I exclaimed as I entered Mycroft Holmes’ compartment in the first car of the train. “And only one a copy of the one he sent to Bedford.” “Matters must be moving more swiftly than I anticipated,” Holmes said, worry making his face more serious. “Or they are more confusing than anyone anticipated,” I added. “And you sent—” Holmes said as he took the messages I retrieved from my portfolio and held out to him. “Everything you gave me, and my own report as well. The telegraph operator asked questions about a few of the phrases. I said it had to do with business dealings. I don’t know whether or not he believed me. I asked him to forward any more messages to the Sheffield and Leeds Stations. Cost me nearly three pounds.” This outrageous sum would have been inexcusable under less hazardous circumstances. “A tidy amount,” said Holmes as he began to read the first.
