Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 3).djvu/512

 followed me to my room, however, that night with a very grave face.

Look here, dad," said he, with his eyes cast down. 'Can you let me have two hundred pounds?'

No, I cannot!' I answered, sharply. 'I have been far too generous with you in money matters.'

You have been very kind,' said he 'but I must have this money, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.'

And a very good thing, too!' I cried.

Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money in some way, and it you will not let me have it, then I must try other means.'

"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 my ears. Suddenly, to my horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door.