"He fled the previous night by your own acknowledgment. The whole thing is ridiculous. If I were you, Denham, I would see a doctor. That brain of yours is in a dangerous state."
"In spite of all you say, I am certain it was Francis I met at the inn."
"How can that be when he whom you met is dead and Francis is alive? It could not be Francis, and, as I have not been out of Paris, it could not have been me."
"Then who was it?"
"Some stranger, no doubt, in whom you saw a facial resemblance to us."
"Impossible!"
"So I think," said Briarfield significantly; "for my part I think you are subject to delusions. Do not pursue this case, my friend, or you may find yourself in a lunatic asylum!"
"Will you come over to Marshminster and help me to solve the mystery?"
"Certainly not, Denham. My plans are all made for Italy, and I go there to-morrow. I certainly don't intend to put them off for such a wildgoose chase as you wish me to indulge in."
I took up my hat and prepared to go. The matter was beyond my comprehension.