ll own up to
it. I'd give something for a photograph of your gaping, staring face
when you pulled aside that lid expecting to see the Lady Frances Carfax
and only found a poor old woman of ninety."

Holmes's expression was as impassive as ever under the jeers of his
antagonist, but his clenched hands betrayed his acute annoyance.

"I am going through your house," said he.

"Are you, though!" cried Peters as a woman's voice and heavy steps
sounded in the passage. "We'll soon see about that. This way,
officers, if you please. These men have forced their way into my
house, and I cannot get rid of them. Help me to put them out."

A sergeant and a constable stood in the doorway. Holmes drew his card
from his case.

"This is my name and address. This is my friend, Dr. Watson."

"Bless you, sir, we know you very well," said the sergeant, "but you
can't stay here without a warrant."

"Of course not. I quite understand that."

"Arrest him!" cried Peters.

"We know where to lay our hands on this gentleman if he is wanted,"
said the sergeant majestically, "but you'll have to go, Mr. Holmes."

"Yes, Watson, we shall have to go."

A minute later we were in the street once more. Holmes was as cool as
ever, but I was hot with anger and humiliation. The sergeant had
followed us.

"Sorry, Mr. Holmes, but that's the law."

"Exactly, Sergeant, you could not do otherwise."

"I expect there was good reason for your presence there. If there is
anything I can do--"

"It's a missing lady, Sergeant, and we think she is in that house. I
expect a warrant presently."

"Then I'll keep my eye on the parties, Mr. Holmes. If anything comes
along, I will surely let you know."

It was only nine o'clock, and we were off full cry upon the trail at
once. First we drove to Brixton Workhoused Infirmary, where we found
that it was indeed the truth that a charitable couple had called some
days before, that they had claimed an imbecile old woman as a former
servant, and that they had obtained permission to take her away with
them. No surprise was expressed at the news that she had since died.

The doctor was our next goal. He had been called in, had found the
woman dying of pure senility, had actually seen her pass away, and had
signed the certificate in due form. "I assure you that everything was
perfectly normal and there was no room for foul play in the matter,"
said he. Nothing in the house had struck him as suspiciou