Sherlock Holmes Investigates

If you are going back to Pitt Street, you might see Mr. Horace Harker. Tell him from me that I have decided that it is certain that a dangerous homicidal lunatic, with Napoleonic delusions, was in his house last night. He will find this information useful for his article."

Lestrade stared at Holmes. "You don't seriously believe that?"

Holmes smiled. "Don't I? Well, perhaps I don't. But I am sure that what I think will interest Mr. Horace Harker and the people who buy his news stories. Now, Watson, I think that we probably have a long and rather complicated day's work to do. I should be glad, Lestrade, if you could possibly meet us at Baker Street at six o'clock this evening. Until then I should like to keep the photograph which we found in the dead man's pocket. If my deductions are correct, I may have to ask for your company. I need you to help with a small expedition which will have to be undertaken tonight. Until then good-bye and good luck!"

Sherlock Holmes and I walked together to the High Street. There we stopped at the shop of Harding Brothers, where the bust had been purchased. A young assistant informed us that Mr. Harding would be absent until that afternoon. The shop assistant was a newcomer, who could give us no information. Holmes's face showed his disappointment and annoyance.

Vocabulary:

Lunatic: A madman
Delusions: Believing things that are obviously not true
Deductions: Looking at the facts and deciding what happened
Expedition: An adventurous journey
Undertaken: Done, carried out
Absent: Away, not there
Newcomer: Someone who has just arrived