‘“There,” said I when I saw it, “I’m sure it’s the man I saw them arresting this morning.”’

Mr. Holmes broke silence for the first time. He fixed his penetrating gaze on Lady Parchmin’s hair, and said:

‘You must have said that to yourself then, for you drove here alone.’

She put her hands up quickly to her head, saying:

‘Good Heavens! How do you know that? I did. Peter walked.’

‘How extraordinary!’ murmured the guests.

‘Do tell me how you told?’ said Lady Parchmin.

Mr. Holmes looked round the table with a dry, triumphant smile; then leaned confidentially towards Lady Parchmin, and explained:

‘I saw your husband’s goloshes in the hall.’

‘You must be a detective!’ said Lady Parchmin.