The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-04-23

possible that II might pc WORTH Soiue-
ones while to get at a player as the
ruffians of the turf get at race
horse. There is one explanation. A
second very obvious one is that this
young man really Is the heir of a
great property, however modest his
means may at present be, and 1t is
not impossible that a plot to hold
him for ransom might be eonccocted."
These theories take no account of
the telegram"
Quite true. Watson. The tele-
gram still remains the only solid
thing with which we have to deal,
and we must not permit our attention
to wander away from it. 1t is to gain
light upon the purpose of this tele-
gram that we are now upon our way
to Cambridge. The path OF our in
vestigation is at present obscure, but
shall be very much surprised If be-
fore evening we have not cleared 1t
up, or made considerable advance
along it,
It was already dark when we
reached the old University City.
Holmes took a cab at the station, and
ordered the man to drive to the house
of DR.. Leslie Armstrong. A few
minutes later, we had stopped at
large mansion in the busiest thor
oughfare. We were shown in and
after a long wait were at last adj
mitted into the consulting room,
where we found the doctor seated be-
hind his table.
1t argues the degree in which l had
lost touch with my profession that the
name of Leslie Armstrong was I'M
known to me. Now l am aware that
he Is not only one of the heads of the
medical school of the University, but
thinker of European reputation in
more than one branch of science. Yet
even without knowing his brilliant
record one could not fail to be i'm
pressed by a mere glance at the man,
the square, massive face, the brood
ing eyes under the matched brows.
and the granite moulding of the in
flexible jaw. A man of deep charac-
ter, a man with an alert mind grim,
ascetic, self-contained, formidable
SO I read DIR. Leslie Armstrong. He
held my friends card in his hand. and
he looked up with no very pleased ex-
preston upon his sour features.
II have heard your name, Mr.. Sher-
lock Holmes, and 1 am aware of your
profession-one of which l by no
means approve"
I'm that, Doctor, you will find your
self in agreement with every criminal
in the country" said my friend.
quietly.
$50 far as your efforts are directed
towards the suppression of crime, sir,
they must have the support of every
reasonable member of the community,
though L cannot doubt that the official
machinery Is amply sufficient for the
purpose. Where your calling Is more
open to criticism Is when you pry into
the secrets of private individuals,
when you rake up family matters
which are better hidden, and when
you incidentally waste the time of
men who are more busy than your
self. At the present moment, for ex-
ample, l should be writing a treatise
instead of conversing with you
No doubt, Doctor; and yet the con-
versation may prove more important
than the treatise. Incidentally,
may tell you that we are doing the re-
verse of what you very justly blame,
and that we are endeavouring to pre-
vent anything like public exposure of
private matters which must necessa-
rily follow when once the case is fair
ly in the hands of the official police.
You may look upon me simply as an
irregular pioneer. who goes in front
of the regular forces of the country.
l have come to ask you about Mr..
Godfrey Stanton.
what about him?''
you know him, do you not?"
HE is an intimate friend of mine"
You are aware that he has disap-
peared?"
"Ah, indeedl" There was no change
of expression in the rugged features
of the doctor.
He left his hotel last night-he has
not been heard Of
mo doubt he will return
Tomorrow is the Varsity football
MATCH
II have no sympathy with these
childish games The young mans
fate interests me deeply, since 1 know
him and like him. The football match
does not come within my horizon at
ALL"
81 claim your sympathy, then, in
my investigation of Mr.. Stauntons
fate. Do you know where he is?''
Certainly not
you have not seen him since yes
terday?"
mo, have not"
WAS Mr.. Staunton a healthy MANI"
Absolutely"
did you ever know him ill?''
Never"
Holmes popped a sheet OF paper be-
fore the doctors eyes. Then per-
haps you will explain this receipted
bill for thirteen guineas paid by Mr..
Godfrey Staunton last month to DR..
Leslie Armstrong, of Cambridge
picked it out from among the papers
upon his desk
The doctor flushed with anger
Il do not feel that there is any
reason why l should render an ex-
PLANTATION to you, Mr.. Holmes"
Holmes replaced the bill in his note
book. IF you prefer a public expla-
nation, it must come sooner or later"
said he. Il have already told Won
that l can hush up that which Others
will be bound to publish, and you will
really be wiser to take me into your
complete confidence
II know nothing about it,
Did you hear from Mr.. Staunton
in London?"
Certainly not
Dear me, dear me-the postoffice
again.! Holmes sighed YEARLY. "A
most urgent telegram was dispatched
TO you from London by Godfrey
stanton at six-fifteen yesterday even
lng-a telegram which is undoubtedly
associated with his disappearance
and yet you have not had II If ia
most fculpable- l shall certainly go
down to the office here and register
complaint"
DR.. Leslie Armstrong sprang up
from behind his desk. and his dark
face was crimson with FURY.