“Well, sir, it might have been the head of a dog smashed up and bleeding.” “When I went to pull down the blinds, my eye was caught by a shadow coming out from the big cedar. It was like the one I had seen in Grey Fallow. And it almost seemed as if I saw another shadow, which was leaping and bounding towards it--and then they both disappeared. And then I noticed the Sound had stopped. “I got the doctor and the police as soon as I could. The doctor was very puzzled. He said he’d never seen a wound like it, and couldn’t imagine how it had been caused. “Next day the London police came down, and, of course, it began to be a bit unpleasant for me, being so near in the next room like that, and no one else about. They cross-examined me for a long time. All I could say was that the master had been queer for a long time and taken to roaming in the grounds at night, that I had been woken up by hearing him scream and had rushed in to find what I have described, sir. But it sounded weak and fishy. The Inspector heard something in the village about Black Jack, and tried his best to find him, but he was never seen again. The inquest was adjourned several times, and I think everyone expected me to be arrested, but when the doctor had given his evidence it seemed to me that everyone in the Court felt there was something that couldn’t be explained about the business, and the verdict was ‘Murder by a person or persons unknown.’ After that the police left me alone, but I suppose most people still believe I did it. And then I came up to London and saw Sir Leonard. I’ve never been able to get another place. As soon as they hear I was with Sir Roger they turn me down. “Well, that’s my story, sir, and it’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth, though I know how it must sound.” “Did you ever think of telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth to the police?” asked Mr. Ponders. “They wouldn’t have stood for it, sir. I’m sure they wouldn’t.” “Well, Mr. Millin,” said Mr. Ponders smiling, “my brother has praised you more than I have known him praise many people, but even he never suggested you had the imagination to invent _that_ story. Do you know why--amongst other reasons--I believe every word of it? It’s because I’ve heard it before.” “Heard it before, sir!” “Well, almost. Do you see that black and red book on the shelf just behind you?” “Yes, sir.” “Well, that contains an account of a very, very similar happening in the year 1795 in this county, not ten miles away. It is called ‘A True Account of the Curious Events connected with the death of Mr. Arthur Pitts.’ You shall read it when you are installed here. By the way, how soon can you come?” Mr. Millin’s eyes were very bright as he answered, “Any time which will suit you, sir.” “HE COMETH AND HE PASSETH BY!” “HE COMETH AND HE PASSETH BY!” Edward Bellamy sat down at his desk, untied the ribbon round a formidable bundle of papers, yawned and looked out of the window.