Sherlock Holmes complete collection by sir arthur conan doyle

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes THE CREEPING MAN

MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES was always of opinion that I should publish thesingular facts connected with Professor Presbury, if only to dispel oncefor all the ugly rumours which some twenty years ago agitated theuniversity and were echoed in the learned societies of London. Therewere, however, certain obstacles in the way, and the true history of thiscurious case remained entombed in the tin box which contains so manyrecords of my friend's adventures. Now we have at last obtainedpermission to ventilate the facts which formed one of the very last caseshandled [1071] by Holmes before his retirement from practice. Even now acertain reticence and discretion have to be observed in laying the matterbefore the public.It was one Sunday evening early in September of the year 1903 that Ireceived one of Holmes's laconic messages:Come at once if convenient-if inconvenient come all the same.S. H.The relations between us in those latter days were peculiar. He was a manof habits, narrow and concentrated habits, and I had become one of them.As an institution I was like the violin, the shag tobacco, the old blackpipe, the index books, and others perhaps less excusable. When it was acase of active work and a comrade was needed upon whose nerve hecould place some reliance, my role was obvious. But apart from this I haduses. I was a whetstone for his mind. I stimulated him. He liked to thinkaloud in my presence. His remarks could hardly be said to be made tome-many of them would have been as appropriately addressed to hisbedstead-but none the less, having formed the habit, it had become insome way helpful that I should register and interject. If I irritated him by acertain methodical slowness in my mentality, that irritation served only tomake his own flame-like intuitions and impressions flash up the morevividly and swiftly. Such was my humble role in our alliance.When I arrived at Baker Street I found him huddled up in his armchairwith updrawn knees, his pipe in his mouth and his brow furrowed withthought. It was clear that he was in the throes of some vexatious problem.With a wave of his hand he indicated my old armchair, but otherwise forhalf an hour he gave no sign that he was aware of my presence. Then witha start he seemed to come from his reverie, and with his usual whimsicalsmile he greeted me back to what had once been my home."You will excuse a certain abstraction of mind, my dear Watson," saidhe. "Some curious facts have been submitted to me within the last twentyfour hours, and they in turn have given rise to some speculations of a more general character. I have serious thoughts of writing a smallmonograph upon the uses of dogs in the work of the detective.""But surely, Holmes, this has been explored," said I. "Bloodhounds-sleuth-hounds- -""No, no, Watson, that side of the matter is, of course, obvious. Butthere is another which is far more subtle. You may recollect that in thecase which you, in your sensational way, coupled with the CopperBeeches, I was able, by watching the mind of the child, to form adeduction as to the criminal habits of the very smug and respectablefather.""Yes, I remember it well.""My line of thoughts about dogs is analogous. A dog reflects the familylife. Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family, or a sad dog in ahappy one? Snarling people have snarling dogs, dangerous people havedangerous ones. And their passing moods may reflect the passing moodsof others."I shook my head. "Surely, Holmes, this is a little far-fetched," said I.He had refilled his pipe and resumed his seat, taking no notice of mycomment."The practical application of what I have said is very close to theproblem which I am investigating. It is a tangled skein, you understand,and I am looking for a [1072] loose end. One possible loose end lies in thequestion: Why does Professor Presbury's wolfhound, Roy, endeavour tobite him?"I sank back in my chair in some disappointment. Was it for so trivial aquestion as this that I had been summoned from my work? Holmesglanced across at me."The same old Watson!" said he. "You never learn that the gravestissues may depend upon the smallest things. But is it not on the face of itstrange that a staid, elderly philosopher-you've heard of Presbury, ofcourse, the famous Camford physiologist?-that such a man, whose friendhas been his devoted wolfhound, should now have been twice attacked byhis own dog? What do you make of it?""The dog is ill.""Well, that has to be considered. But he attacks no one else, nor does heapparently molest his master, save on very special occasions. Curious,Watson -very curious. But young Mr. Bennett is before his time if that ishis ring. I had hoped to have a longer chat with you before he came."There was a quick step on the stairs, a sharp tap at the door, and amoment later the new client presented himself. He was a tall, handsomeyouth about thirty, well dressed and elegant, but with something in hisbearing which suggested the shyness of the student rather than the selfpossession of the man of the world. He shook hands with Holmes, andthen looked with some surprise at me."This matter is very delicate, Mr. Holmes," he said. "Consider therelation in which I stand to Professor Presbury both privately andpublicly. I really can hardly justify myself if I speak before any thirdperson.""Have no fear, Mr. Bennett. Dr. Watson is the very soul of discretion,and I can assure you that this is a matter in which I am very likely to needan assistant.""As you like, Mr. Holmes. You will, I am sure, understand my havingsome reserves in the matter.""You will appreciate it, Watson, when I tell you that this gentleman,Mr. Trevor Bennett, is professional assistant to the great scientist, livesunder his roof, and is engaged to his only daughter. Certainly we mustagree that the professor has every claim upon his loyalty and devotion.But it may best be shown by taking the necessary steps to clear up thisstrange mystery.""I hope so, Mr. Holmes. That is my one object. Does Dr. Watson knowthe situation?""I have not had time to explain it.""Then perhaps I had better go over the ground again before explainingsome fresh developments.""I will do so myself," said Holmes, "in order to show that I have theevents in their due order. The professor, Watson, is a man of Europeanreputation. His life has been academic. There has never been a breath ofscandal. He is a widower with one daughter, Edith. He is, I gather, a manof very virile and positive, one might almost say combative, character. Sothe matter stood until a very few months ago."Then the current of his life was broken. He is sixty-one years of age, but he became engaged to the daughter of Professor Morphy, hiscolleague in the chair of comparative anatomy. It was not, as Iunderstand, the reasoned courting of an elderly man but rather thepassionate frenzy of youth, for no one could have shown himself a moredevoted lover. The lady, Alice Morphy, was a very perfect girl both inmind and body, so that there was every excuse for the professor'sinfatuation. None the less, it did not meet with full approval in his ownfamily."[1073] "We thought it rather excessive," said our visitor."Exactly. Excessive and a little violent and unnatural. ProfessorPresbury was rich, however, and there was no objection upon the part ofthe father. The daughter, however, had other views, and there werealready several candidates for her hand, who, if they were less eligiblefrom a worldly point of view, were at least more of an age. The girlseemed to like the professor in spite of his eccentricities. It was only agewhich stood in the way."About this time a little mystery suddenly clouded the normal routineof the professor's life. He did what he had never done before. He lefthome and gave no indication where he was going. He was away afortnight and returned looking rather travel-worn. He made no allusion towhere he had been, although he was usually the frankest of men. Itchanced, however, that our client here, Mr. Bennett, received a letter froma fellow-student in Prague, who said that he was glad to have seenProfessor Presbury there, although he had not been able to talk to him.Only in this way did his own household learn where he had been."Now comes the point. From that time onward a curious change cameover the professor. He became furtive and sly. Those around him hadalways the feeling that he was not the man that they had known, but thathe was under some shadow which had darkened his higher qualities. Hisintellect was not affected. His lectures were as brilliant as ever. Butalways there was something new, something sinister and unexpected. Hisdaughter, who was devoted to him, tried again and again to resume theold relations and to penetrate this mask which her father seemed to haveput on. You, sir, as I understand, did the same-but all was in vain. Andnow, Mr. Bennett, tell in your own words the incident of the letters.""You must understand, Dr. Watson, that the professor had no secretsfrom me. If I were his son or his younger brother I could not have morecompletely enjoyed his confidence. As his secretary I handled every paperwhich came to him, and I opened and subdivided his letters. Shortly afterhis return all this was changed. He told me that certain letters might cometo him from London which would be marked by a cross under the stamp.These were to be set aside for his own eyes only. I may say that several ofthese did pass through my hands, that they had the E. C. mark, and werein an illiterate handwriting. If he answered them at all the answers did notpass through my hands nor into the letter-basket in which ourcorrespondence was collected.""And the box," said Holmes."Ah, yes, the box. The professor brought back a little wooden box fromhis travels. It was the one thing which suggested a Continental tour, for it was one of those quaint carved things which one associates withGermany. This he placed in his instrument cupboard. One day, in lookingfor a canula, I took up the box. To my surprise he was very angry, andreproved me in words which were quite savage for my curiosity. It wasthe first time such a thing had happened, and I was deeply hurt. Iendeavoured to explain that it was a mere accident that I had touched thebox, but all the evening I was conscious that he looked at me harshly andthat the incident was rankling in his mind." Mr. Bennett drew a little diarybook from his pocket. "That was on July 2d," said he."You are certainly an admirable witness," said Holmes. "I may needsome of these dates which you have noted.""I learned method among other things from my great teacher. From thetime that I observed abnormality in his behaviour I felt that it was myduty to study his [1074] case. Thus I have it here that it was on that veryday, July 2d, that Roy attacked the professor as he came from his studyinto the hall. Again, on July 11th, there was a scene of the same sort, andthen I have a note of yet another upon July 20th. After that we had tobanish Roy to the stables. He was a dear, affectionate animal-but I fear Iweary you."Mr. Bennett spoke in a tone of reproach, for it was very clear thatHolmes was not listening. His face was rigid and his eyes gazedabstractedly at the ceiling. With an effort he recovered himself."Singular! Most singular!" he murmured. "These details were new tome, Mr. Bennett. I think we have now fairly gone over the old ground,have we not? But you spoke of some fresh developments."The pleasant, open face of our visitor clouded over, shadowed by somegrim remembrance. "What I speak of occurred the night before last," saidhe. "I was lying awake about two in the morning, when I was aware of adull muffled sound coming from the passage. I opened my door andpeeped out. I should explain that the professor sleeps at the end of thepassage- -""The date being- -?" asked Holmes.Our visitor was clearly annoyed at so irrelevant an interruption."I have said, sir, that it was the night before last-that is, September 4th."Holmes nodded and smiled."Pray continue," said he."He sleeps at the end of the passage and would have to pass my door inorder to reach the staircase. It was a really terrifying experience, Mr.Holmes. I think that I am as strong-nerved as my neighbours, but I wasshaken by what I saw. The passage was dark save that one windowhalfway along it threw a patch of light. I could see that something wascoming along the passage, something dark and crouching. Then suddenlyit emerged into the light, and I saw that it was he. He was crawling, Mr.Holmes-crawling! He was not quite on his hands and knees. I shouldrather say on his hands and feet, with his face sunk between his hands.Yet he seemed to move with ease. I was so paralyzed by the sight that itwas not until he had reached my door that I was able to step forward andask if I could assist him. His answer was extraordinary. He sprang up,spat out some atrocious word at me, and hurried on past me, and down the staircase. I waited about for an hour, but he did not come back. It musthave been daylight before he regained his room.""Well, Watson, what make you of that?" asked Holmes with the air ofthe pathologist who presents a rare specimen."Lumbago, possibly. I have known a severe attack make a man walk injust such a way, and nothing would be more trying to the temper.""Good, Watson! You always keep us flat-footed on the ground. But wecan hardly accept lumbago, since he was able to stand erect in a moment.""He was never better in health," said Bennett. "In fact, he is strongerthan I have known him for years. But there are the facts, Mr. Holmes. It isnot a case in which we can consult the police, and yet we are utterly at ourwit's end as to what to do, and we feel in some strange way that we aredrifting towards disaster. Edith-Miss Presbury-feels as I do, that wecannot wait passively any longer.""It is certainly a very curious and suggestive case. What do you think,Watson?""Speaking as a medical man," said I, "it appears to be a case for analienist. The old gentleman's cerebral processes were disturbed by thelove affair. He made a journey abroad in the hope of breaking himself ofthe passion. His letters and the [1075] box may be connected with someother private transaction-a loan, perhaps, or share certificates, which arein the box.""And the wolfhound no doubt disapproved of the financial bargain. No,no, Watson, there is more in it than this. Now, I can only suggest- -" What Sherlock Holmes was about to suggest will never be known, forat this moment the door opened and a young lady was shown into theroom. As she appeared Mr. Bennett sprang up with a cry and ran forwardwith his hands out to meet those which she had herself outstretched."Edith, dear! Nothing the matter, I hope?""I felt I must follow you. Oh, Jack, I have been so dreadfullyfrightened! It is awful to be there alone.""Mr. Holmes, this is the young lady I spoke of. This is my fiancee.""We were gradually coming to that conclusion, were we not, Watson?"Holmes answered with a smile. "I take it, Miss Presbury, that there issome fresh development in the case, and that you thought we shouldknow?"Our new visitor, a bright, handsome girl of a conventional English type,smiled back at Holmes as she seated herself beside Mr. Bennett."When I found Mr. Bennett had left his hotel I thought I shouldprobably find him here. Of course, he had told me that he would consultyou. But, oh, Mr. Holmes, can you do nothing for my poor father?""I have hopes, Miss Presbury, but the case is still obscure. Perhapswhat you have to say may throw some fresh light upon it.""It was last night, Mr. Holmes. He had been very strange all day. I amsure that there are times when he has no recollection of what he does. Helives as in a strange dream. Yesterday was such a day. It was not myfather with whom I lived. His outward shell was there, but it was notreally he.""Tell me what happened.""I was awakened in the night by the dog barking most furiously. PoorRoy, he is chained now near the stable. I may say that I always sleep withmy door locked; for, as Jack-as Mr. Bennett-will tell you, we all have afeeling of impending danger. My room is on the second floor. It happenedthat the blind was up in my window, and there was bright moonlightoutside. As I lay with my eyes fixed upon the square of light, listening tothe frenzied barkings of the dog, I was amazed to see my father's facelooking in at me. Mr. Holmes, I nearly died of surprise and horror. Thereit was pressed against the window-pane, and one hand seemed to beraised as if to push up the window. If that window had opened, I think Ishould have gone mad. It was no delusion, Mr. Holmes. Don't deceiveyourself by thinking so. I dare say it was twenty seconds or so that I layparalyzed and watched the face. Then it vanished, but I could not-I couldnot spring out of bed and look out after it. I lay cold and shivering tillmorning. At breakfast he was sharp and fierce in manner, and made noallusion to the adventure of the night. Neither did I, but I gave an excusefor coming to town-and here I am."Holmes looked thoroughly surprised at Miss Presbury's narrative."My dear young lady, you say that your room is on the second floor. Isthere a long ladder in the garden?""No, Mr. Holmes, that is the amazing part of it. There is no possibleway of reaching the window-and yet he was there.""The date being September 5th," said Holmes. "That certainlycomplicates matters."[1076] It was the young lady's turn to look surprised. "This is the secondtime that you have alluded to the date, Mr. Holmes," said Bennett. "Is itpossible that it has any bearing upon the case?""It is possible-very possible-and yet I have not my full material atpresent.""Possibly you are thinking of the connection between insanity andphases of the moon?""No, I assure you. It was quite a different line of thought. Possibly youcan leave your notebook with me, and I will check the dates. Now I think,Watson, that our line of action is perfectly clear. This young lady hasinformed us-and I have the greatest confidence in her intuition-that herfather remembers little or nothing which occurs upon certain dates. Wewill therefore call upon him as if he had given us an appointment uponsuch a date. He will put it down to his own lack of memory. Thus we willopen our campaign by having a good close view of him.""That is excellent," said Mr. Bennett. "I warn you, however, that theprofessor is irascible and violent at times."Holmes smiled. "There are reasons why we should come at once-very cogent reasons if my theories hold good. To-morrow, Mr. Bennett, willcertainly see us in Camford. There is, if I remember right, an inn calledthe Chequers where the port used to be above mediocrity and the linenwas above reproach. I think, Watson, that our lot for the next few daysmight lie in less pleasant places."Monday morning found us on our way to the famous universitytown-an easy effort on the part of Holmes, who had no roots to pull up,but one which involved frantic planning and hurrying on my part, as mypractice was by this time not inconsiderable. Holmes made no allusion tothe case until after we had deposited our suitcases at the ancient hostel ofwhich he had spoken."I think, Watson, that we can catch the professor just before lunch. Helectures at eleven and should have an interval at home.""What possible excuse have we for calling?"Holmes glanced at his notebook."There was a period of excitement upon August 26th. We will assumethat he is a little hazy as to what he does at such times. If we insist that weare there by appointment I think he will hardly venture to contradict us.Have you the effrontery necessary to put it through?""We can but try.""Excellent, Watson! Compound of the Busy Bee and Excelsior. We canbut try-the motto of the firm. A friendly native will surely guide us."Such a one on the back of a smart hansom swept us past a row ofancient colleges and, finally turning into a tree-lined drive, pulled up atthe door of a charming house, girt round with lawns and covered withpurple wisteria. Professor Presbury was certainly surrounded with everysign not only of comfort but of luxury. Even as we pulled up, a grizzledhead appeared at the front window, and we were aware of a pair of keeneyes from under shaggy brows which surveyed us through large hornglasses. A moment later we were actually in his sanctum, and themysterious scientist, whose vagaries had brought us from London, wasstanding before us. There was certainly no sign of eccentricity either inhis manner or appearance, for he was a portly, large-featured man, grave,tall, and frock-coated, with the dignity of bearing which a lecturer needs.His eyes were his most remarkable feature, keen, observant, and clever tothe verge of cunning.He looked at our cards. "Pray sit down, gentlemen. What can I do foryou?"[1077] Mr. Holmes smiled amiably."It was the question which I was about to put to you, Professor.""To me, sir!""Possibly there is some mistake. I heard through a second person thatProfessor Presbury of Camford had need of my services.""Oh, indeed!" It seemed to me that there was a malicious sparkle in theintense gray eyes. "You heard that, did you? May I ask the name of yourinformant?""I am sorry, Professor, but the matter was rather confidential. If I havemade a mistake there is no harm done. I can only express my regret.""Not at all. I should wish to go further into this matter. It interests me. Have you any scrap of writing, any letter or telegram, to bear out yourassertion?""No, I have not.""I presume that you do not go so far as to assert that I summoned you?""I would rather answer no questions," said Holmes."No, I dare say not," said the professor with asperity. "However, thatparticular one can be answered very easily without your aid."He walked across the room to the bell. Our London friend, Mr. Bennett,answered the call."Come in, Mr. Bennett. These two gentlemen have come from Londonunder the impression that they have been summoned. You handle all mycorrespondence. Have you a note of anything going to a person namedHolmes?""No, sir," Bennett answered with a flush."That is conclusive," said the professor, glaring angrily at mycompanion. "Now, sir"-he leaned forward with his two hands upon thetable-"it seems to me that your position is a very questionable one."Holmes shrugged his shoulders."I can only repeat that I am sorry that we have made a needlessintrusion.""Hardly enough, Mr. Holmes!" the old man cried in a high screamingvoice, with extraordinary malignancy upon his face. He got between usand the door as he spoke, and he shook his two hands at us with furiouspassion. "You can hardly get out of it so easily as that." His face wasconvulsed, and he grinned and gibbered at us in his senseless rage. I amconvinced that we should have had to fight our way out of the room if Mr.Bennett had not intervened."My dear Professor," he cried, "consider your position! Consider thescandal at the university! Mr. Holmes is a well-known man. You cannotpossibly treat him with such discourtesy."Sulkily our host-if I may call him so-cleared the path to the door. Wewere glad to find ourselves outside the house and in the quiet of the treelined drive. Holmes seemed greatly amused by the episode."Our learned friend's nerves are somewhat out of order," said he."Perhaps our intrusion was a little crude, and yet we have gained thatpersonal contact which I desired. But, dear me, Watson, he is surely at ourheels. The villain still pursues us."There were the sounds of running feet behind, but it was, to my relief,not the formidable professor but his assistant who appeared round thecurve of the drive. He came panting up to us."I am so sorry, Mr. Holmes. I wished to apologize.""My dear sir, there is no need. It is all in the way of professionalexperience.""I have never seen him in a more dangerous mood. But he grows moresinister. [1078] You can understand now why his daughter and I arealarmed. And yet his mind is perfectly clear.""Too clear!" said Holmes. "That was my miscalculation. It is evidentthat his memory is much more reliable than I had thought. By the way,can we, before we go, see the window of Miss Presbury's room?"Mr. Bennett pushed his way through some shrubs, and we had a viewof the side of the house."It is there. The second on the left.""Dear me, it seems hardly accessible. And yet you will observe thatthere is a creeper below and a water-pipe above which give somefoothold.""I could not climb it myself," said Mr. Bennett."Very likely. It would certainly be a dangerous exploit for any normalman.""There was one other thing I wish to tell you, Mr. Holmes. I have theaddress of the man in London to whom the professor writes. He seems tohave written this morning, and I got it from his blotting-paper. It is anignoble position for a trusted secretary, but what else can I do?"Holmes glanced at the paper and put it into his pocket."Dorak-a curious name. Slavonic, I imagine. Well, it is an importantlink in the chain. We return to London this afternoon, Mr. Bennett. I seeno good purpose to be served by our remaining. We cannot arrest theprofessor because he has done no crime, nor can we place him underconstraint, for he cannot be proved to be mad. No action is as yetpossible.""Then what on earth are we to do?""A little patience, Mr. Bennett. Things will soon develop. Unless I ammistaken, next Tuesday may mark a crisis. Certainly we shall be inCamford on that day. Meanwhile, the general position is undeniablyunpleasant, and if Miss Presbury can prolong her visit- -""That is easy.""Then let her stay till we can assure her that all danger is past. Meanwhile, let him have his way and do not cross him. So long as he is ina good humour all is well.""There he is!" said Bennett in a startled whisper. Looking between thebranches we saw the tall, erect figure emerge from the hall door and lookaround him. He stood leaning forward, his hands swinging straight beforehim, his head turning from side to side. The secretary with a last waveslipped off among the trees, and we saw him presently rejoin hisemployer, the two entering the house together in what seemed to beanimated and even excited conversation."I expect the old gentleman has been putting two and two together,"said Holmes as we walked hotelward. "He struck me as having aparticularly clear and logical brain from the little I saw of him. Explosive,no doubt, but then from his point of view he has something to explodeabout if detectives are put on his track and he suspects his own householdof doing it. I rather fancy that friend Bennett is in for an uncomfortabletime."Holmes stopped at a post-office and sent off a telegram on our way.The answer reached us in the evening, and he tossed it across to me.Have visited the Commercial Road and seen Dorak. Suaveperson, Bohemian, elderly. Keeps large general store.MERCER.[1079] "Mercer is since your time," said Holmes. "He is my generalutility man who looks up routine business. It was important to knowsomething of the man with whom our professor was so secretlycorresponding. His nationality connects up with the Prague visit.""Thank goodness that something connects with something," said I. "Atpresent we seem to be faced by a long series of inexplicable incidentswith no bearing upon each other. For example, what possible connectioncan there be between an angry wolfhound and a visit to Bohemia, oreither of them with a man crawling down a passage at night? As to yourdates, that is the biggest mystification of all."Holmes smiled and rubbed his hands. We were, I may say, seated in theold sitting-room of the ancient hotel, with a bottle of the famous vintageof which Holmes had spoken on the table between us."Well, now, let us take the dates first," said he, his finger-tips togetherand his manner as if he were addressing a class. "This excellent youngman's diary shows that there was trouble upon July 2d, and from thenonward it seems to have been at nine-day intervals, with, so far as Iremember, only one exception. Thus the last outbreak upon Friday was onSeptember 3d, which also falls into the series, as did August 26th, whichpreceded it. The thing is beyond coincidence."I was forced to agree."Let us, then, form the provisional theory that every nine days theprofessor takes some strong drug which has a passing but highlypoisonous effect. His naturally violent nature is intensified by it. Helearned to take this drug while he was in Prague, and is now supplied withit by a Bohemian intermediary in London. This all hangs together, Watson!""But the dog, the face at the window, the creeping man in the passage?""Well, well, we have made a beginning. I should not expect any freshdevelopments until next Tuesday. In the meantime we can only keep intouch with friend Bennett and enjoy the amenities of this charming town."In the morning Mr. Bennett slipped round to bring us the latest report.As Holmes had imagined, times had not been easy with him. Withoutexactly accusing him of being responsible for our presence, the professorhad been very rough and rude in his speech, and evidently felt somestrong grievance. This morning he was quite himself again, however, andhad delivered his usual brilliant lecture to a crowded class. "Apart fromhis queer fits," said Bennett, "he has actually more energy and vitalitythan I can ever remember, nor was his brain ever clearer. But it's nothe-it's never the man whom we have known.""I don't think you have anything to fear now for a week at least,"Holmes answered. "I am a busy man, and Dr. Watson has his patients toattend to. Let us agree that we meet here at this hour next Tuesday, and Ishall be surprised if before we leave you again we are not able to explain,even if we cannot perhaps put an end to, your troubles. Meanwhile, keepus posted in what occurs."I saw nothing of my friend for the next few days, but on the followingMonday evening I had a short note asking me to meet him next day at thetrain. From what he told me as we travelled up to Camford all was well,the peace of the professor's house had been unruffled, and his ownconduct perfectly normal. This also was the report which was given us byMr. Bennett himself when he called upon us that evening at our oldquarters in the Chequers. "He heard from his London correspondent today. There was a letter and there was a small packet, [1080] each with thecross under the stamp which warned me not to touch them. There hasbeen nothing else.""That may prove quite enough," said Holmes grimly. "Now, Mr.Bennett, we shall, I think, come to some conclusion to-night. If mydeductions are correct we should have an opportunity of bringing mattersto a head. In order to do so it is necessary to hold the professor underobservation. I would suggest, therefore, that you remain awake and on thelookout. Should you hear him pass your door, do not interrupt him, butfollow him as discreetly as you can. Dr. Watson and I will not be far off.By the way, where is the key of that little box of which you spoke?""Upon his watch-chain.""I fancy our researches must lie in that direction. At the worst the lockshould not be very formidable. Have you any other able-bodied man onthe premises?""There is the coachman, Macphail.""Where does he sleep?""Over the stables.""We might possibly want him. Well, we can do no more until we seehow things develop. Good-bye-but I expect that we shall see you beforemorning."It was nearly midnight before we took our station among some bushes immediately opposite the hall door of the professor. It was a fine night,but chilly, and we were glad of our warm overcoats. There was a breeze,and clouds were scudding across the sky, obscuring from time to time thehalf-moon. It would have been a dismal vigil were it not for theexpectation and excitement which carried us along, and the assurance ofmy comrade that we had probably reached the end of the strangesequence of events which had engaged our attention."If the cycle of nine days holds good then we shall have the professorat his worst to-night," said Holmes. "The fact that these strange symptomsbegan after his visit to Prague, that he is in secret correspondence with aBohemian dealer in London, who presumably represents someone inPrague, and that he received a packet from him this very day, all point inone direction. What he takes and why he takes it are still beyond our ken,but that it emanates in some way from Prague is clear enough. He takes itunder definite directions which regulate this ninth-day system, which wasthe first point which attracted my attention. But his symptoms are mostremarkable. Did you observe his knuckles?"I had to confess that I did not."Thick and horny in a way which is quite new in my experience.Always look at the hands first, Watson. Then cuffs, trouser-knees, andboots. Very curious knuckles which can only be explained by the mode ofprogression observed by- -" Holmes paused and suddenly clapped hishand to his forehead. "Oh, Watson, Watson, what a fool I have been! Itseems incredible, and yet it must be true. All points in one direction. Howcould I miss seeing the connection of ideas? Those knuckles-how could Ihave passed those knuckles? And the dog! And the ivy! It's surely timethat I disappeared into that little farm of my dreams. Look out, Watson!Here he is! We shall have the chance of seeing for ourselves."The hall door had slowly opened, and against the lamplit backgroundwe saw the tall figure of Professor Presbury. He was clad in his dressinggown. As he stood outlined in the doorway he was erect but leaningforward with dangling arms, as when we saw him last.Now he stepped forward into the drive, and an extraordinary changecame over him. He sank down into a crouching position and moved alongupon his hands [1081] and feet, skipping every now and then as if he wereoverflowing with energy and vitality. He moved along the face of thehouse and then round the corner. As he disappeared Bennett slippedthrough the hall door and softly followed him."Come, Watson, come!" cried Holmes, and we stole as softly as wecould through the bushes until we had gained a spot whence we could seethe other side of the house, which was bathed in the light of the halfmoon. The professor was clearly visible crouching at the foot of the ivycovered wall. As we watched him he suddenly began with incredibleagility to ascend it. From branch to branch he sprang, sure of foot andfirm of grasp, climbing apparently in mere joy at his own powers, with nodefinite object in view. With his dressing-gown flapping on each side ofhim, he looked like some huge bat glued against the side of his ownhouse, a great square dark patch upon the moonlit wall. Presently he tiredof this amusement, and, dropping from branch to branch, he squatted down into the old attitude and moved towards the stables, creeping alongin the same strange way as before. The wolfhound was out now, barkingfuriously, and more excited than ever when it actually caught sight of itsmaster. It was straining on its chain and quivering with eagerness andrage. The professor squatted down very deliberately just out of reach ofthe hound and began to provoke it in every possible way. He tookhandfuls of pebbles from the drive and threw them in the dog's face,prodded him with a stick which he had picked up, flicked his hands aboutonly a few inches from the gaping mouth, and endeavoured in every wayto increase the animal's fury, which was already beyond all control. In allour adventures I do not know that I have ever seen a more strange sightthan this impassive and still dignified figure crouching frog-like upon theground and goading to a wilder exhibition of passion the maddenedhound, which ramped and raged in front of him, by all manner ofingenious and calculated cruelty.And then in a moment it happened! It was not the chain that broke, butit was the collar that slipped, for it had been made for a thick-neckedNewfoundland. We heard the rattle of falling metal, and the next instantdog and man were rolling on the ground together, the one roaring in rage,the other screaming in a strange shrill falsetto of terror. It was a verynarrow thing for the professor's life. The savage creature had him fairlyby the throat, its fangs had bitten deep, and he was senseless before wecould reach them and drag the two apart. It might have been a dangeroustask for us, but Bennett's voice and presence brought the great wolfhoundinstantly to reason. The uproar had brought the sleepy and astonishedcoachman from his room above the stables. "I'm not surprised," said he,shaking his head. "I've seen him at it before. I knew the dog would gethim sooner or later."The hound was secured, and together we carried the professor up to hisroom, where Bennett, who had a medical degree, helped me to dress historn throat. The sharp teeth had passed dangerously near the carotidartery, and the haemorrhage was serious. In half an hour the danger waspast, I had given the patient an injection of morphia, and he had sunk intodeep sleep. Then, and only then, were we able to look at each other and totake stock of the situation."I think a first-class surgeon should see him," said I."For God's sake, no!" cried Bennett. "At present the scandal isconfined to our own household. It is safe with us. If it gets beyond thesewalls it will never stop. Consider his position at the university, hisEuropean reputation, the feelings of his daughter."[1082] "Quite so," said Holmes. "I think it may be quite possible to keepthe matter to ourselves, and also to prevent its recurrence now that wehave a free hand. The key from the watch-chain, Mr. Bennett. Macphailwill guard the patient and let us know if there is any change. Let us seewhat we can find in the professor's mysterious box."There was not much, but there was enough-an empty phial, anothernearly full, a hypodermic syringe, several letters in a crabbed, foreignhand. The marks on the envelopes showed that they were those which haddisturbed the routine of the secretary, and each was dated from theCommercial Road and signed "A. Dorak." They were mere invoices tosay that a fresh bottle was being sent to Professor Presbury, or receipt toacknowledge money. There was one other envelope, however, in a moreeducated hand and bearing the Austrian stamp with the postmark of Prague. "Here we have our material!" cried Holmes as he tore out theenclosure.HONOURED COLLEAGUE [it ran]:Since your esteemed visit I have thought much of your case, andthough in your circumstances there are some special reasons forthe treatment, I would none the less enjoin caution, as my resultshave shown that it is not without danger of a kind.It is possible that the serum of anthropoid would have beenbetter. I have, as I explained to you, used black-faced langurbecause a specimen was accessible. Langur is, of course, a crawlerand climber, while anthropoid walks erect and is in all ways nearer.I beg you to take every possible precaution that there be nopremature revelation of the process. I have one other client inEngland, and Dorak is my agent for both.Weekly reports will oblige.Yours with high esteem,H. LOWENSTEIN.Lowenstein! The name brought back to me the memory of somesnippet from a newspaper which spoke of an obscure scientist who wasstriving in some unknown way for the secret of rejuvenescence and theelixir of life. Lowenstein of Prague! Lowenstein with the wondrousstrength-giving serum, tabooed by the profession because he refused toreveal its source. In a few words I said what I remembered. Bennett hadtaken a manual of zoology from the shelves. " 'Langur,' " he read, " 'thegreat black-faced monkey of the Himalayan slopes, biggest and mosthuman of climbing monkeys.' Many details are added. Well, thanks toyou, Mr. Holmes, it is very clear that we have traced the evil to itssource.""The real source," said Holmes, "lies, of course, in that untimely loveaffair which gave our impetuous professor the idea that he could onlygain his wish by turning himself into a younger man. When one tries torise above Nature one is liable to fall below it. The highest type of manmay revert to the animal if he leaves the straight road of destiny." He satmusing for a little with the phial in his hand, looking at the clear liquidwithin. "When I have written to this man and told him that I hold himcriminally responsible for the poisons which he circulates, we will haveno more trouble. But it may recur. Others may find a better way. There isdanger there-a very real danger to humanity. Consider, Watson, that thematerial, the sensual, the worldly would all prolong their worthless lives.[1083] The spiritual would not avoid the call to something higher. It wouldbe the survival of the least fit. What sort of cesspool may not our poorworld become?" Suddenly the dreamer disappeared, and Holmes, the manof action, sprang from his chair. "I think there is nothing more to be said,Mr. Bennett. The various incidents will now fit themselves easily into thegeneral scheme. The dog, of course, was aware of the change far morequickly than you. His smell would insure that. It was the monkey, not theprofessor, whom Roy attacked, just as it was the monkey who teased Roy. Climbing was a joy to the creature, and it was a mere chance, I take it,that the pastime brought him to the young lady's window. There is anearly train to town, Watson, but I think we shall just have time for a cupof tea at the Chequers before we catch it."David Soucek, 1998 The Lion's ManeThe Case-Book of Sherlock HolmesTHE LION'S MANEIT IS a most singular thing that a problem which was certainly as abstruseand unusual as any which I have faced in my long professional careershould have come to me after my retirement, and be brought, as it were,to my very door. It occurred after my withdrawal to my little Sussexhome, when I had given myself up entirely to that soothing life of Naturefor which I had so often yearned during the long year