Closing In on the Truth

Holmes decided not to tell the Prime Minister what happened that night.

Zhang Heng had no objections, but Villard felt differently about it—he thought that it was not very gentleman-like since it meant using the prime minister as bait. But since he wasn't a British citizen, he felt it wasn't his place to make any comments. So, in the end, Holmes got what he wanted.

The Baker Street Irregulars were summoned once again. This time, Holmes made an appearance himself. During the day, he would dress up as a cobbler, setting up a booth nearby the prime minister's residence. At night, he played a drunk on the streets.

Two days later, he managed to make four shillings from repairing shoes, but still, no sign of the elusive Prussian.

Even so, Holmes didn't get perturbed at all. He only slept three hours a day, yet still seemed to be filled with energy, even in the mood to play the violin when he had the time.