Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came down.
"You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of young Openshaw's." "What steps will you take ?" I asked.
"It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries.
I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "You will not go there first ?" "No, I shall commence with the City.

Just ring the bell and the maid will bring up your coffee." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and glanced my eye over it.

It rested upon a heading which sent a chill to my heart.
"Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much.

How was it done ?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved.
"My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and a splash in the water.

The night, however, was extremely dark and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it was quite impossible to effect a rescue.