The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-15
TODAY'S INSTAIMENT.

'It was certainly rather eccentric behavior. I was merely going on the idea that if the silver had been tt-who merely took it for a blind, as 1t were, then they would naturally be anxious to get rid of it" But why should such an idea cross your mind ?''
 Well, I thought it was possible. When they came out through the French window there was the pond with one tempting little hole in tho Could there be a better hiding place?7
 "Ah, 9 hiding -plac-that is bet teri" cried Stanley Hopkins ''Yes. there were folk upon the roads, they were afraid of being seen with the silver, so they sank it in the pond, intending to return for 1t when the Holrnes-tf1at is better than your idea of 8 blind"
 "Quite so. you have got an admir- able a1 the theory: ry have no doubt that you must admit that they have end ed In discovering the silver''
 doing: But have had bad set
 A setback"
 ''Yes. MT. Holmes. The Randall gang were arrested in New York this morning."
 Dear me. Hopkins! That Is cer- tainly rather against your theory, that they committed a murder in Kent last night"
 Tt Is fatal. MT. Ho1nes-abso1ute- I9tal. Stil, there are other gangs Of three besides the RandaIls. or it may be some new gang of which the police have never heard"
 Quite so, 1t is perfectly possible What are you off?''
 "Yes, MT. Holmes, there is no rest for me until I have got to the bottom of the business. suppose you have no hint to give me
 ..t I have g given you one"
 Well. I suggested a blind"
 But why. MT. Holmes, why?"
 An thats the question, of course But l commend the idea to your mind. You might possibly find that won't stop for dtnner3 We'll. roo5l bye: and let us know how you get
 Dinner was over. and the table matter again He had lit his pipe and held his s.ippered feet to the cheerful blaze of the fire Suddenly ne looked at his watch.
 "I expect developments. Watson"
 "When?"
 "Now-within 6 f~w minutes I dare say you thought I acted rather badly to Stanley. Hopkins just now?"
 T trust your judgment"
 "A very sensible reply Watson You must look at 1t this way: what know Is unofficial, what he knows IS ofhc1al. have the right to prt- vate judgment, but he has none, He must disclose all, or he Is a traitor to his service. In a doubtful case I would not put him in so painful position, and so I receive my infor- nation until my own mind is clear upon the matter"
 But when will that be?"
 "The time has come. You will now be present at the last scene of a remarkable little drama"
 There was sound upon the stairs, fine 8 specimen of manhood as ever passed through it He was a very tall young man, goiden-moustached. blue eyed, with skin which had been step, which showed that the huge frame was as active as 1t was strong He closed the door behind him, and then he stood with clenched hands some Overn1aStering emotion.
 Sit down, Capsain Crocker. You got my telegram ?'
 Our visitor sank into an arm chair, and looked from one to the other, of us with questioning eyes
 T got your telegram and came at the hour you sand. I heard that you had been down to the office There was getting away from you. Let's hear the worst, Whak are you going to do with mes Arrest me? Speak out, man! You can't sit fhere and play with me like a cat with a mouse"
 Give him a cigar,'i said Holmes Bite on that. Captain Crocker, and don't let your nerves run away with you. I should not sit here smoking with you if I thought that you were P common criminal, you may be sure | Of that Be frank with me and we l may do some good. Play tricks with | me. and I'll crush you"
 What do you wish me to do?"
 ''To give me a true account of all | hat happened at the Abbey Grange | aSt night-a true account, mind you wit h nothing added and nothing taken 1 afZ knew 60 much already that if |