The Dying Detective

Arthur Conan Doyle The detective Sherlock Holmes was seriously ill. He wanted to meet his assistant Watson. He asked his landlady to get him. Watson was surprised to see the condition of his master.

Was Watson able to save his master? Read on to know more about the underlying story behind Holmes’ sickness. “If I am to have a doctor,” said he, “let me at least have someone in whom I have confidence.” “Then you have none in me?” “In your friendship, certainly. But facts are facts, Watson.

You are a general practitioner, not a specialist of this disease.” “If so, let me bring Sir Japer Meek or Penrose Fisher, or any other best man in London.” “How ignorant you are! Watson!” he said with a groan . “What do you know about Tarpaunli fever or the black Formosa plague ?” “I have never heard of them,” I admitted. “There are many problems of the disease in the East.

I have learnt that much during my recent researches. And during this course I caught this illness,” he said. “I will bring Dr. Ainstree then,” I said going towards the door.

Never have I had such a shock when the dying man bolted the door and locked it, shouted in an uncontrolled way and in a moment he was back in his bed. “You won’t have the key by force from me Watson. Be here till o’clock. It is four now”.

“This is madness, Holmes,” I said. “Only two hours, Watson. Then you can get a doctor of my choice. You can c.

What was the condition of Holmes when Watson saw him? d. What according to Holmes was the disease he was suffering from? read some books, over there.

At six we will talk again.” Unable to settle down to reading, I walked slowly round and round, looking at the pictures. Finally I came to the mantle piece , where among other things I saw a small black and white ivory box with sliding lid. As I held it in my hand to examine it, I heard a dreadful cry. “Put it down!

Down at once, Watson,” he said, “I hate to have my things touched. Sit down man, and let me have my rest!” Then I sat in silent dejection until the stipulated time had passed. “Now Watson,” he said, “Have you any change?” “Yes,” I replied. “How many half-crowns ?

Put them in your watch – pocket. And all the rest in your trouser pocket. You will light the gas lamp, but it must be half on. You will have the kindness to place some letters and paper on the table within my reach.

Now place the ivory box on the table within my reach. Slide the lid a bit with tongs . Put the tongs on the table. Good!

Now you can go and fetch Mr. Culverton Smith, of Lower Burke Street’’. I was hesitant to leave him now. He was delirious .

“I have never heard of the name,’’ I said. “Well, he is the man who has the knowledge of this disease but he is not a medical man. He is a planter. He lives in Sumatra, now visiting London.

I didn’t want you to go before six, because you wouldn’t have found him in his study. I hope you will be able to persuade him to come. You will tell him exactly how you have left me.” He said, “You must tell him that I’m dying – plead with him, Watson.” “I’ll bring him in a cab,’’ I said. “No.

You will persuade him to come and return before him. Make any excuse.