"Well, Mr. Holmes, what do you make of these?" he cried.
"They told me that you were fond of queer mysteries, and I don't
think you can find a queerer one than that. I sent the paper on
ahead so that you might have time to study it before I came."
"It is certainly rather a curious production," said Holmes.
"At first sight it would appear to be some childish prank.
It consists of a number of absurd little figures dancing across
the paper upon which they are drawn. Why should you attribute
any importance to so grotesque an object?"
"I never should, Mr. Holmes. But my wife does. It is frightening
her to death. She says nothing, but I can see terror in her eyes.
That's why I want to sift the matter to the bottom."
Holmes held up the paper so that the sunlight shone full upon it.
It was a page torn from a note-book. The markings were done in
pencil, and ran in this way:--
GRAPHIC
Holmes examined it for some time, and then, folding it carefully up,
he placed it in his pocket-book.
"This promises to be a most interesting and unusual case," said he.
"You gave me a few particulars in your letter, Mr.
Pages:
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109