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Mr. Jonas Oldacre then informed me that there were a number of documents - building leases, title-deeds, mortgages, scrip, and so forth - which it was necessary that I should see and understand.

He said that his mind would not be easy until the whole thing was settled, and he begged me to come out to his house at Norwood that night, bringing the will with me, and to arrange matters.

Remember, my boy, not one word to your parents about the affair until everything is settled.

We will keep it as a little surprise for them.' He was very insistent upon this point, and made me promise it faithfully.

"You can imagine, Mr. Holmes, that I was not in a humour to refuse him anything that he might ask.

He was my benefactor, and all my desire was to carry out his wishes in every particular.

I sent a telegram home, therefore, to say that I had important business on hand, and that it was impossible for me to say how late I might be.

Mr. Oldacre had told me that he would like me to have supper with him at nine, as he might not be home before that hour.

I had some difficulty in finding his house, however, and it was nearly half-past before I reached it.

I found him -"

"One moment!" said Holmes. "Who opened the door?"

"A middle-aged woman, who was, I suppose, his housekeeper."

"And it was she, I presume, who mentioned your name?"

"Exactly," said McFarlane.

"Pray proceed."

McFarlane wiped his damp brow and then continued his narrative:-

"I was shown by this woman into a sitting-room, where a frugal supper was laid out.

Afterwards Mr. Jonas Oldacre led me into his bedroom, in which there stood a heavy safe.

This he opened and took out a mass of documents, which we went over together.

It was between eleven and twelve when we finished.

He remarked that we must not disturb the housekeeper.

He showed me out through his own French window, which had been open all this time."

"Was the blind down?" asked Holmes.

"I will not be sure, but I believe that it was only half down.

Yes, I remember how he pulled it up in order to swing open the window.

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