want into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in spite of

the repairs, you could manage there for one night.”


“Oh, yes, easily.”


“The rest you will leave in our hands.”


“But what will you do?”


“We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the

cause of this noise which has disturbed you.”


“I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind,”

said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion’s sleeve.


“Perhaps I have.”


“Then, for pity’s sake, tell me what was the cause of my

sister’s death.”


“I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak.”


“You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and if she

died from some sudden fright.”


“No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more

tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Dr. Roylott

returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Good-bye, and be brave, for

if you will do what I have told you, you may rest assured that we shall soon

drive away the dangers that threaten you.”


Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sitting-room

at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and from our window we could

command a view of the avenue gate, and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran

Manor House. At dusk we saw Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form

looming up beside the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some

slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the hoarse roar

of the Doctor’s voice and saw the fury with which he shook his clinched

fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few minutes later we saw a sudden light

spring up among the trees as the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms.


“Do you know, Watson,” said Holmes as we sat together in the

gathering darkness, “I have really some scruples as to taking you

to-night. There is a distinct element of danger.”