"That's Ridling Thorpe Manor," said he.
As we drove up to the porticoed front door I observed in front
of it, beside the tennis lawn, the black tool-house and the
pedestalled sun-dial with which we had such strange associations.
A dapper little man, with a quick, alert manner and a waxed
moustache, had just descended from a high dog-cart.
He introduced himself as Inspector Martin, of the Norfolk
Constabulary, and he was considerably astonished when he heard
the name of my companion.
"Why, Mr. Holmes, the crime was only committed at three this
morning. How could you hear of it in London and get to the spot
as soon as I?"
"I anticipated it. I came in the hope of preventing it."
"Then you must have important evidence of which we are ignorant,
for they were said to be a most united couple."
"I have only the evidence of the dancing men," said Holmes.
"I will explain the matter to you later. Meanwhile, since it
is too late to prevent this tragedy, I am very anxious that I
should use the knowledge which I possess in order to ensure that
justice be done. Will you associate me in your investigation,
or will you prefer that I should act independently?"
"I should be proud to feel that we were acting together,
Mr.
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