‘Mr Holmes, this remains a puzzle,’ said Hadley. ‘If you believe Mr Vitale, and it seems you do, then who killed Miss Wyndham, and why on earth would Father Lamb attempt to kill Leo Vitale just now?’ asked Hadley. ‘There are too many unanswered questions in the scenario you project.’

‘I will answer these questions within the hour. I can tell you one thing, however. Miss Wyndham was killed for love. Has Constable Wright returned from inspecting Deacon Buttons’ room?’

‘Not yet. For love, you say? But here is another question. Who pulled the lever at the lock, nearly killing you and Buttons?’ asked Hadley. ‘Tell us again, Dr Watson, what you saw?’

The men turned to me. I shrugged. ‘As I said, the figure was hooded and masked. I could make out nothing.’

‘Height?’

‘At least my height. Perhaps taller.’

At that moment, young Palmer burst into the room. ‘They caught Father Lamb, Mr Hadley! He was running fast, but he claims Mr Holmes attacked him as he tried to rescue Vitale from a suicide attempt.’

Hadley stood up behind his desk. ‘Is there any chance that you misunderstood the priest’s actions, Mr Holmes?’

Holmes shook his head wearily.

‘Mr Vitale told us that Father Lamb attempted to kill him,’ I said.

‘But Mr Vitale has lied before!’ said Hadley. ‘Holmes?’

‘No. Father Lamb was yanking on Mr Vitale’s legs to hasten his death.’

‘But might you be mistaken? Couldn’t he have been trying to hoist him and save the boy, as we did, just in time?’

We heard a commotion just outside the door and Father Lamb’s strident voice: ‘An outrage! Unhand me!’

‘Shall I let them in, sir?’ asked Palmer.

Holmes leaped to his feet, discarding his blanket. He was suddenly on fire. ‘Wait!’ He paused, finger to his lips. ‘Mr Hadley, let me question the priest. What I say or do will seem strange. Give nothing away, please. All will become clear shortly. I will require Constable Palmer’s help. Trust me. Mr Hadley, may I suggest that you do not indicate to the father that he is a suspect, rather that we made a mistake? Will you agree to all this?’

Hadley hesitated briefly, then nodded. ‘In for a penny,’ said he. ‘Palmer, give Mr Holmes your full support.’

Holmes beckoned the young man over and whispered at some length to him. The fellow nodded. ‘I understand you, sir.’

Palmer looked over at Hadley, who nodded approval. ‘Do as he asks,’ said the Inspector.

Palmer departed. Holmes turned to us both with a smile. ‘As they call this in a conjuring show, gentlemen, you are about to witness … the Prestige.’

CHAPTER 42

The Prestige

Finnegan and Palmer entered with Father Lamb in tow. Covered with a thin sheen of sweat, the man was the picture of wounded innocence. ‘Unhand me!’ he cried. ‘I beg your forbearance!’