We found your hat and your goose some days ago,'
said Holmes, 'But we couldn't find you very easily, Mr
Baker. We didn't know your address. Why didn't you
put an advertisement in the newspaper with your
address in it? We waited and waited for an
advertisement from you, but saw nothing.'
Mr Baker smiled 'I'm sorry. Advertisements are
expensive and I haven't got a lot of money these days. I
had once, but not now,' he went on. :And, well, I
thought those young men in Tottenham Court Road
had my hat and my goose, and I didn't want to put an
expensive advertisement in the newspaper for nothing.'
'I understand.' said Holmes, 'Now, before we say
more, I must tell you something about your goose. Mr
Baker. I'm sorry but ... well ... we ate it yesterday, you
know.'
'You ate it!' said our visitor, and he stood up excitedly.
'Yes, well, we didn't want it to go bad, you see. But we
bought a nice new goose this morning for you. It's on
the table there by the door. Is that all right for you?'
'Oh, yes, yes!' said Mr Baker happily. He sat down
again.
:And, let's see, I think we have your old goose's feet,
head and everything from inside it in the kitchen. Do