"The Broadbane murder—I remember that well."
"It occurred about a week before your first attack. You remember Broadbane lured the young woman to a lonely bridge in his carriage and threw her into the river."
"The circumstances were similar to my adventure. The second item is strange to me."
"It's from a New York paper, dated July 28—the very day before your second attack. The circumstances are closely similar this time again. A jealous husband shot his wife through the window of her room."
"Our monster reads, then."
"He is a lunatic (puff)," said McCausland, who had lighted his invariable cigar.
"You believe so?"
"The evidence convinces me. They have an itch to imitate, as you are aware. This man is a victim of homicidal mania, of which you have unfortunately become the object (puff)."
"Why Shagarach and not another?"
"Newspaper notoriety. You should see my crop of cranks. This particular crack-brain has aimed his illusion at you. We must strait-jacket him before it goes further."