Chapter 26

Staring intensely at Hopgood, Sherlock said, “It is immensely satisfying to encounter a criminal whose wit is a challenge and whose ingenuity and innovation make him a worthy opponent. Sadly, sir, you fit neither category.”

“Who are you?” Hopgood demanded, his voice hissing like a snake.

“My name is Sherlock Holmes and everything is now in order.”

Hopgood blinked at us and looked as dazed as one who witnesses an explosion.

“Are you a police officer? Did someone from Oxford send you here?”

“Neither,” Sherlock laughed.

I saw Hopgood glance around, clearly seeking escape, but Sherlock pounded on him and knocked him to the floor.

“Professor Hopgood, in the name of Her Majesty, I arrest you for the murder of Sir Cecil Gray. We have an eye witness.”

“You said you are not a police officer,” Hopgood hissed.

“Did I?”

Hopgood tried to struggle and Mycroft hovered over him with the rolling pin. “I, on the other hand,” he said, a smug smile crossing his lips, “am here with Her Majesty’s authority.”

“I assure you, Professor Hopgood,” Sherlock said, “it will go much easier for you if you do not resist.”

Resist he did, and Sherlock landed several well placed blows to his face and chest. They struggled for a moment and Hopgood attempted to seize the gun but instead he received a crashing blow to his temple from its butt.

As I so often did, I stared at Sherlock in amazement. “What shall I do, Sherlock?”

“Go back to the Inn and ask them to fetch the local constable.”

“Yes, run along, Dr. Stamford,” Mycroft said. “The constable is expecting you.”