13728    It took me some little time, for the bell rings in the kitchen, and the servants all sleep upstairs.

13729    I shouted, however, and that brought Joseph down, and he roused the others.

13730    Joseph and the groom found marks on the flower-bed outside the window, but the weather has been so dry lately that they found it hopeless to follow the trail across the grass.

13731    There's a place, however, on the wooden fence which skirts the road which shows signs, they tell me, as if someone had got over and had snapped the top of the rail in doing so.

13732    I have said nothing to the local police yet, for I thought I had best have your opinion first.'

13733    This tale of our client's appeared to have an extraordinary effect upon Sherlock Holmes.

13734    He rose from his chair and paced about the room in uncontrollable excitement.

13735    'Misfortunes never come singly,' said Phelps, smiling, though it was evident that his adventure had somewhat shaken him.

13736    'You have certainly had your share,' said Holmes.

13737    'Do you think you could walk round the house with me?'

13738    'Oh, yes, I should like a little sunshine.

13739    Joseph will come too.'

13740    'And I also,' said Miss Harrison.

13741    'I am afraid not,' said Holmes, shaking his head.

13742    'I think I must ask you to remain sitting exactly where you are.'