"I will tell you. I read in the papers that you were a detective. I saw your bold act in catching the thief who had robbed me, and a little incident occurred that suggested to me that I had better consult with a detective. I had beheld your gallant action and my niece suggested the plan of the advertisement for your employment."
"Very well, madam; on what business do you desire to consult me about?"
The old lady produced a letter which read:
"Dear Madam: You are in danger. Remove all the portable valuables from your house; leave nothing around that thieves can carry away.
A Friend."
The detective read and re-read the missive and finally asked in a simple sort of way:
"Who sent this, madam?"
"You see the signature."
"A friend."
"That is all I know."