The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-04-19

book will prove that. fancy that
have evidence enough to satisfy jury,
even If you are able to pick hole in 1t.
Besides, Mr.. Holmes, have laid my
hand upon my man. AS to this terrible
person of yours. where is he?"
II rather fancy that he is on the
stair" said Holmes serenely. II think,
Watson, that you would do we'll to put
that revolver where you can reach it"
! he rose and laid written paper upon
side table Now we are ready" said
he
There had been some talking in gruff
voices outside, and now Mrs. Hudson
opened the door to say that there were
three men inquiring for Captain Basil.
"Show them in one by one" said
!, Holmes.
The first who entered was little
ribston-pippin of man. with ruddy
( cheeks and fluffy white side whiskers.
/, Holmes had drawn letter from his
pocket.
"What name?" he asked.
James Lancaster"
II am sorry, Lancaster, but the berth
is full. Here is half sovereign for
your trouble Just step into this room
and wait there for few minutes"
The second man was long. dried
up creature, with lank hair and sallow
cheeks. His name was Hugh Pattins
He also received his dismissal, his half
sovereign and the order to wait.
The third applicant was a man Of
remarkable appearance. A fierce bull
! dog face was framed in tangle of
hair and beard, and two bold dark
eyes cleaned behind the cover Of thick,
tufted, overhung eyebrows. He salut-
ed and stood sailor fashion. turning his
cap round in his hands.
"Your name?" asked Holmes.
Patrick Cairns"
"Harpooner?"
Eyes, sir; twenty-six voyages"
Dundee, suppose"
EYES, SIR
"And ready to start with an explor-
ing ship!"
''Yes, SIR
"What wages?"
"Eight pounds month"
could you start at once?"
"As soon as get my kit"
"Have you your papers?"
Eyes, Sir" He took sheaf of worn
and greasy forms from his pocket.
Holmes glanced over them and return
ed them.
"You are just the man I want" said
he. Here's the agreement on the side
table. If you sign it the whole matter
will be settled"
The seaman lurched across the room
and took up the pen.
"Shall sign here?" he asked, stoop-
ing over the table
Holmes leaned over his shoulder and
passed both hands over his neck.
This will do,' said he.
heard a click Of steel and below
like an enraged bull. The next instant
Holmes and the seaman were rolling on
such gigantic strength that even with
the handouts Holmes had so deftly
fastened upon his wrists he would have
very quickly overpowered my friend
had Hopkins and not rushed to his
rescue. Only when pressed the cold
mlEzle Of the revolver to his temple
did he at last understand that resist
ancS was vain. We dashed his ankles
with cord and rose GREATNESS from the
struggle.
Il must really apologize, Hopkins, .
said Sherlock Holmes. II fear that the
scrambled eggs are cold. However,
you will enjoy the rest of your break
fast all the better, will you not, for the
thought that you have brought YOU
case to a triumphant conclusion"
Stanley Hopkins was speeches. will
amaZement
II don't know what to say, Mr.
Holiness" he blurted out at last, with ;
very red face. ut seems to me tina
| have been making a fool of myself
from the beginning. l understand now
what / should never have forgotten
that l am the pupil and you are TIL
master. Even now l see what 70,
have done. but don't know how yol
did it or what it signifies"
WELL well,' said Holmes good hu
moredly. I'VE all learn by experience
and your lesson this time is that yol
should never lose sight of the alterna
tive. You were so absorbed in youn:
Neligan that you could not spare /;
thought to Patrick Cairns, the tru
murderer of Peter Carey"
The hoarse voice OF the seaman brok'
in on our conversation.
See here, mister" said he, II mak'
no complaint of being man handled il
this fashion, but would have you cal
things by their right names. You sa,
l murdered Peter Carey; l say l killed
Peter Carey, and there's all the differ
ence. Maybe you don't believe what
say. Maybe you think am just sling
ing YOU yarn"
Not at ALL" said Holmes. "Let u:
hear what YOU have to say
Its soon told, and, by the Lord, ev
cry word of it is truth. l knew Blacl
Peter, and when he pulled out his knife
l whipped halpoon through hin
sharp, for l knew that it was him o.
| I,