The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-01-28

Very good. I shall look into the
matter between this and then. Good
by; it is just possible that I may have
to come over here again before even
ing
It was obvious to me that my COM
panion's mind was now made up about
the case, although what his conclusions
were was more than / could even dim
ly imagine. Several times during our
homeWard journey I endeaVored to
sound him upon the point, but he al
ways Suded away to some other topic
until at last / gave it over in despair.
It was not yet three when we found
ourselves in our room once more. He
hurried to his chamber and was down
again IN few minutes dressed as a
common Ioafer. With his collar turned
up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat
and his worn boots, he was a perfect
sample of the class.
Il think that this should DO" said
he, glancing into the glass above the
fireplace. Il only wish that you could
come with me, Watson. but fear 1t
won't do. I may be on the trail in this
matter or I may be following a wilI-o'-H
the wisp; but shall soon know which
1t is hope that I may be back in a
few hours" He cut a slice of beef from
the Joint on the sideboard. sandwiched
1t between two rounds of bread. and
thrusting this rude meal into his
pocket, he started off upon his expedi-
ton.
I had just finished my tea when he
returned, evidently in excellent spirits,
swinging an old elastic-sided boot in
his hand. He chucked it down into a
corner and helped himself to a cup of
tea.
Il only looked in as I passed. said
he. Il am going right on"
Where top
ooh, to the other side of the west
end. It may be some time before I get
back Don't wait up for me in case 1
should be late"
How are you getting on %
On. so so. Nothing to complain of.
have been out to Streatham since I
saw you last, but I did not call at the
mouse. It is very sweet little prob
leins and would not have missed it for
a good deal. However I must not sit
gossiping here, but must get these dis
reputable clothes off and return to my
highly respectable self
i could see by his manner that he
had stronger reasons for satisfaction
than his words alone would imply. His
eyes tWinkIed and there was even q
touch of color upon his salIow cheeks.
ne ndsIened upstairs, and a few min
utes later I heard the slam of the hall
door, which told me that he was off
once more upon his congeniaI hunt.
L waited until midnight, but there
was no sign of his return, so I retired
10 my room It was no uncommon
thing for him to be away for days and
nights on end when he was hot upon a
scent so that his lateness caused me
no surprise. / do not know at what
hour he came in, but when I came
down to breakfast in the morning
there he was with a cup of coffee in
one hand and the paper in the other,
as fresh and trim as possible
You viii excuse my beginning with
out you. Watson asid he; 'sbut you re-
member that our client has rather an
early appointment this morning
why, it is after nine now" I an
4 e
that were he. l thought I heard
ring
It was, indeed, our friend the finan-
cier- was shocked by the change
which had come over him, for his face,
which WAS naturally of a broad and
massive mould, was now pinched and
fallen in While his hair seemed to me
at least a shade whittier. He entered
with a WEAKNESS and lethargy which
was even more painful than his vio-
1ence of the morning before. and he
dropped heavily into the armchair
which I pushed forward for him.
4 do not know what I have done to
be so severely tried" said he. "Only
porous man, without a care in the
world. Now I am left to a lonely and
dishonored age. One sorrow comes
close upon the needs of another NV
niece Mary has deserted me-
Deserted you -
Yes. Her bed this morning had
not been slept in, her room was empty
and a note for me lay upon the hall
table. I had said to her last night, in
sorrow and not in anger, that if she
had married my boy all might have
been well with him. Perhaps it was
thOughtlessneSs of me to say so. It is
to that remark that she refers in this
note:
My Dearest Uncle feel that
brought trouble upon you, and that if
I had acted differently this terrible
misfortune might never have occurred.
I cannot, with this thought in my mind,
and I feel that I must leave you for.
ever. Do not worry about my future.
for that is provided for; and above al,
do not search for me. for it will be
fruitless labor and an ill-service to me.
In life or in death, am ever your
| loving MARY"
What could she mean by that note,
Mr.. Holmes? Do you think it points to
suicides"
mo, no nothing of the kind. It is
i perhaps the best possible solution.
/ trust, Mr.. Holder, that you are near
/ ing the end of your troubles"
''Ha! You say so! You have heard
something, Mr. Holmes: you have
you would not think $1,000 apiece
an excessive sum for them ?"
j 4 would pay ten.
''That would be unnecessary. Three
thousand will cover the matter. And
there is a little reward. I fancy Have
you your check book? Here is a pen
/ Better make it out for $4,000
With d dazed face the banker made
out the required check. Holmes
walked over to his desk, took out lit
tie triangular piece of gold with three
gems in it. and threw it down upon
4 the table.
with a shrek of joy our client
/ clutched it up.
You have it, he gasped. 81 am
saved! I am saYed!''
The reaction of JOY was as passionate
as his grief had been, and he Rugged
his recovered gems to his bosom.
There is one other thing you owe,