Latest / Chapter by Chapter — The Lost Library / Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet - Chapters Three and Four | Full Audiobook

Transcript

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet - Chapters Three and Four | Full Audiobook · Chapter by Chapter — The Lost Library

0:00
Welcome back to another episodic audiobook presentation of
0:04
Sherlock Holmes. In this series, each chapter
0:08
brings the classic tales to life, unfolding the mystery,
0:12
atmosphere, and adventure that have captivated readers for
0:15
generations. Before we begin, a brief note.
0:21
This presentation of Sherlock Holmes is a modernized retelling
0:25
of the original Canon. The cases remain faithful to the
0:29
stories that generations have loved, while the language and
0:32
structure have been carefully refined to create a smoother,
0:36
more immersive listening experience for today's audience.
0:41
What you are about to hear is not a change to the mysteries
0:44
themselves, but a restoration of their flow, allowing the world
0:48
of Sherlock Holmes to unfold clearly for the modern ear.
0:53
And now we return to the in the first case, Book 1A, Study in
1:00
Scarlet, Chapter 3, The Loriston Gardens mystery.
1:07
I must admit I was quite taken aback by this new demonstration
1:11
of my companions practical theories.
1:14
My admiration for his analytical skills grew immensely, yet a
1:19
lingering doubt persisted in my mind that the entire scene might
1:23
have been staged to impress me, though I couldn't fathom why he
1:27
would bother. As I glanced at him, he had
1:30
finished reading the note and his eyes had taken on a vacant,
1:34
dull look that indicated he was deep in thought.
1:39
How on earth did you figure that out?
1:41
I asked. Figure out what?
1:45
He replied irritably. Why, That he was a retired
1:49
Sergeant of Marines. I have no time for trivial
1:54
matters, he replied curtly, then softened with a smile.
1:59
Forgive my abruptness. You interrupted my train of
2:03
thought, but perhaps that's for the best.
2:06
So you really couldn't tell that man was a Sergeant of Marines?
2:10
No, not at all. It's easier to recognize than to
2:14
articulate. Why.
2:15
If someone asked you to prove that 2 + 2 = 4, you might
2:19
struggle to explain, yet you're certain of it.
2:23
Even from across the street I noticed a large blue anchor
2:28
tattooed on the back of his hand that suggested a nautical
2:32
background, yet he carried himself with a military bearing
2:36
and had the regulation side whiskers.
2:39
There you have the Marine. He exuded a sense of self
2:43
importance and an air of authority.
2:46
Surely you noticed how he held his head and swung his cane?
2:51
A steady, respectable middle-aged man.
2:54
All of which led me to conclude he was a Sergeant.
2:59
Amazing, I exclaimed. Ordinary, Said Holmes, though
3:04
his expression suggested he was pleased by my evidence.
3:07
Surprise and admiration. I mentioned earlier that there
3:12
were no criminals. It seems I might have been
3:15
mistaken. Take a look at this.
3:19
He tossed me the note delivered by the commissioner.
3:23
Good heavens, I exclaimed as I scanned it.
3:26
This is dreadful. It does appear somewhat unusual.
3:31
He replied with composure. Would you mind reading it aloud
3:35
to me? Here is the letter I read to
3:38
him. My dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, An
3:42
unfortunate incident occurred last night at 3:00 Loriston
3:47
Gardens, just off Brixton Rd. Our officer on patrol noticed a
3:52
light there around 2:00 in the morning and since the house is
3:56
unoccupied, he suspected something was wrong.
4:00
He found the door ajar and in the front room, which is devoid
4:04
of furniture, he discovered the body of a well dressed
4:07
gentleman. The cards in his pocket
4:10
identified him as Enoch J Drebber, Cleveland, OH, USA.
4:17
There was no sign of robbery nor any clue as to how the man met
4:21
his end. Blood stains were present in the
4:24
room, yet there was no wound on his body.
4:27
We are baffled as to how he ended up in the vacant house.
4:31
Indeed, the entire situation is perplexing.
4:34
If you can visit the house before noon, you'll find me
4:38
there. I've left everything as it is
4:41
until I hear from you. Should you be unable to come, I
4:45
will provide more detailed information and I would greatly
4:48
appreciate your insights on the matter.
4:51
Yours faithfully. Tobias Gregson.
4:55
Gregson is the sharpest of the Scotland Yard detectives, my
4:59
friend observed. He and Lestrade are the best of
5:02
a mediocre bunch. They're both quick and
5:06
energetic, but terribly conventional.
5:09
They're also quite competitive with each other, like rival
5:13
performers. If they both get involved in
5:16
this case, it should be entertaining.
5:19
I was struck by how casually he spoke.
5:22
Surely we can't waste any time? I exclaimed.
5:27
Should I call a cab for you? I'm not sure if I'll go.
5:31
I'm the laziest person alive when the mood strikes, though I
5:34
can be quite active when I choose.
5:37
But this is exactly the kind of opportunity you've been waiting
5:41
for, my dear friend. What difference does it make to
5:45
me? Even if I solve the whole thing,
5:48
you can bet Gregson, Lestrade and their colleagues will take
5:52
all the credit. That's the downside of being an
5:55
unofficial figure. But he's asking for your help.
6:00
Yes, he knows I'm his superior and admits it to me, though he'd
6:06
rather cut out his tongue than confess it to anyone else.
6:10
Still, we might as well take a look.
6:13
I'll figure it out on my own terms.
6:15
If nothing else, I might get a laugh out of it.
6:19
Let's go. He shrugged on his overcoat, his
6:22
previous apathy replaced by a burst of energy.
6:26
Grab your hat. He instructed.
6:29
You want me to come along? Yes, unless you have something
6:33
better to do. Moments later we were both in a
6:37
handsome cab racing down Brixton Rd.
6:41
The morning was foggy and overcast, A dull veil draped
6:45
over the rooftops like a reflection of the muddy streets
6:48
below. My companion was in high
6:51
spirits, chatting away about Cremona, violins and the
6:55
distinctions between a Stradivarius and an Amati.
6:59
Meanwhile, I remained silent, the dreary weather and the
7:03
sombre nature of our task weighing on my mood.
7:08
You don't seem very focused on the matter at hand, I finally
7:12
said, cutting into Holmes's musical musings.
7:16
No data yet, He replied. It's a grave mistake to form
7:21
theories before you have all the evidence.
7:23
It skews the judgement. You'll have your information
7:28
soon, I said, gesturing with my hand.
7:32
This is Brixton Road, and that's the house, unless I'm very much
7:38
mistaken. Indeed it is.
7:42
Stop, driver, stop. Though we were still about 100
7:46
yards away, he insisted we get out and walk the rest of the way
7:52
#3 Loriston Gardens had a foreboding and threatening
7:56
appearance. It was one of four houses set
7:59
slightly back from the street, with two occupied and two
8:02
vacant. The empty ones stared out with
8:06
three rows of desolate windows, blank and cheerless except for
8:11
the occasional to let sign that clung the grimy glass like a
8:16
cataract. A small garden dotted with a
8:19
sparse array of unhealthy plants separated each house from the
8:24
street. A narrow yellowish path,
8:27
seemingly made of clay and gravel cut through the garden.
8:31
The entire area was soggy from the previous night's rain.
8:35
A three foot brick wall topped with wooden rails boarded the
8:38
garden and leaning against it was a sturdy police constable
8:43
surrounded by a small group of onlookers who crane their necks
8:47
and strain their eyes, hoping in vain to glimpse the activity
8:51
inside. I expected Sherlock Holmes to
8:54
immediately rush into the house and dive into the mystery, yet
8:58
nothing seemed further from his mind.
9:00
With a nonchalant air that struck me as almost affected
9:04
given the circumstances, he strolled up and down the
9:07
pavement, gazing idly at the ground, the sky, the houses
9:13
across the street, and the line of railings.
9:18
After completing his examination, he moved slowly
9:21
along the path, or rather the strip of grass beside it, his
9:26
gaze fixed intensely on the ground.
9:29
Twice he paused and once I noticed a smile cross his face,
9:34
accompanied by a satisfied exclamation.
9:38
The wet, clay rich soil bore numerous footprints, yet with
9:43
the police traipsing back and forth, I couldn't fathom how he
9:47
expected to glean any useful information.
9:51
Still, given the remarkable demonstrations of his perceptive
9:55
abilities I'd witnessed, I had no doubt he could discern much
10:00
that eluded me. At the entrance of the house, we
10:04
were greeted by a tall, pale man with flaxen hair clutching a
10:08
notebook. He hurried forward and shook my
10:11
companion's hand with enthusiasm.
10:15
It's truly generous of you to come, he said.
10:19
I've ensured everything remains untouched.
10:23
Except that, my friend replied, gesturing toward the path.
10:28
A Stampede of Buffalo couldn't have made a bigger mess.
10:33
I trust, however, that you formed your conclusions,
10:36
Gregson. Before allowing this, I've been
10:40
preoccupied with matters inside the house, the detective
10:44
responded evasively. My colleague Mr. Lestrade is
10:50
here. I had depended on him to handle
10:53
this matter. Holmes glanced at me, raising
10:57
his eyebrows with a sardonic twist.
11:00
With two capable men like you and Lestrade on the scene, there
11:05
won't be much left for anyone else to uncover.
11:08
He remarked. Gregson rubbed his hands
11:11
together with a self satisfied air.
11:15
I believe we've done everything possible.
11:17
He replied. It's an odd case though, and I
11:21
knew it would pique your interest.
11:24
You didn't arrive here by cab, did you?
11:28
Sherlock Holmes inquired. No Sir.
11:32
Nor did Lestride, no Sir. Then let's go examine the room.
11:38
He said, making this seemingly offhand comment as he strode
11:43
into the house, followed by Gregson, whose face showed his
11:47
surprise. A short, bare and dusty hallway
11:51
led to the kitchen and other service areas. 2 doors opened
11:55
off it, one to the left and one to the right.
12:00
One of these doors had clearly been shut for many weeks.
12:04
The other led to the dining room, the very place where the
12:08
mysterious incident had taken place.
12:12
Homes entered, and I followed, feeling that subdued heaviness
12:16
in my heart that the presence of death always brings.
12:21
It was a large square room, appearing even more expansive
12:25
due to the complete lack of furniture.
12:28
The walls were covered in garish wallpaper, though it was marred
12:32
in spots by mildew, and here and there large strips had peeled
12:37
away, revealing the yellow plaster beneath.
12:42
Directly across from the door stood A flashy fireplace topped
12:46
with a mantelpiece made to look like white marble.
12:50
In one corner of it was the stub of a red wax candle.
12:54
The lone window was so filthy that the light filtering through
12:58
was dim and uncertain, casting a dull grey hue over everything,
13:04
further deepened by the thick layer of dust that blanketed the
13:08
entire room. I took in all these details
13:11
later. At that moment, my focus was
13:15
fixed on the single, grim, unmoving figure stretched out on
13:19
the floorboards, it's vacant, lifeless eyes staring up at the
13:24
stained ceiling. It was a man, perhaps 43 or 44
13:29
years old, of average height, broad shouldered, with tightly
13:34
curled black hair and a short, bristly beard.
13:39
He wore a heavy broadcloth, frock coat and waistcoat, light
13:43
coloured trousers and a pristine collar and cuffs.
13:48
A well brushed top hat lay on the floor beside him.
13:52
His hands were clenched, his arms flung wide and his legs
13:56
were entangled as if his final struggle had been a fierce one.
14:01
On his rigid face was an expression of horror and it
14:05
seemed to me of hatred unlike anything I had ever seen on a
14:10
human face. This malignant and terrifying
14:14
grimace combined with his low forehead, blunt nose and jutting
14:19
jaw gave the deceased and oddly simian ape like appearance which
14:24
was heightened by his twisted, unnatural posture.
14:29
I've encountered death in countless guises, yet never has
14:33
it struck me with such dread as it did in that dim, grimy room
14:38
overlooking one of the bustling veins of suburban London.
14:43
Lestrade, as wiry and sharp eyed as ever, stood by the door,
14:47
acknowledging my companion and me with a nod.
14:51
This case is going to cause quite a stir, Sir, He remarked.
14:57
It's unlike anything I've ever seen, and I've been around the
15:01
block. No leads?
15:04
Gregson inquired. None whatsoever.
15:08
Lestrade confirmed. Sherlock Holmes moved to the
15:12
body, kneeling to scrutinize it closely.
15:16
You're certain there's no wound? He asked, gesturing to the many
15:20
droplets and splashes of blood scattered around.
15:24
Absolutely. Both detectives exclaimed.
15:28
Then this blood must belong to another person, likely the
15:32
perpetrator, assuming a murder has occurred.
15:36
It reminds me of the Van Jansen case in Utrecht back in 34.
15:40
Do you recall that one, Gregson? No, Sir, You should look it up,
15:46
it's worth your attention. There is nothing new under the
15:49
sun. Everything has been done before.
15:52
As he spoke, his agile fingers darted everywhere, feeling,
15:58
pressing, unbuttoning, examining, while his eyes held
16:01
that distant look I had already noted.
16:05
The examination was so swift that one might not have guessed
16:08
its thoroughness. Finally he sniffed the dead
16:11
man's lips and glanced at the soles of his patent leather
16:14
shoes. He hasn't been moved at all.
16:19
He asked. Only as much as was necessary
16:22
for our examination. You can take him to the Mortuary
16:26
now, he said. There's nothing more to be
16:29
learned. Gregson had a stretcher and four
16:33
men ready. At his signal, they entered the
16:36
room, lifted the stranger and carried him out.
16:41
As they raised him, a ring clattered to the floor and
16:44
rolled away. Lestrade snatched it up, staring
16:48
at it with puzzled eyes. A woman has been here, He
16:54
exclaimed. It's a woman's wedding ring.
16:58
He held it out on the palm of his hand as he spoke.
17:02
We all gathered around him, our eyes fixed on the object.
17:06
There was no mistaking it, a simple gold band that had once
17:10
graced a bride's finger. This makes things more
17:15
complicated. Gregson remarked, as if they
17:19
weren't tangled enough already. Are you certain it doesn't
17:24
actually simplify them? Holmes interjected, Staring at
17:29
it won't reveal anything new. What did you find in his
17:33
pockets? We've got everything here,
17:36
Gregson replied, gesturing to a collection of items scattered on
17:40
one of the lower steps of the staircase.
17:43
A gold watch #97,163 by Baraud of London.
17:50
A heavy, solid gold Albert chain.
17:53
A gold ring with a Masonic emblem.
17:56
A gold pin shaped like a bulldog's head with Ruby eyes.
18:01
A Russian leather card case containing cards for Enoch J
18:05
Drebber of Cleveland, matching the EJD on the linen.
18:09
No wallet, but loose change amounting to 7 lbs Thirteen.
18:14
A pocket edition of Boccaccio's Decameron was found, with Joseph
18:18
Stangerson's name inscribed on the flyleaf.
18:21
There were also 2 letters, one addressed to EJ Drebber and the
18:26
other to Joseph Stangerson. What was the address on them?
18:31
American Exchange Strand to be held until collected.
18:36
Both letters are from the Gillon Steamship Company discussing the
18:40
departure of their ships from Liverpool.
18:43
It seems clear that this unfortunate man was planning to
18:46
return to New York. Have you looked into this man,
18:51
Stangerson? I acted immediately, Sir,
18:56
Gregson replied. Advertisements have been placed
19:00
in all the newspapers, and one of my men has gone to the
19:03
American Exchange, though he hasn't reported back yet.
19:08
Have you contacted Cleveland? We sent a telegram this morning.
19:13
What did you ask? We outlined the situation and
19:17
requested any information that might assist us.
19:21
You didn't ask for details on any particular point that seemed
19:24
crucial. I inquired about Stangerson,
19:29
nothing else. Is there no specific detail upon
19:33
which this entire case seems to depend?
19:37
Won't you send another telegram? I've said everything I need to.
19:42
Gregson replied, his tone tinged with irritation.
19:47
Sherlock Holmes chuckled softly, seemingly on the verge of a
19:51
comment when Lestrade, who had been in the front room while we
19:54
conversed in the hallway, re entered with a self satisfied
19:58
air, rubbing his hands together. Mr. Gregson, he announced.
20:03
I've just uncovered something of utmost importance, something
20:08
that would have been missed without my thorough examination
20:12
of the walls. His eyes gleamed with
20:15
excitement, clearly pleased to have gained an advantage over
20:19
his colleague. Come here, he urged, bustling
20:23
back into the room which felt lighter now that it's grim
20:26
occupant was gone. Stand right there.
20:31
He struck a match against his boot and held it up to the wall.
20:36
Look at that, he declared triumphantly.
20:39
I had noticed that the wallpaper had peeled away in places.
20:44
In this particular corner, a large section had come off,
20:48
revealing a yellow patch of rough plaster.
20:51
Scrawled across this bare surface in blood red letters was
20:55
a single word. Rach, what do you make of this?
21:01
The detective exclaimed, his voice filled with the pride of a
21:05
showman unveiling a spectacle. This was missed because it lay
21:10
in the darkest corner of the room, a place no one thought to
21:13
check. The murderer wrote it in their
21:16
own blood. Look at this smear where it
21:19
dripped down the wall. That rules out suicide, no doubt
21:24
about it. But why choose that corner to
21:27
write in? I'll tell you.
21:30
See that candle on the mantelpiece?
21:33
It was lit at the time. If it was burning, this corner
21:37
would have been the brightest spot on the wall, not the
21:40
darkest. And now that you've found it,
21:45
what does it mean? Gregson asked, his tone
21:49
dismissive. Mean it means.
21:52
The writer intended to spell out the name Rachel, but was
21:55
interrupted before finishing. Mark my words, when this case is
22:00
solved, you'll find a woman named Rachel is involved.
22:04
Laugh all you want, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
22:06
You might be smart and clever, but when all is said and done,
22:09
the old hound is still the best. I sincerely apologize.
22:15
My companion exclaimed, having inadvertently irritated the
22:19
small man by bursting into laughter.
22:21
You definitely deserve credit for being the first among us to
22:25
discover this, and as you mentioned, it unmistakably
22:29
appears to have been penned by the other party involved in last
22:33
night's mystery. I haven't had the chance to
22:36
examine this room yet, but with your permission, I'd like to do
22:40
so now. As he spoke, he swiftly produced
22:44
a tape measure in a large round magnifying glass from his
22:48
pocket. Armed with these tools, he moved
22:51
silently around the room, occasionally pausing, sometimes
22:56
kneeling, and at one point lying flat on his stomach.
23:00
So absorbed was he in his task that he seemed to forget we were
23:04
even there, muttering to himself the entire time, a continuous
23:09
stream of exclamations, groans, whistles and small cries that
23:15
hinted at encouragement and hope.
23:19
Watching him, I couldn't help but be reminded of a purebred,
23:23
well trained foxhound, darting back and forth through the
23:26
underbrush, whining with eagerness until it picks up the
23:30
lost scent. For over 20 minutes he continued
23:34
his investigation, meticulously measuring distances between
23:38
marks that were completely invisible to me, occasionally
23:42
applying his tape to the walls in a similarly baffling manner.
23:46
At one spot, he carefully collected a small pile of grey
23:50
dust from the floor and sealed it in an envelope.
23:54
Finally, he scrutinized the word on the wall with his magnifying
23:57
glass, examining each letter with the utmost precision.
24:02
Once finished, he seemed content returning the tape and glass to
24:07
his pocket. They say genius is simply the
24:11
ability to endure endless effort, he remarked with a
24:15
smile. It's not the best definition,
24:19
but it certainly fits detective work.
24:22
Gregson and Lestrade watched their amateur colleagues
24:26
manoeuvres with a mix of curiosity and a hint of disdain.
24:30
They clearly didn't grasp, as I had begun to, that every small
24:34
action of Sherlock Holmes was aimed at a specific, practical
24:38
goal. What do you make of it, Sir?
24:41
They both inquired. It would be unfair to take the
24:45
credit from you by offering my assistance.
24:48
My friend replied. You're doing so well on your own
24:53
that it would be a shame for anyone to step in.
24:57
His voice dripped with sarcasm. However, if you keep me updated
25:02
on your progress, He continued. I'd be glad to offer any help I
25:06
can. Meanwhile, I'd like to speak
25:09
with the constable who discovered the body.
25:12
Could you provide his name and address?
25:15
Lestrade checked his notebook. John Rance, he said.
25:21
He's off duty now. You'll find him at 46 Audley
25:26
Court, Kennington Park Gate. Holmes jotted down the address.
25:32
Let's go, doctor, he said, beckoning me to follow.
25:36
He turned to the two detectives, offering a crucial insight.
25:40
A murder has occurred, and the killer is a man.
25:45
He's over 6 feet tall in his prime, with surprisingly small
25:49
feet for his height. He wore coarse square toed boots
25:53
and smoked a trigonopoly cigar. He arrived here with the victim
25:58
in A4 wheeled cab pulled by a horse with three old shoes and
26:03
one new one on its front right leg.
26:05
The murderer likely has a Ruddy complexion, and the fingernails
26:10
on his right hand are unusually long.
26:13
These clues might help you. Lestrade and Gregson exchanged
26:18
skeptical glances. If there was a murder, how was
26:23
it committed? Lestrade inquired.
26:27
Poison. Sherlock Holmes replied tersely,
26:30
striding away. One more thing, Lestrade, he
26:34
added, turning back at the door. Rach is German for revenge, so
26:38
don't waste time searching for Miss Rachel.
26:42
With that parting shot, he left, leaving the two detectives
26:46
speechless in his wake. In Chapter 3, Watson witnesses
26:51
Holmes put his deductive theories into practical action,
26:55
astonishing him by casually revealing intimate details about
26:59
a stranger's past. This moment cements Watson's
27:03
admiration, even as he struggles to understand how such
27:07
conclusions are reached so effortlessly.
27:11
The chapter takes a darker turn when a letter arrives from
27:14
Scotland Yard describing A baffling death in an empty house
27:18
on Brixton Road. Though outwardly indifferent,
27:22
Holmes is intrigued. After some characteristic
27:26
reluctance and dry humour about official recognition, he agrees
27:30
to investigate, drawing Watson with him as they set out toward
27:34
their first true case together. Chapter 4 marks the beginning of
27:39
the investigation itself. Holmes arrives at the grim house
27:44
in Loriston Gardens where a mysterious death has left
27:48
seasoned detectives perplexed. As others focus on the obvious,
27:53
Holmes quietly studies what they overlook, revealing that the
27:57
true story of the crime is written not in spectacle, but in
28:01
subtle traces waiting to be read.
28:05
Chapter 4 What John Rance had to tell It was 1:00 when we left #3
28:13
Loriston Gardens. Sherlock Holmes led me to the
28:16
nearest Telegraph office where he sent off a lengthy telegram.
28:20
He then flagged down a cab and instruct the driver to take us
28:24
to the address Lestrade had provided.
28:28
There's nothing like first hand evidence, he remarked.
28:32
To be honest, I've already made-up my mind about the case,
28:36
but we might as well gather all the information we can.
28:41
You astonish me, Holmes, I said. Surely you can't be as certain
28:46
as you claim about all those details you mentioned.
28:50
There's no room for error, he replied.
28:53
The very first thing I noticed when we arrived was that a cab
28:56
had left 2 deep ruts with its wheels close to the curb.
29:00
We haven't had rain for a week until last night, so those wheel
29:04
marks must have been made during the night.
29:07
There were also hoof prints, one of which was more sharply
29:11
defined than the others, indicating a new shoe.
29:15
Since the cab was there after the rain started and wasn't
29:18
there at any time in the morning, Gregson confirmed that
29:22
it must have been there during the night, which means it
29:25
brought those two people to the house.
29:28
That seems straightforward enough, I said.
29:32
But what about the other man's height?
29:35
Well, you can usually determine a man's height from the length
29:38
of his stride in nine cases out of 10.
29:42
It's a straightforward calculation, really, though I
29:45
won't bore you with the numbers. I measured this man's stride
29:49
both on the clay outside and the dust inside.
29:53
Then I had a way to verify my findings.
29:56
When a person writes on a wall, they naturally do so at their
30:02
eye level. This writing was just over 6
30:05
feet from the ground. It was child's play and his age.
30:12
I inquired. Well, if someone can stride 4
30:17
1/2 feet effortlessly, they're not exactly in their twilight
30:21
years. That was the width of a puddle
30:24
on the garden path that he clearly walked across.
30:28
Patent leather shoes had gone around it, while square toes had
30:33
leftover. There's no mystery here.
30:36
I'm merely applying some basic principles of observation and
30:40
deduction that I discussed in that article.
30:44
Is there anything else that confuses you?
30:48
The fingernails and the trichinopoly I suggested.
30:52
The writing on the wall was done with a man's forefinger dipped
30:55
in blood. My magnifying glass showed me
30:58
that the plaster was slightly scratched in the process, which
31:01
wouldn't have happened if the man's nails had been trimmed.
31:06
I gathered some scattered ash from the floor.
31:08
It was dark and flaky, the kind only a trichonopoly cigar leaves
31:13
behind. I've made a special study of
31:16
cigar ashes. In fact, I've written a
31:19
monograph on the subject. I pride myself on being able to
31:23
identify the ash of any known brand of cigar or tobacco at a
31:27
glance. It's in these details that a
31:29
skilled detective stands apart from the likes of Gregson and
31:33
Lestrade. And the Florida face?
31:37
I inquired. That was a bolder guess, though
31:43
I'm confident I was correct. You mustn't press me on that
31:47
just yet, given the current stage of the investigation.
31:53
I ran my hand over my forehead. My mind is spinning, I admitted.
31:58
The more I ponder it, the more perplexing it becomes.
32:02
How did these two men, assuming there were two, enter an empty
32:07
house? What happened to the cabman who
32:09
drove them? How could one man force another
32:13
to ingest poison? Where did the blood originate?
32:17
What was the murderer's motive if not robbery, And how did the
32:22
woman's ring end up there? Above all, why would the second
32:27
man write the German word rage before leaving?
32:33
I admit I can't see how all these pieces fit together.
32:39
My companion smiled, clearly pleased.
32:43
You've captured the complexities of the situation quite well, he
32:47
said. There's still much that's
32:50
unclear, though I've settled on the main facts.
32:54
As for Lestrade's discovery, it was merely A distraction meant
32:59
to mislead the police by hinting at socialism and secret
33:04
societies. It wasn't the work of a German.
33:08
If you noticed, the A was printed in a style somewhat
33:12
resembling the German way. However, a true German would use
33:17
the Latin script. So we can confidently say this
33:21
wasn't written by one, but by a clumsy imitator who overdid it.
33:26
It was a simple ploy to steer the investigation.
33:29
Of course, I won't reveal much more about the case Doctor.
33:34
You know a magician loses his mystique once he explains his
33:38
trick, and if I show you too much of my method, you might
33:42
conclude that I'm just an ordinary person after all.
33:46
I could never think that, I replied.
33:50
You've brought the art of detection as close to a science
33:54
as it will ever get in this world.
33:57
My companion blushed with pleasure at my words and the
34:01
sincerity with which I spoke them.
34:04
I had already noticed that he was as sensitive to praise about
34:07
his craft as any young woman might be about her beauty.
34:13
I'll tell you something else, he said.
34:15
Patent Leathers and Square Toes arrived in the same cab,
34:19
strolling down the path together as if they were the best of
34:22
friends, probably arm in arm. Once inside they paced the room,
34:29
or rather Patent Leathers stayed put while Square Toes paced back
34:33
and forth. I could see all that in the
34:36
dust. And as he walked he got more and
34:39
more agitated. You can tell by the longest
34:42
strides. He was talking the whole time,
34:46
likely working himself into a rage.
34:50
Then the tragedy happened. That's all I know for sure.
34:54
The rest is just speculation, but we have a solid starting
34:59
point. We need to move quickly because
35:02
I want to catch Halley's concert to hear Norman Neruda this
35:06
afternoon. This conversation unfolded as
35:10
our cab navigated through a maze of grimy streets and bleak
35:14
alleyways. In the most dismal of them, our
35:18
driver suddenly stopped. That's Audley Court over there,
35:23
he said, pointing to a narrow gap in the line of dull brick.
35:28
I'll be waiting here when you return.
35:31
Audley Court was far from inviting.
35:34
The narrow passage LED us into a courtyard paved with flagstones
35:38
surrounded by grimy buildings. We navigated through clusters of
35:43
unkempt children and lines of faded laundry until we reached
35:47
#46 where a small brass plate bore the name Rance.
35:53
Upon inquiry, we learned the constable was asleep, and we
35:57
were ushered into a modest front parlour to wait for him.
36:02
He soon appeared, looking somewhat annoyed at being roused
36:05
from his rest. I already filed my report at the
36:09
office, he remarked. Holmes took a half sovereign
36:13
from his pocket, turning it thoughtfully in his fingers.
36:17
We thought it best to hear the details directly from you, he
36:21
replied. I'd be glad to share whatever I
36:25
can, the constable said, his gaze fixed on the gleaming coin.
36:31
Please recount it in your own words.
36:34
Just as it happened. Rant settled onto the horsehair
36:38
sofa, furrowing his brow as if to ensure he left nothing out of
36:43
his account. I'll start from the beginning.
36:46
He began. My shift runs from 10:00 at
36:50
night to 6:00 in the morning. There was a scuffle at the White
36:54
Hart around 11, but aside from that the night was uneventful.
36:59
At one it started raining and I ran into Harry Mercher.
37:05
He covers the Holland Grove beat and we stood chatting at the
37:09
corner of Henrietta St. Around 2:00, maybe a bit later,
37:14
I decided to take a walk down Brixton Road to make sure
37:18
everything was in order. The place was filthy and
37:22
deserted. I didn't encounter a single
37:25
person, though a couple of cabs did pass by.
37:29
As I strolled along privately contemplating how nice a hot gin
37:33
would be, a sudden flicker of light in the window of a
37:37
familiar house caught my attention.
37:41
I knew those two houses on Loriston Gardens were vacant
37:44
because the owner refused to fix the drains and the last tenant
37:48
had died of typhoid fever. So seeing a light there was
37:53
startling, and I suspected something was a miss.
37:58
When I reached the door, you paused and then walked back to
38:04
the garden gate. My companion injected.
38:08
Why did you do that? Rance jumped, astonished, and
38:14
stared at Sherlock Holmes with utter disbelief.
38:18
Well, that's true, Sir. He replied.
38:23
Though how you figured that out is beyond me.
38:27
You see, when I got to the door, it was so quiet and eerie that I
38:32
thought having someone with me wouldn't hurt.
38:35
I'm not afraid of anything in this world, but I wondered if it
38:39
was the ghost of the man who died of typhoid checking the
38:43
drains that killed him. That thought gave me a shiver,
38:48
so I walked back to the gate to see if I could spot Mercher's
38:51
Lantern. But there was no sign of him or
38:54
anyone else was there, No one on the street.
38:59
Not a soul, Sir, not even a stray dog.
39:03
I gathered my wits and went back, pushing the door open.
39:07
Everything was silent inside, so I entered the room where the
39:11
light was still burning. A candle flickered on the
39:14
mantelpiece, a red wax one, and by its glow I saw.
39:21
Yes, I'm aware of what you saw. You circled the room a few
39:26
times, knelt by the body, then moved on to check the kitchen
39:30
door. And then John Rance leapt to his
39:34
feet, his face a mask of fear and suspicion.
39:39
Where were you hiding to see all that?
39:42
He demanded. It seems you know far more than
39:45
you should. Holmes chuckled, tossing his
39:49
card across the table to the constable.
39:52
Don't go arresting me for the murder, he said.
39:56
I'm one of the hounds, not the Wolf.
39:58
Mr. Gregson or Mr. Lestrade can vouch for that.
40:02
But continue, please. What did you do next?
40:07
Ron sat back down, though his expression remained perplexed.
40:12
I returned to the gate and blew my whistle.
40:16
That brought Merchant and two others to the scene.
40:20
Was the street empty by then? Well, as far as anyone useful
40:25
goes, it was. What do you mean?
40:29
The constable's face broke into a grin.
40:33
I've encountered many a drunk in my time, he said, but never
40:38
anyone as outrageously drunk as that fellow.
40:41
He was at the gate when I came out, leaning against the
40:45
railings and singing at the top of his lungs about Columbine's
40:49
Newfangled Banner or some nonsense like that.
40:53
He couldn't stand, let alone be of any help.
40:57
What kind of man was he? Sherlock Holmes inquired.
41:01
John Rance seemed a bit annoyed by this tangent.
41:05
He was an exceptionally drunk sort of man.
41:09
He said he would have found himself in the station if we
41:12
hadn't been so preoccupied. His face, his clothes.
41:20
Didn't you notice them? Holmes interjected impatiently.
41:25
Of course I noticed them, considering I had to prop him
41:29
up, Mercer and I between ours. He was a tall fellow with a red
41:34
face, the lower part wrapped up. That's enough.
41:39
Holmes interrupted. What happened to him?
41:44
We had enough on our plate without worrying about him.
41:47
The policeman grumbled, sounding put out.
41:51
I'm sure he found his way home just fine.
41:55
What was he wearing? A brown overcoat?
41:59
Did he have a whip with him? A whip?
42:03
No, he must have left it behind, My companion murmured.
42:09
Did you see or hear a cab after that?
42:14
No. Here's half a sovereign for you,
42:18
my companion said, rising and putting on his hat.
42:23
I'm afraid, Rance, you'll never advance in the force.
42:26
That head of yours should be used for more than just
42:29
decoration. You could have earned your
42:32
Sergeant stripes last night. The man you had in your grasp is
42:36
the key to this mystery, the one we're after.
42:40
There's no point in arguing now. I'm telling you it's true.
42:45
Come on, Doctor. We headed to the cab together,
42:50
leaving our informants sceptical but visibly uneasy.
42:55
The bumbling idiot. Holmes said bitterly as we drove
42:59
back to our lodgings. To think he had such an
43:02
incredible stroke of luck and squandered it.
43:07
I'm still rather in the dark. Indeed, the description of this
43:12
man aligns perfectly with your notion of the second figure in
43:16
this mystery. But why would he return to the
43:20
scene after leaving? That's not typical criminal
43:24
behaviour. The ring, my friend, the ring.
43:28
That's what drew him back. If we can't catch him any other
43:32
way, we can always use the ring as bait.
43:35
I'll wager 2 to one that I'll catch him.
43:38
I owe it all to you. Without your involvement, I
43:42
might have missed the most fascinating case I've ever
43:45
encountered. A Study in Scarlet, if you will.
43:49
Why not indulge in a bit of artistic language?
43:53
There's a scarlet thread of murder weaving through the
43:56
otherwise colourless fabric of life, and it's our job to
44:00
unravel it, isolate it and reveal every inch.
44:04
Now let's have lunch and then off to see Norman Neruda.
44:08
Her technique and bowing are remarkable.
44:11
What's that little Chopin piece she plays so brilliantly?
44:15
Trella la Lira lira lay reclining in the cab.
44:21
This amateur sleuth sang like a lark while I pondered the
44:25
complexity of the human mind. You've been listening to
44:29
Sherlock Holmes, The 221 B Chronicles, an episodic audio
44:34
book presentation of Sherlock Holmes.
44:37
Thank you for joining us. We'll be back with the next two
44:40
chapters in our next release. Until then, the case continues.