“Well, yes, of course the pay is good—too good. That is what makes

me uneasy. Why should they give you £ 120 a year, when they could have their

pick for £ 40? There must be some strong reason behind.”


“I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would understand

afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so much stronger if I felt that

you were at the back of me.”


“Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that your

little problem promises to be the most interesting which has come my way for

some months. There is something distinctly novel about some of the features. If

you should find yourself in doubt or in danger—”


“Danger! What danger do you foresee?”


Holmes shook his head gravely. “It would cease to be a danger if we could

define it,” said he. “But at any time, day or night, a telegram

would bring me down to your help.”


“That is enough.” She rose briskly from her chair with the anxiety

all swept from her face. “I shall go down to Hampshire quite easy in my

mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, sacrifice my poor hair

to-night, and start for Winchester to-morrow.” With a few grateful words

to Holmes she bade us both good-night and bustled off upon her way.


“At least,” said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the

stairs, “she seems to be a young lady who is very well able to take care

of herself.”


“And she would need to be,” said Holmes gravely. “I am much

mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past.”


It was not very long before my friend’s prediction was fulfilled. A

fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts turning in her

direction and wondering what strange side-alley of human experience this lonely

woman had strayed into. The unusual salary, the curious conditions, the light

duties, all pointed to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or