Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-15

well. we will take it as working hy-
pothesis for want of a better. Boone as
l have told you, was arrested and taken
to the station, but it could not be shown
that there had ever before been anything
against him. He had for years been known
as professional beggar, but his life APP
peared to have been a very quiet and in
nocent one There the matter stands at
present and the questions which have to
be solved-what Neville ST. Clair was doing
In the opium den, what happened to him
when there where is he now, and what
Hugh Boone had to do with his disa pnear-
ance-are all as far from a solution as ever
confess that cannot recall any case with
In my experience which looked at the first
glance so simple, and yet which presented
such difficulties
While Sherlock Holmes had been detail
ing this singular series of events, we had
been whiriing through the outskirts of the
great town until the last struggling houses
had been left behind, and we ratified along
with a country hedge upon either side CT
us. Just as he finished. however we drove
through two scattered villages, where a few
lights still glimmered in the windows.
I'VE are on the outskirts of Lee said
my companion. I'VE have touched on three
English counties in our short drive, start
ing In Middlesex, passing over an angle of
Surrey. and ending In Kent. See that light
among the trees? That Is The Cedars,'
and beside that lamp sits woman whose
doubt. caught the clink of our horses feet"
But why are you not conducting the
case from Baker street?' l asked.
Because there are many inquiries which
must be made out here. Mrs. St. Clair has
most kindly put two rooms at my disposal.
and you may rest assured that she Will
have nothing but a welcome for my friend
and colleague. I hate TO meet her, Watson,
when have no news of her husband Here
we are. Whoa, there, whoa!'
We had pulled up in front of large
villa which stood within it's own grounds.
A stable boy had run out to the horses
and Swinging down. L followed
Holmes up the small, winding gravel drive
which led to the house. As we approached;
the door few open and little blonde
woman stood in the opening, clad in some
sort of light mousseine de sole, with
touch of fluffy pink chiffon at her neck and
wrists. She stood with heB figure outlined
against the food of light, one hand upon the
door, one half raised in her eagerness, her
body slightly bent, her head and face pro-
truded with eager eyes and parted lips.
standing question.
ing that there were two of us. she gave
cry of hope which sank into groan as she
saw that my companion shook his head
and shrugged his shoulders.
NO good news?
None"
mo bad?"
No"
.Thank God for that. But come in. You
must be weary, for you have had long
day"
This is my friend. DR.. Watson. He has
my cases. and lucky chance has made 1t
possible for me to bring him out and asso-
cIate him with this investigation"
II am delighted to see you, said she.
pressing my hand warmly. You will, /
am sure forgive anything that may be
wanting in our arrangements when you con-
slider the blow which has come so suddenly
upon U.s..
my dear madam" said T. II am an old
campaigner, and if 1 were not can very
well see that no apology is needed. If /
can be of any assistance, either to you or
to my friend .-ere, ! shall be indeed happy.
Now Mr. Sherlock Holmes, said the
lady, as we entered well-iit dining room,
upon the table OF which a cold supper had
been laid out. II should very much like to
ask you one or two plain questions, to
which I beg that you VIII give a plain an
swer."
Certainly. madam"
do not trouble about my feelings. ] am
not hystericai; not given to fainting- /
simply wish to hear your real, real opinion.
Upon what point?''
I'm your heart of hearts do You think
Neville is afive?
Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embar-
raised by the question. Frankly. nowi'
she repeated standing upon the rug and
looking keenIy down at him as he leaned
back in basket chair.
frankly, then. madam, do not"
You think that he is dead?''
II do
.sMnrdered?'
don't say that. Perhaps
eAnd on what day did he meet his
deathg -
"on Monday
Then. perhaps Mr. Holmes, you win be
good enough to explain how 1t is that /
have received letter from him today
Sherlock Holmes sprang out Of his chair
as il he had been galvanized.
WHAT" he roared.
Yes, today" She stood smiling, holding
mp little slip of paper In the air.
May / see it ~
Certainly"