Case No. 39
The Adventure of the Duping Diogenes
Upon entry to their Baker Street lodgings, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are confronted by none other than Holmes's brother, Mycroft, pacing the sittingroom, a large, leather-covered volume clutched under his arm.
"Ah, Sherlock" cried Mycroft Holmes. "I feared you engaged on some enquiry".
"Unhappily, no," replied the detective. "Although I perceive that you imagine I may be of some aid regarding the curious wager made at the Diogenes Club this evening".
"Elementary, my dear Mycroft," said Holmes, smiling at his brother's momentary expression of surprise. "You, a creature of determined routine, wait in our flat until the late hours of the evening, holding in your hand the betting book of the Diogenes Club".
"Should word of this entry reach the newspapers," confessed Mycroft, handing Holmes the book, "the scandal could well be ruinous".
Holmes examined a ledger page reading:
"To members of Spirit: The sum of five thousand pounds is herein wagered that Colonel Northrop Jeffers will die by the hour of midnight, January 23, 1883".
"An entry composed of boldface type clipped from at least three different newspapers before being pasted onto a single sheet. A widely read fellow", Holmes mused.
"By jove, Holmes," cried Watson. "The 23rd is tomorrow".
"Only four other members besides Jeffers and myself were present in the club this evening" stated Mycroft. "Simon Pritchard, Jeffers's Solicitor; Sir Reginald Innes,
recently retired; Lt. Tristam Thatcher, a new member; and Louis Denham, the club's secretary. On receipt of the note Colonel Jeffers, who suffers from a heart ailment, withdrew to his home for the evening".
"Quite rightly", murmured Watson.
"But tomorrow, Doctor," confided Mycroft, "the colonel has insisted on maintaining his itinerary.
Your mission
In the morning Colonel Jeffers visits the Reading Room of the Museum researching his forthcoming autobiography; collects a package for Thatcher from the Docks, attends a matinee at the Theatre accompanied by Pritchard, and has a dinner reservation at the Hotel with Denham and Innes to watch the fireworks display in the Park" Holmes must uncover a) the identity of the would-be killer, b) how, c) where the crime is to be committed and d) the motive behind this diabolical wager.
The game is afoot!