"I did not!" returned Holmes, with equal emphasis. "I have never in my life sent anybody to your house, sir."
"Then who in the name of Heaven did?" roared Grouch. "The stuff is gone."
Holmes shrugged his shoulders.
"I am willing," said he, calmly, "to undertake to find out who did it, if anybody, if that is what you mean, Mr. Grouch. Ferreting out crime is my profession. Otherwise, I beg to assure you that my interest in the case ceases at this moment."
Here Holmes rose with quiet dignity and walked to the door.
"You will find me at my office in the morning, Mr. Grouch." he remarked, "in case you wish to consult me professionally."
"Hah!" sneered Grouch. "You think you can put me off this way, do you?"
"I think so," said Holmes, with a glittering eye. "No gentleman or other person may try to raise a disturbance in my private apartments and remain there."
"We'll see what the police have to say about this, Mr. Raffles Holmes,"
Grouch shrieked, as he made for the door.
"Very well," said Holmes. "I've no doubt they will find our discussion of the other sinners very interesting. They are welcome to the whole story as far as I am concerned."