Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1905-07-22

evident that these books which I had
so unfortunately maltreated were very
precious objects in the eyes Of their
owner. With q snarl Of contempt he
turned upon hts heel, and I saw his
curved back and white side whiskers
disappear among the throng.
My observations of 42T Park lane did
little to clear up the problem in which
I was interested. The house was sep
arated from the street by low wall
and railing. the whole not more than
five feet high. 1t was perfectly easy.
therefore, for any one to get into the
garden. but the window was entirely
inaccessible since there was no water.
pipe or anything which could help the
most active man to climb It. More puz.
zlcd than ever, retraced my steps to
Kensington. had not been in my
study five minutes when the maid en-
tered TO say that person desired to
see me. To my establishment It was
none other than my strange old book
collector, his sharp, wizcncd face peer.
Ing out from frame of white hair, and
his precious volumes. a dozen Of them
at least, wcdged under his right arm.
You're surprised to see me, sir"
said he in strange, croaking voice.
I acknowledged that I was.
well. I've conscience, sir, and
when CHANGED to see you go into this
house rs came hobbling after you,
thought to myself I'll just step I'm and
see that kind gentleman and tell him
that II was n bit gruff in my manner
there was not any harm meant and that
I am much obliged to him for picking
up my books"
You make too much of trifle," said
I. MAY I ask how you knew who I
wasr
Yes, sir. II It isn't too great n liber.
ty am nelghbor Of yours, for you'll
find my little bookshop ut the corner Of
Church street, and very happy to see
you. I am sure. Maybe you collect
yourself. sir. Here's British Birds
and Catullus' and The Holy War'-a
bargain, every one OF them. With Ave
volumes you could just Ill that gap on
that second shelf. It looks untldy,
does II not, siri"
moved my head to look at the cabi-
net behind me. When l turned again
Sherlock Holmes was standing smiling
ut me across my study table. rose TO
my feet, stared at HIM for some sec
onds In utter amnzement. and then II
appears that I must have tainted for
the first and the last time In my life.
nl,,i, al "a Lafnr.
my eyes, and when 1t cleared I found
my collar ends undone and the tingling
after-taste Of brandy upon my lips.
Holmes was bending over my chair,
his flask In his hand
my dear WATSON said the well re-
membered voice, 81 owe you thou
sand apologies. had no idea that you
would be 80 affected"
gripped him by the arms.
"Holmes.' cried. Els It really you?
Can It indeed be that you are alivef Is
It possible that you succeeded In climb
ing out Of that awful abyssr'
"wait q moment" said he. Are you
sure that you are really fit to discuss
thingsf I have given you Il serious
Sboth Wy uhlSItbsutlly
temperance"
II am all right, but'indecd. Holmes,
can hardly believe my eyes. Good
heavens, to think that you-you Of oil
men-should be standing In my study"
Again gripped him by the sleeve and
felt the thin. sinewy arm beneath It.
well. you're not spirit anyhow"
said I. "My dear chap. I'm overJoyed
to see you. Sit down and tell me how
you came alive out OF that dreadful
chasm."
He opposite to me and lit olga
rette In his old nonchalant manner.
He was dressed In the seedy frock coat
that Individual lay In n pile Of white
hair and old books upon the table.
Holmes looked even thinner and keener
than OF old. but there was dead white
tinge In his aqulline face which told
me that his life'recently had not been n
healthy one.
II am glad to stretch myself. Wat
son." said he. 1T is no Joke when n
tall man has to take foot Off his
stature for several hours on end. Now,
my dear fellow. In the matter Of these
explanations. we have, II l may ask
for your cooperation. hard and dan.
gcrous nights work In front Of US. Per
haps It wouhl be better II gave you an
account Of the whole situation when
that work is finished"
81 am full Of curiosity. ! should
much prefer to hear now"
"You'll come with me tonight"
| "Whcn youulike and where you like"
This is, lnieed, like the old days
We shall have time for n mouthful OF
dinner before we need go. Well. thcn
about that chasm. had no serious
difficulty in getting out Of 1t for the
very simple treason that l never was
In t."
| "You never'were init"
mo. Watson, I never was In II. My
note,to you was absolutely genuine.
had little doubt that had come to Tho
end Of my career when | perceived thu
| sompwhat sinister figure Of .lp lat,