The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-05-24

w our small stage at Baker
street, but cannot recol-
uSISEN,l1 lect anything more sud
DSANA1ASl den and startling than the
first appearance of DR..
Thorncycroft HuXtable, NJ. A., Phi. d.,
etc. His card, which seemed too small to
carry the weight of his academic dis
tinctions, preceded him by few sec
ondS, and then he entered himself, so
large, so pompous and SO dignifed that
he was the very embodiment of self
possession and solidity. And yet his
first acton when the door had closed
behind him was to stagger against the
table whence he slipped down upon the
floor, and there was that majestic fig
ure prnstrata and insensible upon our
bearskin hearth rug.
We had sprung to our feet, and for 4
few moments we stared in silent
amazement ut this ponderous piece of
W-reckage, which told of some sudden
and fatal storm far cut OH the ocean
OF life. Then Holmes hurried with Il
cushion for his head and with brandy
for his lips. The heavy, white face was
scanned with lines of trouble; the hang.
ing pouches under the closed eyes were
leaden in color; the loose mouth droop-
ed dolorousls' at the corners; the roll
ing chinS We're unshaven. Collar and
shirt bore the CRIME of a long journey,
and the hair bristled unkempt from the
we'll shaped head. 1t was sorely
stricken man who lay before us.
"What is it, Watson?' asked Holmes.
Absolute exhaustion, possibly mere
hunger ard fatigue" said l, with my
finger on the thready pulse, where the
stream of life trickled thin and small.
Return ticket from Mackleton, in
the north Of England" said Holmes.
drawing it from the watch pocket. "It
is not - O'Clock yet He has certainly
been an early starter"
The puckered eyelds had begun tt
CULVER, and now pair of vacant gray
eyes looked up at u.s. An instant late,
the man had scrambled on to his feet
his face crimson with shame.
Forgive this weakness, Mr. Holmes
l have been q little overweight
Thank you, If might have a glass OF
milk and biscuit have no doubt that
should be better. came personally,
Mr.. Holmes, in order to insure that you
would return with me. feared that
no telegram would convince you of the
absolute urgency of the case
when you are quite restored"-
II am quite we'll again. l cannot
Inns CriY I to, 1a 4. 7
wish you, Mr.. Holmes, to come to Mac
kleton with me by the next train"
My friend shook his head
MY colleague, DIR. Watson, could tell
you that we are very busy at present.
am retained in this case of the Fer
rers documents, and the Abergavenny
murder Is coming up for trial. Only g
very important issue could call me from
London at present"
Important" Our visitor threw up
his hands. "Have you heard nothing
of the abduction Of the only son Of the
Duke of Holdernesse?'
what! The late cabinet Minister"
out of the papers, but there was some
rumor in the Globe last night. thought
1t might have reached your ears
Holmes shot out his long, thin arm
and picked oat volume III" in his en-
cyclopaedia Of reference.
'Holdernesse, sixth duke, X. g.,
p. C.'-half the alphabet! Baron Bev-
erley, earl of Carston'-lear me, what a
list! Lord lieutenant of Hallamshire
since 1900. Married Edith, daughter Of
Sir Charles Appledorc, 1888. Heir and
only child, Lord Satire. Owns about
100000 acres. Minerals in Lancashire
and Wales. Address, Carlton House
Terrace; Holdernesse Hall, Hallam-
shire; Carston castle, Bangor, Wales.
Lord of the admiralty. 1872; chief sec
rotary of state for Well, well, this
man Is certainly one of the greatest
subjects of the crownv'
''The greatest and perhaps the wealth
lest. am aware, Mr.. Holmes, that
you take Il very high line in profess
sional matters and that you are pre-
pared to work for the works sake. l
may tell YOU, however, that his grace
has already intimated that check for
$4,000 will be handed over to the per-
son who can tell him where his son is
and another thousand to him who can
name the man or men who have taken
him."
ut is princely Offer" said Hol.les.
watson, think that we shall accom-
pany DR.. Huxtable back to the north
Of England. And now, Dr. Huxtable,
when you have consumed that milk
you will kindly tell me what has hap
pened, when it happened, how it hap
pened and, finally, what DR.. Thorney-
croft HuXtable of the Priory school,
near Mackleton, has to do with the
matter and why he comes three days
after an event-the state Of your chin
gives the date-to ask for my humble
services"
Our visitor had consumed his milk
and biscuits. The light had come back
to his eyes and the color to his cheeks
as he set himself with great vigor and
t'ucidity to explain the situation.
y must inform you, gentlemen, that