episode-4

Boots which extended halfway up his claves, which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur , completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a broad- brimmed hat I. his hand , while he ***** across the upper part of his face , extending down past the cheekbones, a black Vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted at that very moment , for his hand was still raised to it has he entered. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy.

..." You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a strongly marked German accent. " I told you that I would call". He looked from one to the other of us , as if uncertain which to address....

..."Pray take a seat, " said Holmes. " This is my friend and a colleague Dr.Watson , who is occasionally good enough to help in my cases. Whom I have the honour to address ?"...

"You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and discretion, whom I trust with a matter of most extreme importance. If not I should much prefer to communicate with you alone".

I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me into the chair.

"It is both , or none ,"said he.

"You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me".

The count shrugged his broad shoulders . " Then I must begin ,"said he, " by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance.

At present it is not too much to say it that it is of such weight it may have influence upon European history."

"I promise,said Holmes" .

" And,I".

" You will excuse, this mask", continued our strange visitor.

"The august person who employees me wishes his agent to be unknown to you , and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own".

"I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly.

"The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. To speak plainly , the matter implicates the great house of Ormstein , hereditary kings of Bohemia."

" I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself down in armchair and closing his eyes.

Our visitor glanced with apparent surprise at the languid , lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe.

Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client.

"If your majesty would condenscend to state your case," he remarked," I should be better able to advise you."

......continued..(ep-4)......

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