"You know perfectly well. You are as white as--as I would be if I showed what I felt. Where was Henry when that fire started?"
"I don't know."
"He came into the house not ten minutes ago,--"
"Watson is a man of his word."
"--and went up to his room. Do you believe in evil spirits that carry out the secret wishes of men who are--criminally insane?"
"I should hate to say I didn't, because the idea offers so interesting a field for speculation that it strikes me it would be amusing to entertain it. But what suggests the question?"
The doctor looked at him with miserable eyes. "Who started that fire?" he asked, almost inaudibly.
Burton answered in the same undertone. "I did. But don't mention it. I'm afraid my reputation might suffer."
The doctor stared at him with such obvious dismay that Burton laughed aloud.
"By deputy, of course! I'm not crazy, Doctor, but I confess I am somewhat excited. I can't stop to explain further, because I have an engagement."