

Holmes and Watson are returning from Manor House to London by train, discussing a recently solved crime and the death of a certain Lord Huxley. At home, Holmes receives a letter from his older brother Mycroft, an employee of the Foreign Office and a member of the so-called Diogenes Club of Silent Men, asking for a meeting. Holmes notes that Mycroft is far more gifted in deduction than he is.
Holmes and Watson are returning from Manor House to London by train, discussing a recently solved crime and the death of a certain Lord Huxley. At home, Holmes receives a letter from his older brother Mycroft, an employee of the Foreign Office and a member of the so-called Diogenes Club of Silent Men, asking for a meeting. Holmes notes that Mycroft is far more gifted in deduction than he is.
The detective understands that the cipher is the property of criminals - members of a large criminal community. Holmes decides to expose this community, which he began to do in the following days. Together with Watson, he decides to follow Sebastian Moran - a retired colonel, an excellent marksman and a respected man who became a dangerous criminal. To do this, they visit the gambling club "Bagatelle", where Moran was a regular. In the club, Holmes receives a note asking for a meeting. The detective leaves, and Watson remains to watch Moran.