5 A Surprise at Breakfast

Chapter 5 A Surprise at Breakfast "I can't understand why he's chosen to remain in Woking instead of pursuing the investigation in London," said Phelps anxiously, as we pulled out of the station. I tried reassure him. "My dear Percy, Holmes's methods may be unusual, but they are almost always effective." "You trust him, then?" "I've seen him do remarkable things." I'd hoped that would be enough to ease his mind, but throughout the journey and for the rest of that day at the Baker Street apartment, Phelps remained nervous. "I'll bet he never solved such a dark and complex problem before," he fretted.

"Oh, he's solved problems far murkier than this one." "Oh, Watson, I wish I had your faith, but I fear this problem might be too difficult even for the great Mr. Holmes." As evening fell, I told my friend to stop worrying and go to bed so he'd be fresh for whatever awaited us the next day. At last he did, though I could tell from his agitated manner that there wasn't much hope of sleep for him. Holmes arrived in a cab shortly after eight o'clock the following morning. From the window, Phelps and I watched him get out. His left hand was bandaged and his face was grim and pale.

"He looks a beaten man," Phelps groaned, and I was forced to agree. "Are you wounded, Holmes?" I asked when he came in. "A mere scratch," he replied, nodding greetings to us. "This case of yours is one of the darkest I've ever investigated, Mr. Phelps." "Will you tell us what happened?" asked Phelps. "After breakfast. I've no energy for talk until I've eaten." Just then, Sherlock's landlady, Mrs. Hudson, entered with a trolley containing coffee and three covered dishes. "Mrs. Hudson, this looks splendid!" said Holmes, uncovering his dish of curried chicken. "What's yours, Watson?" "Ham and eggs," I replied. "Wonderful! And what do you have, Mr. Phelps?" "Thank you, but I have no appetite," said Phelps. "Come, come!" said Holmes. "I'm filled with curiosity."

"Very well then," said Phelps. He lifted the cover and uttered a scream. On the plate lay a roll of pale blue paper."