Page 161 of 657

"If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old

Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger

cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.'

There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much

knowledge of the world."

IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY

We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the

maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran

in this way:

"Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for

from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley

tragedy. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery

perfect. Leave Paddington by the 11:15."

"What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me.

"Will you go?"

"I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at

present."