Holmes then gave his orders to Sir Henry & myself, and the baronet
remarked that my companion looked like a general who was planning a
battle with his chief of staff. Sir Henry & I both received an
invitation to dine with the Stapletons tonight, but Holmes said that
I should send my apologies because I would have to return with him to
London immediately after breakfast. Sir Henry was still to go.
The baronet was obviously deeply hurt by what he regarded as our
desertion, and a little apprehensive at being left alone at the Hall.
He wanted to come to London with us, but Holmes reminded him that he
had promised to do what he was told, and that his post of duty was on
Dartmoor. He assured Sir Henry that it was only the most urgent
business that required us to be in town, and we hoped very soon to
return to Devonshire. He was to reinforce my own message of regret to
