Page 18 of 657

"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 his armchair and closing his eyes.

Our visitor glanced with some 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 condescend to state your case," he

remarked, "I should be better able to advise you."