"Men of our ilk," which is the only time Doc will admit to having anything in common with the Briton, "we do not much like personal questions." Asking too many questions is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for a lawman and investigator, but someone who accuses another of doing it is often taking those questions personally.

"I think you keep whatever might attack us at bay every night," Doc jokes glibly. "Wherever we were, we all heard strange noises on those nights we were taken. The one night I did spend at the boarding house three weeks ago, there were some distant voices and nonsensical chattering. Nothing untoward had happened then. Besides, nowhere is truly safe. I trust those staying there can protect themselves."