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A horrible doubt came into my mind as I approached the door lest

the dog might be loose, but I remembered that Toller had drunk

himself into a state of insensibility that evening, and I knew

that he was the only one in the household who had any influence

with the savage creature, or who would venture to set him free. I

slipped in in safety and lay awake half the night in my joy at

the thought of seeing you. I had no difficulty in getting leave

to come into Winchester this morning, but I must be back before

three o'clock, for Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit,

and will be away all the evening, so that I must look after the

child. Now I have told you all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I

should be very glad if you could tell me what it all means, and,

above all, what I should do."