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.
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