“I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the month.

‘You shall not have a farthing from me,’ I cried, on which he bowed

and left the room without another word.


“When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my treasure was

safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go round the house to see that all

was secure—a duty which I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it

well to perform myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself

at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I approached.


“‘Tell me, dad,’ said she, looking, I thought, a little

disturbed, ‘did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out to-night?’


“‘Certainly not.’


“‘She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that

she has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it is

hardly safe and should be stopped.’


“‘You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you

prefer it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?’


“‘Quite sure, dad.’


“‘Then, good-night.’ I kissed her and went up to my

bedroom again, where I was soon asleep.


“I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may have any

bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question me upon any point which

I do not make clear.”


“On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid.”


“I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be

particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in my mind

tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. About two in the morning,

then, I was awakened by some sound in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide

awake, but it had left an impression behind it as though a window had gently

closed somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my horror,

there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the next room. I

slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and peeped round the corner of