Sherlock Holmes

partly obliterate the track of the front one. Attempting to
answer his critics, Doyle later said in The Strand of December
1917, ‘The weight of the rider falls mostly upon the hind
wheel… Thus the depth of the mark of the hind wheel would
show which way the bike was travelling.’ Why would a
constable be patrolling a deserted crossroads in the early
hours? Watson sees ‘crimson’ bloodstains on the gorse bush
several days after Heidegger’s death – but by this time, they
would have lost their lurid hue.
Observations: The map illustration in The Strand differs slightly
from the original American version.
Verdict:You wait years for a story about a cyclist, and then two
come along at once! Unlike The Solitary Cyclist though, this is
dull and goes on too long. 2/5
33) The Adventure of Black Peter
UK: The Strand Magazine (March 1904, SP); USA: Collier’s (27
February 1904, FDS)
The Case: A retired whaler is found harpooned in his log
cabin…
T H E C A N O N
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Date: July 1895.
Characters: Inspector Stanley Hopkins, James Lancaster, Hugh
Pattins, Patrick Cairns, John Hopley Neligan, Captain Peter
Carey, Mrs Carey, Miss Carey, Slater, Sumner, Mrs Hudson.
Locations: 221B Baker Street; Woodman’s Lee, Forest Row,
Sussex; Allardyce the butcher; Brambletye Hotel, Forest Row; 46 Lord
Street, Brixton.
Unrecorded Cases:The death of Cardinal Tosca (in which the Pope
asked for his help),Wilson the canary trainer.
Holmes: Apart from the Priory School case, he rarely asks for a
reward (like most artists, he lives for art’s sake). Has five
London refuges in which he can disguise himself.
Disguise: Captain Basil.
Quotable Quote: ‘One should always look for a possible alterna-
tive and provide against it. It is the first rule of criminal inves-
tigation.’
Problems: The notebook would undoubtedly have been included
in the inquest. Black Peter’s beard sticks up after death – why?
Holmes’ method of handcuffing Cairns (by passing his hands
over Cairns’ neck) is eccentric, if not physically impossible.
Observations: At the end, it seems that Holmes and Watson are
off to Norway.
Verdict: A seafaring tale that is clearly influenced by Doyle’s
whaling experiences as a young man, this is a pleasantly surreal
story with a satisfying resolution. 5/5
34) The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton
UK: The Strand Magazine (April 1904, SP); USA: Collier’s  (26
March 1904, FDS)
The Case: A blackmailer is going about his dubious business…
Characters: Charles Augustus Milverton, secretary, Inspector
S H E R L O C K H O L M E S
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Lestrade, Lady Eva Brackwell, Earl of Dovercourt, Agatha, Countess
d’Albert.
Locations: 221B Baker Street; Appledore Towers, Hampstead.
Holmes: Enjoys rambling around London. Keeps a burgling kit
with the latest tools.Will enter into a false marital promise if it
helps solve a case. Can see in the dark. Has a hobby of opening
safes. Believes certain crimes justify personal revenge, even
though unlawful.
Watson: Wears rubber-soled tennis shoes. Is described as
middle-sized, strongly built with a square jaw, thick neck and
moustache.
Disguise: Escott, a plumber.
Quotable Quote: ‘You know, Watson, I don’t mind confessing to
you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a
highly efficient criminal.’