I awoke to the sound of glorious violin music, not the familiar plucking of Holmes but a full bodied orchestra. Had I vanished once more and appeared in some vast concert hall?

I sat up and was pleasantly surprised to find myself still upon the scientists' couch,with radiant American sunlight pouring into the room. Holmes was sat at one of the desks, the typewriter-box which he had made such a thorough examination of upon our arrival was open before him. It's wafer thin screen bore dense text. I noticed that my friend's eyes were barely blinking and he was utterly still,as though in the deepest of trances,all the while the ethereal orchestra continued their rousing concerto. I then realised that the music was originating from carefully concealed vibrating cones,much like those used in telephones. Holmes did not react as I crossed over to tap him lightly on the shoulder.

"This internet Watson," he croaked weakly after a long pause, "It's wonderful."

I should note at this point that the 'internet' to which he referred was a globe-spanning network of cables which directed information to screens on devices such as the one he was using. It was used, much as Holmes predicted,for instantly conveying pictures and messages. Holmes basked in the music for a moment before continuing, "At any time of day or night, any piece of music of you care to think of can be heard simply by writing it's name. You would have to be a rich man indeed to have an orchestra provide such a service."

I had long known of Holmes' love of music. The idea of having such ready access to whatever piece his heart desired, without having to go through the hassle of attending the theatre,must of have seemed like sheer bliss to him. I myself was exited by the possibility, "This I must see for myself Holmes," I said, "Let's hear, erm, Vivaldi."

Holmes smiled knowingly as he clacked at the keys, pictures flashing before my eyes. Within moments, the rapid bouncing tones of Vivaldi's 'Spring' filled the tiny apartment.

"Incredible!" I declared, over the invisible band.

"That is but a fraction of what this magic mirror may offer us,"continued Holmes, "I once remarked to you upon the virtues of a well stocked library,but the sheer volume of facts I may conjure here would eclipse all the libraries of England. I think of chemistry,write that word, and all the chemical knowledge known to man appears before me. I have sat up all night making delightful new furniture for my attic with wood from this literally endless lumber yard."

Men less familiar with my friend would have expressed concern at this,but I was well acquainted with his frequent bouts of insomnia.

"My goodness me Holmes, with such a boundless fount of knowledge, every inhabitant of this world must share the intelligence of our scientist friends."

"Sadly this is not the case Watson," he replied, " In my wanderings through it's pathways I have discovered nonsensical rants written by the worst dullards I can imagine. Not only that, much like any city,beneath the glittering façades lies a tangled web of crime. The snaking networks of Moriarty are nothing compared to the treachery which may be seen upon this screen. I have come across countless pages devoted to the most unsavoury human activities imaginable. Battles are being fought daily against the organs of justice with the villains never getting up from the comfort of their lounge chairs. Ah here comes doctor cooper."

I turned but there was no sign of him, seconds later a door opened and in he walked. I stared at Holmes incredulously. "Oh do not think me clairvoyant," he muttered, "I heard the lavatory flush and Doctor Cooper has the most unusual habit of prominently displaying a chart of his bowel movements."

"Good morning Sherlock Holmes,"declared Cooper, "Hmm,not every day you get to say that."

He gave a sharp inhalation of breath which might have been a laugh. His face suddenly dropped as something dawned on him, "You're on my laptop! How did you get my password?"

Holmes shrugged, "You typed it openly on more than one occasion during last night's entertainments, I simply had to recall the movement of your hands. The basic layout of typing devices is one of the multitude of things which has remained constant in the years that separate us."

"Impressive, but please refrain from using my laptop without permission in future." replied Cooper. One of the things which struck me about the scientist was that compared to the others of his time,he spoke in exceedingly formal tones. It was as if the years which had distorted the English language had bypassed this fellow entirely, leaving him with a dialect much more on par with Holmes and myself. I put this down to his great intelligence.

Dr Hofstader emerged shortly afterwards and we breakfasted together. This was another sterling example of the advances which had occurred over the years, the bacon and eggs were removed from an electronically cooled larder before being cooked to perfection on electric heating elements. Water was boiled for our coffee with the click of a switch upon a bakelite kettle.

"Think of what poor Mrs Hudson would give to own this little lot," commented Holmes.

I nodded,understanding his point entirely. Our dear old housekeeper would no longer have to rise at ungodly hours of the morning to slave over a fire for our selfish comfort.

"Listen guys," said Leonard Hofstader in between bites. "Me and Sheldon were talking last night. The thing is, we don't know how long it's going to be before you return to your own universe,if it happens at all."

Holmes nodded gravely, "Similar thoughts had crossed my mind."

"So we were thinking, perhaps you'd like to take some chemical work at the university. You might be a little behind on modern techniques but I'm almost certain we can get you in as a lab assistant. "

"That sounds splendid!" said Holmes,lighting up with genuine enthusiasm.

"That's all well and good for Holmes but what shall become of me?"said I, "I can't be trusted with medical work, I have enough sense to know that my skills would seem awfully backward to modern patients."

Doctor Cooper answered my plea, "I have a friend who studies the brain. I telephoned her last night and, after she rather pointlessly told me that it was three o'clock in the morning, she said she'd be willing to take you on. I didn't tell her who you really were of course, just that you were a friend from England."

"That sound's acceptable," I said, "When would we settle into these roles?"

"We have to head to work shortly but we can introduce you to the heads of department at lunch," answered Hofstader, " In the meantime you can go shopping for some Twenty first Century clothes. I've been talking Penny from across the hall and she says she can take you."

"Wait a moment,when have you had the opportunity to talk to her?" I asked in confusion.

Hofstader smiled, holding up his portable telegraph, "I've been talking to her since we sat down."

Moments later, we found ourselves on the landing outside. With a few notes of borrowed currency in our pocket, we waved goodbye to the two doctors as they vanished down the stairwell on their way to work. I could see that Holmes was idly reading meaning into our surroundings as we waited for the young girl to appear from her rooms.