Intrigued by the case, Holmes meets Sir Henry, newly arrived from Canada. Sir Henry is puzzled by an anonymous note delivered to his London hotel room, warning him to avoid the Devonshire moors. Holmes says that the note had been composed largely of words cut from The Times, probably in a hotel, judging by other clues. The fact that the words were cut with nail scissors suggested a woman author, as did a remnant whiff of perfume. Holmes keeps this last detail to himself. When Holmes and Watson later join Sir Henry at his hotel, they learn one of the baronet's new boots has gone missing. No good explanation can be found for the loss.