I quickly put on my clothes and was soon ready to go with my friend down to the sitting room. A lady dressed in black, who had been sitting near the window, rose as we entered.

"Good morning, Madam," said Holmes cheerfully "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 glad to see that Mrs Hudson has been clever enough to light the fire. Please come close to it and I will order a cup of hot coffee because I can see you're shivering."

"It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a soft voice, moving her seat nearer the fire. "It is fear, Mr Holmes. It is terror."

As she spoke, we could see that her face and figure were those of a 30 year old woman, but her hair was grey in places, and her expression was tired and frightened. Sherlock Holmes gave her one of his quick, intelligent looks.

"You must not be afraid," he said.