James M. Dodd

The presence of the second person in the outhouse suggested a keeper.

The fact that he locked the door when he came out strengthened the supposition.

On the other hand, this constraint could not be severe, or the young man could not have got loose to have a look at his friend.

You will remember, Mr. Dodd, that I felt round for points.

Such as asking me about the paper Mr. Kent had been reading.

You were being optimistic there, Mr. Holmes.

Had it been a medical paper, it would have helped me.

It is not illegal to keep a lunatic upon private premises so long as there is a qualified person in attendance and the authorities have been notified.

Then why all this desperate desire for secrecy?

So you had no theory to fit the facts again.

Rare and unlikely as it was, everything seemed to fit into it.

Leprosy is not uncommon in South Africa.

Bleaching of the skin is a common result of the disease.

By some extraordinary chance, this youth might have contracted it.

His people would be placed in a very dreadful position since they would desire to save him from segregation.

Great secrecy would be needed

But he could be allowed some freedom after dark.

A devoted medical man, if sufficiently paid, would easily be found to take care of him.

You thought this case was the strongest of the three, in fact?

So strong that I determined to act as if it were actually proved.