The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-02-23
ertng hand and picked up the Dali.

ertng hand and picked up the Daily
Telegraph. which still lay upon Holmes
knee.
If you had looked at it. sir, you
would have seen at q glance what the
errand is on which l hav come to
you this morning. I feel as il my
name and my misfortune must be in
every mans mouth" He turned it owe
90 expose the central page. Here 1t
is. and with your permission I will
read 1t to you. Listen to this. Mr..
Holmes. The head lines are: 'Mysteri-
GUS Affair at Lower Norwood. Disap-
pearance of a Well Known Builder.
Clue to the Criminal That is the clue
which they are already following, Mr..
Holmes, and l know that it leads in
fallibly to me. 1 have been followed
from London Bridge station, and 1 am
sure that they are only waiting for
the warrant to arrest me. 1t will break
my mothers heart-it will break her
heart" He wrung his hands in an
agony OF apprehension, and swayed
backwards n forwards In his chair.
I looked with interest upon this man,
who was accused OF being the perpe-
traitor OF a crime Of violence. He was
flaxen-halred and handsome. In a
washed out negative fashion. with
frightened blue eyes. and q clean
SLdSea ldCes Wllu u Weak, SENSITIVE
mouth. His age may have been about
t~wenty-seven. his dress and bearing
that Of a gentleman. From the pocket
OF his light summer overcoat protrud-
ed the bundle Of Endorsed papers which
proclaimed his profession.
We must use what time we have"
said Holmes. Watson. would you have
the kindness to take the paper and to
read h paragraph in question:"
Underneath the vigorous head lines
which III client had quoted, I read
the following suggestive narrative:
Late last night, or early this morning.
an incident occurred at Lower Norwood
crime. Mr.. Jonas Oldacre is a well known
resident Of that suburb. where he has
carried on his business as a builder for
e ma nsaT years. n aps Mr. ,n 4ld laSss Is 2 bachelor nIs
House, at the sydenham end Of the road
OF that name. He has had the reputation
Of being a man Of eccentric habits. secret
practically withdrawn from the business
in which he Is said to have amassed con-
siderable wealth. A small timber yard
house. and last night. about u o'clock. an
alarm was given that one Of the stacks
was on fire. h engines were soon upon
the spot. but the dry wood burned with
great fury, and 1t was impossible to ar
rest the .~conflagration until the stack had
been entirely consumed. Up to this point
the incident bore tho appearance Of. an
seem to point to serious crime. Surprise
was expressed at the absence of the mas
ter OF the establishment from the scene Of
the hre. and an inquiry followed. which
house: An examination Of his room re-
vealed that the bed nae not been slept
N, that a safe which stood IN 1t was open.
scattered about the room. and. finally,
that there We're signs of a murderous
fsa onn 3 w,t slight .bs traces aces Of blood being
walking. stick, which also showed stains
Of blood upon the handle. 1t Is known
that M; Jonas oldacre had received a
n lass vi sn9 IN IN his bedroom upon that
titled as the property of this person. who
is a young London solicitor named John
a aeesor McFarlane Junior partner Of
buildings, E. e The police believe that
they have evidence in their possession
Which n. supplies a very convincing mo-
not be doubted that sensational deyeion-
ments will follow.
.Later-It is rumored as we go to press
that Mr.. John Hector McFarlane has
the murder of Mr.. Jonas Oldaere. II is at
least certain that a warrant has beer
issued; There have been further and sin
Norwood. Besides the signs Of q struR-
gle in the room Of the unfortunate build
er It is now known that the French win
ground aool) were found to be open. that
there were marks as II some bulky object
q been dragged across to the wood pile.
md, finally. 1t Is asserted that charred
charcoal ashes OF the fire. The police
theory Is that q most sensational crime
has been committed, that the victim was
papers rifed. and his dead body draaeed
across. to the wood stack, which was then
ignited SO as to hide all traces OF the
vestigation has been left in the experi-
enced hands Of Inspector Lestrade Of Scot
land Yard. who is following up the clues
with MS accustomed energy and sagacity.
Sherlock Holmes listened with closed
yes and finger tips together to this
remarkable account.
The case has certainly some points
of Interest" said he. in his languid
fashion. May I ask. in the first lace.
Mr.. McF'arlane. how 1t Is that YOU are
still at liberty. since there appears to
be enough evidence to justify your ar
rest?"
II live at Torrington Lodge. Black.
heath, with my parents. Mi. Holmes.
but last night, having to do business
very late with Mr.. Jonas Oldacre. I
stayed at az hotel in Norwood, and
came to my business from there. I
knew nothing Of this affair until I was
in the train. when I read what you
have Just heard. I Mt once saw the
horrible danger of my position, and I
hurried to put the case into your hands.
I have no doubt that 1 should have
been arrested either at my city ONCE
or at my home. A man followed me
from London Bridge station, and I have
no doubt Great heavens! what is
that?"
1t was a clang OF the bell, followed
instantly by heavy steps upon the stair.
A moment later. our old friend Les
trade appeared in the doorway. Over