SHERLOCK, JUNR.

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 152, 24 December 1929, Page 9

SHERLOCK, JUNR.

HE TRACES A THIEF

(From "The Pojt'i" Reprasentatlvt.) SYDNEY, sth December.

It is probably the ambition of every boy to do a little detective work on his own, but it falls to the lot of few to have that wish, gratified. Therefore, it can be readily understood that Noel Graves, an eight-year-old lad of one of the industrial suburbs of Sydney, was the envy of all the other fellows when he mad© the- most of an opportunity that camo his way and actually succeeded in tracking down a thief. Noel may not pursue his inquiries along the same lines as the other detectives, but ho gets results.

Noel Is not a boy to boast of the manner in which ho follows up his clues. Ho is a modest chap, just like thoso detectives in the books. He won't admit that he is a Sherlock Holmes, and will not say that his style is modelled on that of his hero in fiction, Sexton Blake. He had always looked forward to the day when ho could set about to traco a real thief, so when ho was told that his pal had lost a bicycle, which was stolon iv tho Street, he set about the task of finding the culprit with an enthusiasm that liad. never been suspected in him. Noel had helped to repaint that bike, so he had a double interest in the theft. Ho did not like to see all his work go for nought, no more than he liked to see his pal robbed of his bike. . Day after day Noel walked the street m search of a. newly-painted bike. He made inquiries from a number of other boys, but timo went on and'he could obtain no clue. His task seemed hopoloss, but he did not worry. Everywhere he wer.t he pursued Ins inquiries, assuming a disinterested attitude Like a real detective, he did not rush his inquiries, and his move oventuallv brought its reward. While- playing with srimo other youngsters he heard Of a stroke of luck that had befallen ono youth who had bought a bicycle ironi another youth for sixpence. Noel's suspicions woro at onco aroused. After a great deal of trouble lie traced the fortunate youth, and following him, saw him with the machine. It was not very long then before ho informed tho police of his detective Work, and within half an hour two youths had been called upon to explain their deal to the local constable. As the explanations were not satisfactory, arrest 3 followed. Gee, it was great to find it," hej said. "You see, I, knew how it was 1 pamted, and this made the job easy." I And when he was asked whether he I was going to be a detective he replied: "Aw, I don't lyiow. It looks pretty <L°«SS't jt? Maybe I Trill."