Thus inspired, Mayburn quickly turned and disappeared down the stairs. Then, I noticed another man behind me -- a well-dressed man standing stiffly, staring sympathetically at Eideard. I tapped my friend on the shoulder. Holmes turned around slowly and inquired what he wanted. Instead, Eideard replied that the man was his butler, Brunton.

Holmes slowly closed the door while telling the butler that it would be better if Eideard were left alone. He also said to me that there are some points in the investigation that needed to be clarified, and we should resume interviewing the musicians. Holmes then asked Brunton to help by providing a quiet spot for that purpose. Brunton replied, yes, there was a place for such an endeavor and that the music room was available.

I have to confess that Holmes' methods still confuse me at times. As we headed back downstairs, Holmes asked, "How long have you worked for your employer, Brunton?"

"A number of years now," The butler answered. "My father worked for the master for nearly 30 years; and, after he died, the offer of service was extended to me. I believe it will be 10 years next month." "You have been quite loyal. Your tour of service must have afforded you many challenges in that time."

"Yes sir. This year more than others."
I asked, "Why do you say that?"
"My previous responsiblilites extended merely to making the guests more comfortable. Now, I have additional orders from the local constabulary to keep them from wandering off the estate."

I thought back to our discussion with the man from the southwestern United States and wondered how effective Brunton was in other areas of butlering.

Holmes glanced at me and, as a footnote, said, "Our investigation is helped by the fact that the estate is isolated from any nearby town. And, it is fortunate, indeed, that the entire perimenter is fortified with high stone walls. Better to keep track of everyone's movements. The isolation is perhaps a little easier since Lestrade has kept the news of these shocking deaths from the public. Ah, here is the room we seek."

We walked into a medium sized room with a large, bay window which allowed warm shafts of light to flow in comfortably. There was a large piano at one end of the room, and upholstered chairs were set at various positions about the bare, curving window, inserted with a window seat, at the other side of the room.

"Now, Brunton," Holmes said quickly, "would you be so kind as to go to the lounge and send in"...he magically produced a list in his hand..."Miss Anastasia Vislovich"

With a curt nod, the butler quickly disappeared though the large double doors and, moments later, a thin young woman in a ruffled black dress appeared. I surmised that she could not be more than 20, and I could not help but be struck by her beauty.

As she was motioned to sit down into a nearby chair, Holmes began immediately: "So tell me, Miss Visovich, do you know your host personally?"

"Oh no, sir," the woman said, her eyes enlarging plaintively. "But he is a wonderful man to allow me to come to this event of great magnitude. It is all so glorious. The cello has always been an important part of my life, and it was a glorious day when the invitation came to join these other fine musicians at this glorious place."

"When you came here, were you greeted immediately by your host?" "No sir. When my carriage dropped me at the front door, the man named Brunton met me to take my luggage. I guess I was one of the first to arrive. He gave me time to relax and freshen up upstairs in my assigned room. He said to come down as soon as I could to meet the others before dinner. I did. It is a glorious place, is it not?"

Holmes said, "Err..yes it is. And where did you go to meet everyone?"
"Why, in this very room. But I was early. A little nervous to meet new people, so I came down too early, and Brunton told me to wait in here."
"So, you were the first," I added.
"Oh yes. It was not much of a wait, and there were chocolates to pass the time."
Holmes looked up, "Chocolates?"
"Yes, " she added. " A great and glorious large box of chocolates...next to the box of cigars. But I was afraid to simply help myself to such decadence.I was told, though, that that is why they were there."

I looked at Holmes, but he kept his attention on her. "Now, Miss Visovich, think hard. What else do you remember in this room at that time?"

She was silent for quite a few moments, frequently looking around the room.

"Well..." she began slowly. "There was something different back then."
"And that was..." Holmes prompted.
"The fountain."
"What?" I could not help saying.

She repeated, "The fountain. In the window seat. It was on." Holmes was suddenly on his feet. "Quick, Watson. Lend a long arm, and help me with this covering." Indeed, after removing the wooden plank that acted as a seat cover, there was revealed a tiny pool of water. A metal pipe hung over the placid surface, but the spout was inactive.

"Do you see the insideous turn that this case has taken, old man?" Holmes anxiously called to me.
I was still unsure what to say.
"Whatever do you mean, Holmes?" I finally said.
"Look at the coat of arms on the wall there." The movement of his head brought my eyes to the wall. "Do you see it, Watson? Do you see it?"

I had to confess that I did not.
"There!" he exclaimed. "If I recall my heraldic knowledge, I would say that was 'sable with four BROAD AXES argent!'"

Proceed to Part 12