Section 10 of the casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Sir.
Arthur Conan Doyle this Le Gama's recording.
May be distributed and adapted freely for any purpose.
The adventure of the creeping man.
Mr. Sherlock Holmes was always of opinion that I should publish
the singular facts connected with Professor presbury, if only
to dispel once for all the ugly rumors, which some 20 years ago,
agitated the university and were echoed in the Learned societies
of London. There were however certain
obstacles in the way and the true history of this Curious
Case, remained entombed in the tin box, which contains Many
records of my friends Adventures.
Now, we have at last obtained permission, to ventilate the
facts, which formed one of the very last cases handled by homes
before his retirement from practice.
Even now A Certain reticence and discretion have to be observed
in laying the matter before the public.
It was one Sunday evening early in September of the Year 1903
that I received one of Holmes's laconic messages.
Come at once. If convenient, if inconvenient
come all the same, sh. The relations between us in
those latter days were peculiar. He was a man of 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 black pipe, the index books, and others, perhaps
less excusable. When it was a case of active
work and a comrade was needed upon whose nerve.
He could play some Reliance, my role was obvious, but apart from
this, I had uses. I was a whetstone for his mind.
I stimulated him. He liked to think aloud in my
presence. His remarks could hardly be
said, to be made to me, many of them would have been as
appropriately addressed to his bedstead, but nonetheless,
having formed, the Puppet. It had become in some way
helpful that I should register and interject.
If I irritated him by a certain methodical slowness in my
mentality that irritation served only to make his own flame like
intuitions and Impressions. Flash up the more vividly and
swiftly such was my humble role in our alliance.
When I arrived at Baker Street, I found him huddled up in his
armchair with up drawn. He's his pipe in his mouth and
his brow furrowed with thought 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 for half an hour,
he gave no sign that he was aware of my presence.
Then with a start, he seemed to come back from his reverie and
With his usual Whimsical smile. He greeted me back to what had
once been my home. You will excuse a certain
abstraction of mind. My dear Watson said, he, some
Curious facts have been submitted to me, within the last
24 hours and then turn have given rise to some, speculations
of a more general or character. I have serious thoughts of
writing a small monograph upon the you uses of dogs in the work
of the detective. That surely hums.
This has been explored. Said, I Bloodhounds sleuth
hands. No, no Watson.
That side of the matter is, of course, obvious, but there is
another, Which is far more subtle.
You may recollect that in the case, which you in your
Sensational way, coupled with the copper beeches.
I was able by watching the mind of the child to form a deduction
as to the criminal. Habits of the very Smog and
respectable. Father.
Yes. I remember it.
Well. My line of thoughts about dogs
is analogous a dog reflects the Family Life who ever saw a
frisky, dog in a gloomy family, or a sad, dog in a happy one
snarling, people have snarling dogs, dangerous people, have
Dangerous Ones and they're passing moods, May reflect the
passing moods of others. I shook my head, Shirley hums.
This is a little far-fetched said, I, he had refilled his
pipe and resumed his seat, taking, no, notice of my
comment. The practical application of
what I've said, is very close to the problem, which I am
investigating. It is a tangled skein.
You understand? And I am looking for a loose
end, one possible loose, end lies in the question.
Why does Professor press / is Wolfhound Roy Endeavor to bite
him? I sank back in my chair and some
disappointment. Was it for.
So trivial a question as this that I had been summoned from my
work Holmes glanced across at me the same old.
Watson said he, you'll never learn that the gravest issues
may depend upon the smallest things.
But is it not on the face of it strange that a stayed elderly
philosopher? You've heard of presbury, of
course the famous camford physiologist that such a man
whose friend has been his devoted Wolfhound should now
have been twice at act by his 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 he apparently molest his master save on very special
occasions, curious Watson, very curious, but young.
Mr. Bennet is before his time. If that is his 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 a moment later as a new client presented himself.
He was a tall handsome youth about 30 well-dressed and
elegant but was something in his bearing which suggested the
shyness of the student rather than the self possession of the
man of the world. He shook hands, with homes, and
then looked with some surprise me.
This matter is very delicate. Mr. Holmes.
He said consider the relation in which I stand to Professor
presbury, both privately and publicly.
I really can hardly justify myself.
If I speak before, any third person 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 need an assistant.
As you like mr. Holmes, a William sure,
understand my having some reserves in the matter.
You will appreciate it. What's and when I tell you that
this gentleman, mr. Trevor Bennett is professional
assistant to the great scientist lives under his roof and is
engaged to his only daughter. Certainly, we must agree 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 this strange mystery. I hope so.
Mr. Holmes. That is my one object does dr.
Watson knows our situation. I have not had time to explain
it then perhaps I had better go over the ground again before
explaining some fresh developments.
I will do. So myself said Holmes in order
to show that I have the events in there, do order the professor
Watson is a man of European reputation his life.
Has been academic there has never been a breath of Scandal.
He is a widower with one daughter Edith.
He is I gather a man of very very Island positive.
One might almost say combative character.
So the matter stood until a very few months ago, then the current
of his life was broken. He is 61 years of age, but he
became engaged to the daughter of Professor.
Morphe his colleague in the chair of comparative Anatomy.
It was not. As I understand the reason
courting of an elderly man, but rather the passionate frenzy of
Youth for no one could have shown himself a more devoted
lover. The lady Alice more Foo was a
very perfect girl, both in mind and body.
So that there was every excuse for the professor's infatuation.
Nonetheless. Yes, it did not meet with full
approval in his own family. We thought it rather excessive
said our visitor, exactly excessive and a little violent
and unnatural. Professor presbury was rich,
however, and there was no objection on the part of the
Father, the daughter however had other views and there were
already several candidates for her hand.
Who if they were less? Eligible from a worldly point of
view were at least more of an age.
The girls seem to like the professor in spite of his
eccentricities. It was only age which stood in
the way. Apart this time, a little
mystery suddenly clouded the normal routine of the
professor's life. He did what he had never done
before. He left home and gave no
indication where he was going. He was aware of fortnight and
returned looking rather travel-worn.
He made no allusion to where he had been, although he was
usually the frankest of men it chanced.
However, that our client, Mr. Bennett received a letter from a
fellow student, in Prague who said that he was glad to have
seen Professor presbury. Tha 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 came over the
professor. He became furtive and sly.
Those around him. Had always the feeling that he
was not the man, they had known but that he was under some
Shadow which had darkened his higher qualities.
His intellect was not affected. His lectures were as brilliant
as ever, but always there was something new, something
sinister, and unexpected his daughter who was devoted to him,
tried again and again, to resume the old relations.
And to penetrate this mask, which her father seemed to have
put on user as I understand, did the same, but all was in vain
and now mr. Bennett tell in your own words,
the incident of the letters. Ayo, must understand.
Dr. Watson that the professor had no secrets from me.
If I were his son or his younger brother.
I could not have more completely enjoyed his confidence as his
secretary. I handled every paper which came
to him and I opened and subdivided his letters, shortly
after his return. All this was changed.
He told me that certain letters might come to him from London,
which would be marked by a cross under the stamp.
These were to be set. Site for his own eyes.
Only. I may say that several of these
did passed through my hands that they had the EC Mark and were in
an illiterate handwriting. If he answered them at all.
The answers did not pass through my hands nor into the letter
Basket in which our correspondence was collected.
And the Box said, Holmes is the Box.
The professor brought back a little wooden box from his
travels. It was the one thing which
suggested a continental tour for, it was one of those quaint
carved things. Which one Associates with
Germany. This he placed in his instrument
cupboard, one day and looking for a cannula.
I took up the box to my surprise.
He was very angry and reproved me in words that were quite
Savage. My curiosity it was the first
time such a thing has happened and I was deeply hurt.
I endeavoured to explain that. It was a mere accident that I
had touched a box, but all the evening.
I was conscious that he looked at me harshly and that the
incident was rankling in his mind.
Mr. Bennett drew, a little Diary book from his pocket that was on
July. The second said, he you are
certainly an admirable, witness said Holmes.
Yes, I may need some of these dates, which you have noted.
I learned method among other things from my great teacher
from the time that I observed abnormality in his behavior.
I felt that it was my duty to study his case.
Thus I have it here that it was on that very day, July the
second that Roy attacked the professor as he came from his
study into the Hall. Again, on July the 11th.
There was a scene of the same sort, and then I have a note of
yet, another upon July, the 20th.
After that, we had to banish Roy to The Stables.
He was a dear affectionate animal, but I fear, I worried,
you. Mr. Bennet spoken at tone of
reproach for it was very clear that Holmes was not listening.
His face was rigid and his eyes gazed abstractedly at the
ceiling. With an effort to recovered
himself singular, most singular. He murmured.
These details were new to me. Mr. Bennett.
I think we have now fairly gone over the old Grand have we not
but you spoke of some fresh developments.
The pleasant open face of our visitor clouded over shadowed by
some Grim. Remembrance?
What? I speak of occurred the night
before. Last said he, I was lying awake
about two in the morning when I was aware of a dull muffled
sound coming from the passage. I opened my door and peeped out.
I should explain that the professor's sleeps at the end of
the passage. The date being asked Holmes.
Our visitor was clearly annoyed. So irrelevant and Interruption.
I have said said that it was the night before.
Last that is September. The 4th Holmes, nodded and
smiled. Pray, continue said he, he
sleeps at the end of the passage and would have to pass my door
in order to reach the staircase. It was a really terrifying
experience. Mr. Holmes.
I think that I am a strong nerve.
Does my neighbors, but I was shaken by what I saw.
The passage was dark said that one window halfway along it
through a patch of light. I could see that something was
coming along the passage, something dark and crouching
then suddenly it emerged into the light and I saw that it was
he, he was crawling mr. Harms crawling.
He was not quite on his hands and knees.
I should rather say on his hands and feet with his face, sunk
between his hands. It is seem to move with ease.
I was so paralyzed by the sight that it was not until he had
reached my door that I was able to step forward and asked if I
could assist him. His answer was extraordinary.
He sprang up, stat out some atrocious word at me and hurried
on past me and down the staircase I waited for about an
hour, but he did not come back. It must have been daylight
before he regained his room. Well Watson, what make you of
that asked Holmes with the air of the pathologist who presents
a rare specimen? Bombay.
Go possibly, I have known a severe attack.
Make a man walking just such a way and nothing would be more
trying to The Temper. Good Watson.
You always keep us flat-footed on the ground, but we can hardly
accept and they go since he was able to stand erect in a moment.
He was never better in health said, Bennett.
In fact, he is stronger than I have known him for years, but
there are the facts. Mr. Holmes.
It is not a case in which we can consult the police.
And yet we are utterly at our wits end as to what to do.
And we feel in some strange way that we are drifting towards
disaster, Edith, Miss presbury. Feels as I do that, we cannot
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 an alienist. The Old Gentleman cerebral
processes were disturbed by the love affair.
He made a journey abroad in the hope of breaking himself of the
passion, his letters. And the Box may be connected
with some other private transaction alone, perhaps or
share certificate. That chair in 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 for at this moment, the door opened and a
young lady was shown into the room as she appeared.
Mr. Bennett sprang up with a cry and ran forward with his hands
out to meet those, which she had herself.
Stretched Edith, dear nothing, the matter.
I hope I felt I must follow you. Oh, Jack.
I've been so dreadfully. Frightened.
It is awful to be there alone. Mr. Holmes.
This is the young lady. I spoke of this is my fiance.
We were gradually coming to that conclusion.
For we not Watson Holmes answered with a smile.
I take it. Miss prestbury that there is
some fresh development. In the case.
Us and that you thought we should know.
Our new visitor, a bright handsome, girl of a conventional
English type smiled back at homes as she seated herself
beside. Mr. Bennett when I found mr.
Bennett had left his hotel, like thought I should probably find
him here. Of course.
He had told me that he would consult you.
But oh, mr. Holmes.
Can you do nothing for my poor father?
I have hopes Miss presbury but the case is still obscure.
Perhaps, what you have to say me, throw some fresh light upon
it. It was not night.
Mr. Holmes. He had been very strange all
day. I'm sure that there are times
when he has no recollection of what he does.
He lives as in a strange dream. Yesterday was such a day.
It was not my father. With whom I lived is outward
shell was there, but it was not really he.
Tell me what happened. I was awakened in the Night by
the dog barking. Most furiously poor Roy.
He is Chained now near the stable.
I may say that I always sleep with my door locked for a stack.
As mr. Bennet will tell you we all have
a feeling of impending danger. My room is on the second floor.
It happened that the blind was up in my window and there was
bright Moonlight outside. As I lay with my eyes fixed upon
the square of light listening to the frenzied parkings of the
dog. I was amazed to see my father's
face looking in at me. Mr. Holmes.
I nearly died of surprise, and horror there.
It was pressed against the window pane.
And one hand seem to be raised as, if the push up the window.
His that window had opened. I think I should have gone mad.
It was no delusion. Holmes did deceive Yourself by
thinking so I guess it was 20 seconds or so that I like
paralyzed and watch the face, then it vanished.
But I could not, I could not spring out of bed.
And look after it. I'll a cold and shivering.
Till morning at breakfast. He was sharp and fierce in
Manner and made no allusion to the adventure of the night.
Neither. Did I, but I gave an excuse for
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. Is there a long ladder in the
garden? No, mr.
Holmes. That is the amazing part of it.
There is no possible way of reaching the window and yet he
was there. The date being September, the
5th said, Holmes, that certainly complicates matters.
It was the young lady's turn to look surprised.
This is the second time that you have alluded to the date.
Mr. Holmes said Bennett. Is it possible that it has any
bearing upon the case? It is possible, very possible.
And yet, I have not my full material at present.
Possibly, I thinking of the connection between insanity and
phases of the moon. No, I'll show you.
It was quite a different line of thought.
Possibly. You can 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 has informed us and I have the greatest
confidence in her intuition. That her, father remembers
little or nothing which occurs upon certain dates.
We will therefore call upon him as if he had given us an
appointment upon such a date. He will put it down to his own
lack of memory. Thus, we will open our campaign
by having a good close view of him.
That is excellent said, mr. Bennett.
I warn you, however, that the professor is irascible and
violent at times, Holmes smiled. There are reasons why we should
come at once very cogent reasons.
If my Theory's, hold good tomorrow.
Mr. Bennet will certainly see us in camford.
There is if I remember, right? And in called the checkers,
where the port used to be above mediocrity.
And the linen was above reproach.
I think Watson that are a lot for the next few days.
Might lie and Less Pleasant places.
Monday morning found us on our way to the famous University
Town, an easy effort on the part of Holmes who had no root to
pull up but one which involved frantic planning and hurrying on
my part as my practice was by this time not in considerable.
Holmes made no allusion to the case until after.
We had deposited our suitcases at the ancient hostel of which
he had spoken. I think Watson that we can catch
the professor just before lunch. He lectured at 11 and should
have an interval at home. What possible excuse have way
for calling Holmes, glanced at his notebook.
There was a period of excitement upon August the 26th.
We will assume that he is a little hazy as to what he does
at such times. If we insist that we are there
by appointment to I think he will hardly venture to
contradict ters. Have you the effrontery
necessary to put it through? We can.
But try excellent Watson, compound The Busy Bee and
Excelsior we can. But try the motto of the firm, a
friendly native will surely guide us.
Such a one on the back of a smart handsome, sweaters, past a
row of ancient colleges, and finally, turning into a tree
lined Drive, pulled up at the door of a Charming house Gert,
round with Lawns and covered with purple.
Wysteria. Professor presbury, was
certainly surrounded with every sign.
Not only of comfort but of luxury.
Even as we pulled up a grizzled head appeared at the front
window and we were aware of a pair of keen eyes from under
Shaggy brows, which surveyed us through large horn, glasses, a
moment later. We were actually in his sanctum
and the Mysterious scientist whose vagaries had brought us
from London, was standing before us.
There was certainly no sign of eccentricity either in his
manner or appearance for he was a portly, large featured man,
grave tall, and frock coated with the Dignity of bearing,
which our lecturer needs his eyes were his most remarkable
feature Keen observant, and clever to the verge of cunning.
He looked at our cards. Pay sit down gentlemen.
What can I do for you? Mr. Holmes, smiled amiably.
It was the question which I was about to put to you.
Professor tamesha possibly. There is some mistake.
I heard through a second person that professor presbury of
camford had need of my services. Indeed.
It seemed to me that there was a malicious Sparkle in the intense
gray eyes. Are you hurt?
They do may I ask the name of your informant.
I'm sorry Professor, but the matter was rather confidential
if I have made 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 your assertion?
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. Now, I dare say not said the
professor with asperity. However, that particular one can
be answered very easily without your Aid.
He walked across the room to the Belt.
Our London friend. Mr. Bennett answered the call.
Come in. Mr. Bennett.
These two gentlemen have come from London under the impression
that they have been summoned. You handle all my
correspondence. Have you a note of anything
going to a person named homes? No, sir.
Bennett answered with a flush that is conclusive said the
professor glaring angrily at my companion.
Now. Now, sir, he leaned forward with
his two hands upon the table. 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 needless intrusion.
How did enough? Mr. Holmes, the old man?
Cried in a high screaming voice with extraordinary malignancy
upon his faith. He got between us and the door
as he spoke and he shook his to And thatís with furious passion
you can hardly get out of it. So easily as that, his face was
convulsed and he grinned and gibbered assassin, his senseless
rage. I'm convinced that we should
have had to fight our way out of the room.
If mr. Bennett had not intervened My
Dear Professor. He cried couldn't City
opposition, consider the Scandal at the University.
Mr. Holmes is a well-known man. You cannot possibly treat.
I'm with such discourtesy. Sulkily, our host, if I may call
him. So cleared the path to the door.
We were glad to find ourselves outside the house and in the
quiet of the tree line. Drive home seemed greatly amused
by the episode. I learn it friends.
Nerves are somewhat out of order said, he perhaps our intrusion
was a little crude. And yet we have gained that
personal contact. To which I desired.
But dear mean, what's in here. Surely at our heels.
The villain, still pursues it. There were the sounds of running
feet behind but it was to my relief, not the formidable
Professor but his assistant who appeared round the curve of the
drive. He came panting up to us.
I am so sorry. Mr. Holmes.
I wish to apologize. My dear sir.
There is no need it is all in the way of professional.
Experience. I had never seen him in a more
dangerous mood, but he grows more Sinister.
You can understand now why his daughter and I are alarmed and
yet his mind is perfectly clear. To clear said Holmes.
That was my miscalculation. It is evident that his memory is
much more reliable than I had thought.
By the way. Can we, before we go see the
window of Miss Priss? Bergeron.
Mr. Bennet pushed his way through some shrubs and we had a
view of the side of the house. It is that the second on the
left, dear me. It seems hardly accessible.
And yet you will observe that there is a creeper below and a
water pipe above, which gives some foothold.
I could not climb it. Myself said mr.
Bennett very like clue. It would certainly be a
dangerous exploit for any Normal Man.
That was one other thing. I wish to tell you.
Mr. Holmes. I have the address of the man in
London tongue. The professor writes.
He seems to have written this morning and I got it from his
blotting-paper. It is an ignoble position for a
trusted secretary. But what else can I do?
Holmes, glanced at the paper and put it into his pocket door
rack, a curious name slavonic. I imagine well, it is an
important Link in the chain. We returned to London this
afternoon. Mr. Bennett.
I see no good purpose to be served by our remaining.
We cannot arrest a professor because he has done no crime.
Nor can we place him under constraint for?
He cannot be? Move to be mad.
No action. Is it possible?
Then? What on Earth are we to do a
little patience? Mr. Bennett things will soon
develop, unless I am mistaken. Next Tuesday, May Mark a crisis.
Certainly we shall be in Comfort, on that day.
Meanwhile, the general position is undeniably unpleasant and if
Miss prestbury can prolong her visit that is easy, then let her
stay out 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's in a good humor, all is well.
I had said Bennett in a startled.
Whisper looking between the branches.
We saw the tall erect, figure emerged from the hall door and
look around him. He stood leaning forward.
His hand swinging straight before him.
His head, turning from side to side, the secretary with the
last wave, slipped off among the trees.
And we saw him presently rejoin his employer the to entering the
house together in what seemed to be animated and even Cited.
Conversation. I expect the Old Gentleman, has
been putting two and two together, said, Holmes, as we
walked her tell, would he struck me as having a particularly
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 explode about if detectives are put on his track
and he suspect his own household of doing it.
I rather The fancy that friend Bennett is in for an
uncomfortable time. Home 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 Doric Suave person. Bohemian elderly keeps large
General Store. Mercer, Mercer is sent to your
time, said Holmes. He is my general utility, man,
who looks up routine business. It was important to know,
something of the man with whom. Our professor was so secretly
corresponding. His nationality connects up with
the Prague visit. Thank goodness.
That something connect with something said.
I at present we seem to be faced by a long series of inexplicable
incidents with no bearing upon each other.
For example, what possible connection, could there be
between an angry wolf hound and a visit to Bohemia, or either of
them with a man crawling down a passage at night as to your
dates. That is the biggest.
Paul Holmes, smiled and rubbed his hands.
We were, I may say seated in the old sitting room of the ancient
hotel with a bottle of the famous vintage of which Holmes
had spoken on the table between us.
Well, now, let us take the dates.
First said he his fingertips together and his manner as if he
were addressing a class. This excellent, young man's
diary shows that there was trouble upon do July the second.
And from then onward, it seems to have been at nine day
intervals with so far as I remember, only one exception.
Thus, the last outbreak upon Friday was on September the 3rd,
which also falls into the series, as did August the 26th,
which preceded it. The thing is beyond coincidence.
I was forced to agree. Let us then form the provisional
theory that every nine days. A professor takes some strong
drug, which has a passing but highly poisonous effect.
His naturally violent nature is intensified by it.
He learned to take this drug while he was in Prague, and is
now supplied with it by a Bohemian intermediary in London.
This all hangs together Watson that leaddog the face at the
window. The creeping man in the passage.
Well, well, we have made a beginning.
I should not expect any fresh developments until next Tuesday.
In the meantime. We can only keep in touch with
friend, Bennet 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 without
exactly accusing him of being responsible for our presence.
The professor had been very rough and rude in his speech and
evidently felt some strong grievance this morning.
He was quite himself again, however, and had delivered, his
usual brilliant lecture to a crowded class apart from his
clear. It's said Bennett.
He has actually more energy and vitality than I can ever
remember. No, it's his brain ever clearer,
but it's not he 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 to
attend to let us agree that we meet here, at this, our next
Tuesday. And I shall 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, keep us posted in what occurs.
I shall nothing of my friend for the next two days.
But on the following Monday evening, I had a short note
asking me to meet him next day at the train from what he told
me as we traveled up to camford. All was well, the Peace of the
professor's house had been unruffled and his own conduct
perfectly normal. This also was the report, which
has given us by mr. Bennet himself when he called
upon us that evening at our old quarters in the checkers.
He had from his London correspondent today.
There was a letter and there was a small packet.
Each was a cross under the stamp, which warned me not to
touch them. There has been nothing else.
That may prove quite enough said, Holmes grimly now, mr.
Bennet we shall. I think come to some conclusion
tonight? If my deductions are correct, we
should have an opportunity of bringing matters to a head in
order to do so. It is necessary to hold the
professor under observation. I would suggest for that you
remain awake and on the lookout. Should you hear him password?
Or do not interrupt him, but follow 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 lock should not be very formidable.
Have you any other able-bodied man on the 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 see how things.
Develop goodbye. But I expect that we shall see
you before morning. 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 worse, cutting across the sky
obscuring from time to time the half moon.
It would have been a dismal vigil, were it not for the
expectation and excitement which carried us along.
And the Assurance of my comrades that we had probably reached.
End of the strange sequence of events which had engaged our
attention. If the cycle of nine days holds
good then we shall have the professor at his worst tonight
said Holmes the fact that these strange symptoms began after his
visit to Prague that he is in secret correspondence, with the
Bohemian dealer in London who presumably represent someone in
Prague and that he received a packet from him.
This very day, all point in One Direction.
What It Takes and why he takes it a still beyond our Ken.
But that it emanates, in some way from Prague is clear enough,
he takes it under definite directions which regulate this
ninth day system, which was the first point, which attracted my
attention, but his symptoms are most remarkable.
Did You observe his knuckles? I had to confess that I did not
sick and horny in a way, which is quite new in.
My experience. Always look at the hands.
First Watson, then cuffed trouser knees and Boots.
Very curious Knuckles, which can only be explained by the mode of
progression, observed by Holmes paused and suddenly clapped his
hand to his forehead. Oh Watson.
What? So what a fool I have been, it
seems incredible and yet it must be true all points in One
Direction. How could I miss seeing the
connection of ideas? Those Knuckles?
How could I have passed? Those Knuckles, and the dog, and
the ivy, it surely time that I Disappeared into that little
farm of my dreams. Look at Watson.
He is which will have the chance of seeing for ourselves.
The hall door had slowly opened and against the lamp lit
background. We saw the tall figure of
Professor presbury. He was clad in his dressing gown
as he stood outlined in the doorway.
He was erect. But leaning forward with
dangling arms as when we saw him.
Last now, he stepped forward into the drive and an
extraordinary change came over him, he sank down into a
crouching position and moved along a On his hands and feet,
skipping every now and then, as if he were overflowing with
energy and vitality, he moved along the face of the house and
then Round the Corner as he disappeared.
Bennett slip through the hall door and softly followed him.
Come Watson, come cried Holmes and we stole as Softly As we
could through the bushes until we had gained a spot.
Whence we could see the other side of the house, which was
bathed in the light of the half moon.
The professor was clearly visible crouching at the foot of
the ivy-covered wall. As we watched him.
He suddenly began with Incredible agility to ascend it
from Branch to Branch. She sprang sure of foot and firm
of grasp climbing, apparently, in mere Joy at his own powers
with no definite object in view with his dressing-gown flapping
on each side of him. He looked like some huge bat
glued against the side of Zone house.
A great Square. Dark patch upon the moonlit wall
presently. He tired of this amusement and
dropping from Branch to Branch. He squatted down into the old
attitude and moved towards the Stables creeping along in the
same strange way. As before, the Wolfhound was out
now barking furiously and more excited than ever.
When it actually caught sight of its Master.
It was straining on its chain and quivering.
With eagerness and rage the professor's.
Got it done very deliberately. Just Out Of Reach of the hand
and began to provoke it in every possible way.
He took, handfuls of Pebbles from the drive and threw them in
the dog's face. Product him with a stick, which
he had picked up flicked. His hands about only a few
inches from the gaping mouth and endeavored in every way to
increase the animals Fury, which was already beyond all control.
In all our adventures, I do not know that I have ever seen a
more strange sight than this impassive and still dignified
figure crouching frog like upon the ground and goading to a
Wilder exhibition of passion, the maddened Hound which ramped
and raged in front of him by all manner, of ingenious and
calculated cruelty and then in a moment it happened.
It was not the chain that Broke, but it was the color that sniped
for. It had been made for a thick
neck Newfoundland. We heard the rattle of falling
metal and the next instant, dog 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 very narrow thing for the professor's Life.
The Savage creature had him fairly by the throat.
Its fangs had bitten deep and he was senseless before we could
reach them and drag the Two apart.
It might have been a dangerous task for us.
But Bennett's voice and presence, brought the great
Wolfhound instantly to reason the Uproar had, brought the
sleepy and astonished. Coachman from his room above the
Staples. I'm not surprised said he
shaking his head. I've seen him at it before.
I knew the dog would get him sooner or later.
The Hound was secured and together.
We carried the professor up to his room, where Bennett who had
a medical degree, helped me to dress his torn throat.
The sharp teeth had passed, dangerously near the Carotid
artery and the Hemorrhage was serious in half an hour.
The danger was past. I had given the patient, an
injection of morphia and he had sunk into a deep sleep then.
And only then were we able to look at each other and to take
stock. Stock of the situation.
I think a first-class surgeon. Should see him said, I forgot
sake, no cried Bennett at present.
A scandal is confined to our own household.
It is safe with us. If it gets Beyond these walls,
it will never stop consider his position at the University.
His European reputation, the feelings of his daughter.
Quite so said, Holmes. I think it may be quite Possible
to keep the matter to ourselves. And also, to prevent its
recurrence. Now that we have a free hand,
the key from the watch-chain. Mr. Bennett macphail will guard
the patient and let us know if there is any change.
Let us see what we can find in the professor's mysterious box.
There was not much but there was enough, an empty file, another
nearly full a hypodermic syringe several letters in a crabbed
foreign hand, the marks on the envelopes, showed that they were
those, which had Disturbed, the routine of the secretary.
And each was dated from the commercial Road and signed a
Doric. They were mere invoices to say
that a fresh bottle was being sent to Professor presbury or
receipt, too. Knowledge money.
There was one other envelope. However, in a more educated hand
and bearing, the Austrian stamp, with the postmark of Prague.
Here. We have our material cried
Holmes as he tore up the enclosure.
Honored colleague, it ran since your esteemed visit.
I have thought much of your case.
And though, in your circumstances.
There are some special reasons for the treatment.
I would nonetheless enjoin caution as my results have shown
that it is not without danger of a kind.
It is possible that the serum of anthropoid would have been
better. I have, as I explained to you
used black-faced longer, because a specimen was accessible.
Go is, of course, a crawler. And climber, while anthropoid
walks. Erect and is in always nearer.
I beg you to take every possible.
Precaution that there be no, premature revelation of the
process. I have one other client in
England. And Doric is my agent.
For both weekly reports will oblige yours with high esteem H
Levenstein. Love and Stein, the name brought
back to me the memory of some snippet from a newspaper, which
spoke of an obscure scientist, who was striving in some unknown
way for the secret of Rejuvenation.
Sand the elixir of life love and Stein of Prague Levenstein with
the wondrous strength, giving serum to booed by the profession
because he refused to reveal its source.
In a few words, I said, what I remembered Bennett had taken a
manual of zoology from the shelves longer.
He read the great black faced monkey of the Himalayan slopes
biggest and most human of climbing monkeys.
Many details are added. Well thanks to you.
Mr. Holmes. This is very clear that we have
traced the evil to its source. Though, real Source said Holmes
lies, of course in that untimely love of her which gave our
impetuous Professor. The idea that he could only gain
his Wish by turning himself into a younger man.
When one tries to rise above nature.
One is liable to fall below it, the highest type of man May
revert to the animal. If he leaves the straight road
of Destiny. He sat musing for a little, with
the file in his hand. Looking at the clear liquid
within when I have written to this man and told him that I
hold him, criminally responsible for the poisons, which he
circulates, we will have no more trouble, but it may recur.
Others May find a better way. There is danger there.
A very real danger to humanity. Consider what's in that?
The material, the sensual, the worldly would all prolong their
worthless lives. The spiritual would not avoid
the call to something higher. It would be the survival of the
least fit. What sort of Cesspool may not
our poor World become. Suddenly the dreamer disappeared
and Holmes The Man of Action. Sprang from his chair.
I think there is nothing more to be said, mr.
Bennet the various incidents will now fit themselves easily
into the general scheme. The dog of course was aware of
the change far more quickly than you.
His smell would ensure that it was the monkey.
Not the professor whom riot act 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 an early train to town,
Watson, but I think we shall just have time for a cup of tea,
the checkers before we catch it. End of the adventure of the
creeping, man. End of the adventure of the
creeping, man.