Adventure five in his last Bow by Sir, Arthur Conan Doyle, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Adventure 5. The adventure of the dying Detective? Mrs. Hudson the landlady of Sherlock Holmes was a long-suffering woman, Not only was her first floor, flat invaded at all hours by throngs of singular and often undesirable characters. But her remarkable lodger showed an eccentricity and irregularity in his life which must have sorely.
Tried her patience, his incredible untidiness, his addiction to music at strange hours. His occasional revolver practice within doors, his weird and Often malodorous scientific experiments and the atmosphere of violence and danger which hung around him made him, the very worst tenant in London. On the other hand, his payments
were princely. I have no doubt that the house might have been purchased at the price, which Holmes, paid for his rooms during the years that I was with him, the landlady stood in the deepest or of him and never dared to interfere with him. However, outrageous, his proceedings might seem She was fond of him too, for he had a remarkable gentleness and courtesy in his dealings with women. He disliked and distrusted the sex but he was always a chivalrous opponent knowing how
genuine was her regard for him. I listened earnestly to her story when she came to my rooms in the second year of my married life and told me of the sad condition to which my poor friend was reduced. He's dying. Dr. Watson said she forth. Days. He's been sinking and I doubt if he will last the day he would not. Let me get a doctor this
morning. When I saw his bones sticking out of his face and his great bright eyes looking at me, I could stand no more of it with your leave or without it. Mr. Holmes, I'm going for a doctor. This very hour said, I let it be Watson. Then said he I wouldn't waste an hour and coming to him sir or you may not see him alive. I was horrified for I'd heard nothing of his illness. I need not say that I rushed for my coat and my hat. As we drove back I asked for the
details. There is little I can tell you sir, he has been working at a case down at rather highs in an alley near the river. And he's brought this illness back with him. He took to his bed on Wednesday afternoon and has never moved sins for these three days. Neither food, nor drink has passed his lips. Good God, why did you not call him a doctor? He wouldn't have it sir, you know how?
Masterful years, I didn't dare to disobey him but he's not long for this world as See, for yourself the moment that you set eyes on him. He was indeed a deplorable spectacle in the dim light of a foggy. November day, the sick room was a gloomy spot but it was that gaunt wasted face staring at me from the bed which sent a chill to my heart. His eyes had the brightness of
fever. There was a hectic flush upon either cheek and dark trusts clung to his lips, the thin hands upon the coverlet switched. Incessantly his voice was croaking and spasmodic, Listlessly, as I entered the room but the sight of me brought a gleam of recognition to his eyes. Well Watson, we seem to have fallen upon evil days said he in a feeble voice but was something of his old carelessness of manner. My dear fellow, I cried approaching him stand back. Stand right back.
Said he with the sharp imperiousness, which I'd Associated only with moments of Crisis. If you approach me. Watson, I shall order you out of the house, but why? Because it is my desire. Is that not enough? Yes, mrs. Hudson was, right? He was more masterful than ever. It was pitiful. However, to see his exhaustion. I only wish to help, I explained exactly, you will help best by doing what you are told. Certainly homes. He relaxed the austerity of his manner.
You are not angry. He asked gasping for breath, poor devil, how could I be angry when I saw him lying in such a plight before me? It's for your own sake Watson. He, croaked, for my sake. I know what is the matter with me. It is a coolie disease from Sumatra, a thing that the Dutch know more about. And we though they may have made little of it up to date. One thing only is certain it is in fact. Lovely deadly and it is horribly contagious.
He spoke now with a feverish energy, the long hands, twitching and jerking. As he motioned me away Contagious by touch Watson. That's it by touch. Keep your distance. And all is well, good Heavens Holmes. Do you suppose that such a consideration ways with me of an instant? It would not affect me in the case of a stranger. Do you imagine it would have prevent me from doing my duty to so older friend. Again, I Advanced, but he repulsed me with a look of furious anger.
If you will stand there, I will talk. If you do not, you must leave the room. I have so deeper respect for the extraordinary qualities of homes, that I've always deferred to his wishes even when I least understood them. But now all my professional instincts were aroused, let him be my master elsewhere. I at least was his in a sickroom. Holmes said I you are not yourself a sick, man is but a child. And so I will treat you whether you like it or not. I will examine your symptoms and
treat you for them. He looked at me with venomous eyes. If I am to have a doctor, whether I will or not. Let me at least. Have someone in whom I have confidence said, he and you have non in me in your friendship, certainly, but facts are facts, Watson. And after all, you're only a general practitioner was very limited experience and mediocre qualifications. It is painful to have to say these things, but you leave me, no choice.
I was bitterly hurt. Such a remark is Unworthy of you homes and shows me very clearly the state of your own nerves. But you have no confidence in me. I would not intrude my services. Let me bring Sir, Jasper, Meek or Penrose Fisher more any of the best men in London, but someone you must have and that is final. If you think that I'm going to stand here and see you die without either helping you myself or bringing anyone else to help you, then you've mistaken Your Man.
You mean, well, Watson said the sick man was something between a sob and the grown shall I demonstrate your own ignorance. What do you know, pray of Tapper? Newly fever? What do you know of the black Formosa corruption? I've never heard of either. There are many problems of disease.
Many strange pathological possibilities in the East Watson. He paused, after each sentence to collect his failing strength, I have learned so much during some recent researches, which have a medeco criminal aspect, it was in the course of them that I contracted this complaint. You can do nothing, possibly not, but I happen to know that dr. Ames tree. The greatest living Authority upon tropical disease is now in London or remonstrance is useless homes. I am going this instant to fetch
him. I turned resolutely to the door. Never have I had such a shock in an instant with a tiger spring, the dying man, had intercepted me, I heard the sharp snap of a twisted key. The next moment he had staggered back to his bed exhausted and panting. After his one tremendous out flame of energy, You won't take the key from me by force Watson. I've got you my friend here you are, and here you will stay until I will otherwise. But I'll humor, you all this in little gasps with terrible
struggles for breath between. You've only my own good at Heart. Of course, I know that very well you shall have your way, but give me time to get my strength. Not now. Watson not now It's 4:00 that's six. You couldn't go. This is insanity homes. Only two hours, Watson. I promise you. We'll go at six. Are you content to wait? I seem to have no choice Nan in the world Watson. Thank you. I need no help in. Arranging the clothes. You will. Please keep your distance.
Now Watson there is one other Condition that I would make you will seek help not from the menu mention. But from the one that I choose, by all means, the first three sensible words that you have uttered since you entered this room Watson, you will find some books over there. I had somewhat exhausted, I wonder how a battery feels when it pulls electricity into a nonconductor. At 6 Watson, we resume our conversation.
But it was destined to be resumed long before that hour, and in circumstances, which give me a shock hardly second to that caused by his spring to the door. I had stood for some minutes looking at the silent figure in the bed. His face was almost covered by the clothes and he appeared to be asleep. Then unable to settle down to reading. I walked slowly round, the room examining the pictures of celebrated criminals with which every wall was adorned.
Finally, in my aimless perambulation, I came to the mantelpiece. A litter of pipes, tobacco pouches syringes penknives revolver cartridges and other debris was scattered over it. In the midst of these was a small black and white Ivory box with a sliding lid. It was a neat little thing and I had stretched out my hand to examine it more closely when it was a dreadful cry that he gave. L, which might have been heard down the street. My skin went cold and my hair bristled at that.
Horrible scream. As I turned, I caught a glimpse of a convalesced face and frantic eyes. I stood paralyzed with a little box in my hand. Put it down, down this instant Watson. This instant, I pray His head sank back upon the pillow and he gave a deep sigh of relief. As I replaced the Box upon the mantelpiece, I hate to have my things touched Watson, you know, that I hated you fidget me Beyond endurance, you were dr. You are enough to drive a patient into an asylum, sit
down, man. And let me have my rest. The incident left a most unpleasant impression upon my mind, the violent and cause less excitement followed by this brutality of speech. So far removed from his usual. Suavity showed me how deep was the disorganization of his mind of all ruins. That of a noble mind is the most deplorable. I sat in silent dejection until
the stipulated time had passed. He seemed to have been watching the clock as well as I for it was At least six before he began to talk with the same feverish animation as before. Now Watson said he have you any change in your pocket? Yes. Any silver, a good deal. How many half-crowns I have 50 to few too few, how very unfortunate Watson. However, such as they are, you can put them in your watch pocket and all the rest of your money. Me in your left trouser pocket.
Thank you. It will balance you so much better like that. This was raving Insanity, he shuddered and again, made a sound between a cough and a Saab who will now light the gas Watson but you'll be very careful that not for one instant shall it? Be more than half on, I implore you to be careful. Watson. Thank you. That is excellent. No you need. Not draw the blind. Now, you will have the kindness to play some letters and papers upon this table within my reach.
Thank you. Now some of that litter from the mantelpiece. Excellent Watson. There's a sugar tongs there. Kindly raise that small Ivory box with its assistance place it here among the papers good. You can now go and fetch mr. Culvert and Smith of 13 lower Bourke Street. To tell the truth. My desire to fetch a doctor. Had somewhat weakened for Paul Holmes were, so obviously Delirious that it seemed dangerous to leave him. However, he was as eager.
Now, to consult the person named as he had been obstinate in refusing, I never heard the name said, I possibly not my good Watson. It may surprise you to know that the man upon Earth who is best versed in this disease. Is not a medical man. But a planter mr. Calverton Smith is a well-known resident of Sumatra. Now, visiting London, an outbreak of the disease upon his Plantation, which was distant from Medical Aid. Caused him to study, it himself with some rather far-reaching
consequences. He's a very methodical person and I did not desire you to start before six because I was well aware that you would not find him in his Study.
If you could persuade him to come here and give us the benefit of his unique experience of this disease, the investigation of which has been his dearest hobby, I cannot doubt that he could help me. I gave Holmes had remarked as a consecutive whole and will not attempt to indicate how they were interrupted by gasping for breath, and those clutching zuv his hands, which indicated, the pain from which he was
suffering. His appearance had changed for the worse during the few hours that I had been with him. Those hectic spots were more pronounced. The eyes Shone more brightly, out of Darker Hollows, and a cold, sweat glimmered upon his brow. He still retained her. The jaunty gallantry of his speech to the last gasp, you would always be the master. You will tell him exactly how you've left me said he, you will convey the very impression, which is in your own mind.
A dying, man. A dying and Delirious man. Indeed. I cannot think why the whole bed of the ocean is not one solid mass of oysters. So prolific, the creatures seemed I'm wondering strange how the brain controls the brain. What was I saying, Watson? My directions for mr. Calverton Smith. Ah, yes, I remember my life depends upon it, plead with him Watson. There is no good feeling between us his nephew Watson. I had suspicions of Foul Play and I allowed him to see it. The boy died horribly.
He has a grudge against me, you will soften him. Watson beg him, pray him. Get him here by any Means he can save me. Only he I will bring him in a cab. If I have to carry him down to it, you will do nothing of the sort, you will persuade him to come, and then you will return in front of him. Make any excuse? So, as not to come with him, don't forget what's and you won't fail me. You never did fail me. No doubt. There are natural enemies which limit the increase of the
creatures. You and I And we have done our part shall the world then. Be overrun by oysters. No, no horrible! You convey all that is in your mind. I left him full of the image of This Magnificent intellect babbling. Like a foolish child. He had handed me the key. And with a happy thought I took it with me, lest he should lock himself in mrs. Hudson was waiting. Trembling and weeping in the passage behind me as I passed from the flat. I heard homes is high thin voice
in some Delirious chant below. As I stood whistling for a cab. A man came on me through the fog. How is mr. Holmes sir he asked he was an old acquaintance inspector Morton of Scotland Yard dressed in unofficial Tweeds. He's very ill. I answered he looked at me in a most singular fashion had it not been to fiendish. I could have imagined that The Gleam of the fanlight showed exultation in his face.
I heard some rumor of it said he the cab had driven up and I left him lower Bourke, Street proved to be a lie. In a fine houses lying in the vague Borderland between Notting Hill and Kensington the particular one, which my cabin pulled up. Had an air of smog and demure, respectability in its old-fashioned iron railings, its massive folding door and it's shining brass work.
All was in keeping with a solemn Butler who appeared framed in the pink Radiance of a tinted electrical light behind him. Yes mr. Calvert and Smith is in dr. Watson, very good sir, I'll take up your card, my humble name, and title did not appear to impress mr. Culvert and Smith through the half-open door, I heard a high petulant penetrating Voice. Who is this person? What does he want? Debbie Staples. How often have I said that? I'm not to be disturbed in my
hours of study. They came a gentle flow of soothing explanations from the butler. Well I won't see him Staples. I can't have my work interrupted like this. I'm not at home say so tell him to come in the morning. If you really must see me again, the gentle murmur. Well well give him that message. He can come in the morning or he can stay away my work. Must not be hindered I thought of homes tossing upon his bed of sickness and counting the minutes. Perhaps until I could bring help to him.
It was not a time to stand upon ceremony his life depended upon my promptness. Before the apologetic Butler, had delivered his message, I had pushed past him and was in the room with a shrill Cry of anger. A man rose from a reclining, chair beside the fire. I saw a great yellow face cause Us grained and greasy with heavy, double chin and to Sullen menacing gray eyes, which glared at me, from under tufted and
Sandy browse a high. Bald head had a small velvet smoking cap poised coquettishly upon one side of its pink curve. The skull was of enormous capacity. And yet, as I looked down, I saw to my amazement at the figure of the man was small and frail Twisted in the shoulders and back like one who has suffered from Ricketts in his childhood, what's this? He cried in a high screen voice. What is the meaning of this intrusion? Didn't I send you word that? I would see you tomorrow
morning. I am sorry said I but the matter cannot be delayed mr. Sherlock Holmes, The Mention Of my friend's name had an extraordinary effect upon the little man but look of anger passed in an instant from his face. His features became tense and alert. Have you come from mr. Holmes, he asked I've just left him. What about homes? How is he? He is desperately ill. That's why I've come the man. Motioned, me to a chair and turned to resume his own as he
did. So I caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror over the mantelpiece, I could have sworn it was set in a malicious and abominable smile. Yet, I persuaded myself that it must have been some nervous contraction which I A prized for he turned to me an instant later with genuine concern upon his features. I absolutely to hear this said, he, I only know, mr.
Holmes, through some business dealings, which we've had, but I have every respect for his talents and his character, he's an amateur of crime as I am of disease for him. The villain for me the microbe. There are like prisons, he continued pointing to a row of bottles and jars which stood Good upon a side table among those gelatin cultivations, some of the very worst offenders in the world are now doing time it was on account of your special knowledge. That mr. Holmes desired to see you.
He has a high opinion of you and thought you were the one man in London who could help him the little man started and the jaunty. Smoking cap. Slid to the floor. Why he asked why should mr. Holmes, think that I could help him in his Trouble because of your knowledge of Eastern diseases. Why should he think that this disease, which he has contracted is Eastern because in some professional inquiry has been working among Chinese Sailors. Down in the docks.
Mr. Calvert and Smith smiled pleasantly and picked up his smoking cap. Oh, that's it. Is it said he, I trust the matter is not so grave as you suppose. How long has he been ill? About three days. Is he Delirious occasionally Tut Tut? This sounds serious. It would be inhuman not to answer his call. I very much resent any Interruption to my work, dr. Watson, but this case is certainly exceptional. I will come with you at once. I remembered homes is
injunction. I have another appointment said, I very good. I'll go alone. I have a note of mr. Holmes has address, you can rely upon my being there within half an hour. At most it was with a sinking heart that I re-entered homes as bedroom for all that. I knew the worst might have happened in my absence to my enormous relief. He had improved greatly in the interval. His appearance was as ghastly as ever, but all trace of delirium had Tim and he spoke in a feeble voice.
It is true, but with even more than his usual, crispness, and lucidity, well, did you see him Watson? Yes, he is coming admirable, Watson admirable. You are the best of Messengers. He wished to return with me that would never do Watson. That would be obviously impossible, and did he ask? What ailed me, I told him about the Chinese in the East End. Exactly. Well Watson. You've done all the good friend could you can now disappear from the scene. I must wait and hear his opinion homes.
Of course you must but I have reasons to suppose that this opinion would be very much more Frank and valuable. If he imagines that we are alone, there is just room behind the head of my bed Watson. My dear Holmes I fear there is no alternative Watson. The room does not lend itself to concealment which is as well as it is. The less likely to arouse suspicion but just their Watson. I fancy that it could be done. Suddenly he sat up with a rigid intentness upon his Haggard face.
There are the wheels Watson quick man. If you love me and don't budge, whatever happens. Whatever happens. Do you hear? Don't speak, don't move. Just listen with all your ears. Then in an instant his sudden access of strength. Departed and is masterful. Purposeful talk, droned away into the low vague. Murmurings of a semi Delirious man. From The Hiding Place into, which I had been so swiftly hustled.
I heard the foot falls upon the stair with the opening and the closing of the bedroom door, then to my surprise. I came a long silence broken, only by the heavy breathing's and gasping zuv the sick, man. I could imagine that our visitor was standing by the bedside and looking down at the sufferer at last. That strange hush was broken. Hooves. He cried Holmes in the insistent tone of one who awakens a sleeper? Can't you hear me? Holmes. There was a rustling as if I had shaken.
The sick man, roughly by the shoulder. Is that you mr. Smith Holmes, whispered I hardly dared hope that you would come the other laughed. I should imagine not. He said, and yet you see, I am here, coals of fire homes, coals of fire. It is very good of you. Very Noble of you, I appreciate your special knowledge, our visitor sniggered Hugh do you are fortunately, the only man in London, who does do, you know,
what is the matter with you? The same said, Holmes, ah, you recognize the symptoms, only too. Well, well, I shouldn't be surprised homes, I shouldn't be surprised. If it were the same, a bad look out for you, it is poor. Victor was a dead man on the fourth day, a strong, hearty young fellow. It was certainly as you said very surprising that he should have contracted an out-of-the-way Asiatic.
Aziz in the heart of London, a disease to of which I had made such a very special study singular, coincidence, homes. Very smart of you to notice it but rather uncharitable to suggest that it was cause and effect. I knew that you did it. Oh you did. Did you? Well, you couldn't prove it anyhow. But what do you think of yourself spreading reports about me like that and then crawling
to me for help the moment you're in trouble. what sort of a game is that a I heard the rasping labored breathing of the sick man. Give me the water. He gassed your precious near your end, my friend. But I don't want you to go till I have had a word with you. That's why I give you water. Yeah, don't slop it about. That's right. Can you understand what I say? Holmes groaned. Do what you can for me, let bygones be bygones. He whispered I'll put the words
out of my head. I swear, I will only cure me and I'll forget it. Forget what? Well about, Victor, Savages death, you as good as admitted. You just now that you had done it, I'll forget it. You can forget it all. Remember it just as you like I don't see you in the witness box. Ha quite another shape box. My good homes, I assure you. It matters nothing to me that you should know how my nephew
died. It's not him, we're talking about, it's you yes, yes the fellow who came for me, I've forgotten his name said that you contracted it down in the East End among the sailors. I could only account for it. So you are proud of your brains homes. Are you not think yourself smart, don't you? You came across someone who is smarter this time now, cast your mind back homes, can you think of no other way?
You could have got this thing. I can't think my mind is gone For Heaven's Sake. Help me? Yes, I will help you. I'll help you to understand, just where you are and how you got. I'd like you to know before you die. Give me something to ease. My pain. Painful, is it? Yes, the coolies used to do some squealing towards the end. Takes you as cramp, I fancy, yes, yes, it is cramp. Well, you can hear what I say. Anyhow, listen now. Can you remember any unusual
incident in your life? Just about the time, your symptoms began? No, no, nothing. Think again, I'm too ill to think. Well then I'll help you did anything come by post by post a box by chance. I'm fainting. I'm, I'm gone. Listen homes. There was a sound as if he was shaking the dying man and it was all that I could do to hold myself quiet in my hide. Place you must hear me. You shall hear me? Do you remember a box and ivory box? It came on Wednesday. You opened it.
Do you remember? Yes, yes, I opened it. There was a sharp spring inside it. Some joke. It was no joke. As you will find to your cost, you fool. You would have had it and you've got it. Who asked you to cross my path? If you'd left me alone, I would not have hurt you. I remember homes, gasp the spring, it drew blood, this box, this on the table, the very one by George and it may as well leave the room in my pocket.
There goes your last shred of evidence, but you have the truth now homes and you can die with the knowledge that I killed you. You knew too much of the To Victor Savage. So I've sent you to share it. You're very near your end homes. I'll sit here and I'll watch you die. Owns his voice had sunk to an almost inaudible whisper. What is that it Smith turn up the gas, the Shadows Begin to
Fall, do they? Yes I'll turn it up that I may see you the better he crossed the room and the light suddenly brightened. Is there any other little service that I can do you my friend? A match in the cigarette. I nearly called out in my joy and my amazement, he was speaking in his natural voice, a little weak perhaps but the very voice I knew it was a long pause and I felt that Culvert and Smith was standing in silent amazement looking down at His companion.
What's the meaning of this? I heard him say at last in a dry rasping tone. The best way of successfully acting a part is to be it said, Holmes, I give you my word that for three days. I have tasted neither food nor drink until you were good enough to pour me out that glass of water, but it is the tobacco, which I find most irksome. Ah, here are some cigarettes I heard the Striking of a match That is very much better. Hello. Hello. Do I hear the step of a friend?
There were foot falls outside the door opened and inspector Morton appeared, all is in order and this is your man said, Holmes, the officer gave the usual. Cautions I arrest you on the charge of the murder of one, Victor Savage, he concluded and you might had of the attempted murder of one Sherlock, Holmes. Remarked my friend with a chuckle to save an invalid trouble. Inspector mr. Calvert and It was good enough to give our signal by turning up the gas.
By the way, the prisoner has a small box in the right-hand pocket of his coat which it would be as well to remove. Thank you. I would handle it gingerly. If I were you put it down here it may play a part in the trial. There was a sudden rush and a scuffle followed by The Clash of iron and a cry of pain. You'll only get yourself hurt said the inspector stand still with you there. Was a clicking of the closing. Handcuffs a nice trap, cried,
the high snarling voice. It'll bring you into the dock homes. Not me. He asked me to come here to kill him. I was sorry for him and I came now, he will pretend no doubt that I have said anything, which he may invent, which will corroborate his insane. Suspicions, you can lie as you like mr. Holmes, my word is always as good as yours. Good Heavens. Cried Holmes. I had totally forgotten him. My dear Watson, I owe you a thousand. Apologies to think that I should have overlooked.
You, I need not introduce you to mr. Calvert and Smith, since I understand that you met somewhat earlier in the evening, have used the cab below. I will follow you. When I am dressed for, I may be of some use at the station. I never needed it. More said, Holmes as he refreshed himself with a glass of Claret and some biscuits in the intervals of his toilet. However, as you know, my habits are irregular and such a feat means less to me than to most men.
It was very essential that I should impress mrs. Hudson with the reality of my condition since she was to convey it to you and you in turn to him. You won't be offended Watson, you will realize that among your many talents dissimulation finds. No place and that. If you had shared my secret, you would never have been able to impress Smith with the Urgent necessity of his presence, which was the vital point of the whole scheme knowing his vindictive nature.
I was perfectly certain that he would come to look upon his handiwork. But your appearance homes, your ghastly face, three days of absolute fast does not improve one's Beauty. Watson. For the rest, there is nothing which a sponge may not cure with Vaseline upon one's forehead. Belladonna in one's eyes, a Rouge over the cheekbones and crusts of beeswax, round ones lips a very satisfying effect. Can be produced malingering as a subject upon, which I have sometimes thought of writing a
monograph. A little occasional talk about half crowns oysters or any other extraneous subject, producers of pleasing, effect of delirium. But why would you not? Let me near you since there wasn't truth? No infection. Can you ask my dear Watson? Do we imagine that? I have no respect for your medical talents. Could I fancy that you're astute judgment would pass a dying man. Who however weak had no rise of pulse or temperature at four yards. I could deceive you if I failed to do.
So who would bring mr. Smith within my grasp. No Watson. I would not touch that box. You can just see if you look at it sideways. Where the shop spring like a Viper's tooth emerges as you open it I daresay it was by some such device that poor Savage who stood between this monster and a reversion was done to death my correspondence. However is as you know, a varied one and I am somewhat upon my guard against any packages, which reach me, it was clear to me.
However, but by pretending that he had really succeeded in his design, I might surprise a confession. That's pretense. I have carried out with the thoroughness of the true artist. Thank you Watson, you must help me on with my coat when we have finished at the police station. I think that something nutritious at Simpsons would not be out of place. End of the adventure of the dying. Detective? End of the adventure of the dying. Detective?