Summary

The short story “A Scandal in Bohemia” by Arthur Conan Doyle opens with Watson explaining what Irene Adler means to Sherlock Holmes. 

At the beginning of the story, Watson visits Holmes, who deduces several things about Watson, impressing him with his observation skills and logic. Holmes shows Watson a letter requesting his help. By studying it, Holmes is able to deduce that the paper was made in Bohemia and the man who wrote the letter is German. Since the man is due to arrive shortly, Holmes asks Watson to stay and observe.

The man who wrote the letter turns out to be the King of Bohemia. He asks Holmes for help to retrieve a photograph from a famous adventuress, Irene Adler, with whom he once had an affair. The photograph shows the King and Irene together and is proof of their affair. 

The King tells Holmes he will soon marry Clot...