visitors -- `a warm lot, sir' -- at the Hall, and especially one

gentleman with a red moustache, Mr. Woodley by name, who was

always there. We had got as far as this when who should walk in

but the gentleman himself, who had been drinking his beer in the

tap-room and had heard the whole conversation. Who was I?

What did I want? What did I mean by asking questions? He had

a fine flow of language, and his adjectives were very vigorous.

He ended a string of abuse by a vicious back-hander which I failed

to entirely avoid. The next few minutes were delicious. It was

a straight left against a slogging ruffian. I emerged as you

see me. Mr. Woodley went home in a cart. So ended my country trip,

and it must be confessed that, however enjoyable, my day on the

Surrey border has not been much more profitable than your own."

The Thursday brought us another letter from our client.

"You will not be surprised, Mr. Holmes," said she, "to hear

that I am leaving Mr. Carruthers's employment. Even the high

pay cannot reconcile me to the discomforts of my situation.

On Saturday I come up to town and I do not intend to return.

13.03.2007