The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-08-20

Miss stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination through the open window. endeavored in every way to force the shutter open. but without suc- cess- There was no slit through which a knife could be passed to raise the bar Then with his lens tested the hinges but they were of solid Iron, built firmly Into the massive masonry. "Humr said he, scratching his chin in some perplex- ity; my theory certainly presents some difficulties. No could pass those | shutters if they were bolted. We'll we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the natter small side door led Into the white washed corridor from which the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to ex- anime the third chamber, so we passed at once to the second that in which Miss Stoner was now sleeping. and in which her sister had met her fate It was homey little room. with a low ceiling and a gaping fireplace after the fashion of old country houses. brown chest of drawers stood In corner, a narrow white-counterpaned bed in an- other, and dressing table the left hand side of the window. These articles, with two small wicker-w work chairs made up all the furniture in the room, save for square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the panel- ing of the walls were of brown worm-
 
 may have dated from the original build ing of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into corner and sat silent, 1 while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down. taking in every de- tail of the apartment Where does that bell communicate with?' he asked at last pointing to a thick hell-rope which hung down beside the bed. the tassel actually lying upon the pillow
 Tt goes to the housekeepers room" "It looks newer than the other things?"
 Yes. 1t was only put there a couple of years ago..
 Your sister asked for it. I suppose?'' No l never heard of her using it. We always used to get what we wanted for ourselves ''
 Indeed. it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. You will ex- | cuse me for a few minutes while I sat isfy myself as to this hoor.' He threw himself down upon his face with his lens In his hand. and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examined minu- tely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the woodwork with which the chamber was panelled. Final 1 ly he walked over to the bed. and spent some time in staring at 1t. and in running his eye up and down the wall Finally he took the bell-rope in his hand and 
 Why. it's a dummy said he. i Wont 1t ring?'
 "No. it is not even attached to a wire This Is very interesting. You can see now that 1t is fastened to a hook just above where the little opening for the ventilator s
 How very absurd! I never noticed that before.
 Very stranger muttered Holmes. pulling at the rope. There are one or two very singular points about this room. For example, what a fool a builder must be to open ventilator into another room. when, with the same trouble. he might have communicated with the outside air
 That Is also quite modern,' said the lady.
 Done about the same time as the bell rope?" remarked Holmes.
 "Yes. there were several little changes carried out about that time. "They seem to have been of a most 1 interesting character-dummy bell ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate With your permission, Miss Stoner, we shall carry our researches into the inner apartment"
 pr. Grimesby Roylotts chamber was larger than that if his stepdaughter but was as plainly furnished. camp bed a small wooden shelf full of books. most ly of a technical character. an armchair
  against the wall. round table and large round safe which met the eye Holmes walked slowly round and ex- amined each and all of them with the keenest interest.
 "Whats in here?" he asked, tapping the safe
 My stepfather's business papers ."Oh you have seen inside. then?' "Only once some years, ago. l remem- Der that it was full of papers"
 There isn't cat In it, for example?" No. What strange ideaf
 We'll look at thisr' He took up small saucer of milk, which stood on the top of 1t.
 No we don't keep a cat. But there is eheetah and a baboon
 "Ah, yes, of course Well cheetah is just a big cat, and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying it's wants, dare say There is one point which l should wish to determine. He squatted down in front of the wooden chair, and examined the seat of it's with the great est attention.
 Thank you That Is quite settled" said he, rising and putting his lens in his pocket. Hello, here is something inter- esting!'
 The object which had eought his eye was a small dog-lash hung on one cor ner of the bed. The lash, however. was
  loop of whip-cord.
 What do you make of that. Watson?"
 Its a common enough lash. But I don't know why 1t should be tied.
 That is not quite so common. is it? An. me! it's a wicked world, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime 1t is the worst of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner. and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn"
 I had never seen my friends face so grim or his brow so dark as fl was when we turned from the scene of this investi- | gation. We had walked several times up and down the lawn. neither Miss Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he reused himself from his reverie
 Tt is very essential. Miss Stoner." said he. that you should absolutely follow | my advice in every respect.'
 'T shall most certainly do so'
 "The matter is too serious for any hesi- | tation. Your life may depend upon your | compliance
 T assure you that I am in your hands"
 'In the first place. both my friend and | I must spend the night in your room" |
 Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him | ir sstonishment
 Yes, 1t must be so. Let me explain. I | believe that that is the village :'ir over th6re?"
 Yes that is the Crown
 Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?'
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