“...and so, the inescapable conclusion of the facts before us is that the culprit behind all of this is none other then the Head Butler Graves!”

 Cries of shock and amazement rang out through the parlour as the case was solved. As the guilty Butler was dragged away by the constables, the other men gathered around the detective. “But where has her Ladyship gotten to?” One asked. “And the priceless emerald necklace?”

 “Oh, I’m sure her Ladyship was simply overcome by distress at this whole sordid affair.” He replied, coolly lighting his pipe. “As for the necklace, I am confident it will turn out sooner or later…”

 Nearby, a young lady knelt, listening at the keyhole to the conversation. Satisfied, she straightened up, brushing the wrinkles from the lacy apron which lay across her long black skirt. She reached up and briefly adjusted the frilled band across her dark hair, tied back in a proper bun. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor of the mansion as she hurried down the servant’s passage, heading towards the coal cellar. Along the way, she grabbed a small candle to guide her way down the dark stairs into the gloomy room below.

 “Mmmm…” A quiet moan, little more then a whimper, echoed in the Stygian darkness. As the young woman drew closer, the faint circle of light from her candle first revealed a pair of feet, clad in a fine pair of ladies calf-skin boots, lashed tightly together with cord. Further up was a dark green skirt, cinched at the knees where the legs were further tied with more cord. Then a pair of hands, bound at the wrists and lastly the pale, regal, yet frightened face of the Lady Standford. A white band of cloth covered her mouth, from under which her frightened grunts escaped.

 “Well, Mistress…” The newcomer told the captive, adding a touch of irony to the second word. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear the famous detective had cracked the case! The butler did it, if you can believe it!” She laughed. “They never suspect the Maid, do they...Well, soon as they’re off, we can get going to. There’s those waiting who’ll pay me a small fortune for your emerald necklace…” The maid grinned. “And another for your Ladyship to!”