Murder by a Madman," and the
contents of the paper showed that Mr. Horace Harker had got his
account into print after all. Two columns were occupied with
a highly sensational and flowery rendering of the whole incident.
Holmes propped it against the cruet-stand and read it while he ate.
Once or twice he chuckled.
"This is all right, Watson," said he. "Listen to this:
`It is satisfactory to know that there can be no difference
of opinion upon this case, since Mr. Lestrade, one of the most
experienced members of the official force, and Mr. Sherlock
Holmes, the well-known consulting expert, have each come to the
conclusion that the grotesque series of incidents, which have
ended in so tragic a fashion, arise from lunacy rather than from
deliberate crime. No explanation save mental aberration can
cover the facts.' The Press, Watson, is a most valuable
institution if you only know how to use it. And now, if you
have quite finished, we will hark back to Kensington and see
what the manager of Harding Brothers has to say to the matter."
The founder of that great emporium proved to be a brisk,
crisp little person, very dapper and quick, with a clear head
and a ready tongue.
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