at once, Holmes hurried to a carriage. During the journey to
Ridling Thorpe Manor, he did not speak at all. But I could
see he was very worried.
Holmes had known that Hilton Cubitt was in danger. But he
had not arrived in time to save his client.
At last, we could see a large, old house through the trees. This
was Ridling Thorpe Manor. As we came near the front door, I
saw the toolhouse and the sundial in the garden. These were the
places where Hilton Cubitt had found pictures of dancing men.
A carriage was standing outside the front door and a small
man was getting out. This man introduced himself as Inspector
Martin of the Norfolk police. Holmes introduced himself to
Inspector Martin.
Inspector Martin was very surprised when he heard my
friend's name.
'But,
Mr
Holmes,'
he said,
'the
crime was
committed
23
only
a
tew hours ago, at three o'clock this morning! How did you get
here from London so
quickly?