Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-08-30

] spent some months in a research into |
the coal-tar derivatives, which | con-
Quoted IN n laboratory at Montpelier,
IN the South of France. Having con-
cludcd this to my satisfaction, and
learning that only one of my enemies
was now left in London, | was about
tn return when my movements were
hastened by the news of this very re-
markable Park Lane Mystery, which
not only appealed to me by its own
merits, but which seemed to offer some
most peculiar personal opportunities.
/ | came over at once to London, called
in my own person at Baker Street,
threw Mrs. Hudson into violent hys-
/ tcrics, and found that Mycroft had pre-
served my rooms and my papers en-
actly MS they had always been. So it
was, my dear Watson, that ut two
O'Clock today | found myself in my old
armchair in my own old room, and
only wishing that l could have seen
my old friend Watson in the other
chair which he has so often adorned"
Such was the remarkable narrative
To which | listened on that April eve
ning-a narrative which would have
been utterly incredible to me had it
not been confirmed 10y the actual sight
of the tall, spare figure and the keen,
eager face. which | had never thought
to see again. In vain | begged him to
tell me more. "lou will hear and see
enough before morning." he answered.
We have three years of the past to
discuss Let that suffice until half
past nine. when we start upon the
notable adventure OF the empty house"
IL was indeed like old times, when,
at that hour, found myself seated be-
side HIM IN n hanson, my revolver in
my pocket, and thrill of adventure
in my heart. Holmes was cold and
stern and silent. As the glcam of the
street-lamps flashed upon his austerc
features. | saw that his brows were
drawn down in thought and his thin
lips compressed | knew not what wild
beast We were about TO hunt down in
the dark jungle of criminal London.
but ! was well assured, from the bear
ing of this master huntsman, that the
adventure was most grave one-while
the sardonlc smile which occasionally
broke through his ascetic gloom bodcd
little good for the object of our quest.
| had imagined that we were bound
for Baker Street, but Holmes stopped
square | observed that as he stepped
Out he gave most searching glance
To right and left. and at every subse-
Quent street corner he took the utmost
pans 20 assure that he was not fol-
lowed Cur route was certainly n
singular one. Holmes knowledge of
the byways of London was extraordi-
nary. and on this occasion he passed
I
through a net work of news and stables.
the very existence of which | had
never known. We emerged at last
into small road, lined with old, gloomy
houses, which led us into Manchester
Street, and so 10 Blsndford street
Here he turned swiftly down a narrow
passage, passed through wooden
gate INTO deserted yard. and then
opened with a KEY the back door of n
house. We entered together, and he
; closed il behind us.
The place was pitch-dark, but il was
evident TO me that II was an empty
. house. Our feet creaked and cracked
b over the bare plankIng, and my out
, stretched hand touched a wall from
? which the paper was hanging in rib
, bons. Holmes cold, thin fingers closed
round my wrist and led me forward
! down a long hall, until | dimly saw the
P murky fanlight over the door. Here
: Holmes turned suddenly TO the right
; and We found ourselves in large
/ square, empty room, heavily shadowed
IN the corners, hut family lit in the
center from the lights of the street be
= yond. There was no lamp near, anc
$ the window was thick with dust. sc
that We could only Just discern each
{ others figures within. My companion
: put his hand upon my shulder and hi
1 lips close 10 my ear.
I DO YOU know where we are?" he
2 viii spered
Y surely that is Baker Street" l an
! swered, staring through the dim win
2 dow.
n Exactly. We are in Camden House
r which stands opposite to out own oil,
4 quarters"
J. But why are we here"
d Because II commands so excellen
n n view of that picturesque pile. Nigh
n trouble you, my dear Watson, to dray
= little nearer to the window, takin
: every precaution not to show yourself
n and then TO look up at our old room
j the starting point of so many of YOU
= little fairy-tales? We will see If m
!. three years of absence have entirel
{ taken away my power to surprise you.
; Tomorrow-The Mystery of the
' Empty House, conti nued.