that the boots or chamber-maid of
the hotel was well bribed to help him in his design. By chance, however, the
first boot which was procured for him was a new one and, therefore, useless for
his purpose. He then had it returned and obtained another - a most instructive
incident, since it proved conclusively to my mind that we were dealing with a
real hound, as no other supposition could explain this anxiety to obtain an old
boot and this indifference to a new one. The more outré and grotesque an
incident is the more carefully it deserves to be examined, and the very point
which appears to complicate a case is, when duly considered and scientifically
handled, the one which is most likely to elucidate it.
    Then we had the visit from our friends next morning, shadowed always by
Stapleton in the cab. From his knowledge of our rooms and of my appearance, as
well as from his general conduct, I am inclined to think that Stapleton's career
of crime has been by no means limited to this single Baskerville affair. It is
suggestive that during the last three years there have been four considerable
burglaries in the west country, for none of which was any criminal ever
arrested. The last of these, at Folkestone Court, in May, was remarkable for the
cold-blooded pistolling of the page, who surprised the masked and solitary
burglar. I cannot doubt that Stapleton recruited his waning resources in this
fashion, and that for years he has been a desperate and dangerous man.
    We had an example of his readiness of resource that morning when he got away
from us so successfully, and also of his audacity in sending back my own name to
me through the cabman. From that moment he understood that I had taken over the
case in London, and that therefore there was no chance for him there. He
returned to Dartmoor and awaited the arrival of the baronet.«
    »One moment!« said I. »You have, no doubt, described the sequence of events
correctly, but there is one point which you have left unexplained. What became
of the hound when its master was in London?«
    »I have given some attention to this matter and it is undoubtedly of
importance. There can be no question that Stapleton had a confidant, though it
is unlikely that he ever placed himself in his power by sharing all his plans
with him. There was an old manservant at Merripit House, whose name was Anthony.
His connection with the Stapletons can be traced for several years, as far back
as the school-mastering days, so that