The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1906-03-20

sharp. metllic click. at ~ in
amazement. There could be no doubt
what The sounds were now. The first
ones had been caused BY some ons
forcing an through the slit
between the sashes. ard the second By
the catch being pressed back.
There was a pause then for about
ten minutes. - If the person wee
waiting 70 see whether the noise Ia i
awakened me Then I heard a gentle
creaking as the window was very SLOW
~ openei. ] could stand ii no longer.
for my nerves are not what they used
TO be. ! sprang out Of bed and flung
open the shutters. \ man was crouch
ing at the window. I could see little
OF HIM. Tor he was gone like a fash.
he was wrapped in some sort OF a
coax. which came across the lower
part Of his face. one thing only cm
sure of. that il that he had some
weapon in his hand. It looked 10 me
like a long knife. ! distinctively saw
the CLEAN Of 1t as he turned to run.
This is most interesting" said
Holmes. Pray what did you do
then -
Il should have followed him
through the open window if / had
been stronger. .As it was. ] rang the
bell and reused the house. II took ne
some Mite time. for the bell rings in
the kitchen, and the servants all sleep
upstairs. l shouted. however. and
that brought Joseph down. and no
reused the others. Joseph ard the
groom found marks on the bed OUTSIDE
the window, but the weather has been
50 dry lately that they found it hope
less TO follow the trail across the
grass. There's a place. however. on
the wooden fence which skirts the
road which shows signs. they tell me.
as If some one had got over and had
snapped the top rail in doing so. /
nave said nothing to the local police
yet. for ] thought / had best have YOUR
opinion first"
This tale of our clients appeared to
nave an extraordinary effect upon
sherlock Holmes. He rose from his
chair and paced about the room in
uncomfortable excitement.
"Misfortunes never come single
said Phelps, smiling, though it
was evident that his adventure had
somewhat shaken him.
You have certainly had your
aid Holmes. "Do you think
you u walk around the house with
"Oh, YES, / should like a little sun
shine. Joseph will come. too"
And | also" said Miss Harrison.
4 am afraid not." said Holmes. !
shaking his head. II think must |
ask you to remain sitting exactly |
you are"
obAi ldoS ISSuIIlCu Htl seal l
with an air Of displeasure. Her broth
however, had joined us and We
set out ali four together. We passed
the lawn to the outside of the
young diplomatist's window. There
were, as he had said, marks upon
the bed, but they were hopelessly
blurred and vague. Holmes stopped
them for an instant. and then
rose smuggling his shoulders. 4
Il don't think any one could make |
much of this said he. Let US go
round the house and see why this par |
ticular' room was chosen by the bur
Slar. I should have thought those lar
ger windows of the drawing-room |
and dining-room would have had more |
attractions for him." |
They are more visible from the
road" suggested Mr.. Joseph Harri-
"Ah, yes, of course. There is a door |
here which he might have attempted
What is it for?" |
1T is the side entrance for trades !
people. Of course, it is locked at
Have you ever had an alarm like
this before?"
Never" said our client.
DC o keep plate in the house.
or anything to attract burglars?"
Nothing of value" .
IlollliCS SlloilCd louIiu liz HOUSE, l
With his hands in his pockets and a
negligent air which was unusual with
him.
by the way" said he to Joseph
Harrison, you found some place, l
understand. where the fellow scaled !
the fence. Let US have a look at that"
The plump young MAJ led us to n
where the top of one of the
wooden rails had been cracked. A
small fragment of the wood was hang |
ing down. Holmes pulled it off and
it critically.
DO you think that was done last
1t looks rather old. does it
well, possibly So"
There are no marks of anyone
down upon the other side. No.
fancy we shall get no help here. Let |
Is so back to the bedroom and talk
he matter over
Percy Phelps was walking very
slowly, leaning upon the arm of his
future ~brcther-in-law. Holmes walked
across the lawn, and we were
1T the open Windo of the bedroom
ong before the others came up.
Miss HARRISON" said Holmes, !
speaking With the utmost intensity OF
manner. you must stay whore you
ire all day, Let nothing prevent you
rom staying where YOU are all day.
1t is of the utmost Importance
"Certainly. if you wish it. Mr..
said the girl in establishment.
When Q 80 10 bed lock the door
IF this room on the outside and keep 4,
he key. Promise to do this"
But Percy?'
He will come TO London with us"
And am | to remain hcrc?"E
1t is for his sake. You can serve
1im. Quick. Promise"
She gave \ quick nod of assent lust
Is the other two came up.
why do you sit moping there. An
cried her brother. Come out
nto the sunshinc!!"
No. thank You. Joseph. | have Il
headache and this room is dclic-
ouslN cool and soothing.
What do YOU propose now. Mr..
IolmeS?" asked our client.
well. in Investigating this minor
flair we must not lose sight of Our
main Enquiry. 1t would be a very
help to me if you would come