Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-06

Consider said, "all the essential
gaps in your case. On the morning
of the crime he can surely prove an
alibi. He had been with his scholars
till the last moment, and within a few
minutes of McPherson's appearance
he came upon us from behind. Then
bear in mind the absolute impossi-
bility that he could single-handed
have inflicted this outrage upon
man quite as strong as himself
Finally. there is this question of the
instrument with which these injuries
were inflicted"
What could it be but scourge
OF flexible whip of some sort?"
Have you examined the marks?"
asked.
Il have seen them. So has the
DOCTOR
but 1 have examined them very
carefully with lens. They have
peculiarities. ="
What are they. Mr.. Holmes?"'
STEPPED to my bureau and
brought out an enlarged photo
graph. This is my method in such
cases." / explained.
You certainly do things thoroughly,
Mr.. Holmes"
Il should hardly be what am if
l did not. Now, let us consider this
veal which extends round the right
shoulder. Do you observe nothing re.
markable?"
Il can't say 1 do"
Surely it is evident that it is I'M
equal in its intensity. There is a dot
of eXtravasated blood here, and an
other there. There are similar indi-
cations in this other veal down here.
What can that mean?"
L have no idea. Have you?"
Perhaps | have. Perhaps haven't
| may be able to say more soon, Anv-
thing which will define what made
that mark will bring us a long way
toward the criminal
1T is, of course, an absurd idea"
said the policeman, 'but if a red.hot
net OF wire had been laid across the
back, then these better marked points
would represent where the meshes
crossed each other"
a most ingenious comparison. Or
shalt we say a very stiff CATO nine
talls with small hard knots upon it?"
by Jove, Mr.. Holmes, 1 think you
have Int it,"
Or there may be some very differ.
ent cause, Mr.. Bartle. But your case
Is far too weak for an arrest. Be-
SIDES, we have those last words
Lions Name"
have wondered whether Ian"
Yes, l have considered that. II
the second word had borne any re-
semblance to Murdoch-but it did not.
, He gave it almost in a shrek. am
sure that it was Name"
nave YOU no ALTERNATIVES N,.
Holiness"
refhapS | have. But / do not care
10 discuss it until there is something
more solid to discuss"
And when will that be?'
I'm an hour, possibly less"
The inspector rubbed his chin and
looked at me with dubious eyes.
II wish l could see what was in
your mind, Mr.. Holmes. Perhaps it's
those fishing boats
No, no. They were too far out"
well. then, it is Bellamy and that
big son of his? They were not too
sweet upon Mr.. Mcpherson. Could
they have done him a mischief"
mo. no. You won't draw me until
/ am ready" said l with a smile.
Now, inspector, we each have our
own work to do. Perhaps If you were
to meet me here at midday"
So far we had got when there came
the tremendous interruption which
was the beginning of the end.
My outer door was flung, open. there
were laundering footsteps in the pas
sage. and Ian Murdoch staggered into
the room, pallid. disheveled, his
clothes in wild disorder. clawing with
his bony hands at the furniture to
hold himself erect.
brandy, brandy" he gasped, and
fen grooming upon the sofa.
lie was not alone. Behind him