Prompt from Stutley Constable: A taut wire.
A taut wire.
A snap.
"Aargh!'
"Got 'im!'
"Excellent work, boys!"
"Was easy, Mr 'Olmes, 'e walked right into it!"
"Perfect timing, Lestrade, my Irregulars have just captured Edwin Thierry, or as you might know him, Lady Carlington's secretary. If you look at his coat pocket - yes, that one there - you will find the lady's stolen emerald."
"Well done, Mr Holmes."
"Is Dr Watson here too? Only he said he wanted another look at my hand, after that tackle last week. Never knew the doctor was such a hand at rugby!"
"…No, Dr Watson stayed at home tonight."
"Ah, the weather? My brother was in the army, I know how it is. Makes his old wounds act up something awful, always left his nerves wound tight as wire."
"Constable Johnston, get on with your job and arrest the thief! Apologies, Mr Holmes, he's got a bit too much mouth on him."
"No apologies needed, Lestrade. On the contrary, I believe Constable Johnston deserves my thanks. Now, I trust I can leave Thierry in your hands? I have a violin performance I must get to before my audience goes to bed."