I quickly put my clothes on and went with my friend down to the sitting room. A lady who was wearing black clothes was sitting near the window. She stood up when we came into the room.

"Good morning, Madam," said Holmes "my name is Sherlock Holmes. This is my friend, Dr Watson, and he will not tell anyone what you say to me. Ah! I am happy to see that we have a fire in the room. Please come close to it and I will bring you a cup of hot coffee because you are very cold."

"I am not cold," said the woman with a soft voice. She sat near the fire. "I am scared , Mr Holmes. I am very frightened."

Her face and body showed that she was a 30 year old woman, but some of her hair was grey, and she was tired and frightened. Sherlock Holmes looked at her.