The Misadventure of Shelrock Holmes Read Online Free PDF Page B

plainly to murder and robbery."
    "And where is the mystery, might I ask?"
    "There are several unexplainable things about the case. First, how came he on the Scotch Express, which leaves at six, and does not stop at Pegram? Second, the ticket examiners at the terminus would have turned him out if he showed his season ticket; and all the tickets sold for the Scotch Express on the 21 st are accounted for. Third, how could the murderer have escaped ? Fourth, the passengers in two compartments on each side of the one where the body was found heard no scuffle and no shot fired."
    "Are you sure the Scotch Express on the 2ist did not stop between London and Brewster?"
    "Now that you mention the fact, it did. It was stopped by signal just outside of Pegram. There was a few moments' pause, when the line was reported clear, and it went on again. This frequently happens, as there is a branch line beyond Pegram."
    Mr. Sherlaw Kombs pondered for a few moments, smoking his pipe silently.
    "I presume you wish the solution in time for to-morrow's paper?"
    "Bless my soul, no. The editor thought if you evolved a theory in a month you would do well."
    "My dear sir, I do not deal with theories, but with facts. If you can make it convenient to call here to-morrow at 8 A.M. I will give you the full particulars early enough for the first edition. There is no sense in taking up much time over so simple an affair as the Pegram case. Good afternoon, sir."
    Mr. Scribbings was too much astonished to return the greeting. He left in a speechless condition, and I saw him go up the street with his hat still in his hand.
    Sherlaw Kombs relapsed into his old lounging attitude, with his hands clasped behind his head. The smoke came from his lips in quick puffs at first, then at longer intervals. I saw he was coming to a conclusion, so I said nothing.
    Finally he spoke in his most dreamy manner. "I do not wish to seem to be rushing things at all, Whatson, but I am going out to-night on the Scotch Express. Would you care to accompany me?"
    "Bless me!" I cried, glancing at the clock. "You haven't time, it is after five now."
    "Ample time, Whatson — ample," he murmured, without changing his position. "I give myself a minute and a half to change slippers and dressing-gown for boots and coat, three seconds for hat, twenty-five seconds to the street, forty-two seconds waiting for a hansom, and then seven minutes at the terminus before the express starts. I shall be glad of your company."
    I was only too happy to have the privilege of going with him. It was most interesting to watch the workings of so inscrutable a mind. As we drove under the lofty iron roof of the terminus I noticed a look of annoyance pass over his face.
    "We are fifteen seconds ahead of our time," he remarked, looking at the big clock. "I dislike having a miscalculation of that sort occur."
    The great Scotch Express stood ready for its long journey. The detective tapped one of the guards on the shoulder.
    "You have heard of the so-called Pegram mystery, I presume?"
    "Certainly, sir. It happened on this very train, sir."
    "Really? Is the same carriage still on the train?"
    "Well, yes, sir, it is," replied the guard, lowering his voice, "but of course, sir, we have to keep very quiet about it. People wouldn't travel in it, else, sir."
    "Doubtless. Do you happen to know if anybody occupies the compartment in which the body was found?"
    "A lady and gentleman, sir; I put 'em in myself, sir."
    "Would you further oblige me," said the detective, deftly slipping half a sovereign into the hand of the guard, "by going to the window and informing them in an offhand casual sort of way that the tragedy took place in that compartment?"
    "Certainly, sir."
    We followed the guard, and the moment he had imparted his news there was a suppressed scream in the carriage. Instantly a lady came out, followed by a florid-faced gentleman, who scowled at the guard. We entered the now empty compartment, and Kombs said:
    "We