run," said I.

"Yes, I have his assurance," said the Colonel, with a
shrug of his shoulders. "I should prefer to have the
horse."

I was about to make some reply in defence of my friend
when he entered the room again.

"Now, gentlemen," said he, "I am quite ready for
Tavistock."

As we stepped into the carriage one of the stable-lads
held the door open for us. A sudden idea seemed to
occur to Holmes, for he leaned forward and touched the
lad upon the sleeve.

"You have a few sheep in the paddock," he said. "Who
attends to them?"

"I do, sir."

"Have you noticed anything amiss with them of late?"

"Well, sir, not of much account; but three of them
have gone lame, sir."

I could see that Holmes was extremely pleased, for he
chuckled and rubbed his hands together.