 he must have been aware that his master
and mistress were really husband and wife. This man has disappeared and has
escaped from the country. It is suggestive that Anthony is not a common name in
England, while Antonio is so in all Spanish or Spanish-American countries. The
man, like Mrs. Stapleton herself, spoke good English, but with a curious lisping
accent. I have myself seen this old man cross the Grimpen Mire by the path which
Stapleton had marked out. It is very probable, therefore, that in the absence of
his master it was he who cared for the hound, though he may never have known the
purpose for which the beast was used.
    The Stapletons then went down to Devonshire, whither they were soon followed
by Sir Henry and you. One word now as to how I stood myself at that time. It may
possibly recur to your memory that when I examined the paper upon which the
printed words were fastened I made a close inspection for the water-mark. In
doing so I held it within a few inches of my eyes, and was conscious of a faint
smell of the scent known as white jessamine. There are seventy-five perfumes,
which it is very necessary that a criminal expert should be able to distinguish
from each other, and cases have more than once within my own experience depended
upon their prompt recognition. The scent suggested the presence of a lady, and
already my thoughts began to turn towards the Stapletons. Thus I had made
certain of the hound, and had guessed at the criminal before ever we went to the
west country.
    It was my game to watch Stapleton. It was evident, however, that I could not
do this if I were with you, since he would be keenly on his guard. I deceived
everybody, therefore, yourself included, and I came down secretly when I was
supposed to be in London. My hardships were not so great as you imagined, though
such trifling details must never interfere with the investigation of a case. I
stayed for the most part at Coombe Tracey, and only used the hut upon the moor
when it was necessary to be near the scene of action. Cartwright had come down
with me, and in his disguise as a country boy he was of great assistance to me.
I was dependent upon him for food and clean linen. When I was watching
Stapleton, Cartwright was frequently watching you, so that I was able to keep my
hand upon all the strings.
    I have already told you that your reports reached me rapidly, being
forwarded instantly from Baker Street to Coombe
