The Return of Sherlock Holmes

However, Lestrade was anxious to get his man into safe quarters, so within a few minutes our cab had been summoned and we were all upon our way to central London. Not a word would our captive say, but he glared at us from the shadow of his matted hair, and once, when my hand seemed within his reach, he snapped at it like a hungry wolf. We stayed long enough at the police-station to learn that a search of his clothing revealed nothing save a few shillings and a long sheath knife, the handle of which bore copious traces of recent blood.

'That's all right', said Lestrade, as we parted. 'Hill knows all these gentry, and he will give a name to him. You'll find that my theory of the Mafia will work out all right. But I'm sure I am exceedingly obliged to you, Mr. Holmes, for the workmanlike way in which you laid hands upon him. I don't quite understand it all yet.'

'I fear it is rather too late an hour for explanations', said Holmes. 'Besides, there are one or two details which are not finished off, and it is one of those cases which are worth working out to the very end. If you will come round once more to my rooms at six o'clock to-morrow, I think I shall be able to show you that even now you have not grasped the entire meaning of this business. The whole affair presents some features which make it absolutely original in the history of crime. If ever I permit you to chronicle any more of my little problems, Watson, I foresee that you will enliven your pages by an account of the singular adventure of the Napoleonic busts.'

Vocabulary:

Safe quarters: A secure place
Matted: Tangled together into a lump
Sheath knife: A knife kept in a holder, usually of leather
Copious: Plentiful
Gentry: Aristocratic people (here it is used sarcastically)
Exceedingly obliged: Owing a great deal
Chronicle: Record in writing
Enliven: Make lively and interesting
Singular: Exceptional