The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-06-29
Holmes shrugged his shoulders

f1olIleS ms Sl1OulderS.
w have a long way to go yet" said
he. And yet-and yet-well. we have
some suggestive facts to act upon. The
possession of this trifing bust was
worth more, in the eyes of this strange
criminal than a human life. That is
one point. Then there is the singular
fact that he did not break it in the
house, or Immediately outside the
house, if to break it was his sole OBJ
ject."
He was ratified and BUSTED by meet
ing this other fellow. He hardly knew
what he was doing"
We'll, that's likely enough. But
wish to call your attention very par
ticularly to the position of this house
in the garden of which the bust was
Destroyed"
Lestrade looked about him.
1T was an empty house. and SO he
knew that he would not be disturbed
in the garden"
Yes, but there is another empty
house farther up the street which he
must have passed before he came TO
this one. Why did he not break in
there, since it is evident that every
yard that he carried it increased the
risk of someone meeting him."
Il give it up" said Lestrade.
Holmes pointed to the street lamp
above our heads.
He could see what he was doing
here, and he could not there. That was
his reason
by Jove! that's true" said the de-
tective. Now that 1 come to think of
it, DR.. Barnicot's bust was broken not
Holmes, what are we to do with thai
fact?"
TO remember ito docket it. We
may come on something later which
will bear upon it. What steps do you
propose to AXE now, Lestrade?"
1.-THE most practical way of getting
at, in my opinion, is to identify the
dead man. There should be no diff
Guilty about that. When we have found
who he is and who his associates are,
we should have a good start in learning
what he was. doing in Pitt street last
night, and who it was who met him
and n killed him on the dorstep~of
Horace Harker. Don't you think
500"
NO doubt; and yet it is not quite
the way in which 1 should approach
the case"
What would you do. then?"
ooh, you must not let me influence
you in any way. l suggest that you
go on your line and l on mine We car
compare notes afterward, and each will
the other"
Very good" said Lestrade.
IF you are going back to Pitt street,
you might see Mr.. Horace Harker. Tell
him for me that l have quite made UP
my mind, n that it is certain that a
homicidal %lunatic, with Ma
poleonic decisions, was in his house
night. 1t will be useful for his
article"
Lestrade stared.
You don't seriously believe that?"
Holmes smiled.
Don't L? Well. perhaps 1 don't.
But I am sure that will interest Mr..
Horace Harker and the subscribers of
Watson, I think that we shall. find that
we have a long n rather complex
work before us. / should be glad,
Lestrade, if you could make it convent
ent to meet us at Baker street at six
this evening. Until then l
should like to keep this photograph,
found in the dead mans pocket. 1t is
possible that I may have to ask your
company and assistance upon a small
which will have to be under
taken tonight, If my chain Of reasoning
should prove to be correct. Until then,
goodbye, and good luck"
Sherlock Holmes and I walked to-
to High street, where we stopped
the shop of Harding brothers,
whence the Dust had been purchased.
A young assistant informed us that Mr..
Harding would be absent until after
noon, and that he was himself a new
conner, who could give us no informa-
ton. Holmes face showed his disap-
and annoyance.
We'll, we'll, we can't expect to have
1t all our own way, Watson said he,
at last. We must come back in the
afternoon, IL Mr.. Harding will not be
there until e l am. Is you have
no doubt surEised, endeavoring to
trace these busts to their source, in
order to find If there is not something
peculiar which may account for their
remarkable fate. Let .ls make for Mr..
Morse Hudson, of the Remington road,
and see IL he can throw any light upon
the problem
A drive of an hour brought US to the
picture dealers establishment. He was
a small, stout man with a red face and
a peppery manner.
Yes, sir. On my very counter, SIR"
said he. What we pay rates and taxes
for / don't know, when n rufian can
come in and break ones goods. Yes,
sir, 1t was I who sold DR.. Barnicot his
two statues. Disgraceful, sir! A Nil
hilist plot-that's what 1 make it. No
one but an anarchist would go about
breaking statues. Red republicans
that's what l call 'em. Who did 1 get
the statues from. I don't see what
that has to do with it. We'll, If YOU
really want to know, I got them from
Colder & Co., in Church street, Step
ney. They are a we'll known house in
the trade, and have been this twenty
years. How many had 1? Three-two
and n are three-two of DR.. Barni-
cots, and n smashed in broad day
light on my own counter. Do l know
N