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
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