Dr. Watson

But to return to my story.

On that December night in 1900, we heard the whole history of the limping host of Loch Nair.

The first Earl had lost a foot at the Battle of Plodden Field in 1513.

In spite of this terrible handicap, he fought on valiantly until he died on the battlefield from loss of blood.

From then on, right until the time this story begins, the limping ghost, clad in a suit of armor, always appeared at Lochner Castle before and after the death of the current Earl.

Yes, Mr. Bartell, it was a strange story that Sherlock Holmes and I listened to that night.

A story of death and horror over the centuries, punctuated by the limping clank...

of ghostly armor.

And that's the story of the Loch Nairs, Mr. Holmes.

You were instrumental in sending my great-uncle to the gallows, a fate which he richly deserved, I'm told.

So it seemed only natural to come here to Baker Street and consult you now that I'm in trouble.

I shall be most happy to do anything I can to help you, sir.

I don't remember anything about your sending the old Lochner to the scaffold, Holmes.

Well, he did, Dr. Watson.

Oh, really?

And the servants have always sworn the ghost rarely did walk at midnight on the day that he was hanged.

Indeed.

Now, sir, I suggest that you tell us what problem brought you here.

The ghost is walking again, Mr. Holmes.

You know what that means.