James M. Dodd

As soon as everyone had retired and everything was dark and quiet, I slipped out of my window and made my way as silently as possible to the mysterious lodge.

The curtains were still drawn, but now there were shutters up as well.

Even so, there was some light coming through at one place.

I found I could see inside the room.

I saw the little man I'd seen that morning.

He was smoking a pipe and reading a paper.

I tried to see more of the room...

But just then, so you've become a spy, have you?

Kindly follow me back to the house, sir.

There's a train to London at 8.30 in the morning.

Sir, if I may only... The matter will not bear discussion.

You've made a most damnable intrusion into the privacy of our family.

You were here as a guest, and you've become a spy.

I've nothing more to say, sir, save that I have no wish ever to see you again.

Very well, Colonel Hemsworth.

I mean, I've seen your son, and I'm convinced that for some reason of your own you are concealing him from the world.

I've no idea what your motives are in cutting him off in this fashion, but I'm sure he's no longer a free agent.

And I warn you, Colonel, that until I'm assured of the safety of the well-being of my friend, I shall never desist in my efforts to get to the bottom of this mystery.

However, he didn't attack me, Mr. Holmes.

But there was nothing for it but to take the appointed train after writing first to ask you to see me.