The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-02-16
roDAYS 1NsrADMENT.


 Stridinsr through the scattered knots of people who lounged round the faring stalls, my companion speed fly overlook the little man and touch - ed him upon the shoulder. He spranS round, and I could see in the gas light that every vestige of color had been driven from his face.
 'sWho are you. then? What do you want he asked, in quaver1ng voice.
 "You will excuse me- said HalmeS, blandly 'sbut I could not help over hearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now think that could be of assistance to you.
 "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter ?''
 '1My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people don't know"
 'But you c-.n know nothing of this?"
 Excuse me. I know everything of it You are endeavoring to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs Oakshott, of Brixton road. to a sales man named Breckenridge, by him in turn to MT. Windigate, Of the Alpha and by him to his club. of which MT Henry Baker is a member"
 .tOh, sir, you are the very man whom I have 1onged to meet,'' cried the little fellow with outstretched hands and quiverine ringers. II can hardly explain to you how interested am in this matter"
  wheeler which was passing. 'fIn that case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this win dSwept market-place," said he. "But pday is that I have the pleasure of as .siSting."
 The man hesttated for an instant. 'My name is John Robinson" he an ewered. with sidelong glance.
 No. no; the real name," said Homes, sweetly. ''It is always awk- ward doing business with an alias' GA flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger Well, then" said he, "my real name is James Ky der''
 Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosm opolitan.' Pray step into the cab, and shall soon be able to tell you everything which you would wish to know"
 The little man stood g1ancing from one to the other of us with half frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure whether he is on the verge of a windfau or of a. catas- trophe. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the. sitting room at Baker street. Nothing had been said during our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion and the clasp iings and unclaspings of his hands. spoke2of the nervous tension within him.
 s.Here we are!" said Holmes, cheer fly, as we filed into the room. 'tThe fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, MT. Ky der. Pray take the basket chair. I will just put on my slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then, You want to know what became of those geese?"
 'tYeS, sir.
 .tOr, rather, T fancy, of that goose It was one bird, imagine, in which you were interested-white. with a black bar across the tail"
 Ryder quivered with emotion. ''Oh, sir" he cried, "can you tell me where it went to-
 ''It came here"
 "Here?"
 ..Yes, and most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wnoder that you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was dead-the bon niest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I have it here in my museum"
 Our visitor staggered to his feet and cfutched the mantelpiece with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his etrong-boX and held up the blue car buncIe, which shone out like star. with a cold, brilliant, many-pointed rediance. Ryder stood glarirss with a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it.
 -.The game's UP. Ryder" said Holmes quietly Hold up. man; or an arm back into his chair. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. Sol! Now he looks a it is. to be sure!"
 For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen. but the. brandy cheeks, and he sat staring with frightened eyes. Fat his accuse-.