My name is Doctor Watson. I worked as a doctor in the British Army for several years. While I was in the army, I
travelled to many strange and interesting places. I had many
exciting adventures. Then one day, in Afghanistan, I was shoot in
the shoulder. My wound was deep and took many months to heal.
I nearly died from pain and fever. At last I got better, but I could
not work in the army any more. 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 friends for many years.
Our address was 221B Baker Street, in the centre of the city.
I enjoyed sharing an apartment with Holmes. My friend was a
very clever man. He was the most famous private detective in
London. He helped to solve crimes and catch criminals. When
People were in trouble or needed help, they came to Holmes.
Sometimes the police came to Holmes and asked for help in
catching a criminal. Sherlock Holmes did not care if his clients
were rich or poor. He enjoyed solving their interesting problems.
He was very happy when he was working. It was the most
Important thing in his life. 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 was worried about my friend. “what’s” the
matter with you today, Holmes?”I asked. “Come and stand at the
window, Watson,’ Holmes said Look out into the street. See how
uninteresting London is today.’ It was winter. The street outside
was almost empty. Everyone was at home in front of their warm
fires. ‘ need some work, Watson,’ said Holmes impatiently. ‘I
cannot live without interesting problems and mysteries. That’s
why I became a private detective. I love my work. It keeps my brain active. But when there are no crimes and no mysteries to solve –
ah, then life becomes very boring for me.’ He turned sadly away
from the window. At the 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 pick up the card. ‘Miss Mary
Morstan,’ he read alound. ‘I don’t anyone of that name. Pleare ask
the lady to come in. Perhaps it is a new client.’ A few moment later,
Miss Morstan entered the room. She was young and not very
tall,with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her clothes were not
fashionable, but they were clean and tidy. She had a lovely face. I
noticed at once that she locked worried and unhappy. ‘Please sit
down, Miss Morstan,’ said Holmes said kindly. ‘I am Sherlock
Holmes and this is my good friend, Doctor Watson. Doctor Watson
and I have worked together many times.’ ‘I’m very please to meet
you both,’ said the young lady. Then she turned to Holmes and
looked at him with her lovely blue eyes. ‘Mr Holmes, I’ ve heard that
you give people good advice. I’m not a rich woman but I hope you
can help me too. Something very strange has happened. Mr Holmes,
I need your help!