"Yes."

"I knew you would send a messenger for it."

"Certainly."

"I lay around the post office for your messenger. When she came I
followed her here."

"Oh, I see; well, how stupid I am. It is evident I am not a female
detective. I never should have thought of that expedient."

"It is a very simple one. If it had been a trap the parties sending the
letter would have taken precautions not to be trapped that way."

"I see, yes, I see; well, you are not a dunce after all."

"Thank you. You wished to see me?"

"Yes."

"Madam, what is your name, please?"

"My name is Mrs. Frewen."

"Who is the young lady who called for the answer to the advertisement?"

"My niece."

"And her name?"

"Alice Frewen. She is my brother's daughter. She is an orphan."

"You wished to see me on business?"

"Yes."

"Why did you send for me?"

"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."

"Can you form the least idea as to who this friend, or rather this
so-called friend is? Have you the least suspicion as to his identity?"

"I have not."

"Has your niece?"

"No."

"This letter would suggest that there is a scheme on foot to rob you."

"That is the suggestion that came to me when I first read the note."

"Have you any articles of special value in the house?"

"You are a detective."

"I am."

"I believe your identity and respectability are sufficiently well
established for me to answer you frankly."

"Madam, you can reserve your answer if you choose until you thoroughly
establish my identity and respectability."

"It is not necessary. I am satisfied. Yes, I have articles of special
value in this house."

"Who would be likely to know the fact?"

"No one beyond my niece.