Percy Phelps was walking very slowly, leaning upon the arm of hisfuture brother-in-law. Holmes walked swiftly across the lawn, and wewere at the open window of the bedroom long before the others came up."Miss Harrison," said Holmes, speaking with the utmost intensityof manner, "you must stay where you are all day. Let nothing preventyou from staying where you are all day. It is of the utmostimportance."

　　"Certainly, if you wish it, Mr. Holmes," said the girl inastonishment.

　　"When you go to bed lock the door of this room on the outside andkeep the key. Promise to do this."

　　"But Percy?"

　　"He will come to London with us."

　　"And am I to remain here?"

　　"It is for his sake. You can serve him. Quick! Promise!"She gave a quick nod of assent just as the other two came up."Why do you sit moping there, Annie?" cried her brother. "Come outinto the sunshine!"

　　"No, thank you, Joseph. I have a slight headache and this room isdeliciously cool and soothing."

　　"What do you propose now, Mr. Holmes?" asked our client."Well, in investigating this minor affair we must not lose sightof our main inquiry. It would be a very great help to me if youwould come up to London with us."

　　"At once?"

　　"Well, as soon as you conveniently can. Say in an hour.""I feel quite strong enough, if I can really be of any help.""The greatest possible."

　　"Perhaps you would like me to stay there to-night?"

　　"I was just going to propose it."

　　"Then, if my friend of the night comes to revisit me, he will findthe bird flown. We are all in your hands, Mr. Holmes, and you musttell us exactly what you would like done. Perhaps you would preferthat Joseph came with us so as to look after me?"