my visit to you the very first thing saw next morning was a fresh crop of dancing men. They had been drawn In chalk upon the black wooden door of the tool house. which stands beside the lawn in full view of the front windows. took an exAct copy. and here 1t is." He unfoldesi paper and laid 1t upon the table. Here is . copy of the hIerogiyphics:
 YYYtYYYYY