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.
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