Nothing more came of all their watching, and over a jorum of something
hot one night, after they had returned to the Doctor's house, it was
himself who said--
"After all, it stands to reason. Some evil-possessed soul seeks victims,
and has fixed on the Coupee as the place best fitted for his work. No
one now goes near the Coupee at night--ergo, no victims; ergo,
no--er--no manifestations."
"H'm! Very clever!" said the Senechal, through his pipe. "Where does
that leave us, then?"
"We must have a decoy, of course."
"H'm! You'll not get any Sark man to act as decoy to the devil. Besides,
they would talk, and that would upset the whole thing."
"What about one of your men, Gard?"
"It's a dangerous game for any man to play, Doctor.... I don't quite see
how one could ask it of them,"--and after a pause of concentrated
thought and many slow smoke-puffs--"What would you say to me?" and all
their eyes settled on him--the Doctor's professionally.
"Surely you have suffered enough in this matter, Mr. Gard," suggested
the Vicar.
"I would give a good deal, and do a good deal, to get to the bottom of
it all.
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