but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it
seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all.
And now? I asked.
Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King
to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown
into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is probable that
when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be
a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands.
And when will you call?
At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a
clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a
complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without
delay.
We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was
searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said:
Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.
There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting
appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by.
I ve heard that voice before, said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit
street. Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been.
III.
I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast
and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the
room.
You have really got it! he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either
shoulder and looking eagerly into his face.
Not yet.
24