the man, of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all

horrible to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of course I

might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was almost as strong as my

fears. My mind was soon made up. I would send you a wire. I put on my hat and

cloak, went down to the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and

then returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my mind as

I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I remembered that Toller

had drunk himself into a state of insensibility that evening, and I knew that

he was the only one in the household who had any influence with the savage

creature, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and lay

awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. I had no

difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this morning, but I must be

back before three o’clock, for Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a

visit, and will be away all the evening, so that I must look after the child.

Now I have told you all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if

you could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should do.”


Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. My friend

rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his pockets, and an

expression of the most profound gravity upon his face.


“Is Toller still drunk?” he asked.


“Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do nothing with

him.”


“That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?”


“Yes.”


“Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?”


“Yes, the wine-cellar.”


“You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very brave

and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could perform one more

feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not think you a quite exceptional

woman.”


“I will try. What is it?”