The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-07-24
PART !


bank of Cox and Cox at Charing Cross
there is travel-worn and battered
tin despatch box with nv name John
H Watson, NJ D., late Indian Army, !
painted upon the lid II is crammed
with papers, nearly all of which are
records of cases to illustrate the cur
ious problems which Mr.. Sherlock
Holmes had at various times to ex
anime Some, and not the least in
teresting, were complete failures and
as such will hardly bear narrating,
since no final explanation is forthcom-
ing. A problem without solution
may interest the student, but can
hardly fail to annoy the casual reader.
Among these unfinished tales is that
of Mr. James Phillimore, who stepping
back into his own house to get his
umbrella, was never more seen in
this world No less remarkable is
that of the cutter Alicia, which
sailed one spring morning into
small patch of mist from which she
never again emerged, nor was any
thing further ever heard of herself
and her crew. third case worthy
of note is that of Isadora Persano,
the well-known journalist and duel
list. who was found stark staring
mad with matchbox in front of
him which contained a remarkable
worm, said to be unknown to science.
Apart from these unfathomed cases,
there are some which involve the
secrets of private families to an ex-
tent which would mean consterna-
ton in many exalted quarters if 1t
were thought possible that they
might find their way into print. |
need not say that such a breach of
confidence is unthinkable, and that
these records will be separated and
destroyed now that my friend has
time to turn his energies to the
matter There remain a consider
IN others | was either not present or
less interest which | might have
edited before had not feared to give
the public surfeit which might re-
act upon the reputation of the man
whom above all others | revere. In
some l was myself concerned and
can speak as an eyewitness, while
in others l was either nor present or
played so small part that they could
only be told as by a third person,
The following narrative is drawn
from my own experience.
1t was a wild morning in October,
and | observed as | was dressing
how the last remaining leaves were
being whirled from the solitary plane
tree which graces the yard behind
cur house. l descended to breakfast
prepared to find my companion in
depressed spirits, for, like all great
artists, he was easily impressed by
his surroundings. On the contrary,
found that he had nearly finished his
meal, and that his mood was partic
ularly bright and joyous, with that
somewhat SINISTER cheerfulnesS
which was characteristic of his
lighter moments.
"You have case, Holiness" re
marked.
THE faculty of deduction is Ger
tainly contagious, Watson" he an
swered 1T has enabled you to prob
my secret. Yes, l have case. Aftel
a month of trivialties and stagnatioT
the wheels move once more"
Might l share it?"
There is little to share. but W.
may discuss it when you have con
sumed the two hard-boiled eggs witt
which our new cook has favored Us
Their condition may not be uncon
nected with the copy of the Famil.
4
upon the hall table. Even so trivia
matter as cooking an egg demand
an attention which is conscious o
the passage of time, and incompat
ible with the love romance in tina
excellent periodical"
A quarter of an hour later tn
ia BILE had been cleared and we wer
face TO face He had drawn lette
from his pocket.
''You have heard of Neil Gibson
the Gold King?" he said.
"You mean the American SenS
~tor?9
some Western State, bat is bette
known as the greatest gold-minin
magnate in the world
Eyes. | know of him. He has SURF
" lived in England for some time. Hi
name is very familiar
"Yes; he bought a considerable e.
tate in Hampshire some five years agr
Possibly you have already heard {
the tragic end of his wife,"
"Of course. | remember 1t nov
That is why the name is familiar. b
| really know nothing of the details
Holmes waved his hand toward
some papers on a chair. Il had 4
lued ludt int Ease w 40 SOllllAlS ny :" :
or | should have had my extract
ready" said he. The fact is that Ii
problem, though exceedingly sens
tional, appeared to present no difficu
~ The interesting personality of III
accused does not obscure the clea
ness of the evidence. That was ii
view taken by the coroner's jury an
also in the police court proceeding
1t is now referred to the Assizes
Winchester l fear it is a thankleS
business. l can discover facts, Wa
SOD, but cannot change them. u
less some entirely new and unexpec
ed ones come to light | do not see VIII;
nay client can hope for"
Your CLIENT"
"Ah. l forgot l had not told you.
am getting into your involved habi
Watson, of telling story backward
You had best read this first
The letter which he handed to N
written in bold, masterful hand, "a
as follows:
Claridge's Hotel,
October 3rd.
Dear Mr.. Sherlock Holmes
l can't see the best woman God evt
made go to her death without dom
ali that is possible to save her. / can
axplain things-I can't even try to e.
,Iai-, them Int I know hevond a