"It's a common enough whip. But I don't know why it should be tied."

"That is not quite so common, is it? Oh dear! it's a wicked world. And when a clever man turns his brains to crime, it is the worst of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I would like us to walk out on the lawn."

I had never seen my friend's face so serious or his expression so angry as it was when we went from the scene of this investigation. We had walked several times up and down the lawn. Neither Miss Stoner nor myself wanted to interrupt Holmes' thoughts before he finished what he was thinking about.

"It is very important, Miss Stoner," he said, "that you should do exactly what I tell you. The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may depend upon your doing as I say."

"I will trust you and do as you want."

"In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in your room."