The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-03-16
Nl-THE ADVENTURE OF THE
DANCING MAN.

Wl-THE ADVENTURE OF THE
DANCING MAN.
Holmes had been seated for some
hours in silence with his long, tllir
back curved over a chemical vessel in
which he was brewing 4 particularly
nnalodorous product. His ead was
sunk upon his breast, and he ooked
from my point of view like a strange
lank bird, with a dull grey plumage and
q black top-lalot.
$50. Watson" said he, suddenly, "you
do not propose to invest in South Afri-
can securities ?"
I gave a start of astonishment. Ac-
cuStomed as / was to Holmes curious
faculties. this sudden intrusion into my
most intimate thoughts was utterly in
applicable.
How on earth do you know that?'
4 asked.
He wheeled round upon his stool,
With a steaming test tube in his hand,
and a CLEAN of amusement in his deep
set eyes.
Nov. Watson, confess yourself ut
terly taken aback.' said he.
Il ought u to make you sign a paper to
that effect"
why? p"
Because in five minutes you will say
that it is all SO absurdly simple"
Il am sure that I shall say nothing of
the Kind"
propped his test tube in the rack, and
began to lecture with the air of a pro-
fessor addressing his class-"it is not
really difficult to construct a series of
differences, each dependent upon it's
predecessor n each simple in itself.
4. after doing 50, one simply knocks
out all the central differences n pre-
sents ones audience withsthe startling
point and the conclusion, one MAJ pro-
duce a startling, though possibly a
meretricious, effect. Now, it was not
really difficult, by an inspection of the
groove between your left forefinger and
thumb. to feel sure that o did not
propose to invest your small capital in
the gold fields"
81 see no connection"
Very likely not; but I can quickly
show you a close connection. Here
are h missing links of the very simple
chain: /. You had chalk between your
left finger and thumb when you re-
turned from the club last night. 2.
You put chalk there when you play bill
.uards to steady the cue 8. You never
play billiards except with Thurston.
Thurston had an option on some South
African property which would expire
in a month, and which he desired you
to share with him. s. Your check
is locked in my drawer, and you
not asked for the key. 6. You do
propose to invest your money in
this manner"
How absurdly simple!" I cried.
quite TO-" said he, a little nettled.
Every problem becomes very childish
when once it is explained to you. Here
Is an unexplained one. See what YOU
can make OF that, friend Watson He
tossed a sheet of paper upon the table.
n turned n C more to his chemical
analysis.
I looked with amazement at the alb
ssrrd zhi~eroglyphics upon the paper.
vVhy. Holmes. 1t is a child's draw
ng." I cried.
NOh, that's your idea.!"
What else should 1T be-"
s"Eha Is what MIR. Hilton Cubitt. of
Riding Thorpe Manor. Norfolk. is very
nxiou to know. This little conun-
drum came by the first post. and he
to follow by the next train. There's
q ring at the bell. Watson. I should
not be very much surprised IL this
we're he
"A heavy step was heard upon the
stairs. and an instant later there en-
tered a tall. ruddy, clean shaven gem
.ieman, whose clear eyes and florid
.heeks told of a life led far from the
OF Baker street. He seemed to
bring u Whit OF his strong. fresh. brac-
s coast air with him. as he en-
11dVIHS shaken names with eIch
u US. he was about to sit down. when
his eye rested upon the paper with the
markings. which I had just ex-
amtnedsand left upon the table.
Well. Mr.. Holmes. what do you
make OF these?' he cried. They told
me that you were fond Of queer mys
.eeries, and I don't think you can find
4ueerer one than that. I sent the
paper on ahead. so that you might have
,ume to study 1t before / anne.
1T is certainly rathelaa curious pro-
Suction" said Holmes.
A first sight 1t would appear to be
some childish prank. It consists Of a
number Of absurd little figures dancing
across the paper upon which they are
dra Wu- Why would you attribute any
importance to 80 grotesque an OBJ
Ject!"
Il never should, Mr.. Holmes. But
m. wife does. 1t is frightening her.
to death. She IA nothing. but I can
seee terror in her eyes. That's why I
wan to sift the matter to the bottom"
Holmes held up the paper SO tina the
sunlight shone full upon 1t. 1t was a
pagp tori from a note book. The mark-
fnEY were done in pencil. and ran this