vain was now the expectation. He sat for some little time in
silence, absorbed in the strange drama which had broken in upon
our peace.

"I will look into this matter," he said at last. "On the face of
it, it would appear to be a case of a very exceptional nature.
Have you been there yourself, Mr. Roundhay?"

"No, Mr. Holmes. Mr. Tregennis brought back the account to the
vicarage, and I at once hurried over with him to consult you."

"How far is it to the house where this singular tragedy
occurred?"

"About a mile inland."

"Then we shall walk over together. But before we start I must
ask you a few questions, Mr. Mortimer Tregennis."

The other had been silent all this time, but I had observed that
his more controlled excitement was even greater than the
obtrusive emotion of the clergyman. He sat with a pale, drawn
face, his anxious gaze fixed upon Holmes, and his thin hands
clasped convulsively together. His pale lips quivered as he
listened to the dreadful experience which had befallen his
family, and his dark eyes seemed to reflect something of the
horror of the scene.

"Ask what you like, Mr. Holmes," said he eagerly. "It is a bad
thing to speak of, but I will answer you the truth."