1 A Visitor for Sherlock Holmes
My name is Doctor Watson. While I was in the army, I travelled to many strange and
interesting places. Then one day, in Afghanistan, I was shot in the shoulder. I nearly died
from pain and fever. I retired from the army and came back to England. That is why I was
living in London with Sherlock Holmes. I had known my friend for many years. He was the
most famous private detective in London.
One afternoon, I was reading a book and Holmes "was standing by the window in our
sitting-room. Usually he was very busy and active. But this afternoon he did not seem very
happy.
'I need some work, Watson: said Holmes impatiently. 'I love my work. It keeps my brain
active. But when there are no crimes and no mysteries to solve - all, then life becomes very
bori ng for me.'
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Our housekeeper came into the room.
She was carrying a small white card on a silver tray. Holmes picked up the card.
'Miss Mary Morstan,' he read aloud. 'I
don't know anyone of that name. Perhaps it
is a new client:
A few moments later, Miss Morstan
entered the room. She was young and not
very tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
She had a lovely face. 1 noticed at once that
she looked worried and unhappy.
'Please sit down, Miss Morstan,' said
Holmes kindly. 'I am Sherlock Holmes and
this is my good friend, Doctor Watson:
'I'm very pleased to meet you both: said
the young lady. 'Something very strange has
happened. Mr Holmes, I need your help!'
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