"What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man furiously.

"But I have heard that the crocuses promise well" continued my companion imperturbably.

"You would put me off?" said our new visitor taking a step forward and shaking his whip. "I know you, you scoundrel, for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes the meddler."

My friend smiled.

"Holmes the busybody!"

His smile broadened and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most entertaining, my dear Sir. When you go out, close the door for there is a draught."

"I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with my affairs. I know that Miss Stonor has been here. I traced her! I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with his huge brown hands.

"See that you keep yourself out of my grip" he shouted and throwing the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the room.