I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I needed your help. I was afraid of the house, of Mr. Rucastle and of the Tollers. I was free to return to London, but something was wrong in that house. What is the secret of the upstairs room? The nearest village is two kilometers from the house. I went there and sent you a letter. This morning I came here, but I have to look after the boy. What shall I do, Mr. Holmes?
Holmes stood up and walked about the room. Where will Mr. Toller be this evening? He asked.
He will go to the village. He returns at about eight o’clock.
Good. The Rucastle will also be out of the house. That only leaves Mrs. Toller. Is there a room under the house?
Yes, said Miss Hunter.
You are doing very well, Miss Hunter. Can you do one more thing?
I’ll try. What is it?
Watson and I will come to the Copper Beeches at seven o’clock. Only Mrs. Toller will be there. Ask her to get something from under the house and then shut her in.
I’ll do it.
Very good, Miss Hunter. We shall soon know the secret of the upstairs room. I know one thing. They brought here to take someone’s place. That person is in the upstairs room.
Who is it, Mr. Holmes?
I think. it is Mr. Rucastle’s daughter, Alice. He says that she is in America. I think that he is lying. He chose you because you are like her. That hair you found is Alice’s. It is the same colour as your hair. The man on the road is possibly Alice’s friend, and perhaps he wants to marry her. They made you sit in the window woth Alice’s dress on while Mr. Rucastle told you funny stories.