Jeffrey Lucius arrived at his apartment at 221A Baker Street. He took out a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. He passed the silent entrance of th building, thankful for the galoshes that he wore which muffled his footsteps as he passed by the landlady's room and climbed the stairs.

Mr. Lucius was the chairman of the Baker Street Vigilance Committee, a union of shopkeepers who had taken it upon themselves to prevent crime in a part of the city of London. In five weeks, they had discovered two corpses in the course of their duties, earning them the moniker, "the Baker Street Body-finders." Even the Criminal Investigation Department of Scotland Yard, formed just last month, considered them valuable.

He passed by apartment number 19, whose occupant was a barrister named Arthur Knight. As he did, he heard a few words:

"Come now," said the first, whom he did not recognize. "Twenty-three thousand pounds, sir,"
"I will not accept it," came the second, who sounded like Knight.

"Really?"
"I am serious."

"Very well, then," there were a few steps, then the unknown man said, "Remember, I warned you, Mr. Knight; if the Society should visit you, don't blame me."

"I'm not afraid of your Society, Mr. Porter," said Knight.

The door opened, startling Mr. Lucius, who dropped to the floor on one knee, pretending to clean his galoshes. He sneaked a look at the unknown man, whose face was obscured by a great beard. He wore hi long coat buttoned up to the chine, and his eyes were covered by blue-tinted glasses. He must be someone with an eye problem.

As "Mr. Porter" went down the stairs, Knight noticed him and went out into the hall.

"Mr. Lucius," he said, "can you keep a secret?"
"Of course,"

"There is a criminal organization called the London Society. The city has put me on a team of barristers armed against the Society,"
"Yes, what else?"
"The Society runs a number of illegal activities here, and I need your help."
"How?"
"You can disrupt the Society's activities as head of the BSVC and help the city,"
"I don't know, it sounds dangerous,"
"Worry not, the Queen's Justice will protect you,"

He thought for a moment, then agreed. They shook hands, and Lucius proceeded to his room, which faced Knight's.

~o~o~o~

At twelve midnight, he heard some heavy footfalls outside, though he dismissed them as ordinary.

Probably some drunk, he thought.