The Case of the Harlequin Toad

A stand-alone story featuring the character created by William Hope Hodgson in 1910.   Carnacki has invited his friends round for supper and, of course, a ghost story. He recounts one of his earliest cases, from twenty years ago when he was new to London and struggling to set up as a professional ghost-finder. Miss Dutton, an elderly and extremely wealthy spinster, seeks his help.   A niece she has never heard of has arrived from French Guyana, better known to the English as 'Devil's Island.' The niece doesn't speak English and is, apparently, possessed.   Carnacki suspects a fraud and agrees to visit Miss Dutton at home in swanky Dorchester Square.   There he finds nothing is as he expected. He becomes part of the household, gets to know the other residents and befriends the victim, Miss Falatin.  Finally he finds a clue to her condition and steels himself to free her.