Special points of interest: Volume 1, Issue 1 • Was Holmes hoodwinked in The Abbey Grange? Spring, 2007 • , master blackmailer? • Is that the ‘long suffering landlady’ in ? • Questions about a dying detective • Oberstein was certainly a considerate spy

Starrett’s The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes As I launch a newsletter tales, in all, comprise the saga dedicated to Sherlockian of Sherlock Holmes, and commentary, I feel com- Dorr Steele has illustrated pelled to mention what, for twenty-nine. While he yet me, is the flag bearer in the lives and loves and lifts his field, its standard proudly pencil, will he not do the planted in the forefront of other thirty-one?” writings about the Sacred Writings. Starrett writes intelligently, eloquently and amicably, but I think that Marvin Kaye’s never condescendingly. The Game is Afoot was the first Scholarly Sherlockiana can book I purchased that con- often be unapproachable. tained essays about Holmes. Starrett bridges the gap be- But it was Otto Penzler’s tween writer and reader more Sherlock Holmes Reference smoothly than the “so many Library series that really who have written so much turned on the light bulb for for so few.”

me. I still nurture a faint hope that Mr. Penzler will The Evolution of a Profile is a This is the second-longest some day add more volumes. wonderful essay that was the book in the SH Reference standard on the subject until Library (trailing only the Star- Walter Klinefelter’s Sherlock For me, Vincent Starret’s The rett-edited 221B: Studies in Holmes in Portrait and Profile. Private Life of Sherlock Holmes Sherlock) but there is no sense stands out as the best of the that it is padded with filler. It bunch. I leaf through it time Speaking of Frederic Dorr is the real deal, from start to and time again. Steele, Starrett opines, “Sixty finish.

From the Roll Top Keyboard The Cases The Abbey Grange 2 In our computer age, the commentary and speculation image of a writer sitting at an by me (Bob Byrne). Most Charles Augustus Milverton 4 old roll top desk and scrib- entries will address Arthur bling away furiously as the Conan Doyle’s original sto- His Last Bow 7 muse speaks seems like a ries, with occasional articles quaint anachronism. How- on non-Canonical Holmes- Black Peter 8 ever, that spirit still appeals related elements. The Dying Detective 9 to many, thus the title of what would normally be a The Bruce Partington Plans 9 ’From The Editor’ column. While non-Canonical views will be expressed, they are The Second Stain 10 not intended to offend and Baker Street Essays is a news- should be viewed as explora- Wisteria Lodge 12 letter containing Sherlockian tions in Sherlock Holmes. THE CANON EXAMINED EXAMINED CANON THE Street Essays Baker Page 2 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding The Abbey Grange (ABBE)

The Fifth Time? Later, Holmes gives Croker a Then, Sir Eustace saw the un- In The Five Orange Pips, Holmes chance to flee ahead of the po- mistakable signs of infidelity. says “I have been beaten four lice, but the man refuses to Cheating women could certainly times - three times by men, and abandon his love. This had been be indiscreet. Charles Augustus once by a woman.” Might not a test by Holmes, which Croker Milverton made his living off The Adventure of the Abbey Grange passed. Holmes provides no them. Finally, Sir Eustace, sus- provide us the opportunity to more assistance to Stanley Hop- pecting that the man who was add one to that count? kins and leaves Croker to do his cuckolding his wife was in his best to very house, rushed into the remain a study to confront the lovers. The facts as free man Naturally, he first turned his Holmes and attention towards his wife, the accepts attempt very woman he provided for and them in this to build in return was betrayed by. This case: Sir a future gave Croker the opportunity to Eustace with grab the fireplace poker and Brackenstall Fraser. strike down Sir Eustace. The is presented two lovers were stunned at what as an abu- Was they had done and turned to the sive hus- nearby wine to steady their band when Holmes duped? nerves. Theresa Wright entered drinking. the room and ever loyal to her Lady Brack- Could not the mistress, threw in her lot with enstall (real the pair. name, Mary “facts” be “Only Sir Eustace’s Fraser) had met First looked Events then transpired as annoying habit of Officer Jack Croker on a voyage at with Holmes believed. That is one being alive stands in from her native Australia to different motives, leading to an scenario. There is a similar but the way of their being England. He fell in love with her alternate conclusion? What more cunning version of events but received only friendship for reader, familiar with today’s as well. together and also of television dramas (or even the her part. Mary then met Sir Eus- being very rich.” tace, was courted and married Columbo episodes of the nine- the wealthy baronet. Croker later teen seventies), can’t envision a Croker and Mary are lovers, as learned from Mary’s maid, different story? postulated above. The affair Theresa Wright, that Eustace continued even after she married treated his love poorly. Sir Eustace. However, they feel Suppose that Mary and Croker constricted by the need for se- had an affair on the ship? Casual crecy and resent their time apart. Croker familiarized himself with sex was certainly frowned upon Mary, now Lady Brackenstall, is the household and knocked on in Victorian England, but nei- likely the principal heir to the the study French door one cold ther was married or engaged, so significant Brackenstall fortune. night. Mary let him in. Sir Eus- there was no scandalous adul- Only Sir Eustace’s annoying tace entered the room in a rage, tery. However, they continued habit of being alive stands in the insulting his wife and striking with the affair, even as Mary way of their being together and her in the face with a stick. He pledged her affections to Sir also of being very rich. The di- turned on Croker, who defended Eustace Brackenstall. How many vorce laws of the day are no himself with a fireplace poker romantic assignations did they help. have? Did Mary’s attitude to- and killed Brackenstall. Croker, Mary and Theresa conspired to wards her husband turn colder? make the affair look like a bur- Like Jim Browner in The Card- If they can kill Sir Eustace and glary, which fooled the police, board Box, did Sir Eustace in- make it appear that it was an but not Holmes. crease his drinking, the state of accident, or completely shift the his marriage further deteriorat- blame away from Mary, their ing? happiness would be assured Page 3 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding The Abbey Grange (ABBE) cont.

(keep in mind, nobody except These scenarios are plausible Fact: Lady Brackenstall knew Theresa Wright knows about and only conflict with the story that the law offered her no es- Croker at this point). Croker is as presented in that they assume cape or redress. presently residing in Sidenham Croker, Mary and Theresa lied. Supposition: It is more likely and learns of a gang that re- Well, Holmes assumed that him- that she let the man in as part of cently committed a robbery self, so that isn’t such a stretch. a plot against her husband than there. The gang makes a perfect it is for Sir Eustace to have scapegoat. One evening, Mary somehow discovered their pres- secretly lets Croker into the Fact: Lady Brackenstall secretly let a man into her home late at ence and gotten himself killed house. She calls out to her hus- while confronting them. band, who enters the room. night; Croker smashes him in the head, Fact: That man was in love with killing Sir Eustace. Again, from her; Watson waxed eloquently about this point on, events proceed as Fact: That man was willing to the former Mary Fraser: Holmes believes they did, sacrifice his own life for her; Lady Brackenstall was no Theresa planting the dead man’s Fact: Lady Brackenstall was un- ordinary person. Seldom have I cudgel on him the only notable seen so graceful a figure, so variation. Holmes even tells happy with her marriage (by her own admission); womanly a presence and so Croker that he should wait a beautiful a face. year and then pursue Mary Fra- ser’s affections. He falls right into their plan! Holmes and Watson decreed themselves a two man judge and jury and found Croker not In both of these scenarios, Sir guilty. Were they fooled by a Eustace can either be a black- woman with a beautiful face and guard or an adequate husband likely at least a modicum of cun- (Hopkins’ description of the ning? man seems to preclude him be- ing of stellar character): it mat- ters not. The lovers want him Nolo contendere. dead so that they can be to- gether and his fitness as a hus- band is irrelevant.

To the left is an illustration by Joseph Simpson for the first appearance of The Red Circle in The Strand.

To the right is a picture of Arthur Wontner, star of five Sherlock Holmes films in the nineteen thirties.

Wontner’s chin was not quite so squared as the one drawn by Simpson, but the similarities are striking, espe- cially when considering that Simpson’s drawing appeared over twenty years before Wontner made his first Holmes film, The Sleeping Cardinal (retitled The Fatal Hour in the United States). Page 4 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding Charles Augustus Milverton (CHAS)

Don’t Mess With the Man missed as a tragic accident. Gruner’s exacts her revenge by It should come as no surprise throwing acid in his face. that those ne’er do wells who In The Final Problem, the infa- choose to confront Holmes in mous Professor Moriarty comes Coincidence? Possibly, but I his Baker Street lodgings suffer to Baker Street (later setting it distrust coincidence. very unpleasant consequences. on fire!) and tells Holmes that if Charles Augustus Milverton is the detective does not leave him just one villain who pays a steep alone, Moriarty will destroy him. The Master Blackmailer: price for his cheekiness. Holmes even admits to feeling Milverton or Holmes? fear when the Professor con- Holmes tells Watson that Milverton visits Baker Street in fronts him. How does Holmes Milverton is the worst man in an attempt to conduct some solve the problem? He baits London. For someone who business (albeit, illegal and unsa- Moriarty away from London, seemingly knew about every vory business). Holmes and ensuring that the Professor will type of depravity and ruffian in Watson attempt to wrest a note- escape the police net. Then he the city, that is quite a statement. book from him by force. Milver- throws Moriarty off a ledge and Me think he doth protest too ton pulls out a gun and bran- to the base of a waterfall. Talk much. Was Holmes really so dishes it at the two men, making about taking matters into your disgusted by blackmail? Or was it very clear that he will shoot own hands! it Milverton himself that dis- them. Since Watson is holding a pleased him? chair with which he would gladly It can be a very dangerous move bash Milverton, the visitor is for a villain to stop by Baker Holmes informs Watson that he ready to meet force with greater Street to threaten Sherlock intends to burgle Milverton’s force. When Milverton smugly Holmes in person. But Baron house to obtain the documents walks out the door of Baker Gruner learns in The Illustrious so compromising to Lady Eva Street, he is a marked man. He is Client that even home is not safe Brackwell. Watson assumes that soon dead, Holmes and Watson from Holmes. Gruner intimates he will assist, but Holmes tells secretly watching a woman gun that Holmes could suffer a fate him “You are not coming.” him down in his own study. similar to that of the French Watson objects and Holmes Holmes made no move to pre- responds with “You can’t help vent Milverton’s death. For all me.” Watson continues to insist we know, Holmes himself and Holmes, who had “looked brought a gun on his burglary annoyed,” gives in and claps outing and was going to kill Watson on the shoulder, looking Milverton himself. This would to make the best of a bad situa- explain his not wanting Watson tion. But why is it a bad situa- to come along (this is explored tion? in the next section). Threaten to shoot Holmes in his own sitting room and you end up dead very Holmes has already infiltrated soon thereafter. the Milverton household by seducing Agatha, a maid. He must have been quite charming, In The Speckled Band, Grimesby since she became engaged to Roylott confronts Holmes in a him after only a few meetings. memorable Baker Street scene. Having secured the knowledge When he storms out, he has he needed, Holmes was ready to already signed his own death move forward. He intended to warrant. Holmes whips a deadly agent Le Brun, who was beaten sneak into Milverton’s house, snake back towards Roylott. The and crippled by French crimi- kill him, steal all of the incrimi- villain is dead, his own daughter nals. By now we know that nating documents in the office, conspires with Holmes to cover Gruner is trouble. Holmes is and then engage in a second it up and the incident is dis- present when a former lover of profession. Holmes would use Page 5 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding Charles Augustus Milverton (CHAS) cont. the documents to secretly black- awry, or an affair de coure with black silk. Holmes replies that mail the victims, nicely supple- tragic consequences. Watson has a “strong natural menting his income as a consult- ing detective. If the room is empty, Holmes opens the safe and takes the Watson can only report Holmes’ documents as described above. motives as they appear to him. He then makes a noise that Were Holmes not shackled with draws Milverton into the room. Watson’s company, a different He shoots him and stages the story might evolve, such as the scene as above. following: Milverton is dead and no one In addition to his first class, up- knows that Holmes now has all to-date burgling kit, Holmes of the incriminating materials. brings a gun. Perhaps the nickel- He can stretch his blackmailing plated jimmy is accompanied by efforts out across years. With his a nickel-plated revolver. fine reputation in the commu- nity and his seemingly limitless contacts from the seedier side of Holmes knows that the ‘beast of London, he is perfectly situated a dog’ Milverton keeps is locked to ensure that his own role re- turn” for this type of criminal up by Agatha, who is expecting mains unknown in his lucrative preparation. Hmmm… Holmes (code name, Escott) for side business. If any Sherlockian a late-night assignation. Sans can establish a plausible case Once they have gained access to Watson, he gains access to the that the Milverton affair oc- house in the same manner re- Milverton’s study, Holmes sets curred before the Great Hiatus Watson to guard the door. He is counted in the story (removing a (1899 seems to be the most pain of glass and reaching inside now the ‘lookout.’ Caught up in common belief), perhaps the the excitement of their acts, to open the greenhouse door). real enmity between Holmes and “..perhaps the real He silently crosses to a door, Watson writes, “My first feeling Moriarty sprang from the for- enmity between passes through it into another of fear had passed away, and I mer running a criminal enter- thrilled now with a keener zest Holmes and Moriarty room and enters a short passage. prise that should have rightfully He listens carefully at the door, than I had ever enjoyed when sprang from the former belonged to the latter. we were the defenders of the enters and here, events can fol- running a criminal low one of two paths: either law instead of its defilers.” He enterprise that should Milverton is in the room, or it is Keep an Eye on Watson mentions the sporting interest of the adventure and adds “Far have rightfully empty. If Holmes heard more Sherlockians have noted some- than one voice in the room, he from feeling guilty, I rejoiced belonged to the latter.” thing Watson recorded Holmes and exulted in our dangers. With would wait until only Milverton as saying in this case. Just before remained or the room emptied. a glow of admiration I watched showing Watson his burgling kit, Holmes unrolling his case of Holmes says, “You know, Wat- instruments and choosing his If Milverton is in the room, son, I don’t mind confessing to tool…” you that I have always had an Holmes brandishes the gun and then knocks him unconscious. idea that I would have made a He opens the safe and takes all highly efficient criminal. This is This sounds like someone who of the documents he can carry, the chance of a lifetime in that is thoroughly enjoying breaking secreting them about his person direction!” the law. Having experienced the and/or putting them in a pouch But what about Watson? Shortly exhilaration of his naughty act, he brought for that purpose. All after that statement, the doctor could Watson simply go cold that remains is to kill Milverton, tells Holmes that he has rubber- turkey? Or, knowing that the making it appear as if his death soled tennis shoes and that he spark of illicit behavior still was a burglary attempt gone can make a pair of masks out of smoldered in his breast, can we look at other events throughout Page 6 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding Charles Augustus Milverton (CHAS) cont.

the Canon and see perhaps just I cannot imagine a more shock- Holmes explains that he has the faintest possibility that the ing revelation by Holmes. Per- gotten the information he needs; spark was fanned into a flame haps if he admitted to being Jack the ends justifies the means. and prompted Watson to ac- the Ripper (or came back from Watson asks, “But the girl, tion? the dead), but that’s about it. Holmes?”

The Engagement Is Watson stunned, shocked, Is Watson referring to Agatha, Much has been written by many speechless, nearly faint? Nope. or is he asking about the myste- regarding Holmes’ cavalier treat- He starts to congratulate rious lady in Holmes’ life? Either ment of the maid, Agatha, in Holmes. is possible. Holmes turns the becoming engaged to her during conversation to the weather and his burglary plans. Watson, tak- his investigation. The Granada I mean, really! Up is down, day adaptation conveyed, in an un- ing the hint, lets the matter is night, black is white: Sherlock drop. derstated manner, the devastat- Holmes is engaged. And Watson ing impact the deception had on shows not one iota of surprise. I her. would put this forth as the single Watson’s lack of surprise at most improbable incident in the Holmes’ engagement is under- However, I call to your attention entirety of the Canon. Watson’s standable if he thought there Watson’s curious response to response is completely inconsis- was already a woman in Holmes’ the surprising news of Holmes’ tent with the situation. life. If we accept this premise, engagement. ‘But,’ you say, Unless…. then Watson’s subsequent shock ‘Watson wasn’t surprised by when he learns that it is Milver- Holmes’ engagement.’ ton’s maid who Holmes has ...Watson was aware that wooed, rather than this other That is the curious response. Holmes was presently on very woman, is perfectly logical. The exchange reads: close terms with a female.

Though he agrees that the detec- tive is not the marrying kind, Speculation as to who that Holmes: You would not call me Watson’s unsurprising accep- woman could be is fodder for “Watson’s lack of a marrying man, Watson? tance that Holmes is engaged another time and place (though I surprise at Holmes’ Watson: No, indeed! would be explained if there was myself now look at The Abbey engagement is Holmes: You’ll be interested to a woman already in the picture. Grange a bit differently). understandable if he hear that I’m engaged. thought there was Watson: My dear fellow! I con- Then, Watson’s most natural grat- response would be congratula- already a woman in Holmes: To Milverton’s house- tions to Holmes. However, Holmes’ life. maid. Holmes reveals that his intended is Milverton’s housemaid Watson: Good heavens, (Agatha). Now Watson explodes Holmes! with surprise and indignation: Holmes: I wanted information, “Good heavens, Holmes!” The Watson. engagement is to the wrong Watson: Surely you have gone person. too far? Holmes explains that he needed Sherlock Holmes, who evinces information. Watson’s “Surely no interest in romance or rela- you have gone too far?” is not tionships with the female gen- about Agatha. Watson is refer- der, tells Watson, out of the ring to the effect his actions will blue, that he is engaged. have regarding his lady friend and their relationship.

Page 7 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding His Last Bow (LAST)

Martha (Hudson?) Holmes would not call Mrs. Hudson So, What’s That Combination by her first name. Again? Von Bork’s lone remaining ser- Holmes and Watson never refer vant is an elderly woman named to Mrs. Hudson by her first Since Holmes indicates that Von Martha. Vincent Starrett and name. She is either ‘Mrs. Hud- Bork was too clever for the Brit- Edgar Smith, among others, son’ or their landlady. Calling ish government to identify, we assert that this is none other her by her first name in 1914 can assume that he truly was a than the esteemed Mrs. Hudson, seems completely out of charac- master spy. One has to wonder, longtime landlady of 221B Baker ter for Holmes and heavily miti- then, why he would so freely tell Street. They both also believe gates against Martha being Mrs. Altamont the combination to his that the elderly housekeeper Hudson. safe. Von Bork is leaving the employed by Holmes at his Sus- next day and the safe will be sex Down retirement cottage is Mrs. Hudson would not likely refer to empty, but it still seems a bit out Mrs. Hudson. a German spy as a “kind master.” of character for a man who, living a double life, certainly No matter how polite Von Bork kept valuable secrets so well that William Hyder, in The Martha may have been to her, she would others did not even suspect he Myth, points out flaws in these most certainly see him as a vil- had them, let alone what they assertions. Catherine Cooke lain. Unless her feelings for Eng- were. Old habits should die follows up in more detail in the land did not run very deep? Per- hard. Rather convenient for award winning Mrs. Hudson: A ish the thought. Holmes that the German Legend in Her Own Lodging House. (granted, bragging), gives him Both of these articles were pub- the combination. lished in the Baker Street Journal Watson gives no sign that he knows and are well worth reading. Martha. Ignoring the first point above, In telling him the combination, why didn’t Watson make some Von Bork apparently had no Addressing only His Last Bow, I recognition of his former land- suspicions of Altamont. In light believe that the “Martha as Mrs. lady? There is no hint that Wat- of the fact that five of his opera- Hudson” is wishful thinking. son and Martha have met be- tives had been captured since Upon reading the story, I had fore. Surely either Holmes or Altamont started working for four obvious problems with the Watson would have made some him. It can be wise to distrust premise: type of reference to their past coincidences! association and years together. If Martha really were Mrs. Hudson, No More Holmes? why didn’t Holmes identify her as Since His Last Bow is written in such? the third person, it is not certain The story features a reunion of if either Holmes or Watson is Doyle intended His Last Bow to old friends. Wouldn’t Mrs. Hud- the author. Assuming it was be his final Sherlock Holmes son have been included with a Watson (he did definitely write story. It would be seven more reference more intimate than as 56 of the 60 stories in the years before The Illustrious Client just being a servant? There is no Canon), how could he not have appeared. The “east wind” ex- indication at all that Holmes and inserted some typical Watsonian change certainly feels like a Watson lived for years under comment like “It warmed my goodbye scene for the two men, Martha’s roof. What could be heart to see our former landlady with Watson not quite getting it the reason for Holmes to not again assisting Holmes, as she one final time. The dialogue was identify Martha as being the did in the Moran affair,” or “For incorporated into Basil same person as Mrs. Hudson? just a moment, standing with Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes & Because she wasn’t! Sherlock Holmes and our for- The Voice of Terror. mer landlady, I felt as if we had returned to a simpler time.” The evidence weighs against, not for, Martha being Mrs. Hudson. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 8

Some Thoughts Regarding Black Peter (BLAC)

Whither the Missing n’t Hopkins wonder about their them. Did Sherlock Holmes have Securities? location? Why wouldn’t Holmes an ulterior motive regarding the or Watson broach the issue? A missing securities…? Let us look John Neligan’s father had set off thorough search of Black Peter’s at a possibly related curious as- with a tin box full of securities cabin would be in order, likewise pect next. that he had taken from his bank. wherever Patrick Cairns was Black Peter Carey sold some of staying. Did everyone simply the missing securities in Lon- assume that they were lost for- Norway? don. After everything has been ever? The final sentence in The Adven- cleared up, Holmes tells Hop- ture of Black Peter is one of the kins to return the tin box to most intriguing in the entire John Neligan, noting that the A third option that we will not Canon. The case has been securities that Peter Carey had explore further here is that Neli- solved, the murderer has been sold were lost forever. Can this gan senior sold some of the se- cuffed and an innocent man will be taken to imply that the re- curities before encountering shortly be freed. maining securities were in the Peter Carey. Carey sold the re- tin? If they weren’t, wouldn’t mainder; thus, there were no Holmes have commented on securities left in the tin box. Saying farewell to Inspector them as well? And perhaps con- Speculation on this aspect would Hopkins, Holmes utters, “If you tributed something more pro- significantly extend the length of want me for the trial, my address found than explaining that the this entry. and that of Watson will be some- securities already sold are gone? where in Norway – I’ll send par- ticulars later.” So, either the remaining securi- But if the missing securities were ties were in the tin and John in the tin, how would they be- Neligan was going to attempt to Regarding the case as we know come the possession of John restore his father’s name, or: it, there is absolutely no reason Neligan? It would be a strange they weren’t in the tin and no for Holmes and Watson to go to case of law that granted owner- one was overtly interested in Norway. Patrick Cairns reports ship of stolen that Neligan senior was securities to the picked up, alone on his son of their em- boat, by the Sea Uni- bezzler. Should- corn. Since the crew n’t the recovered had set off in the dingy securities be for the Norwegian returned to the coast, we are left with banking firm the impression that they were taken Neligan was adrift. from? Why did Holmes go to But perhaps the Norway? It is ex- missing securi- tremely unlikely that ties weren’t in Neligan ever got there. the tin. Of Since he still had the course, Patrick securities when he was Cairns would be picked up by the Sea thoroughly Unicorn, it appears he grilled about this was still on his way to since he stole whatever activities he the box and set out to do. Did admitted he Holmes deduce some- opened it. In thing no else could addition, would- figure out? VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 9

Some Thoughts Regarding The Dying Detective (DYIN)

Some Ponderings The Dying Detective seems to gen- Holmes erate some questions: has a Didn’t Watson wonder why connip- Holmes waited three days tion fit before summoning Culver- when ton Smith? Did he attribute Watson Holmes’ delay in seeking picks help to his delusional state? up the ivory box Would Watson really stay hid- which den behind the bed if he con- believed Holmes was tained breathing his last? Could the he remain there for poison Holmes’ last few moments ing Inspector Morton then trap. Yet Holmes tells In- of life, or would he spring arrests Culverton Smith. spector Morton to remove out to share a final few What detecting did Holmes the box from Smith’s moments with his friend? really do? pocket. We can assume that Holmes’ “Thank you” Smith is a planter in Indonesian was said in response to Wouldn’t Watson jump up and Morton doing just that. subdue Smith when the Sumatra. Though Smith’s latter took the box that he nephew, Victor Savage, After it has been removed, believed killed Holmes? dies in London, is there a Holmes warns Morton to That is pretty important linkage between the myste- be careful with it. Doesn’t evidence. rious ‘Giant Rat of Suma- this seem reckless of tra’ mentioned in The Sus- Holmes? Based on sex Vampire and Culverton Holmes’ reaction when Couldn’t this be considered Smith? Watson picked it up, surely Holmes’ weakest case? He Morton was endangered by lies in bed and pretends to fishing around in Smith’s be dying. The villain con- Holmes’ ramblings about oys- pocket for the box. siderately comes to him ters are amusing. Perhaps and confesses that he killed he had previously pon- his own nephew. The wait- dered a monograph upon the subject?

Some Thoughts Regarding The Bruce Partington Plans (BRUC)

tor Watson). One can picture Mycroft Depicting Mycroft in BRUC in the black and white outfit of a pen- Arthur Twidle illustrated The Bruce guin, waddling into the room. For me, I Partington Plans for The Strand. He had this image immediately and have drew Mycroft visiting Baker Street, never gotten it out of my head when depicting Holmes and Watson seated reading the story. as the senior Holmes enters, Lestrade

visible behind him. There is a resemblance between this

drawing and Robert Morley, the actor Mycroft looks like nothing so much who portrayed Mycroft in A Study in as a sharp-nosed penguin in this Terror. Morley may be best known as drawing (This is not a critique of playing Katherine Hepburn’s brother in Twidle, whose illustrations are quite The African Queen, though he died early good, especially his depiction of doc- in the film. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 10 Some Thoughts Regarding The Second Stain (SECO)

Spy, Spy, Who’s the Spy? espionage agent. There is a seemingly innocuous statement near the end of The Lucas had obtained an indis- Adventure of the Second Stain that is creet letter written by Lady curiously ignored by Holmes Hilda before she had met and Watson. However, it should her husband (Victorian have been considered of the women seemed to be work- greatest importance. ing overtime writing com- promising letters that kept A refresher of events: A top blackmailers like Charles secret document, a letter written Augustus Milverton and by a foreign ruler (presumably Eduardo Lucas in business). Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II) Convinced that Trelawney contains some injudicious com- Hope would not understand ments that could result in war if the letter and her marriage they are made public. Secretary would be ruined, Lady Hilda three” people in the office knew for European Affairs Trelawney was determined that he not learn about the document? Surely Hope takes the document home, of it. This opens the door for these were individuals holding rather than leave it in the office Lucas to conduct his business. high-ranking positions: why else safe. Apparently he learned He demands that she bring him would they be privy to such a document security principles a certain document in exchange sensitive matter? But even if it from Arthur Holder of Beryl for the letter. were a clerk, there is a spy at the Coronet fame. The document top levels of the Foreign Office disappears from the locked dis- and neither Holmes nor Watson patch box in Hope’s bedroom: Now we get to the crux of mat- appears to bat an eye. Is this Calamity looms. ters: How could Lucas know realistic? Of course not! about this top secret document? Because, as Lady Hilda tells Holmes investigates and con- Holmes, “He had some spy in the Holmes surely found a way to fronts the Secretary’s wife, Lady office who had told him of its exis- inform his brother Mycroft what Hilda. At first denying every- tence.” he had learned. It is uncertain thing, then fully confessing all, whether or not he would have to she explains how she came to shield Lady Hilda from his give the missing document to Goodness, what a bombshell! brother, though that is quite Eduardo Lucas, an international For did not Lord Hope tell possible. Mycroft might deem Holmes that “only two, possibly

Some Thoughts Regarding The Bruce Partington Plans (BRUC) cont.

The Helpful Thief? he has to “prise open” would ments used in communication have been examined a little ear- with his accomplice in crime. Hugo Oberstein seems to be a lier, though... Why in the world would Ober- bit inept as far as master spies stein remove all possible in- go. Holmes, after carefully criminating evidence, but neglect searching Oberstein’s recent Fortunately for Holmes, Ober- this rather damning bit? What lodgings for an hour, has found stein has left a rather complete could possibly be a reasonable nothing. However, the last item record behind by considerately explanation? Outright stupidity Holmes looks at is a tin cash stuffing an envelope with all of would preclude his becoming a box. One would think a box that the agony column advertise- master espionage agent in the VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 11

Some Thoughts Regarding The Second Stain (SECO) cont.

Hope’s professional fitness less- sentence out of his writings. shuffling through them, would- ened because of the dangers Perhaps, embedded in the over- n’t he have carefully laid them all presented by his wife’s possible all story, it slipped past Watson’s out on his desk? He had to have actions. notice and the notice of his edi- thoroughly examined each paper “Isn’t that more likely tors. That seems unlikely, but to make sure the missing letter than Lord Hope being the fact remains that it is there wasn’t somehow mixed in. Regardless, it would border on completely for all to read. But we can take treasonous for Holmes to not solace in knowing that Sherlock incompetent?” take action regarding the duplici- Holmes wouldn’t turn a blind When once you have eliminated tous informer. And surely such a eye to a top level government the impossible, whatever re- staunch patriot as Watson would informer. mains, however improbable, insist that Holmes do some- must be the truth. Well, he thing. One can almost envision looked for letter, it wasn’t there, Watson telling Holmes “For if Was He That Gullible? then later, it was. Someone must you do not, I most certainly It’s impossible to look at this have taken the letter and put it will!” Mycroft is the most logical case without noting Lord Tre- back. Isn’t that more likely than person for Holmes to approach. lawney Hope’s ready acceptance Lord Hope being completely that he had overlooked the letter incompetent? It is reasonable to assume that and it was in the dispatch box Sherlock Holmes did go to his the entire time. Honestly, can we Hope has to suspect that some- brother Mycroft with news of simply accept that? When he one inside the house took and the informer. Mycroft would didn’t find the papers by simply then returned the letter. Holmes have put his well-oiled machina- has assured him that all was well tions into place and taken care without offering any details of of the problem efficiently and the letter’s recovery. Surely effectively with no one the Hope must wonder about his wiser. Watson’s glossing over of wife’s possible complicity. But the matter in his published ac- maybe, with Holmes’ assurance count of The Second Stain makes that the matter is completely sense. He certainly wouldn’t over with and no damage done, want to dwell on such a sensitive Hope is willing to bury his sus- topic. picions of his wife and continue on as if nothing happened. In fact, we are left to wonder This is probably preferable to why he mentioned it at all? He believing that he is rather clue- could just as easily have left that less, as the reader must think from the published account.

Some Thoughts Regarding The Bruce Partington Plans (BRUC) cont. first place, so we will rule that would be exposed, or political out. complications prevented the truth to be told. Watson needed to somehow explain how The only moderately viable one Holmes could bait the thief to that comes to mind is that come to him. So, he fabricated Holmes was actually led to the newspaper clippings, thus Colonel Valentine Walter moving the story forward within through some means that could the limitations he was working not be revealed publicly. Per- under. This seems more likely haps an important personage than Oberstein’s colossal gaffe. Page 12 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding Wisteria Lodge (WIST)

What’s in a Name? on the commons, Murillo could party brutally terminated. True, A few stories in the Canon have not have believed the people this would bring Murillo, as her minor oddities regarding their after him would simply give up employer, to the attention of the names. This is definitely one of because someone was killed in authorities. But he would seem them. It made its first appear- an attempt on the Tiger of San to be at minimal risk. And since ance in the August, 1908 Collier’s Pedro’s life. he was apparently determined to Magazine as The Singular Experi- flee High Gable, his need to remain low profile was at an end ence of Mr. J. Scott Eccles. This is Miss Burnet certainly an unconventional title anyways. among the sixty Holmes stories Murillo and Doyle wrote. Lopez con- sider killing Garcia’s Address the traitorous Murillo’s henchman Lopez also In England, Miss Burnet comes off as not quite as bright titled it A Reminiscence of Mr. Sher- but decide it as he could be. Lopez sneaks up lock Holmes, with the first part of is too dan- and subdues Miss Burnet just as the story appearing in the Sep- gerous to she is finishing writing her note tember, 1908 issue as The Singu- murder her. to Garcia. He and Murillo then lar Experience of Mr. J. Scott Eccles. There is some logic in that. rough her up to get the recipi- The second part followed the However, drugging her and ent’s address. As D. Martin Da- next month, called The Tiger of dragging her along on their es- kin points out, it would have San Pedro. When the story was cape seems rather laborious. made more sense if Lopez had included in omnibus and book They are going to have to kill simply let Burnet address the form, it was re-titled The Adven- her and dispose of the body note and then pounce on her. ture of Wisteria Lodge, which is somewhere along the way. She Perhaps he was a spurned suitor certainly more conventional. has betrayed them and remains a and enjoyed roughing her up. danger to not just their liberty, but to their very lives. The Tiger isn’t That Cunning One of the men must then ad-

Watson states that Don Murillo dress the note. Holmes points was “as cunning as he was Obviously, she is a threat if she out that the address is written cruel.” However, there are a few escapes: which she does! She thicker and bolder than the note aspects of Murillo’s actions that then reveals all to Holmes and itself. Did Garcia notice this? If leave one wondering how he Baynes. So, keeping her alive so, did he take any additional avoided his hunters for so long. and taking her along doesn’t precautions? If he did, they were While he did escape the difficul- seem to do them much good in obviously inadequate. ties at High Gable, he seems to the end. Even if she hadn’t es- have made some mistakes. caped, what were they going to do with her? Would her body be What Happened to the found in some luggage? Would Daughters? Garcia’s Body Miss Burnet become one of What happened to the two chil- Murillo and his secretary/ England’s famous railway trunk dren of Don Murillo? They are bodyguard Lopez decide to murders? Probably not. She not mentioned when Warner leave the body of Garcia out in would more likely have been reports what happened at the the field, believing that his death quietly done away with and qui- station, nor does Miss Burnet might frighten off any further etly dumped somewhere. say anything about them when pursuit. That seems like a highly describing her escape. They are not visible in Arthur Twidle’s unlikely assumption. One Could there not have been some would-be assassin had already illustration of the scene from scenario in which she was killed The Strand . Surely Murillo did been killed and Murillo and his and her body placed with Gar- household had fled across not simply abandon them after cia’s? She could also be bludg- keeping them with him during Europe to avoid his pursuers. eoned to death, making it appear While there may have been ad- his previous travels. There is no that Garcia and Burnet had an mention of them when Murillo vantages to leaving the body out assignation which some third Page 13 BAKER STREET ESSAYS

Some Thoughts Regarding Illustrating Wisteria Lodge cont. Wisteria Lodge and Lopez are found murdered force. in their Madrid hotel room. It as is if they simply disappeared. Far more typical is Holmes’ comment that “local aid is either Were they shepherded along: useless or biased.” The Canon is treated more or less as luggage replete with Holmes’ uncompli- “This is the only tale in for the trip and ignored when mentary comments about Les- the Canon where it they asked why their governess trade, Gregson, Hopkins, Athel- appears that the local was acting so strangely, or why ney Jones and the like. The constabulary might she got off the train and wasn’t phrase ‘damning with faint well have solved the coming with them? Murillo praise’ often applied to Holmes’ Frederic Dorr Steele drew 7 could not send them back to San more generous assessments of pictures for what has become case without Holmes’ Pedro; surely they would be the police. known as The Adventure of Wis- assistance made to pay for their father’s teria Lodge, including a macabre sins. It does not sound as if picture of Garcia’s mulatto ser- Murillo had many confidantes Baynes’ inquiries kept pace with Holmes’ throughout the case. vant looking through the win- he could trust. He was too busy dow at Holmes (the profile killing potential rivals within his When Holmes was prowling around High Gable looking for clearly calling to mind William administration. Did they one day Gillette). This scene (left) never cross Holmes’ path again, the clues, Baynes was sitting in a tree watching him. And it was actually occurred during the events untold by his faithful story, but it is certainly an arrest- Boswell? Baynes who arrested one of Garcia’s servants so that Murillo ing drawing. would think that the police were Best of the Bunch looking elsewhere and make a Arthur Twidle provided 10 Inspector Baynes certainly run for it. This is the only tale in drawings for The Strand’s publi- stands out in this case. Holmes the Canon where it appears that cation of Wisteria Lodge. He was lays his hand on the inspector’s the local constabulary might well the first illustrator to draw shoulder and says, “You will rise have solved the case without Holmes for The Strand following high in your profession. You Holmes’ assistance. Truly, that is ’s death. Twidle have instinct and intuition.” This attributable to the impressive also illustrated the Bruce Parting- is the supreme instance of Inspector Baynes. ton Plans. Holmes lavishing praise on a member of the official police

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 14 Pictures Can Tell a Different Story... Illustrations that accompany the Canon cannot be relied upon with complete assurances. An example below is Lee Conrey’s eye-catching drawing from the January, 1914, Seattle Post Intelligencer. It is for The Dying Detective, a case in which Holmes did not use a mask to trick Culverton Smith into believing that he was near death. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Page 15 ...And That’s the Rest of the Story Another example involves Frederic Dorr Steele, who did not always adhere to the precise details of the story when providing his illustrations (see Illustrating Wisteria Lodge). Below is his color drawing for the October , 1903 cover of Collier’s. Holmes is examining the famous bloody thumb print on the wall. Of course, the rest of the hand is represented, meaning that the entire hand (supposedly of John Hector McFarlane) would have to been covered in blood. That’s not quite how the story reads.

However, the illustration below, also by Dorr Steele, is from the interior of that same issue. Though the details are not visible due to picture quality, in this drawing, Holmes is examining a single thumb print on the wall. This is certainly more authentic, but it does not make for nearly as impressive a cover! Baker Street Essays The Canon examined

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Illustrators of the Canon: Frank Wiles

In 1914, Frank Wiles pro- Wiles’ drawings were also vided 31 illustrations for The incorporated into Strand cov- Strand’s publication of The ers featuring The Valley of Valley of Fear. Wiles’ color Fear (below) and The Retired picture of Holmes studying Colourman (far left). Porlock’s cipher is still easily identifiable today.

He also provided 11 more drawings in The Strand for the Frank Wiles from The Veiled Lodger final three Holmes stories, The Veiled Lodger, Shoscombe Old Place and The Retired Col- ourman. Wiles captured the lean, sharp-faced Holmes de- scribed by Sir Arthur Conan The final two illustrations for Doyle. It also is a slightly Shoscombe Old Place depict older detective with a promi- Holmes wearing his deer- nent forehead, fitting for stalker. These are the last these latter stories. drawings in the Canon fea- turing the detective in his distinctive headgear. Frank Wiles from Shoscombe Old Place