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ElapticAI-512

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think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and with your
permission we shall walk out upon the lawn.
I had never seen my friend’s face so grim or his brow so dark as it was
when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We had walked
several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Stoner nor myself
liking to break in upon his thoughts before he roused himself from his
reverie.
“It is very essential, Miss Stoner, said he, “that you should
absolutely follow my advice in every respect.
“I shall most certainly do so.
“The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may depend
upon your compliance.
“I assure you that I am in your hands.
“In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in your
room.
Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment.
“Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the village
inn over there?
“Yes, that is the Crown.
“Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?
“Certainly.
“You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a headache,
when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him retire for the
night, you must open the shutters of your window, undo the hasp, put
your lamp there as a signal to us, and then withdraw quietly with
everything which you are likely to 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.
“Can I be of assistance?
“Your presence might be invaluable.
“Then I shall certainly come.
“It is very kind of you.
“You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms than
was visible to me.
“No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that
you saw all that I did.
“I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose that
could answer I confess is more than I can imagine.