Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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10 January, 1888
EXTRA CASE
MURDER BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
JANUARY 10, 1888
BY STEFANO ADRIANI
It is another cold London winter day as Sherlock Holmes receives Inspector Gregory into his Baker
Street apartment. The inspector shivers a few moments adjusting to the sudden change in temperature, takes
off his coat, and accepts Holmess invitation to be seated.
A frosty morning, isnt it, Gregory? It must take a rather unusual case for you to come to me in this
weather.
Your deduction is sadly accurate, my dear Mr. Holmes. Dr. William Young was killed this morning
as he was opening his surgery.
Dr. Young, your next door neighbour? How terrible!
Terrible and incredible: a murder right under my nose. Delivering the bad news to his wife, Courtney was
really quite embarrassing.
Tell me everything you know.
Rubbing his shivering hands, the inspector begins: The doctor must have just arrived to work this morning when it happened. I heard the gunshot myself, and it couldntve been but a few short minutes after the 8
oclock chimes.
After breaking through the door to Youngs surgery and going up the stairs, I found his body lying on
the floor of his office room, between the desk and window.
Dr. Youngs door was locked, so nobody could have exited through it. I deduced right away that the
murderer had escaped by way of the wide open window. The Inspectors eyes meet those of Holmes, hoping
for a sign of affirmation, and, as I looked down, I could see a rope and
a grappling hook on the street below. After the murderer lowered himself from the window, he mustve unhooked the grapple but - luckily
for us - didnt have enough time to pick it up as he ran away.
Also, a very peculiar odour, like that of rotten soup,
lingered in the surgery. I thought that the murderer had accidentally spilled some medicine during the aggression. But,
if he had, he mustve run away with it, because I didnt find
any open or broken medicine bottles
Any other details? There are other unusual particulars, I imagine? Holmes queries more deeply.
I cannot for the life of me account for how
the murderer entered the building, or
the surgery, before the arrival of the
doctor. The medical report seems to
confirm 8 oclock was indeed the
time of death. Im pretty sure that
the murderer had been waiting for
Dr. Young, seeing as the caretaker, Heinrich Kruller, is certain that Young entered alone this morning,
as he did every morning. And, the doctor had recently taken to always keeping his surgery locked save for
individually allowing his patients to enter.
We can also rule out the possibility that someone entered overnight, since the building is very wellsecured. Only we residents have keys to the main entrance.
On a hunch, I questioned everyone who lives or works in the building, as they mightve seen something,
or even offered the murderer a place to hide during the night.
So you think that the murderer has an accomplice within the building?
Perhaps. Its an old four-storey property, and weve got separate staircases to ensure a modicum of
privacy, you know. The entrance hall of the building is shared, so its possible that the murderer entered the
day before and spent the night in the rooms of an accomplice.
Its an interesting hypothesis, I grant that. Tell me, who are the other residents?
It pains me to be suspicious of them now; Ive known them all for years. Anyhow, here are the names:
we have Mrs Esther Haley, on the top floor - shes the proprietor of the public baths across the street. The
second floor, that was entirely occupied by Dr. Young. Theres a surgery, office, waiting room, medicine
storeroom, and small archive. Only Young has Gregorys pauses as he corrects himself, had, the key to
access the floor. On the first floor theres the offices of a circus company, run by John Hengler, son of the
famous Charles Hengler. In the entrance hall theres a door to the household of the caretaker, Mr. Kruller,
who lives on the ground floor and who, with his wife, tends to the building.
If memory serves, your home is also located on the ground floor, is it not?
Right you are. My apartment takes up the whole ground floor, excepting the modest rooms of the
caretaker. Ive lived there for quite a while now. My butler, Mr. Robert Watts, lives with me, and I can
guarantee his innocence.
Can you tell me who else was in the building at the time of the shooting?
It was early enough in the morning that the only other people present were me, my butler, Mrs Haley,
the caretaker, and the caretakers family. All people above suspicion, in my eyes.
Well, it seems a rather simple case after all, dear Gregory. Of course, youll need to work hard, but I
dont believe itll be too difficult to find the murderer.
Really? You already have some suspicions, Mr. Holmes?
Oh yes. But one must never jump to conclusions too hastily. Perhaps Id better ask my boys to give you
a hand, if that suits you. I dont think I have time to dedicate myself to this case at the moment, whereas they
could begin helping you at once.
Gladly, Mr. Holmes. Your friends have never disappointed me, so far.
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AREA SE
59 SE
Mr. Tatums house is located on the ground floor of an
old but well-maintained apartment building. The figure who
opens the door is presumably Tatum himself, judging from the
left arm hanging inert along the side of the body.
We would like to ask you some questions, if thats okay
with you.
About what?
Do you know Dr. Young? The doctor who was working on behalf of Middlesex Hospital?
Young? Of course, come in.
Limping visibly, Mr. Tatum has us sit down in a small
but well-organised kitchen. On the shelves we see many specialized pots, bottles, knives, spoons, and cutting boards.
Dr. Young, you say? Are you acquaintances of his, or
just nosy?
Nothing like that, we just wanted to learn about his
past.
So why not ask him directly?
Well, he was killed this morning.
Oh god! I cant believe it! Such damn bad luck, why
now?
Could you explain?
Of course. You see, many years ago I was a famous
circus artist, performing with the Hengler Circus under the
sobriquet of Red Rajah. I was very good at doing various
tricks on horseback, including juggling, acrobatics and balancing. Then, following a bad fall, I broke my left arm and leg.
Some doctors said I would be in good shape again fairly
swiftly, but most were pessimistic, saying that I risked spending the rest of my life completely paralysed. Dr. Young was
amongst the most pessimistic, but he at least set out to help me.
It was thanks to him that I was able to walk again, albeit
as a lame man. To save me from paralysis Dr. Young was
forced to sever some nerves, and this is the result.
Mr. Tatum swings his left arm at his side like a dead
weight. Then, slightly embarrassed, he offers us a beedi,
which we refuse. You dont know what youre missing, I
import them directly from India. Theyre much healthier than
regular cigarettes, believe me, they should also sell them here.
Anyway... you told me that Dr. Young is dead, a real tragedy!
Did you know him well?
Oh no, after the operation we lost contact; but we happened to run into each other about a month ago, when I auditioned for the Hengler Circus. My right hand is still good, you
see, and I could do very well for myself as a clown. I would
like to return to the stage. Its not for nothing that I carefully
kept all my material for the show, hoping to be given another
chance. And the opportunity offered itself to me in the form of
Dr. Young, a month ago. He spoke about the opportunity of
recovering at least the use of my leg, by trying a new operation,
and invited me to come back for a more detailed visit.
And you went back?
Tatum smiles bitterly, dropping a little whitish ash from
his beedi.
Obviously. How does one say no to such an opportunity? He was offering not just the hope of recovering the use
of my leg, but of returning to working and walking... walking
is a wonderful thing that only the lame appreciate, Tatum
sighs, wearing an empty expression. Now, this opportunity
has faded, and we were almost...
Almost?
Just last night Dr. Young examined me, and said that
the operation could be attempted. He would have arranged
everything himself, with the Middlesex Hospital - he said
that he owed me an old favor. He was a good man, believe
me, its a real shame that he died.
Tatum extinguishes his cigarette in the ashtray, takes a
look at the ceiling, then asks a question: Tell me, have the
police already discovered something? Are they on the trail?
Weve not been informed about that, unfortunately, but
well keep you up to date.
Yes, thank you, Id be very grateful. Id be relieved to
find out that the murderer ended up behind bars. If you still
need me, dont hesitate to drop by.
All right, Mr. Tatum, we will. Goodbye
AREA SW
2 SW
The comfortable atmosphere of the Societies Club warms
us after the long walk through the frosty streets of London.
Sitting half hidden in the darkness we find Langdale Pike
lying comfortably on a long couch, with a pencil between his
teeth, a notebook in his hand, and some papers scattered untidily on the floor.
Good morning, Mr. Pike. Are we disturbing you?
No no, come in! Im just organising some ideas. This
time of year the London salons are incredibly boring, and a
sensible reporter like me must keep his eyes and ears sharp if
he wants to come up with something original
Could you tell us if you have any information about some
people? Here we have a list of names:
5 SW
We find Lomax behind a desk stacked with books, and
begin relating to him the details of our case.
The librarian looks at us with a puzzled expression,
brooding in silence, before bursting out (but in a low voice):
Who do you take me for? What do you want me to tell you
- if Dr. Young has written some successful essay? Whether
they mention him in the Encyclopaedia Brittanica? Im sorry,
boys, but I think your visit is totally unnecessary, and somewhat inappropriate. I would not even know where to start in
terms of finding something which might be useful to you.
Are you quite sure?
Very sure. And now, unless you want to force me to
raise my voice, I must ask you to leave me in peace. I just
started translating Dostoevskys last masterpiece, and I dont
want your absurd questions to intrude into the Eden of the
Dream of a Ridiculous Man, do you understand?
Er... not really. Once again, sorry to bother you
8 SW
The Diogenes Club evokes an unnatural feeling. All
members are respectfully silent, ignoring each other, each to
his own. One wonders what motivates them to gather here, as
if to reaffirm their right not to be disturbed, when they could
relax quietly at home, without the risk of someone speaking
a word. Well aware of the first rule of the club, as soon as
we see Mycroft Holmes we stand still and remain religiously
silent, hoping for him to look up and recognise us. In a few
minutes we are finally noticed. Holmes brother beckons us,
and without hiding some reluctance, points us towards a small
room designed for receiving visitors.
Well, small band of irregulars, to what do I owe your
visit?
Were investigating the murder of Dr. Young. Do you
know anything about it?
Not directly, I would say. But in a sense, having heard
a few snatches of dialogue at the entrance of the club, Ive already realised that an accident must have taken place involving the denizens of Euston Road. I was almost certain that it
was Dr. Young. Thanks for confirming my thesis
So youre saying that you predicted the murder?
I did not say that. I just made a few simple deductions from fortuitous observations. I did not see Inspector
Gregorys carriage make its morning traversal of Whitehall
today. So when I heard some doctors talking about the death
of an honourable colleague who practised at Euston Road,
I recalled that Gregory lives over there, right in the building
where Dr. Young practised.
Well, since I am already aware of the circumstances,
would you be so kind as to describe the crime scene?
After recovering from the surprise elicited by Mycrofts
story, we reorganise our ideas and make a summary of our
investigations, listing the names of possible suspects, and the
few clues available to us. Mycroft remains silent for a few
minutes before answering.
Alright. I wont bore you with the logical thread of my
argument, which might seem rather unsound, but Im pretty
sure of one thing. The murderer was not in the building at the
time of the shooting, so if the window was open, it is evident
that it was also open at the time of the shooting, and that the
bullet followed that trajectory. I believe that finding the place
from which the murderer shot should be extremely simple, you
just draw a line between the body and the window, extend
straight outward and voil, you will have before your eyes the
13 SW
After a long wait we are finally received by Inspector
Lestrade.
Ah, you. I wasnt expecting you to show up here, since
you already spoke with Gregory.
Hmm... we dont wish to disturb you.
Well, that depends on the nature of your questions.
What brings you to Scotland Yard of your own accord?
We are interested in the documents of Dr. Young.
Have you found anything interesting?
Honestly, I havent looked at them, because thats
Gregorys responsibility, and hes currently absent. However,
from what I understand, he has examined them thoroughly,
and aside from an anomalous financial transaction two years
ago, he hasnt found anything without finding anything.
How about the patient records?
Lestrade throws us a knowing look.
Sorry, no. No reference to the alleged murderer.
Youngs patient records were compiled with great care, in every detail, and contain the data of all his patients going back
the past two years. But no patient with the features that concern us was found. If the murderer really was a patient of the
doctor, then Dr. Young decided not to write it down in his
records. For this reason we are also considering the blackmail
hypothesis.
Blackmail? In what sense?
Ah, blessed youth. If I had the answer, it wouldnt be
a hypothesis, but a trail to follow. And now, if youll excuse
me, I must return to my own work.
Gday, Inspector Lestrade, and thank you for your
patience.
22 SW
H.R. Murrays laboratory looks like a forest of tubes
and bottles, enveloped in twilight. Murray emerges from it
holding a steaming flask.
Ah, here we are. You arrived at just the right moment...
here about the Young murder, I imagine?
Well... yes... but tell us, have you discovered something?
Well, the first oddity regards the rope used by the murderer to descend onto Euston Road: it was found heaped up
on top of the grappling hook, and not vice versa, as one would
expect if it had been unhooked after the escape. The grapple
should have fallen last, finishing on top of the rope. Rather
bizarre, isnt it? Its also strange that the grapple didnt pierce
the inner wall of the room, but left only light scratches, as if
it had been dragged along without ever being anchored to a
stable point. These are small details, but taken together, they
suggest that the murderer didnt use the rope to escape.
And how did he manage to leave the building, then?
Ah - unravelling this mystery is your task, lads! But
come and have a look at what Ive just found. Ive analyzed
the rust stains on the stove, which caught my attention: a new
stove already rusting, its just too strange. Guess what thing I
found?
Thing?
A cauliflower, gentlemen. A lovely cauliflower!
For a moment we think that Murray is joking, but he
notices our amazement and offers an explanation.
Boiled cauliflower, thrown over the head of the stove
- the stove is slightly concave and thus welcomed the liquid,
creating a light liquid layer practically invisible to the naked
eye.
For what purpose?
Ah, that remains a mystery. But one thing is certain:
the water that cauliflower is boiled in is amongst the smelliest things in the world, and this probably explains the awful
smell in the room. As for the reason behind the presence of
the liquid, and who poured it on the stove, I know less than
you do.
Thank you Mr. Murray. Well let you know if we find
anything.
64 SW
We find Mrs. Young sitting with abandon on a chair
by the fireplace. A heavy blanket is wrapped around her legs,
and on the coffee table next to her are a crumpled handkerchief and an untouched breakfast. As soon as the butler announces us, the lady pulls herself together and has us sit. After
accepting our condolences, Mrs. Young recounts the events
of the night before.
Im sorry, but last night I didnt see my husband. I
was at work with my friends, like every Monday night. Poor
William ate his last dinner with our son, yesterday... if only I
had... its scary to think that we never know in advance when
the last time we see a person will be.
Forgive the question, but ... do you have any regrets?
Partly. In recent weeks my husband had been quite nervous. And all day I regret not having listened more carefully,
maybe I could have saved his life. Ill tell you everything,
hoping it will help you find the murderer. A few weeks ago,
just before Christmas, my husband told me that the Dr. Agar
matter had resurfaced. As you may know, about twelve years
ago Dr. Agar accused my husband of being a bad doctor, and
even managed to take him to court. He alleged that William
was responsible for the impairments of some patients. The accusations did not gain any traction at all, and my husband was
acquitted of all charges, but not without consequences. It was
a tough time for us, particularly in financial terms. Although
he was proclaimed innocent, my husbands reputation was irremediably compromised, and he had to close his private office and begin running an out-patient surgery for Middlesex
Hospital where he practises... dear me... practised until now.
I thought that the affair was over, that it was all water under the bridge by now. But William had recently started to
complain about that trial, saying that sooner or later all the
chickens would come home to roost and that he couldnt wait
to leave behind those ugly memories. To me it seemed like
barely sensible rambling, and I didnt listen. But now, when
I think back to his words, and then the evil Dr. Agar... you
believe that it could be him, the murderer?
Its a bit early to speculate.
Youre right, sorry. But its all so strange, I still cant
believe it. The fact of the smell, for example, seems scarcely
credible.
You mean the peculiar smell present at the crime
scene?
Exactly. William had a rather delicate sense of smell;
sometimes even the fragrance of herbal tea bothered him. He
was insistent that his surgery always remain clean, free of
odours and perfumes. When the police asked me if I knew
something about the bad odour, for a moment I hoped that
81 SW
After a few minutes of waiting we knock again on the
massive wooden door. Finally, a rugged old woman opens it
and scrutinises us suspiciously.
What do you rascals want?
We are looking for information about Sir Jonathan
Karth, can we find him in this house?
Are you making fun of me? My husbands been dead
for several years now.
Oh, we are terribly sorry. But if you would be so kind
as to tell us something about your husband... to honour his
memory, that is.
A flash of excitement passes through the eyes of the old
woman. Obviously she is very lonely, and the opportunity to
remember her late husband appears to have placated her. She
opens the door with a hint of a smile and has us sit in the living room. There is little light, and we can barely make out the
furniture, but the old ladys voice envelops us as she tells her
story.
My husband was a cavalry officer. Class 1823, a good
year, if you know what I mean. He spent his career in India, like many soldiers nowadays. Thats where we first met,
you know? I went to spend a few months in the heat, on the
orders of my doctor, to strengthen my weak lungs that troubled
me when I was a child. Oh, I was a pretty girl, and the eyes
of even the most straitlaced of men followed me. You dont
believe me, I see it in your doubtful looks, but fear not: time
will consume you too. What I was saying?
Of your first meeting, in India.
Yes, yes... thats right. I think it was in 48. Jonathan
had just earned his stripes as an officer in the first conquests
of the Indian countryside. You are young, and perhaps you
think that India has always belonged to the British Empire,
but that is not so, no sirs. Her Majesty the Queen was named
Empress of India just twelve years ago. Oh, how time flies!
Well... we married in Bombay in 49, a year after we met,
then came back to London to set up house. Ours was not an
easy life, but Im not complaining - it was full of adventure.
I remained here, with family, while Jonathan went back and
forth to India, until he got cataracts. That was in 73, if I
remember correctly. In 74 he was forced to retire from the
service, but he was still full of life. So he agreed to undergo an
operation by a self-serving, evil doctor.
Ms. Karth gets up with difficulty, reaches for a shelf and
hands us a bottle.
Slivovitz, imported directly from Slovenia. You fancy
a little drop?
No thanks, maam
She fills a glass to the brim, gulps down half of it in one
go, and then continues talking.
Oh, my Jonathan loved this. But back to us... so... I
mentioned the operation. That odious man, with his devilish
experiments. My husband first lost his sight, and after a few
years put an end to his misery himself. Poor Jonathan, rest
in peace my love.
Were very sorry. There was also a trial, wasnt
there?
Ah, so you are well informed. Maybe youre not naive
kids as I thought. Well, yes, there was a trial, a big one, but
it was a farce, a mockery.
Why do you say so?
Because it was obvious that he was guilty! Everyone
knew! Yet a single shaky testimony, the babbling of a fool,
the rhetoric of a barrister and the trial amounted to nothing.
We didnt get a guinea. The disappointment stole away Jonathans will to live. He left this earth just a few years later.
The old lady began sobbing hoarsely, and gulped down
some more liquor.
We really are sorry. Can we ask if youve seen Dr.
Young again since then?
That murderer! May he catch the plague! How dare
you name him? Who invited you in, filthy beggars? Who do
you know? Out of my house, now! Get lost, or Ill call the
police!
Rather surprised by the womans sudden change in mood,
we decide to depart quickly, leaving the house with our tails
between our legs.
AREA NW
5 NW
After we have waited a few minutes, Agent Gibbonss
wife opens the door. We introduce ourselves and are led to a
small dining room, where the agent soon meets us.
Hello, sorry if I made you wait. To what do I owe
your visit?
We want to know if youve discovered something new
concerning the murder of Dr. Young.
No, unfortunately theres nothing new.
Can we can ask you if you knew the victim personally?
What a strange question - of course not! Even Inspector Gregory, who lives in the building where the murder took
place, knew Dr. Young only by sight.
London certainly is a huge city
I agree. And now, if you excuse me, I must hurry to
finish lunch - I need to resume the investigation.
No problem. Sorry to bother you again.
6 NW
We are greeted at the door by a very courteous member
of the house staff; Im sorry, but Mr. Bakersfield is likely
to be found at his office at this time of day.
We beg our pardon, and depart.
10 NW
We are directed to the hospital administration office, located on the ground floor, just off the reception. In the office
we find a rather elderly and portly lady, who looks up with
indifference, waiting to be asked a question.
We wanted to get some information on Dr. Young, if
possible.
Dr. Young? Is it true what they say? There was a lot
of talk this morning about his death, but Ive not yet received
official news. You know, the bureaucracy...
Unfortunately its true, Dr. Young died this morning.
What can you tell us about him?
Well, he worked for us, everybody knows that. Sometimes he worked our wards, but he spent most of his time in his
Euston Road practise, near St. Pancras Station.
Can you explain why he practised in two different places?
I think it was because of the trial, which happened a
dozen years ago. Dr. Young was acquitted of all charges, as
18 NW
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Distinguished gentleman, having spent a
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preferably on goban 13x13 or 19x19.
Leave your address at the counter
21 NW
Mr. Bakersfields secretary makes us wait briefly outside
the barristers office. When Mr. Bakersfield emerges we see
that he is a large man, about sixty years old, perhaps less. Our
attention falls on a large mole sprouting from his forehead, just
above his left eye.
Ah, the urchins of old Holmes. How can I help
you?
Do you know of Dr. Young? He died this morning.
Yes, I heard something, but was waiting for tomorrows
newspaper for the details. Perhaps I could ask you, but your
presence here gives me the impression that the murderer is still
at large.
Thats right, sir. We think that the murder had something to do with the 1876 trial. Could you tell us if you remember any important details?
Allow me to recall. Perhaps... this is the trial with the
charges of mutilation and torture, right? Of course, the one with
Dr. Agar. Ah yes, come to think of it something particularly
strange did happen. A true gift from heaven, actually. One of
the witnesses, the cripple who had lost the use of his left arm,
testified on behalf of Dr. Young, despite being brought to the
witness stand by the prosecution. I remember focussing my
own closing argument on the testimony of the lame man, so as
to convince the court of of Dr. Youngs innocence. It was
a real success, but it was not really my doing. Even today I
wonder about that highly unexpected testimony. Without that
twist of the plot the trial would have been long and difficult.
Are you telling us that the innocence of Dr. Young was
uncertain?
Unfortunately, thats the way it was. I dont remember
the details, but during the hearing I had the distinct feeling
that the medical interventions performed by Dr. Young had
an ulterior motive. There was an old cavalry officer who suffered a cataract in the eyes, and I dont think that he ever
would have died from such a thing, but Dr. Young wanted
to operate on it and in so doing permanently blinded him. The
situation of the other two witnesses was not much different.
One of them was a former circus artist, specialised in acrobatic
shooting, who broke bones falling off a horse. The other was
a poor labourer who had suffered a brain injury while working
in the yard, falling from scaffolding. Both would have been
fine after a few months rest and a good bandage, but in both
cases Dr. Young wanted to work, cut and sew. The prosecution spoke of experiments on the nervous system, applica-
43 NW
Aint none a em ome now, a scratchy voice comes from
a slight opening in an upstairs window. Come back lata o
go find im at is office - other side of the Paddinton Street
Gardens.
93 NW
Dr. Agar is clearly surprised by our visit. He welcomes
us into his studio rather abruptly. After making us feel comfortable he tells us his story, in a detached tone.
I have told the police everything I know. Its true,
there was bad blood between us. We often fought shoulder
to shoulder for our careers. He was always a little snottynosed, like all men from wealthy backgrounds, while I was a
country doctor making my way in the city. But after the trial,
I accepted the evidence: Young was better than me, and he
deserved all the success that he had.
Can you talk about the trial?
The man shrugged, raising his nose a little in a way that
betrayed a feeling of disgust. Then, barely masking his agitation, he spoke again.
It was in 1876, if I remember correctly. I was part of
the prosecution, obviously. It was my firm belief that Young
was responsible for some serious surgical errors that caused
disfigurements, in order to carry out medical experiments without the consent of patients. As the prosecuting doctor, I was
charged with contacting and selecting the most important cases.
So, in a sense, I was responsible for choosing the witnesses.
But, in the end the defence won the day, and Young was acquitted of all charges. Indeed, to this day I regret my defeat,
because the verdict heralded Young as a genius of medicine,
who had saved people from certain death.
Could you tell us the names of those people?
AREA WC
5 WC
The Central Carriage Stables looks like a train station, a
farm, and a cattle fair all at once. We begin talking to various
cab drivers, asking here and there if any of them remember
having transported passengers to 47 Euston Road. Jimmy,
a young driver covered in freckles, tells us something relevant:
Yes, I took a passenger to 47 Euston Road this morning
at about nine oclock. I do it almost every day. In this cold
Miss Helwig doesnt feel like going to work on foot. Poor
thing, shes not well-off, and when its my turn to give her
a ride, I try to save her a few pennies on the journey... but
please dont go spreading that around.
So you know Miss Gertrude?
No. Well, maybe... I should say, I would be honoured to have her as a friend Jimmy responds, betraying
some embarrassment, his cheeks suddenly flushed. I know
her only because in the past few weeks she has often called for
a cab, in order to go to work and return home.
We find another driver who recalls being in Euston
Road: Yes, I went there to take a customer to St. Pancras
Station this morning at eight oclock. Unfortunately I dont
know the passengers name, I can only tell you that he was
a middle-aged man, rather portly, with curly black hair and a
well-trimmed beard.
Did he say anything? Did you notice anything unusual?
No, nothing, apart from the fact that he complained the
whole trip. He said he had to catch the early morning train for
business, and would have preferred to stay at the St. Pancras
Hotel. But now, with that closed, he was forced to stay at
the Mexborough Private, which isnt exactly around the corner from Euston Road station. I understand his frustration
very well, as he now had to pay for two trips in a cab and
wake up an hour earlier.
Did you notice anything else?
No, nothing at all, sorry.
As we are about to leave the Central Carriage Stables, a
new coachman comes in. We question him so as not to leave
anything to chance.
Euston Road, number 47, you say? Of course, Ive
been in that area twice between yesterday and today.
Twice?
Yes, last night, about midnight. I left an old man in
14 WC
Upon entering the general archives office we are recognised by Disraeli OBrian and led into a small, secluded
room.
I have received your request. It took me a little time, but
Ive found what you asked for.
He shows us a binder full of documents, yellowed and
worn by age.
These are the papers from Dr. Youngs trial. You can
take a look at them now, if you like, but I can neither loan
them nor make a copy.
Warmly thanking OBrian, we open the binder and begin
to comb through the various documents. The verbose language
and convoluted judicial terminology makes reading difficult, so
we compile a summary sheet with the key information:
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17 WC
Who are you looking for? repeats the old man behind
the desk at the registry office.
After a brief exchange of glances we sense that the senile
employee must be deaf as a post.
Rather than repeating for the umpteenth time the names
that interest us, we pass him a sheet of paper on which we
have written the complete list.
The little man looks around the office for nearly half an
hour, sifting through various heavy old records, before reappearing at the door with the exact same expression on his
face.
I dont know what youre looking for, boys, but I dont
think theres anything new here. Ill confirm with you some
dates of birth: William Young, born in Winchester 29
March 1843, Courtney Young, 14 March 1849, married
to the above, and so on... but what would you do with this
information?
Well, we need it for some investigations.
Investigations? What do you take me for, the information office? I have other things to do here, and behind you is
a line that I plan to get through before five, if you please.
But really...
Next!
45 WC
Mr. Oliver receives us in his small apartment. He invites
us to be seated in the living room, on a small, comfortable sofa.
It takes us just a few questions to establish that he is from a
rich family, works more for passion than necessity, and has no
useful information on the Young murder. A little disappointed, we take advantage of his willingness to ask some general
questions about Mr. Hengler and Ms. Haley.
You already know Mr. Hengler; I dont think there
is anything to add. I personally believe that Ms. Haley is
completely unrelated to the case. Sure, she always complained
about the comings and goings of Dr. Youngs surgery, but
thats completely normal amongst neighbours. Moreover, we
of the circus definitely cause more noise than Dr. Young.
Between creditors, debtors, new applicants and now retired
performers, we receive a lot of visitors daily.
Is this coming and going of people very annoying?
No, not really. Life in the neighborhood is quiet and
peaceful in general, especially since the St. Pancras Hotel
closed its doors last week.
Last week? But the news was only just released in yesterdays newspaper.
Really? We saw them try everything possible before
they surrendered. Perhaps they have been slow in giving the
official announcement, but they have been closed for at least a
week, I can assure you.
Intrigued by this detail, we decided to inquire further.
What can you tell us about the St. Pancras Hotel?
Several months ago the hotel started having some problems. Since part of the Ossulston Street building was sold
to a spring manufacturer, the hotel began to lose customers.
The spring manufacturers machinery rattled the walls, it was
said, and many guests sought reimbursement for the torture
inflicted on their nerves. At other times, as in the case of Miss
Helwig, customers were thrown out without prior notice, due
to lack of personnel. Ultimately, after a long slow death, the
hotel closed its doors. Last week, in fact
Without any announcement?
Yes, apart from a small sign on the door, on which I
think only a few words were written. What did it say? Ah,
yes, closed until further notice, as I recall. But apart from
that sign, no official announcement was made until the news
appeared in the papers yesterday
Thank you very much, Mr. Oliver, this is very useful to
us.
47 WC
Mr Krullers Residence
Entering the large building we see, right after a short flight
of steps, three large staircases leading to the upper floors. In
the distance, just above the level of the entrance, we note a
modest landing that links these three main staircases. From
the entrance door there are only three possibilities: to go up
the small flight of stairs that leads to the landing; to knock on
Inspector Gregorys door; or to go through the lobby, which
leads to the caretakers dwelling.
While we are surveying the building, we catch the attention of the caretaker.
May I help you?
We are here on behalf of Mr. Holmes, we answer,
taking off our hats.
Oh, alright, he whispers. I imagine you want to ask
me some questions, like the police.
If its not too much trouble.
Its my duty, gentlemen. Please make yourselves com-
fortable.
We enter the caretakers place, from which we can easily
keep sight of the main entrance.
Can you tell us, Mr. Kruller, who entered the building from when Dr. Young closed his lab last night until this
morning at eight?
Only Ms. Haley, around seven-thirty this morning.
Half an hour later Dr. Young came in, and he went upstairs
alone, the same as every morning.
How can you be so sure?
All residents have a copy of the key to the front door, but
for security at night the door is locked with two locks, he says
while motioning toward a second lock installed on the main
door of the building, visible from his home. Besides, I am
always ready to get up at any hour of the night. In addition,
ever since Ms. Haley was robbed a few years ago, I make
sure to check that there are no strangers near the door before
opening it.
Can you tell us your side of the story?
Gladly. Dr. Young went up to the floor above to open
his surgery at about eight oclock, the same as every morning.
A few minutes later I heard the gunshot - it was very loud
since Dr. Youngs surgery is right above my accommodation.
For this reason I was also the first to rush to the scene of
the accident, together with Inspector Gregory. We found the
doctor lying on the floor, as I have already reported to the
police.
Youre sure that nobody remained on the stairs during
the night?
Absolutely certain. I always check around before going
to sleep, and there are no places to hide, neither on the stairs,
nor on the landing, nor anywhere else. And because all the
staircases are in sight of each other, no one could possibly
have moved without evading my inspection.
Thank you, Mr. Kruller, that was very helpful.
47 WC
Insp. Gregorys Aptartment
After passing through the entrance hall of the building, we
enter Inspector Gregorys spacious apartment.
Watts, the butler, greets us without too many formalities.
We find the inspector working in his study.
Ah, you again. I wasnt expecting to see you again so
soon. Im just finishing some reports before I return to Scotland Yard. Do you have any news?
47 WC
Mr. Henglers Office
After a short delay we are invited into Mr. Henglers
office.
Youre here about the murder of poor Dr. Young, I
suppose. How can I help you?
Were trying to figure out how the murderer could have
been inside the building this morning, as no one saw him come
in the main entrance. Do you have any ideas?
Heinrich, our caretaker, is a very reliable person, if he
says that no one else entered the building, besides Ms. Haley, I believe it to be true.
Seeing our puzzled expressions, Mr. Hengler continues.
Oh, its no secret. Obviously we neighbours have already
met, after being questioned by the police... in the hopes of being
able to contribute to the investigation, of course.
So you already know that we are considering the possibility that the murderer spent the night inside, perhaps hidden
in one of these offices. Do you believe that it is possible?
Oh, no, I do not think so. Most of the rooms are always
closed, and since they are never used, are locked up. The only
open offices, during office hours, are my own, the room of
Miss Gertrude Helwig, the office of the accountant Daniel
Oliver, and the waiting room. Every evening at five oclock,
when I close my office, I personally have a look around, so
47 WC
Dr. Youngs Surgery
We enter the small surgery on the second floor where the
body of Dr. Young was found. Agent Gibbons, wrapped in
his coat, immediately closes the door behind us.
I hope that Gregory gives us permission to close the
window by the evening, he says.
Nothing has been touched since the body was found?
Thats right, confirms the agent, apart from the door to
the surgery, which was wide open, of course. I thought it wise
to close it so as not to let a draught in the building, seeing as
Gregory gave orders not to touch the window. The body is in
forensic medicine at this time.
Gregory knows what hes doing, we remark as we examine the room.
On the left is a small library, full of scientific publications, medical books and encyclopaedias. On one bookshelf
are bottles containing generic medicines for first aid, and some
medical instruments. Next to the bookcase is a large stove,
almost new, with a slightly concave top on which we note some
spots - stains, perhaps, caused by dampness. The window,
which overlooks Euston Road, is wide open; there are tears
in the wallpaper under the windowsill, apparently caused by
the grappling hook used by the killer to escape. On the right is
the doctors desk, on which are some disorganised sheets of
paper, and yesterdays newspaper.
The victim was found near the window, on the floor,
pierced by a gunshot to the chest, said Agent Gibbons, as
evidenced by the bloodstain on the floor. Falling, the victim
must have knocked over the chair. Gregory has already examined the papers on the desk, but he didnt find anything
interesting.
And you were the first policeman on the scene, after Inspector Gregory?
Thats right
Did you notice anything strange, upon entering the surgery?
Yes. As soon as I walked in I smelt a very unpleasant
odour, similar to that of boiled cabbage. According to Inspector Gregory the smell was even more intense at eight in
the morning, but with the window open now it has completely
gone.
Many thanks, Gibbons, and good luck
47 WC
Mrs. Haleys Office
Ms. Haley welcomes us in person, opening the door
overlooking her staircase on the top floor of the large Euston
Road building.
Sit down, please. Today Im alone in the office, so I
myself will do the honours she says, winking. We enter feeling quite puzzled by the apparently jovial attitude of the lady.
After welcoming us into a small sitting room, and offering us a
rather unremarkable cup of tea, Ms. Haley tells us her version of events.
Yes, I knew Dr. Young well. After all, it was almost
ten years ago when we, that is I first met him. I was the first
to move my administrative offices here, you see? After the
death of my husband Gustav, God rest his soul, I no longer wanted to run my business at the Seymour Street offices.
When I learned that this apartment, right next to the Baths,
was free, I didnt think twice about moving the management of
the company here. In any case, Dr. Young opened his surgery about ten years ago, as part of Middlesex Hospital.
Interesting, but we really wanted to...
Sure, sure, youre here to see if I saw something, excuse
me. Well, you see, it just so happens that I always arrive
early in the morning. Moreover, with all the hustle and bustle
that comes from downstairs, the first hours of the day are the
most peaceful, for work -- another twinkle of the eye. I
think I opened the office half an hour before eight. I heard
the shot very clearly - after all it was impossible not to hear it,
it was so nearby. It was so strong it shook the windows, at
least the ones that open onto Euston Road
You didnt see anything at all, maam? Heard some
noise coming from the roof, or from outside?
Oh no, Im certain I didnt. The roof is pretty run down,
you see, one hears even the steps of the cats as they go from
one chimney to another. The same applies to the walls of the
building; I dont think that anybody could climb them without
breaking something. As you can see the building is solid but
old, the exterior finishes are pretty battered. It would be hard
not to leave a trace.
Chimneys, you said? How many are there?
I dont remember, four or five I suppose. Why is
that?
Do you think it could be possible for a man or a boy
to climb down the chimney and sneak into one of the apartments?
48 WC
We arrive at the hotel, not far from Finsbury Park Station. The beauty of the building, with silver spires perched
above the huge red brick wall, deeply inspires us. Its a real
shame that the hotel has closed, but given that it is such an
architectural masterpiece, hopefully it will only be temporary.
After a brief look around we notice only a tiny sign posted
on the main door. It is sensible to assume that few knew of
the impending closure. At first, it appears that all entries are
sealed, and that there is no way to enter the hotel. So we try
one of the numerous passages of the nearby St. Pancras Station, and after going up and down several flights of steps, we
notice that the station stables are adjacent to the hotel. Crossing the stalls it is easy to sneak through a small passage in the
fence, which leads to the back of the hotel. Here, right next
to the deserted kitchens, one of the service doorways presents
some of the signs of forced entry. Our observation is confirmed
by the fact that we only need push the door a little bit to find
ourselves inside.
Once inside the building we explore the different rooms,
57 WC
71 WC
AREA EC
29 EC
Mr. Nast is a tall, thin man, over fifty years old but he
still has a keen eye indicating high intelligence. He scrutinises
us intently, checking our credentials with extreme interest.
So you work for Holmes? I had heard rumours about
it, but I expected the agents to be a little more formal... more
official. But considering that Holmes himself is not a real cop,
perhaps my expectation was unjustified.
Ignoring this remark, we get straight to the point.
Do you remember anything about the Young trial in
1876?
Hmm... Young... lets see.
The lawyer opened some registers, distractedly browsed
several pages, before finally stopping on a booklet enclosed in
a silk ribbon.
Oh yes. Here it is. Theres only my fee statement, I
see, and a copy of the verdict. I handed all other documents
to the Office of Records. Its quite an old case now, why are
you interested?
We are investigating Dr. Youngs death. He was
murdered this morning.
Murdered! What a disgrace! Poor Dr. Young, now
I remember him - he did not have an easy life, that man. First
the charges, then the trial, financial difficulties, and unofficial
work at the hospital. Well, he was hardly a saint, but he was
not a bad doctor either.
Can you explain?
I was the prosecution barrister, on that occasion. And
even though the court acquitted Young of all charges, they
remained convinced of his guilt. In hindsight I would say that
maybe there were unintentional errors, unfortunate missteps,
however... I dont know ... there was something mysterious
about the man, something that if you ask me didnt come to
the surface during the trial. In my work you learn how to tell
if someone is hiding a secret, but you also learn to keep those
considerations to yourself. Justice is based on facts, not on
assumptions.
We very much agree with you. Do you recall anything
else?
No, sorry. Thats all I remember.
30 EC
Mr. Ellis consults the leaflet that we have given him containing the list of all people involved in any way in the investigation.
This list is a bit long, and you are asking for information
encompassing a rather broad time span. It would take at least
two weeks to sort through our vast archives... I hope you will
not be offended if I tell you that I cannot devote that much
time right now. Between announcements of births, marriages,
deaths, accidents, legal cases, and letters to the newspaper,
most likely all of these people have appeared on the pages of
our newspaper, at least once in their lifetimes.
Certainly, Mr. Ellis, we understand very well.
How can I help you, then?
Are there at least some names that call something to
mind?
The gaze of Henry Ellis returns to our list, before moving
to the ceiling, as if in search of inspiration. At last, a slight
smile appears on his face.
There could be. Let me see, I have a newspaper clipping right here, in my office. I always hold on to peculiar news
articles. Readers expect sensational discoveries, and I do my
best to satisfy them.
Ellis opens a couple of folders, rummages around his
shelves, and mutters to himself as he gathers some old yet well
preserved clippings.
Here, these are all that I can find at the moment.
Nov
27
76
Feb 6 1875
ACCIDENT AT
HENGLER CIRCUS
gler Circus
ragedy struck last night at the Hen
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38 EC
As we enter the Chief Coroners office, we catch Sir
Jasper Meeks leaning on his desk.
Good morning. I expected you to visit. Youre interested in the analysis of the body of the deceased Dr. Young,
I imagine...
Exactly. What can you tell us about the cause of
death?
Every analysis of the corpse confirms Scotland Yards
hypothesis. Dr. Young was killed by a gunshot. The bullet
pierced his chest, puncturing several vital organs and almost
immediately causing death. Judging by the injuries the shot
must have come from above, which suggests that the murderer
is very tall, or that the victim was on his knees when the shot
was fired. Analysis indicates that the probable time of death
was eight oclock in the morning, which coincides with the version of events given by the witnesses.
So youve not found anything peculiar?
On the corpse, nothing. But I did notice something unusual on the clothes of Dr. Young. The first investigations
suggested that the victim was killed by someone in the same
room, or at least very close. If this were so, on the doctors
clothes I would have expected to find some burn, as is typically left by guns when hitting a target at close range. Instead
Ive found nothing; neither residue of burned tissue, nor traces
of gunpowder.
Does this prove that the murderer shot from afar?
Certainly - however, judging from the wound and the injury, I would say not too far. About ten metres away, maybe
a little more. This makes it all the stranger when we consider
52 EC
At the Raven and Rat one always feels at home. At the
counter we find our rugged friend Porky Shinwell, busy pouring beer as usual.
So boys, what brings you here today?
A doctor was killed this morning. His name was William Young. Did he have any enemies who frequented your
inn?
Ah! Whenever youre on the lookout for scum you always try here first, am I right?
Well, not quite, but we thought that...
Hey, boys, I was joking. Its obvious that the scum
swills around me, indeed: God help us if it were not so! My
business would suffer, and I even more - he winks - So,
lets see: William Young, you said ... no, I dont remember
anything. Never even heard of him, Im pretty sure...
Perhaps, though, someone from the same building has
passed by here, we have a list of names if you will...
Go on, boys, Im all ears.
Mr. Heinrich Kruller?
I dont know him.
Mr. John Hengler?
Who? The guy in the circus? Hes never bothered to
show his face in here, the gentleman.
But you know him?
Sure, who doesnt? The great Hengler will go down in
history, kids, Porky is telling you that personally, not anyone
else.
Right. Then only one name remains: Mrs. Esther Haley...
...of the public toilets? Never seen or met her.
But you just mentioned the public bathrooms!
Boys! I mentioned her bathrooms to educate you.
Mentioned, that is all! What do you think I am, just a
doting innkeeper? I know almost half of London by name,
modestly speaking. But knowing is one thing; having gossip to
report is another. And I have nothing to say about the lady,
except what they all say.
And what do they all say?
Porky becomes serious for a moment, and starts talking
in a lower voice.
Well, many years ago old Gustav, founder of the Haley
it was one night only, many months ago. Mr. Hengler must
have forgotten.
Why do you think that Mr. Hengler forgot this
event?
Oh, with all due respect, Mr. Hengler is rather old now.
If you want precise information about the past, ask me or
Daniel, the accountant. Mr. Hengler is there and then he
isnt, in his head, if you know what I mean.
One last question, Miss? Do you believe that someone
might have been able to evade Mr. Henglers surveillance last
night, and hide inside the building without your knowledge?
Absolutely not. Mr. Hengler may have a memory problem - everybody knows that - but hes a real bloodhound when
it comes to checking the office. Ive never managed to sneak
in even a vase of flowers without him noticing it immediately,
the same evening. If Mr. Hengler states that there was no
one on the first floor, when he closed our offices at five, I am
absolutely certain thats the truth
74 EC
94 EC
Fogertys apartment is part of a long row of terraced houses, all identical, covered with pipes, burgundy brick and rusty
gutters. We make our way between the frosty clothes hanging
outside, and knock on a dilapidated door. It is opened by
a young woman with a small nose and reddish hair, whose
emaciated face seems to hide handsome features. She appears
surprised to see us, and does not say a word.
Good morning, we wanted to talk to Mr. Sean Fogerty,
if possible.
Who, my brother? Are you his friends?
No, but we might become friends, if there be an opportunity.
I doubt it very much, I dont think he wants to see anyone today.
The girl remains perched behind the door, without removing the bolt.
Today? May we ask why?
Today, yesterday, last year, it wouldnt make any difference. My brother is a person who... you see that you dont
know him... he...
Hes not of sound mind?
Ah, so you know. Im sorry, but Id rather not let you
in anyway, nor let you see. Today he has a terrible fever of the
brain, worse than usual, and this cold certainly doesnt help.
Can we at least ask a few questions before we leave?
Ill grant you one, Im already late for work.
Can you tell us something about Dr. Young? The doctor who operated on your brother.
The girl throws us a ferocious glance, while her cheeks
turn red.
Ah, that wretch! I thought I had banished even his
name, after all these years. After that sham of a trial, we
no longer heard about him. My father and mother worked
themselves to death, struggling to earn the money to treat my
brother, but in the end it was all for nothing. So here we are,
going hungry among the screams of my brother and the complaints of the neighbours, who hate the noise.
QUESTIONS
PART ONE
1. Who killed Dr. William Young?
2. Why?
3. What ploy did the murderer use to have access to Dr. Young in his
surgery that morning?
4. Where was the gun shot from that killed the doctor?
PART TWO
1. Following what event was Frank Tatum operated on by Dr.
Young?
2. What are the initials of the young frequenter of Esther Haley?
3. Why was Dr. Young proved innocent in the 1876 trial?
SOLUTION
Holmes is sitting comfortably in an armchair inside his scarlet study. Not without betraying some satisfaction, he recounts to us how he solved the mystery in a matter of hours.
Given a murder with no apparent motive and no known murderer, one ought to begin by ascertaining the
exact cause of death. Very often it is the small details, or more obscure elements that allow one to solve a
mystery. In this case, the fact that the murderer was supposedly already inside the building, hidden right under
Inspector Gregorys nose, made me question the murder method. So, first of all I went to hear the opinion of
the coroner, Sir Jasper Meeks, to see if he could tell me more about the cause of death. As soon as I learned
that the bullet was fired from afar, I immediately thought of the open window and wondered whether the
murderer could have fired from outside the building. Dr. Youngs window overlooked Euston Road, which
reminded me of the news in the paper about the closure of the St. Pancras Hotel, located on the same street.
What better place than a closed hotel to shoot without being seen? Suppose for a moment that the murderer
had fired from the hotel, in the morning at eight oclock, as soon as the doctor entered his surgery.
If it were so, how could the murderer know that the doctor would come to the window? This was the weak
point of my theory, but fortunately something else supported my hypothesis: the rope with the grappling hook.
It seemed too strange that the murderer had managed to descend from the second floor, after having fired a
gun, without anyone seeing him. It is logical to expect that immediately after the gunshot everyone passing by
Euston Road was on red alert, but no witnesses came to tell us that the murderer had been seen descending
along the wall, nor escaping along that road. The other logical explanation, no matter how extravagant, was
that the murderer had thrown the rope with the grappling hook directly from the window through which he had
fired, just before or after having shot the victim, in order to sidetrack the investigation or to provide an alibi.
To confirm this hypothesis, I went to St. Pancras Hotel and climbed to the third floor, since according to Meeks the shot had come from above. In one of the rooms overlooking Euston Road I found a little
cigarillo ash on the floor, and prints characteristics of a cane. By peering out the window I noticed that the
room looked down upon Dr. Youngs surgery, and from that position a good shooter couldnt miss.
I drew the following conclusions: the murderer was a good shooter; he knew that Dr. Young would
open the window just after entering the room; he wanted to make us believe that he had escaped through the
window; and he had been aware of the Hotels closure beforehand, while the news appeared only today in
the newspaper.
We now consider what we can be deduced from these facts. That the murderer is a good shooter tells
us nothing yet, but his confidence that Dr. Young would open the window indicates that he knew the doctors
habits, or even that he had acted to ensure that the doctor would open the window shortly after entering the
surgery. This probably had something to do with the awful smell on the morning of the murder. The attempt to
sidetrack the investigation with the rope did however led me to believe that the murderer would never be able
to escape along it, making him probably an old man or a cripple. Finally, the fact that he knew that the hotel
was closed tells us that he had previously passed through Euston Road.
If we put it all together, what do we have? A good shooter, acquaintance of the victim, crippled or old,
who had been in Euston Road recently.
If he were crippled or old, it was likely to be a current, potential, or otherwise former patient. But why
would a patient want to kill the doctor? The most likely explanation is revenge: perhaps the patient deemed
the doctor responsible for his disability, or demanded special or expensive care that the doctor refused to provide.
I decided to go to the Office of the National Archives, to look around the legal archives, assuming that
someone had filed a lawsuit against Dr. Young. Here I found a further confirmation of my hypothesis. By
studying some old trial documents, I found references to Mr. Frank Tatum, a cripple who had been disabled
by our very own Dr. Young shortly before the trial. Before querying Tatum, who at this point was my suspect, I decided to double-check my theory by paying a visit to the defense lawyer of the trial.
Why did you visit the defense lawyer, and not the one for the prosecution? asks Watson, intrigued,
sure that his friend already has a ready answer.
Elementary! When preparing for a trial, a good lawyer must know everything about his opponent. If
Mr. Frank Tatum was a prosecution witness, it was natural to assume that the defense lawyer had reviewed
his past in detail. Also, human beings tend to forget their failures and remember their successes, so it was logical to expect that the defense attorney, having won the trial, remembered more about it than the prosecution.
And so we come to the penultimate step of my investigation, the visit to Mr. Woodward Bakersfield,
attorney in defense of Dr. Young at the time of the trial. Here the key points of my deductions were confirmed
and clarified: Frank Tatum, a former circus artist, was a good shooter and was crippled following an operation
performed by Dr. Young. Furthermore, I became convinced that Young was not entirely innocent, but that
he had bribed Mr. Tatum to alter his testimony on the witness stand. That would also explain the mysterious
debts incurred by Dr. Young at the time of the trial, debts that no one could explain.
Here is my final point: Young managed to bribe Tatum and win the trial, after which he attempted to
sever all ties with the past by working in an almost anonymous fashion: you may have noticed that Young
is not one of the private doctors listed in the directory. But when the Hengler Circus began running advertisements in search of old and new talent, fate must have led Tatum to the very same building where Young
worked.
It is likely that Tatum has learned over time that an impairment lasts forever, however the money to
silence it does not. So, after confronting Young, he decided to execute his own amended judgement. Young,
himself, was impaired by his guilt being unable denounce Tatum lest he reveal his own misdeeds.
Your reasoning may be brilliant, intervenes Inspector Gregory. But it is only conjecture. To convict
Tatum, we need some evidence.
Evidence, Inspector? But theres plenty of it! I bet that the prints found at the St. Pancras Hotel correspond exactly to the cane that Tatum uses. And I know for a fact that Mr. Tatum has the habit of smoking
exotic cigarillos, which explains the whitish ash found in the hotel room from which the shot was fired.
How do you know? Gregory presses.
Well, I took the trouble to interview him a few hours ago, and he confirmed that he had met Dr. Young
the evening before the murder. Evidently afraid that he might have been seen, he preferred not to lie about
this fact, certain that the ploy of the rope and grappling hook would completely exonerate him. Thus we arrive
at the last detail of the crime, the cauliflower-like odour. Tatum knew that Dr. Young would not be able to
stand the smell, which he prepared when he went to the surgery to confront the doctor one last time. He almost
certainly took advantage of that discussion to scratch the walls with his cane, leaving marks that police later
attributed to the grapple, and while Young checked the damage on the wallpaper, Tatum took the time to
throw fetid water over the stove, setting up a kind of putrid time bomb. After the altercation Young closed the
surgery, leaving the heater burning, something entirely predictable in this cold. And at night the water evaporated, filling the room with that dreadful odour.
At this point Watsons face lights up. So, when Young opened the surgery the next morning, the first
thing he did was open the window. And thats when... bang!
Precisely, my dear Watson, concludes Sherlock Holmes.
HOLMES
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His score is 100 points. Clue 59 SE is not counted.
SCORE
Part One
1. Who killed Dr. William Young? Frank Red Rajah Tatum
2. Why? Revenge for performing experimental surgery on him resulting in a permanent limp
and crippling of his left arm.
3. What ploy did the murderer use to have access to Dr. Young in his surgery that morning?
The murderer poured a tainted liquid on the stove the night before causing a foul odour to
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Part Two
1. Following what event was Frank Tatum operated on by Dr. Young? While performing a
circus stunt, Frank Tatum fell from standing atop a horse.
2. What are the initials of the young frequenter of Esther Haley? D.G.
3. Why was Dr. Young proved innocent in the 1876 trial? Dr Young bribed a witness for the
prosecution.
The
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BIRTHS
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girl.
iver and maritime vessels both small and meGLXPVL]HG VDLO DQG VWHDP IRU VSRUWV RU IRU
transportation purposes. Sale and rent for long periods, including crew (in some cases mandatory).
pirits, tobacco, and pure quality opiates imported directly from India. Merchandise guaranteed
by eminent former traders of the East India Company, with rich experience sailing the seven seas. :RO3KLOOLSV &R6(
n the 7th inst., at the Unity Church, WILLIAM KENNEDY FERGUSON, of Tottenham, to ISABELLA STANLEY FISCHER,
youngest daughter of the late Lieut. Colonel Fischer.
n the 5th inst. At the Catholic Church of St.
George by the Rev. Frederick Bowe, PEDRO ANTONIO MAURI y SEGURA, of Paris,
to LEILA MOLLAND PALMER, daughter of
Alexander Holland.
DEATHS
n the 2nd inst., after a very brief illness, ANNIE JANE CRAWFORD, the beloved second daughter of JOHN S. SIMMONDS, of Elmwood Lodge, Finchley, in the 21st year of her age.
IN MEMORIAM
ABCBD
,1*6&2//(*(+263,7$/2HUVQHZ
courses in medicine and surgery from the second semester, with open enrolment for full- and
part-time students. An excellent opportunity for
those who had discontinued their studies to learn
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oldest and most prestigious British universities. For
more information, please contact Kings College
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Times.
NAVAL DEPARTURES
ccording to leaks from the Austrian embassy, the mysterious criminal known as Naimor
Roses, whose existence remains for some a mere
legend, has moved his center of operation to Austria. As many will know the Naimor Roses events
date back to several decades ago, and his name is
nowadays used mainly to frighten children. Yet, despite the aura of mystery and legend surrounding
this character, the latest news from Austria suggests
that Naimor Roses exists, and that he has left London to continue his business in the Austrian Empire.
PRICEG
PERSONAL &c.
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The
1p
PARLIAMENT
he Great Danton is performing every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night from January
to March at the Elephant & Castle. Do not miss this
opportunity to see with your own eyes the incredible spectacle of the most famous illusionist in Europe.
ETHER
Following the Michelson-Morley experiment,
which took place at the Western Reserve College in
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yet reached a consensus on the existence of ether,
the substance that would allow the propagation of
light in space. The two American scientists claim to
have demonstrated that ether does not exist or, if it
does exist, has nothing to do with light. British researchers have criticised the validity of the experiment, which has not yet been published. There is,
however, hope that in the coming months the true
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MUTILATED CORPSE
It has now been several weeks since a corpse,
mutilated beyond recognition, was found near
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Yard has refrained from comment. This brief note
communicates to loyal readers who remember our
promise to give news soon on the subject, to clarify
that our silence is not due to an oversight, but to a
total lack of noteworthy new information. We conclude, therefore, that this will be the last paragraph
that we devote to this mysterious crime, unless there
is some unexpected breakthrough in the investigation. - The editor
NEW BOOKS
NNO DOMINI, by E. LONG, R.A.- A picture to which we may point when a foreign critic
tells us that high art is extinct in England. -Saturday
Review, ON VIEW, with Jephthahs Vow, Zeuxis,
FDW1HZ%RQGVWUHHWWRV
Times.
PRICEG
Dauhigny, &c. 10 to 4-HOUSBON VALADON,
and Co., 116 and 117, New Bond-street.
t MARLBOROUGH-STREET, JOHN
DERRY, of Solen New-road, Clapham, was
summoned by Inspector Burke, C Division, for
unlawfully on the 6th uit, leaving open a pit at 6:40
p.m., to the common danger of passengers. According to the evidence it appeared that the defendant
was executing some repairs in Cranbourne-alley,
and had occasion to dig a hole in the pavement.
On the evening of the 6th uit, a young man named
Thomas Bittlestone, employed as a carpenters labourer, had occasion to walk through the alley, and
not perceiving the hole, as there was no light to protect him from it, he fell into it and sustained such
injuries that he had to go to the hospital. He was
still being attended by a surgeon. The defence was
that orders had been given for every precaution to
be taken to prevent accident, and that on the night
in question it was impossible to put a light in the
hole, owing to an escape of gas. Mr. Newton said he
thought the defendant was wrong and had left the
SODFHXQSURWHFWHG+HRUGHUHGKLPWRSD\DQHRI
40s., or in default to go to prison for one month.
NOTICE
N the HIGH COURT of JUSTICE Chancery Division Mr. Justice Stirling In the Matter
of The Companion Acts 1867 and In the Matter of
The RIVER PLATE FRESH MEAT COMPANY
Limited Notice is hereby given that by an Order
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RESOLUTION of the above named Company
passed at an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of
the said Company on the 8th day of June 1887 for
the REDUCTION of the CAPITAL of the said
Company from 210,000 to 172,000 was duly
CONFIRMED. And it was Ordered that the word
and Reduced should be altogether dispensed
ZLWK$QGQRWLFHLVKHUHE\DOVRJLYHQWKDWDQ2FH
&RS\RIWKHVDLG2UGHURIWKHUGGD\RI'HFHPber 1887 together with a Minute (approved by the
Court) showing with respect to the capital of the
Company as altered by the said order, the amount
of such Capital the number of shares into which it
is to be divided and the amount of each share was
on the 29th day of December 1887 registed with the
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December 1887.
BIRCHAM & Co. of 50 Old Broad Street
London, E.C.
Solicitors for the said Company.