What are masons thoughts about the murder

Mrs. Douglas enters next. She is tall and beautiful. Although she is pale, her manner is composed. She confirms the events of the previous night. MacDonald asks if her husband spoke of anything from the past that might bring danger to him. Mrs. Douglas says her husband refused to discuss it but she knew there was danger hanging over him. He was always on guard against some powerful enemies. She says he spoke of having been in "the Valley of Fear." She is certain he was referring to some real valley where something terrible had happened. She also remembers her husband speaking the name Bodymaster McGinty when he was delirious with fever three years ago. MacDonald asks if she has any theories as to why an old enemy would take her husband's wedding ring. Watson observes a hint of a smile on Mrs. Douglas' lips before she answers that she does not know. After Mrs. Douglas leaves, Holmes rings for Ames to ask what Barker was wearing on his feet when the body was discovered. Ames says Barker was wearing his bedroom slippers which were stained with blood. The slippers are still under the hall chair where Barker put on his boots before going to the police. Holmes brings the slippers into the study and places one on the mark on the window sill. He smiles as it matches the print, proving Barker had marked the window himself. The detectives have more details to look into, so Watson decides to take a stroll in the garden before heading back to the inn. As he comes to the farthest side of the garden from the house, he hears voices from behind the hedges – a man's voice followed by a feminine laughter. He goes around and is shocked to see Mrs. Douglas and Barker smiling. They see Watson and quickly resume their solemn composure. Then Barker approaches and asks Watson to come speak to Mrs. Douglas. Realizing the impression she has just made on Watson, Mrs. Douglas implores him to reserve his judgment and asks for his guidance on a matter. She says they need to know whether Holmes would be obligated to share everything with the police if they were to bring confidential information to him. Watson tells her that Holmes is an independent investigator and would use his own judgment. When Watson reports the incident to Holmes later back at the inn, Holmes says he does not want their confidences in case they are involved in a conspiracy and murder. Holmes is in an excellent humor. He mischievously teases Watson for not having realized the importance of the missing dumbbell then makes him wait for the explanation while he devours his meal. After the meal, he finally sits down with his pipe and discusses the case with the befuddled Watson.