Could it have killed Sir Henry? I asked.
It would have frightened him," said Holmes. The path across the Great Grimpen Mire is narrow. If he had run in the dark, Sir Henry would have fallen into the mire and died.
"But where did it come from?' I asked. "And why is its head burning with fire?"
"l believe it was kept in Merripit House,' said Holmes The fire is easy to explain.
" He touched the dog's head with his fingers. "It is a special paint, he said. "Come. Let us find the murderer.'
We walked back to Merripit House. The door was open. Sir Henry went into the house. 'Miss Stapleton!' he shouted. "Where is she? he did not join us for dinner.'
A sound came from one of the rooms. Sir Henry pushed