It is impossible to
make it clearer in a few words."
"But the old story!" I said. "Why may not there have been something
in _that_?"
"There may have been something in it," said Carnacki. "But I do not think
it had anything to do with this. I have not clearly thought out my
reasons, yet; but later I may be able to tell you why I think so."
"And the marriage? And the cellar--was there anything found there?"
asked Taylor.
"Yes, the marriage was performed that day in spite of the tragedy,"
Carnacki told us. "It was the wisest thing to do considering the things
that I cannot explain. Yes, I had the floor of that big cellar up, for I
had a feeling I might find something there to give me some light. But
there was nothing.
"You know, the whole thing is tremendous and extraordinary. I shall
never forget the look on Parsket's face. And afterward the disgusting
sounds of those great hoofs going away through the quiet house."
Carnacki stood up.
"Out you go!" he said in friendly fashion, using the recognized formula.
And we went presently out into the quiet of the Embankment, and so to
our homes.
No. 5
THE SEARCHER OF THE END HOUSE
It was still evening, as I remember, and the four of us, Jessop,
Arkright, Taylor and I, looked disappointedly at Carnacki, where he sat
silent in his great chair.
We had come in response to the usual card of invitation, which--as you
know--we have come to consider as a sure prelude to a good story; and
now, after telling us the short incident of the Three Straw Platters, he
had lapsed into a contented silence, and the night not half gone, as I
have hinted.
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