me with a plan of the house, and he told me that in the forenoon

the study was always empty, as the secretary was employed up here.

So at last I took my courage in both hands and I came down to

get the papers for myself. I succeeded, but at what a cost!

"I had just taken the papers and was locking the cupboard when

the young man seized me. I had seen him already that morning.

He had met me in the road and I had asked him to tell me where

Professor Coram lived, not knowing that he was in his employ."

"Exactly! exactly!" said Holmes. "The secretary came back and

told his employer of the woman he had met. Then in his last

breath he tried to send a message that it was she -- the she whom

he had just discussed with him."

"You must let me speak," said the woman, in an imperative voice,

and her face contracted as if in pain. "When he had fallen

I rushed from the room, chose the wrong door, and found myself

in my husband's room. He spoke of giving me up. I showed him

that if he did so his life was in my hands. If he gave me to

18.02.2007