midday before
He roamed about the house , and the women ran for it when they heard him coming . Late in the evening he went down to his own hut . About two o'clock the following morning his daughter , who slept with her window open , heard a most fearful yell from that direction , but it was no unusual thing for him to bawl and shout when he was in drink , so no notice was taken . On rising at seven one of the maids noticed that the door of the hut was open , but so great was the terror which the man caused that it was midday before anyone would venture down to see what had become of him . Peeping into the open door they saw a sight which sent them flying with white faces into the village . Within an hour I was on the spot and had taken over the case . `` Well , I have fairly steady nerves , as you know , Mr. Holmes , but I give you my word that I got a shake when I put my head into that little house .