The Adventure of the Peculiar Charwoman

Last week the body of a young charwoman was found in the storeroom of the Tobacconist. Tobacco dealer Daniel Ferguson, who discovered the dead girl, has identified the victim as Bessie Kidder, a new employee of the firm.

Mrs. Louise Ferguson, the tobacco dealer's wife, rather callously remarked that her husband probably worked the poor girl to death.

Indeed, all evidence suggests the victim did expire from the rigours of her job or at least by natural causes. No marks were found on the body and a coroner's report indicates no trace of poison.

Persons routinely questioned by Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard include Lowell Quilley, a regular customer who insists he never met the unfortunate girl; Ralph Pennman, a delivery man, simply refuses to answers any questions; and Daniel Ferguson claims the investigation has upset his delicate schedule of weekly visits to his Liverpool shop.

Inspector Lestrade would readily close the case were it not for one disturbing piece of evidence: Bessie Kidder apparently reported for work with painted fingernails.