[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Yea, yea – I hear you a-caterwauling for an explanation mistress Fea, and I aim to give it.

It isn't good enough.

set myself up as the Innkeeper of that there town

True enough, but you have to remember that we're talking about the phantom and that he is notorious for his love of being the center of attention. How better than by owning the gathering place? He's pret' much guaranteed attention all day long, most especially if he's all dressed up in what would be called a tuxedo if they happened to exist in this time period!

to have about me others as I could easily fool into trusting me, it seems I would want to be married

Easily fooled my word-that-would-be-bleeped-were-I-to-post-it! Just because I'm not randomly pointing fingers and casting a vote that can not be revoked doesn't mean I'm easily fooled. It means more that I am not a fool. Big difference, m'lad, and see if I come heal you next time you're ill. Although I'll bet you wouldn't want me to come heal you, if I'm such a fool. I might screw up and vote that the wrong illness get lynched from your miserable old bones!

some among you all who think that I’m a-trying to move the noose from around my own neck and onto another’s

Yes, yes there are, y'old fool. You have limited evidence, if you can even call it that, and yet you are pointing fingers (or are they paws?). Half of what you call evidence you did not gain from anything that's been said or done. 'Tis what was gleaned from an outside source, and those, Mister Hedgethistle, count for naught in these parts.

But if your idea is to point fingers and find out reactions, then I applaud you for your sheer talent at it. Although I have no idea what the phantom's reactoin will be (although it will probably include hearty laughter and finger-pointing as he's doing it), I know that by tossing out unfounded accusations, you've drawn a heck of a lot of attention to yourself. And you called me a fool, which means I'll be watching you closely and dessecting every word you say. Tread carefully, Mister Hedgethistle, before you accuse yourself right to the gallows.