master, whom I had dandled on my knee, and confessed it all to me.

Wasn't it natural, sir, that I should save him, and wasn't it

natural also that I should try to speak to him as his dead father

would have done, and make him understand that he could not profit

by such a deed? Could you blame me, sir?"

"No, indeed," said Holmes, heartily, springing to his feet.

"Well, Soames, I think we have cleared your little problem up, and

our breakfast awaits us at home. Come, Watson! As to you, sir,

I trust that a bright future awaits you in Rhodesia. For once you

have fallen low. Let us see in the future how high you can rise."

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THE STRAND MAGAZINE

Vol. 28 JULY, 1904

THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

By ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

14.09.2007