The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1921-04-27

which a cool man would avoid. He
was very likely afraid to 60 back to
the room. Give me another theory
that would fit the facts
Il could very easily give you half
Dozen" said Holmes. Here, for ex-
ample, is a very possible and even
probable one. l make you free pres
ent Of it. The older man is showing
documents which are of evident. value.
A passing tramp sees them through
the window, the blind of which is only
half down. Exit the solicitor. Enter
the tramp He seizes stick, which he
observes there, kills Oldacre, and de-
parts after burning the body"
Why should the tramp burn the
body"
For the matter of that, why should
McFarlane?"
ITO hide some evidence"
Possibly the tramp wanted 20 hide
that any murder at all had been COM
nlitted."
"And why did the tramp take moth
ing?"
Because they were papers that he
could not negotiate
Lestrade shook his head, though it
seemed to me that his manner was
less absolutely assured than before.
We'll, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, You
may look for your lamp, and while
you are finding him we will hold on
to our man. The future will show
which is right. Just notice this point,
MI. Holmes: that so far as we know.
none of the papers were removed. and
that the prisoner is the one man in
l, SAyS, bod f0y VA
moving them since he was heir-at-law,
case"
my friend seemed struck by this
remark.
Il don't mean to deny that the evil
dence is in some ways very strongly
in favor Of your theory" said he. Il
only wish to point out that they are
other theories possible. As you say.
the future will decide. Good morning!
dare say that in the course Of the
day, l shall drop in at Norwood and
see how you are getting on"
When the detective departed, my
friend rose and made his preparations
for the days work with the alert air
OF a man who has a congenial task be-
fore him.
my first movement, Watson" said
he, as he hustled into his frock-coat
must, as said, be. in the direction Of
Blackheath.'
And why not Norwood"
Because we have in this case one
singular incident coming close to the
heels OF another singular incident. The
police are making the mistake Of con-
centrating their attention upon the
second, because it happens to be the
one which is actually criminal. But 1t
is evident to me that the logical way
to approach the case is to begin by
trying 10 throw some light upon the
first incident-the curious will, SO sud
denly made, and to so unexpected an
heir It may do something to simplify
| what followed. No my dear fellow,
don't think you can help me. There
is no prospect of danger, or I should
not dream Of stirring out without you.
trust that when see you in the eve
ming, will be able to report that
have been able to do something for
this unfortunate youngstef. who has
thrown himself upon my protection"
It was late when my friend returned,
i and I could see, by a glance at his
haggard and anxious face, that the
high hopes with which he had started
had not been fulfilled. For an hour he
! droned away upon his violin, endeavor-
! ing to soothe his own ruffled spirits.
At last he flung down the instrument,
and plunged into a detailed account of
his misadventures.
| SITS all going wrong. Watson-all as