The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul Gilbert

Author:Paul Gilbert [Gilbert, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Mystery & Detective, Traditional British, Detective and mystery stories; English, Watson; John H. (Fictitious character), Holmes; Sherlock (Fictitious character)
ISBN: 9780709092582
Publisher: Hale, Robert Limited
Published: 2009-06-01T04:00:00+00:00

THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED LEECH

‘… I see my notes upon the repulsive story of the red leech and the terrible death of Crosby, the banker …’

(The Adventure of Golden Pince-Nez by A. Conan Doyle)

‘Well, well, friend Watson, I perceive that a matrimonial fracas, at “Castle Watson” has brought you to my door this morning.’ Holmes mischievously observed one bright spring morning, during the years of my marriage to my beloved Mary.

As a result of my long association with Sherlock Holmes I had been witness to many examples of my friend’s extraordinary powers and yet he had still not lost the ability to surprise me. I had just taken to my old familiar chair by the fireside and was slowly unfolding my unread morning paper as Holmes greeted me with this amazing statement. My paper fell from my grasp, for I knew from past experience that this was neither guesswork nor conjecture on his part.

My mood and disposition were such that on this occasion I had no great desire to express my amazement. ‘Evidently I have not been altogether successful at concealing my frame of mind this morning!’ I snapped whilst reclaiming my paper from the floor.

‘On the contrary, my dear fellow, I merely reached my conclusion from the fact that the redoubtable Mrs Watson would not, under normal circumstances, allow you to leave the house wearing unpolished shoes and both a brown and black stocking,’ Holmes remarked with some amusement.

I glanced down to confirm that I was, indeed, wearing a different colour on each foot.

Ignoring my embarrassment, Holmes continued: ‘On the only other occasion that I have observed such a sartorial calamity, Mrs Watson had taken herself away for a few weeks to visit her people. I recall your lamenting such a visit barely a month ago, so she is patently not due for another for some time to come. Therefore there must be another reason for her apathy towards your appearance this morning. Your early arrival and your undoubtedly grouchy demeanour merely confirm my simple deduction!’ With a dramatic, self-congratulatory wave of his arms Holmes sank back into his chair once more.

‘Merely a trifle,’ I responded quietly. ‘Just a trifle. However I observe that there may be a means for you to put your powers to more productive use and an explanation for your own light mood.’ I remarked whilst pointing towards a small piece of paper on the arm of Holmes’s chair.

‘Well then, pour your nervous energy into providing me with your conclusions regarding this!’ Holmes leapt up from his chair and tossed the note into my lap on his way to the mantelpiece, where he filled his pipe from the Persian slipper.

My newspaper now forgotten, I hurriedly unfolded what was, potentially, the road to a new adventure.

‘Why, there is nothing here at all!’ I exclaimed with much disappointment.

The note was a simple one:

I would appreciate a consultation, any time after sunset on the 14th. Yours, RANDELL CROSBY.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.