A horrible doubt came into my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, or who would venture to set him free.

I slipped in in safety and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you.
I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr.and Mrs.Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the evening, so that I must look after the child.

Now I have told you all my adventures, Mr.Holmes, and I should be very glad if you could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should do." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story.
My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon his face.
"Is Toller still drunk ?" he asked.
"Yes.

I heard his wife tell Mrs.Rucastle that she could do nothing with him." "That is well.

And the Rucastles go out to-night ?" "Yes." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock ?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter.