Because, during the past few nights," replied Julia, "I have
heard a strange whistle. It's very low and clear. But I don't know
where it comes from."
"Remember," I said, some gypsies are camping near the
house. Perhaps it was one of them whistling at night."
"You're probably right," Julia replied. "Anyway, it doesn't
matter. Goodnight." She smiled at me and closed my
door.'
'Did
you and Julia always lock your doors at
night?'
asked
Holmes.
'Yes,'
replied Miss Stoner.
'We
were afraid of the cheetah
and the baboon. They're dangerous animals. We didn't feel safe
unless our doors and windows were
locked.'
'Of
course,'
said Holmes.
'Please
go
on.'
'That
night, there was a terrible
storm,'
continued Miss
Stoner.
'The
wind was howling and the rain was beating on the
window. I couldn't sleep. Suddenly I heard a dreadful scream. I
knew it was Julia.