succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, that my cousin
Arthur is innocent of this crime.
I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may prove
it, returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the snow from his
shoes. I believe I have the honour of addressing Miss Mary Holder.
Might I ask you a question or two?
Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up.
You heard nothing yourself last night?
Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard that, and
I came down.
You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you fasten all
the windows?
Yes.
Were they all fastened this morning?
Yes.
You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to
your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?
Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and who may
have heard uncle s remarks about the coronet.
I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her sweetheart,
and that the two may have planned the robbery.
But what is the good of all these vague theories, cried the banker
impatiently, when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the coronet
in his hands?
Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this girl,
Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I presume?
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