"Colonel Ross did not impress me as a man who would be
likely to show much mercy in any case."

"The matter does not rest with Colonel Ross. I follow
my own methods, and tell as much or as little as I
choose. That is the advantage of being unofficial. I
don't know whether you observed it, Watson, but the
Colonel's manner has been just a trifle cavalier to
me. I am inclined now to have a little amusement at
his expense. Say nothing to him about the horse."

"Certainly not without your permission."

"And of course this is all quite a minor point
compared to the question of who killed John Straker."

"And you will devote yourself to that?"

"On the contrary, we both go back to London by the
night train."

I was thunderstruck by my friend's words. We had only
been a few hours in Devonshire, and that he should
give up an investigation which he had begun so
brilliantly was quite incomprehensible to me. Not a
word more could I draw from him until we were back at
the trainer's house. The Colonel and the Inspector
were awaiting us in the parlor.