The Adventure of the Waylaid Courier

Spice trade baron Colonel Winfred Startforth has died in India and willed his entire fortune to his niece, young Maxine Startforth of London. The late Colonel's lawyer, James Pushkin, has wired Sherlock Holmes and asked him to accompany Miss Startforth to the Docks today to meet Mr. Athelney Barlow, a courier from India, who will deliver the Colonel's valuables to Miss Startforth.

Upon reaching the docks, Holmes and Miss Startforth find Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard already there and the courier bludgeoned to death on the foredeck of the Calcutta Queen, a tramp steamer.

Matthew Bedford, the steamer's first mate, and Bosun Andrew Jameson state that when they last spotted Barlow, the courier was carrying a large valise and a heavy walking stick. Jameson notes that a monkey wrench is missing from a work site on the foredeck.

All that is found on the dead man's person is a stamped but unmailed letter addressed to Sherlock Holmes and a pocketful of loose change.

Holmes opens the letter, which simply reads. "If you are reading this, Mr. Holmes, foul play has occurred. Do not relinquish your search, for a great fortune is at hand"

Captain of the steamer, Hugh Prescott, agrees to remain in port until the crime is solved. Holmes pockets the letter and returns with Miss Startforth to Baker Street to reflect on the circumstances of this curious case.

Later, Inspector Lestrade arrives with Bosun Jameson in tow. The Inspector holds up a gold capped walking stick and announces triumphantly, "You may relax, Holmes. We have the killer and the weapon. We found the courier's walking stick under the Bosun's bunk". "On the contrary," replies a smiling Holmes. "You hold no part of the mystery."