Upon receiving the message, Holmes realized that the Cubitts were in immediate danger. Holmes and Watson rushed to the Cubitts’ home, only to find Mr. Cubitt dead and his wife gravely wounded. Inspector Martin, a police officer, suspected Elsie to be the murderer. But Holmes thought a third person was involved. He wrote a note using the figures and asked a boy to deliver the message to Abe Slaney at Elrige’s. Holmes said, “Inspector, I am certain Elsie is not the criminal.” The inspector asked, “How can you be so sure?” Holmes replied confidently, “Because I decoded the messages.”