December 16: "The rotund man in a red coat" (from W.Y. Traveller)
"A rotund man in a red coat," Holmes muttered, holding the telegram close to his hawk-like nose.
"That could be anyone here," Watson replied dismally, peering in the window at the Father Christmas impersonation contest.
"So it could," Holmes replied, pocketing the telegram. "It would seem our friend Lestrade is not of much help to us today."
"Just one moment, now," came Lestrade's voice from the street, as he exited a hansom cab. "I just procured a sketch of the gentleman in question. He stepped quickly across the sidewalk, pulled a folded paper from his coat pocket, and showed it to the other two. The man in the drawing had piercing blue eyes and a distinctive scar on his left temple.
"Thank you; I'm sure this will be very helpful, Inspector," said Watson.
"Indeed," Holmes added.
"I may not have your brain, Mr. Holmes," said Lestrade, his chest puffing out just a little, "but we at Scotland Yard keep our noses to the grindstone."
Holmes flashed a smile. "So you do. Let us find our man."