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great-uncle’s bureau drawer and sent it to me with a note explaining that there were six more similar letters sent over the four weeks since my previous visit to Holbrook Hall. I should also add that my address inLondon is in the West Central postal district. I can only assume my great-uncle, with Adams’ encouragement, has come to the conclusion that it was I who sent the letters.’
    ‘To what purpose?’
    Maitland gave a wry smile.
    ‘Exactly, Mr Holmes! What possible motive could I have for threatening my great-uncle in this way? On the other hand, Adams could have a very good reason for causing a rift between my great-uncle and myself. In the first place, I am now barred from seeing him again, thus preventing me from witnessing whatever devilry Adams has planned against Great-uncle Reginald. And secondly, I am the main heir to my great-uncle’s estate. Should I be disinherited, I fear Adams will become the sole beneficiary.’
    ‘Would Sir Reginald be foolish enough to cut you entirely out of his Will in Adams’ favour?’
    ‘He is a very stubborn man, Mr Holmes, who once he has taken against someone, for whatever reason, would never forgive that individual. My father is a good example of his intractability but there are other instances I could give you of friends and colleagues whom in the past he has discarded quite ruthlessly. You can understand now, I assume, why I referred in my letter to you of the urgency of the affair.’
    ‘Indeed I can, Mr Maitland,’ Holmes assured him grimly. ‘And I give you my word that the case will receive my immediate attention. Before you leave,however, there are one or two further details I need to establish. To begin with, I assume Adams came with references?’
    ‘I believe so. Mrs Grafton would be the best person to ask about this matter.’
    ‘Of course. That brings me to my second point. Please give me the vicar’s name and address so that, if need be, I can write to Mrs Grafton myself.’
    ‘Of course. He is the Reverend George Paget and the address is The Vicarage, Meadow Lane, Holbrook, Kent. Both the vicar and especially his wife are on friendly terms with Mrs Grafton, who is a regular member of the church, and they understand some at least of the situation at the Hall. They will, I am sure, do everything they can to help you, should you apply to them.’
    ‘May I keep the threatening letter and its envelope for the time being?’ Holmes enquired.
    On receiving Maitland’s consent, Holmes rose to his feet and held out his hand.
    ‘Then that is all for the moment,’ said he. ‘I shall write to you as soon as there is anything to report.’
    After his client had left the room and we heard the street door close behind him, Holmes turned to me.
    ‘I fear that Maitland is correct in thinking some devilry is afoot and that Adams is behind it.’
    ‘You seem quite convinced of that, Holmes.’
    ‘My dear fellow, it is as plain as the proverbial pikestaff. The anonymous letter confirms it.’
    ‘Does it? I confess I do not see how. Anyone could have sent it. And if it is indeed Adams, how did he contrive to post the letters in London?’
    ‘Oh, that is easily arranged!’ Holmes said, waving a dismissive hand. ‘He has an accomplice to whom he sent the letters and who in turn posted them in a pillarbox in the West Central district. I think we may find his co-conspirator also played another role in the affair. Which reminds me. I have an errand to carry out myself at the post office.’
    ‘What role are you referring to?’ I asked, bewildered.
    But Holmes was busy putting the anonymous letter in his pocket before snatching up his hat and stick and making for the door. Moments later, I heard him whistling in the street for a cab. 5
    At the time, I assumed he had left the house in order to send a telegram to the vicar and his wife, requesting an interview, as indeed he had. But there was another reason for his hasty departure which I did not learn about until