For a second or two we stood quietly. As an Army Surgeon I have seen many young men cut down in their prime, but I am not ashamed to say that the sight of this young lady, whose life had been so full of promise just a few days ago, brought a catch to my throat. I could see that Holmes had been affected too, and knew that he would not rest until the agent of this tragedy had been brought to justice.

"Caroline!" Captain Blount cried as he jumped to his feet. Holmes stepped in front of him, and in a tone of command barked, "Captain. As you were."

"Captain Blount, if we are to have any hope of finding those responsible it is imperative that you do as I say."

"But, my poor, dear Caroline."

"It is for Caroline you must act now." As he spoke he took out his notebook and scribbled a few words on a clean page. Ripping the page out he handed the sheet to Captain Blount with the instructions, "send this telegram to Inspector Lestrade at Scotland Yard, and then find the local constable and bring him back here as fast as you can. Tell him that there have been two murders committed, and if we act quickly he will have his man."

"Two murders?"
"Yes, two and perhaps more."
"But who was the other?"

"Miss Wickham's father. Now please, Captain, do as I request." Nodding his head sadly, the captain took one last look at his fiancé and left the room.

No sooner had he left than Holmes was on his knees beside the unfortunate Miss Wickham. "We cannot be sure the constable will be hard to find, and must make the best use of the time allotted." He carefully examined her wrists making a note of a small red spot on her right arm, and then made a minute examination of her fingers. After carefully sniffing both her right and left hands several times he bent over and put his face very near her lips and nose taking several long, deep breaths.

Satisfied, he turned his attention to the bundle of papers which still lay on the table. He handled each sheet by the extreme tips of the corners using only the very tips of his fingers, and peered at them closely from several different angles. One in particular seemed to be of especial interest, and he carefully folded it and put it in his coat pocket. Taking note of my expression he smiled and said, "do not worry yourself, Watson. This one is safe enough, and just may save one or two careers."

Before I could ask Holmes what he meant there was a disturbance in the hall and Captain Blount entered with a very ruddy and disheveled constable who took a quick look around and said, "So what's all this then?"