“I am glad to hear your Majesty say so.”


“I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward

you. This ring—” He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger

and held it out upon the palm of his hand.


“Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly,”

said Holmes.


“You have but to name it.”


“This photograph!”


The King stared at him in amazement.


“Irene’s photograph!” he cried. “Certainly, if you wish

it.”


“I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. I

have the honour to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed, and, turning

away without observing the hand which the King had stretched out to him, he set

off in my company for his chambers.


And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia,

and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s

wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard

him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her

photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.


II.THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE
 I had

called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year

and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly

gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to

withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door

behind me.


“You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear

Watson,” he said cordially.


“I was afraid that you were engaged.”


“So I am. Very much so.”


“Then I can wait in the next room.”


“Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper

in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the

utmost use to me in yours also.”


The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a