Less than two hours later, Dr Mortimer waved his goodbyes from the back of his shire horse, in a borrowed saddle, as he began his journey back home. Holmes, Sir Henry and Watson, now back on his feet, returned to the house.
"He has been a great friend to me these past few weeks," Sir Henry murmured, "Mr Holmes, I am truly sorry to impose on you once more, but I fear I really do need your assistance. Apparently Jenkins and Perkins both caught sight of the… apparition… floating at my window last night, as they were patrolling the grounds. They swear to seeing no person, only a floating, skeletal figure at the second storey, illuminated with a ghostly glow…"
"They saw a puppet, soaked in phosphorous," Holmes sniffed, "and they saw no figure because they were so transfixed they observed nothing else."
"Either way, Jenkins left to return to the village this morning without a further word, and Perkins made an excuse about a sick relative to take a horse and left for London half an hour ago. My staff is deserting me in droves, Mr Holmes, and I am unable to sleep the night for fear of that terrible vision!"
"Calm yourself, my dear Sir Henry," Watson said, tired, yet soothingly, "come. Let us take some tea in the sitting room and discuss the matter."
"I have a different proposal," Holmes interjected, "Sir Henry; please summon your remaining staff to the sitting room. Dr Watson and I will carry out a thorough search of Baskerville Hall in its entirety. I would ask you and your attendants to remain together until the search is complete."
Sir Henry hesitated, but eventually nodded; "It would certainly serve to put my mind at rest…"
Holmes gave him a tight smile, and Sir Henry nodded quickly, leaving to summon Sally, along with Mr and Mrs Barrymore. Holmes turned to Watson, who looked pale, but alert.
"How are you feeling, Watson?"
"Quite well, thank you, Holmes," Watson replied, politely, with a smile; "I can feel the effects of both the chloroform and the coffee – the latter will preside until the former wears off."
Holmes returned his smile; "We shall retrieve the household keys from Barrymore, and then our hunt begins. Watson! The game's afoot, I know it!"
~*~