We looked at him in astonishment, but Holmes said "Yes, That is how it must be. I will explain. I believe that that is the village inn over there?"

"Yes, it is called the Crown."

"Very good. I am sure that we can see your bedroom window from there."

"You must stay in your room. Pretend that you have a headache when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him go to bed, you must open the shutters of your window, and put a lamp there as a signal to us. Then go quietly with everything that you need for the night into your old bedroom. I have no doubt that, even if they are doing repairs, you could stay there for one night."

"Oh, yes, easily."