??The naval treaty (Full, fixed) | Sherlock Holmes | Mystery Stories | Audiobooks with subtitle

Introduction

Part One

The July following my marriage was made memorable by three cases of interest in which I had the privilege of being associated with Sherlock Holmes and of studying his methods. I find them recorded in my notes under the headings of "The Adventure of the Second Stain," "The Adventure of the Naval Treaty," and "The Adventure of the Tired Captain." The first of these, however, deals with interests of such importance and implicates so many of the first families in the Kingdom that for many years it will be impossible to make it public.

No case in which Holmes was engaged has ever illustrated the value of his analytical methods so clearly or has impressed those who were associated with him so deeply. I still retain an almost verbatim report of the interview in which he demonstrated the true facts of the case to Miss Bu of the Paris Police and Fritz Von Val, the well-known Specialist of Dansy. Both had wasted their energies upon what proved to be side issues. The new century will have come, however, before the story can be safely told.

Meanwhile, I pass on to the second on my list, which promised also at one time to be of national importance and was marked by several incidents that give it a quite unique character. During my school days, I had been intimately associated with a lad named Percy Phelps, who was of much the same age as myself, though he was two classes ahead of me. He was a very brilliant boy, and his exploits culminated in winning a scholarship to Cambridge.

Years passed until I received a letter from Percy:

Briar Bray 
Woking 

My dear Watson, 

I have no doubt that you can remember Tad pole Phelps who was in the fifth form when you were in the third. It is possible even that you may have heard that through my uncle's influence I obtained a good appointment at the Foreign Office and that I was in a situation of trust and honor until a horrible misfortune came suddenly to blast my career. 

There is no use writing the details of that dreadful event. In the event of your acceding to my request, it is probable that I shall have to narrate them to you. I have only just recovered from 9 weeks of brain fever and am still exceedingly weak. Do you think that you could bring your friend Mr. Holmes down to see me? I should like to have his opinion of the case. Though the authorities assure me that nothing more can be done, do try to bring him down as soon as possible. Every minute seems an hour while I live in this state of horrible suspense. 

Assure him that if I have not asked his advice sooner, it was not because I did not appreciate his talents, but because I have been off my head ever since the blow fell. Now, I am clear again, though I dare not think of it too much for fear of a relapse. I am still so weak that I have to write as you see by dictating. 

Do try to bring him. 

Your old school fellow, 
Percy Phelps

Touched by this letter, my wife agreed with me that not a moment should be lost. Within an hour of breakfast, I found myself back in the old rooms in Baker Street. Holmes was immersed in a chemical investigation, hardly glancing up as I entered, and I waited in an armchair.

He soon finished his work, stating, "You come at a crisis, Watson. If this paper remains blue, all is well. If it turns red, it means a man's life." The litmus paper flushed into a dull red. "I thought as much," he cried.

After receiving Percy's letter, Holmes was as ready as ever to bring his aid. Within moments, we were on our way to Woking and arrived at Briar Bray. We were received by a rather stout man named Joseph Harrison, Percy's future brother-in-law.

Part Two

Entering the well-furnished chamber, we found our client, Percy Phelps, looking exceedingly weak. He narrated the dreadful event that led him to seek Holmes's expertise. Percy had been trusted with a secret treaty between England and Italy that defined naval positions. While copying the document late at night in his office, Percy felt drowsy and decided to get coffee. Leaving the room momentarily, he later discovered that the original document was stolen.

Holmes was intrigued and noted Percy's explanation. Percy mentioned that he had left Charles Gorot in the room for a while, and he returned to emphasize the importance of the missing document. Percy narrated the authorities' efforts to find the thief, including the examination of Mrs. Tangey, the commissionaire's wife, and her daughter, but to no avail.

Holmes spent the evening at Percy’s residence and devised a plan. After examining several clues, including the windows and corridors, Holmes deduced that the document was still hidden nearby. Holmes's investigation led him to conclude that Joseph Harrison, Percy's brother-in-law, was involved in the theft. Harrison had stolen the document and hidden it, knowing about its immense value.

Ultimately, Holmes’s quick intuition and forensic skills enabled him to retrieve the stolen treaty, restoring Percy’s honor. Watson, Percy's nurse, and everyone else who supported Holmes in this multi-faceted investigation marveled at Holmes’s meticulous and strategic approach.

Keywords:

• Sherlock Holmes
• Percy Phelps
• Naval Treaty
• Investigation
• Foreign Office
• Briar Bray
• Chemical Investigation
• Secret Document
• Joseph Harrison

FAQ:

1. What was the significance of the naval treaty?

The naval treaty was a secret document that outlined the naval positions between England and Italy, which had significant diplomatic importance.

2. Who was suspected of stealing the document initially?

Charles Gorot, a clerk with a French name, was initially suspected due to his presence in the office but it turned out to be a red herring.

3. How did Holmes retrieve the stolen document?

Holmes discovered that the document was hidden within Percy's bedroom itself by Joseph Harrison. He observed Harrison’s actions during the night and apprehended him as he tried to retrieve the hidden document.

4. Was there an attempt on Percy Phelps's life?

Percy Phelps experienced a frightful night when an intruder, believed to be Joseph Harrison, tried to break into his bedroom, suggesting a potentially harmful intent.

5. What was Holmes’s approach to solving the case?

Holmes used sharp observation, quick intuition, and strategic planning, including setting traps and watching suspects' movements, to solve the case.

6. How did the case impact Percy Phelps?

The incident severely affected Percy Phelps, causing him extreme stress and leading to brain fever. His honor and career were jeopardized until Holmes intervened.