RANSVESTIA

"Most honored to meet you, Lady Hampton, please be seated," I said motioning her to an arm chair.

She was a ravishing statue of womanhood, apparently in her mid- thirties. She was dressed in the height of fashion of the day. Her dark brown hair, piled high on her head, fell in a cascade of curls which softly framed her flawless face. The ruby red plushness of her lips was highlighted by her soft blushing cheeks, and her eyes were full of a warmth which made me feel so comfortable and relieved, and at the same time struck me as being mysteriously familiar, though I could not explain why. A dark blue cape carressed her shoulders, its lining was of the finest fire colored silk.

"Of what service can I be to you, Lady Hampton?" I asked.

"Please call me Olivia, Dr. Watson," she spoke in a soft, sultry tone. "I've come to ask your aid in investigating the recent disappearance of my cousin, Mark.”

"I am indeed flattered, dear lady, that you have sought out my services second to those of my dear departed comrade," I explained. "But, I merely aided Holmes in a few minor details in his cases and chronicled a few of the more interesting ones. I'm afraid I am a surgeon and not a detective."

"Inspector Lestrade has told me as much, Doctor, but certainly in all your years of association with the great Sherlock Holmes you were able to learn many of his methods of investigation and deduction."

"I must admit that I have tried my hand at a few small matters successfully, but never a case so grave as would send one seeking the aid of Holmes."

"Your elegant manner, Doctor, is only exceeded by your modesty. In truth, I have come to you to seek a tutor more than an investigator for this matter."

"A tutor?" I asked. "How so?"

"For many years I have been student of crime, much like yourself Doctor. Through the years I have followed the investigations conducted by Mr. Holmes through the newspapers and your chronicles. I've spent many an hour in the libraries studying the

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