On looking over my notes of the 70 or so cases which I have made over the last eight years to study the methods of my friend, Sherlock Holmes, I find many cases which are tragic, some which are comic, and a large number which are merely strange. There are none which are ordinary; for, working as he did rather for the love of his art rather than for the gaining of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation which was not rather unusual, or even fantastic.

Of all these cases though, I can't remember any which had as many unique features as the case associated with a well known Surrey family, the Roylotts of Stoke Warren. The events in question occurred in the early days of my association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in Baker Street. I have made a record of them before, but a promise of secrecy was made at that time, and I have only been freed during the last month by the death of the lady to whom the promise was given. Now is perhaps a good time for the fact to come to light, since I know there are widespread rumours about the death of Dr Grimsby Roylott, and this rumour has made the matter even more terrible than the truth.