A Case of Identity - a Sherlock Holmes Short Story

“It is my business to know things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others overlook.”―Sherlock Holmes

Another great Sherlock Holmes short story. Against the wishes of her stepfather, Miss Mary Sutherland has become engaged to Hosmer Angel. On the morning of their wedding Hosmer asks Mary a question. Will she remain faithful to him, "even if something quite unforeseen" occurs? Hosmer then disappears on the way to the church. Holmes deduces that Hosmer was Mary's stepfather in disguise. The charade is a bid to condemn his stepdaughter to spinsterhood. This will ensure his continued access to her inheritance. Holmes does not reveal the truth to Mary because:"There is danger for him who taketh the tiger cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman".He had already advised her to put the matter behind her. She responded that Hosmer, "shall find me ready when he comes back."

An amusing mystery that shows how the characters develop. The most important of which is the relationship of Sherlock between him and faithful John Watson.