The ape went through its part of the performance, and the doctor fell a victim to his own diabolical ingenuity. The wounded animal had to be shot before any one could get near the body.
Some people have declared that Dr. Randall was a madman, but I think
Quarles' answer hit the truth.
"Of course, in a sense, all criminals are mad," he said, "but Randall was the sanest criminal I ever came in contact with."
CHAPTER V
THE DIFFICULTY OF BROTHER PYTHAGORAS
Whether it was my statement that criminals had grown cleverer than they used to be which aroused Quarles's interest so effectually, or whether it was that success made him thirst for further fields to conquer, I do not know. I do know, however, that he grew restless if any considerable time elapsed without my having a clue worthy of his powers.
As it happened we had two or three cases close together which stretched his powers to the utmost, and the extremely subtle manner in which he solved them shows him at his best.
When I sent him a telegram from Fairtown, merely requesting him to join me there, I felt certain he would come by the first available train, and was at the station to meet him.
"Fine, invigorating air this, Wigan," he remarked. "Is there really a case for us to deal with, or did you merely telegraph for the purpose of giving me a holiday?"
"The case is for you rather than for me. I am still—"