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 brilliant, forceful rascal like this Austrian. My client, however, is an old friend, one who has known the General intimately for many years and taken a paternal interest in this young girl since she wore short frocks. He cannot see this tragedy consummated without some attempt to stop it. There is nothing in which Scotland Yard can act. It was his own suggestion that you should be called in, but it was, as I have said, on the express stipulation that he should not be personally involved in the matter. I have no doubt, Mr. Holmes, with your great powers you could easily trace my client back through me, but I must ask you, as a point of honour, to refrain from doing so, and not to break in upon his incognito.”

Holmes gave a whimsical smile.

“I think I may safely promise that,” said he. “I may add that your problem interests me, and that I shall be prepared to look into it. How shall I keep in touch with you?”

“The Carlton Club will find me. But, in case of emergency, there is a private telephone call, ‘XX.31.’”

Holmes noted it down and sat, still smiling, with the open memorandum-book upon his knee.

“The Baron’s present address, please?”

“Vernon Lodge, near Kingston. It is a large house. He has been fortunate in some rather shady speculations and is a rich man, which, naturally, makes him a more dangerous antagonist.”

“Is he at home at present?”

“Yes.”

“Apart from what you have told me, can you give me any further information about the man?”