home, say so.” I pushed past the butler and entered the room. I saw a frail man with bald head sitting. “I am sorry,” I said, “but the matter cannot be delayed. Mr.
Sherlock Holmes………….” The mere mention of his name had a different effect on the man. “Have you come from Holmes? How is he?” he asked. “He is very ill.
That is why I have come. Mr. Holmes has a high opinion of you and thought you are the only man in London who can help him.” The little man was startled . “Why?” he asked.
“Because of your knowledge of the Eastern diseases,” I replied. “How did he get it?” he asked. I told him everything. He smiled and agreed to come.
Pretending that I had some other appointment. I left him. With a sinking heart I reached Holmes’ room. I told him that Mr.
Smith was coming. “Well done! Watson!” he said. “You have done everything that a good friend could do.
Now you disappear to the next room. And don’t speak, or come here.” 10th - - I heard the footsteps. I heard a voice say, “Holmes! Holmes!
Can you hear me?” “Is that you Mr. Smith?” Holmes whispered. “You know what is wrong with me. You are the only one in London who can cure me.” “Do you know the symptoms?” asked Smith.
“Only too well, Mr. Smith,” and he described the symptoms. “They are the same, Holmes,” Smith said, “Poor Victor was a dead man on the fourth day -a strong and healthy young man. What a coincidence indeed!” “I know that you did it,” said Holmes.
“Well, you can’t prove it.” “Give me water, please,” Holmes groaned. “Here.” I heard Smith’s voice. “Cure me, please. Well, about Victor Savage’s death.
You did it. I’ll forget everything, but cure me. I’ll forget about it.” “You can forget or remember, just as you like. It doesn’t matter to me how my nephew died.
Watson said you got it from the Chinese sailors. Could there be any other reason?” “I can’t think.