B9E3 - The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Book 9, Part 1, Episode 3 - Sherlock Holmes Complete Audiobook Collection

Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Section 3 of the casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This leg arm has recording may
be distributed and adapted freely for any purpose,
recording by Ruth Golding the adventure of the blanched
Soldier. The ideas of my friend Watson,

(00:21):
those limited are exceedingly pertinacious for a long time.
He has worried me to write an experience of my own.
Perhaps. I have rather invited this
persecution since I have often had occasion to point out to
him, how superficial are his ownaccounts and to accuse him of
pandering to popular taste, instead of confining himself, a

(00:45):
rigidly to facts and figures. Try a self hums.
He has retorted. And I am compelled to admit that
having taken my pen. In my hand.
I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in such
a way as may interest a reader, the following case, can hardly

(01:07):
fail to do. So as it is among the strangest
happenings in my collection, though.
It chanced that Watson had no note of it in his collection.
Speaking of my old friend, and biographer.
I would take this opportunity toremark that if I burden myself
with a companion, in my various little inquiries, it is not done

(01:32):
out of sentiment or Caprice, butit is that Watson has some
remarkable characteristics of his own to which in his modesty
has given small attention amid, his exaggerated estimates of my
own performances. A Confederate who foresees your
conclusions and course of actionis always dangerous but one to

(01:55):
whom each development comes as aPerpetual surprise and to whom
the future is always a closed book is indeed an ideal
helpmate. I find from my notebook that it
was in January in 1903. Just after the conclusion of the
Boer war that I had my visit from.

(02:18):
Mr. James m dot, a big fresh sunburned, upstanding Britain.
The good Watson had at that timedeserted me for a wife.
The only selfish action, which Ican recall in our association.
I was alone. Own.
It is my Habit to sit with my back to the window and to place

(02:43):
my visitors in the opposite chair where the light Falls full
upon them. Mr. James m dot seemed somewhat
at a loss how to begin the interview.
I did not attempt to help him for his silence.
Gave me more time for observation.
I have found it wise to impress clients with a sense of power.

(03:06):
And so, I gave him some of my conclusions from South Africa.
Sir. I perceive.
Yes. Sir.
He answered with some surprise Imperial yeomanry.
I fancy exactly Middlesex Cornerduct.

(03:28):
That is so, mr. Holmes.
You are a wizard. I smiled at his bewildered
expression. When gentlemen of fear, I'll
appearance enters my room with such tan upon his face as an
English son. Could never give and with his
handkerchief in his sleeve. Instead of in his pocket.

(03:48):
It is not difficult to place him.
You were a short beard which shows that you are.
Not a regular. You have the cut of a riding man
as to Middlesex your car. It has already shown me that you
are a stockbroker from throgmorton Street.
What are the regiment? Would you join Co see

(04:10):
everything? I see no more than you, but I
have trained myself to notice what I see.
However, mr. Dodd, it was not to discuss the
science of observation that tookcalled upon me this morning.
What has been happening at tux? Barry old park.

(04:30):
Mr. Holmes. My dear sir, there is no
mystery. Your letter came with that
heading and as you fix disappointment in very pressing
terms, it was clear that something sudden and important
had occurred. Yes indeed, but the letter was
written in the afternoon and a good deal has happened.

(04:52):
Since then, if Colonel Emsworth,have not kicked me up kicked you
out. Well, that was what it amounted
to he is. A hard nail is Colonel
Hemsworth, the greatest martinetin the Army in his day.
And it was a day of rough language to I couldn't have
stuck the kernel if it had not been for God for his sake.

(05:14):
I like my pipe and leaned back in my chair.
Perhaps you will explain what you're talking about.
My client grinned mischievously.I had got into the way of
supposing that you knew everything without being told
said he, but I will give you thefacts and I hope to God that you

(05:37):
will be able to tell me what they mean.
I've been awake all night puzzling, my brain and the more,
I think the more incredible doesit become When I joined up in
January, 1901 just two years ago, young Godfrey Emsworth had
joined the same. Squadron.
He was Colonel. Ames was only son Emsworth.

(05:58):
The Crimean VC, and he had the fighting blood in him.
So it is no wonder. He volunteered.
There was not a final, add in the regiment.
We formed a friendship, the sortof friendship, which can only be
made when one lives the same life and shares the same job.
Joys and Sorrows, he was my mate.

(06:19):
And that means a good deal. In the Army.
We took the rough and the smoothtogether for a year of hard
fighting. Then he was hit with a bullet
from an elephant gun in the action near Diamond Hill outside
Pretoria. I got one letter from the
hospital at Cape Town, and one from Southampton since then, not
a word, not one word. Mr. Holmes for six months and

(06:42):
more and he my closest pal. Well, when the war was over and
we all got back, I wrote to his father and asked where Godfrey
was no answer. I've waited a bit.
And then I wrote again this time.
I had a reply short and Gruff Godfrey had gone on a voyage

(07:03):
around the world and it was not likely that he would be back for
a year. That was all.
I wasn't satisfied. Mr. Holmes, the whole thing
seemed to me so damned unnatural.
He was a good lad and he would not drop a pal like that.
It was not like him. Then again.
I happen to know that he was heir to a lot of money and also

(07:26):
that his father and he did not always hit it off too.
Well, the old man was sometimes a bully and young Godfrey had
too much Spirit to stand it. No, I wasn't sad.
Side. And I determined that I would
get to the root of the matter. It happened.
However, my own Affairs needed alot of straightening out after 2

(07:47):
years, absence. And so it is only this week that
I've been able to take up Godfrey's case again, but since
I have taken it up, I mean to drop everything in order to see
it through. Mr. James m dot appeared to be
the sort of person, whom it would be better to have as a
friend than, as an enemy. His blue eyes were Stern and his

(08:11):
square jaw had set hard as he spoke.
Well, what have you done? I asked my first move was to get
down to his home. Tax-free old park near Bedford
and to see for myself, how the grandly I wrote to the mothers
are for I've had quite enough ofthe conversion of a father and I

(08:35):
made a clean frontal attack. Godfrey was my Chum.
I had a great deal of Interest which I might tell her about our
common experiences. I should be in the neighborhood.
Would there be any objection etcetera?
In reply, I had quite an amiableanswer from her and an offer to
put me up for the night. That was what took me down on

(08:56):
Monday. Tax-free old Hall is
inaccessible five miles from anywhere.
There was no trap at the station.
So I had to walk carrying my suitcase and it was nearly dark
before I arrived. It is a great wandering.
House standing in a considerablePark.
I should judge it was of all sorts of Ages and styles

(09:17):
starting on a half. That Elizabethan foundation and
ending in a Victorian Portico inside.
It was all paneling and tapestry, and half are faced old
pictures, a house of Shadows andmystery.
There was a butler old Ralph seemed about the same age as the
house and there was his wife whomight have been older.

(09:42):
She had been God for his nurse and I had heard him speak of
her, a second only to his motherin his affections.
So I Was drawn to her, in spite of her, queer appearance and
mother. I liked also a gentle little
white mass of a woman. It was only the colonel himself.
Whom I barred, we had a bit of aBarney right away and I should

(10:04):
have walked back to the station.If I had not felt that it might
be playing his game for me to do.
So I was shown straight into hisstudy and there I have found him
a huge bow back man, with a smoky skin.
A straggling graybeard seated behind his litter desk.
A red veined knows just it out like a vultures beak and to

(10:28):
Fierce gray eyes glared at me from under tufted brows.
I could understand now, why Godfrey seldom spoke of his
father? Well, sir said he in a rasping
voice. My should be interested to know
the real reasons for this visit.I answered that I had explained

(10:49):
them in my letter to his wife. Yes.
Yes. You said that you had known
Godfrey and Africa. We have of course, only your
word for that. I have his letters to me and my
pocket. Kindly, let me see them.
He glanced at the to, which I handed him.
And then he tossed him back. Well, what then he asked, I was

(11:13):
fond of your son. Got freezer, many ties, and
memories, United us. Is it not natural that I should
wonder if his sudden silence, and should wish to know what has
become of him. I have some recollection, sir
that I had already correspondentwith you, and told you what had
become of him. He has gone upon a voyage.
And Rhonda wild his health was in a poor way, after his African

(11:37):
experiences and birth his motherand I were of opinion, complete,
rest and change when heated kindare past that explanation on to
any other friends who may be interested in the matter
certainly answered. But perhaps you would have the
goodness to let me have the nameof the steamer and of the line

(11:58):
by which he sailed together withthe date.
I have no doubt that I should beable to get a letter through to
him. My request seemed both to
puzzle. And to, irritate my host his
great eyebrows came down over his eyes and he tapped his
fingers impatiently on the table.
He looked up at last, was the expression of one who has seen

(12:19):
his adversary, make a dangerous move that chess and has decided
how to meet it. Man had people.
Mr. Dodd said he won't take offense at your infantile
pattern acity and would think that this insistent had reached
a point of damned impertinence. You must put it down, sir to my

(12:41):
real love for your son. Exactly.
I have already made every allowance upon that score.
I must ask you however to drop these inquiries every family has
its own inner knowledge and its own motives which cannot always

(13:02):
be made clear to Outsiders. However well-intentioned My wife
is anxious to hear something of God for his past which you are
in a position to tell her. But I would ask you to let the
present and the future alone, such in Karis serve, no, useful

(13:23):
purpose and place us in a delicate and difficult position.
So I came to a dead end. Mr. Holmes.
There was no getting past it. I could only pretend to accept
the situation and register a vowinwardly that I would never rest
until my friends feted been cleared up.

(13:44):
It was a dull evening. We dined quietly.
The three of us in a gloomy faded old room, lady question me
eagerly about her son, but the old man seemed morose and
depressed. I was so bored by the whole
proceeding that I made an excuseas soon as I decently couldn't
retire to my bedroom. It was a large bear room on the

(14:06):
ground floor as gloomy as the rest of the house, but after a
year of sleeping upon the veldt,mr.
Holmes one is not too particularabout Once quarters, I opened
the curtains and looked out intothe garden remarking that it was
a fine night with a bright Half Moon.
Then I sat down by the Roaring fire with the lamp on a table
beside me and endeavored, to, distract my mind with a novel.

(14:29):
I was interrupted. However, by Ralph the old Butler
who came in with a fresh supply of coals.
I thought you might run short inthe nighttime sir.
It is bitter weather and these rooms are cold.
He hesitated before leaving the room and when I looked round, it
was standing facing me with a wistful look upon his wrinkled.
Face, beg your pardon sir, but Icould not help hearing what you

(14:54):
said of young Master Godfrey at dinner.
You know sir that my wife nursedhim and so I may say I am his
foster father. It's natural.
We should take an interest. And you say carried himself?
Well, sir, there was no braver man in the regiment.
He pulled me out once from underthe rifles of the boards, or

(15:16):
maybe I should not be here. The old Butler, rubbed his
skinny hands. Yes, sir.
Yes, that is Master Godfrey. All over.
He was always courageous. There's not a tree in the park,
so that he is not climbed and nothing would stop him.
He was a fine boy and ulcer. He was a fine, man.

(15:39):
I sprang to my feet. Look here.
I cried. You say he was you speak as if
he were dead. What is all this?
Mystery what has become of Godfrey Emsworth.
I gripped the old man by the shoulder, but he shrank away.
I don't know what you mean. Sir asked The Master about

(16:01):
master Godfrey. He knows it is not for me to
interfere. He was leaving the room but I
held his arm. Listen.
I said you are going to answer one question before you leave.
If I have to hold you all night is Godfrey dead.
He could not face my eyes. He was like a man hypnotized.

(16:24):
The answer was dragged from his lips.
It was a terrible and unexpectedone.
I wish to God. He was he cried and tearing
himself free. He cashed.
In the room. You will think mr.
Holmes that I returned to my chair in.
No, very happy State of Mind. The old man's words seemed to

(16:47):
meet a bear, only one interpretation.
Clearly, my poor friend had become involved in some criminal
or at the least disreputable transaction, which touched the
family, honor the stern old man had sent his son away and hidden
him from the world, lest some Scandal, should come to light.

(17:08):
Godfrey was a reckless fella. He was easily influenced by
those around him. No doubt.
He had fallen into bad hands andbeen misled to his ruin.
It was a piteous business if it was indeed.
So, but even now it was my duty to hunt him out and see if I
could eat him. I was anxiously pondering the

(17:28):
matter when I looked up and there was Godfrey Emsworth
standing before me. My client had paused as one in
deep emotion. Pray continue.
I said your problem, presents. Some very unusual features.
He was outside the window. Mr. Holmes, with his face

(17:51):
pressed against the glass. I have told you that I looked
out a night when I did. So I left the curtains, partly
open. His figure was framed in this
Gap. The window came down to the
ground and I could see the wholelength of it, but it was his
face which held my gaze. He was deadly pale, never have.

(18:14):
I seen a man. So white.
I reckon ghosts may look like that.
But his eyes met mine and they were the eyes of Living man.
He sprang back when he saw that.I was looking at him and he
vanished into the darkness. There was something shocking
about the man. Mr. Holmes.

(18:34):
It wasn't merely that ghastly face glimmering at white as
cheese in the darkness. It was more subtle than that.
Something slinking something, furtive something guilty,
something very unlike the Frank manly lad that I had known it,
left a Feeling. I of horror in my mind, but when

(18:56):
a man has been soldiering for a year or two with brother bore as
a playmate, he keeps his nerve and acts quickly Godfrey had
hardly vanished before I was at the window.
There was an awkward catch and Iwas some little time before I
could throw it up. Then I knit through and ran down
the Garden Path in the directionthat I thought he might have
taken. It was a long path and the light

(19:17):
was not very good, but it seemedto me.
Something was moving ahead of me.
I ran on and called his Name, but it was no use when I got to
the end of the path. There were several others
branching in different directions to various outhouses.
I stood hesitating and as I did,so I heard distinctly the sound
of a closing door. It was not behind me in the

(19:39):
house. But ahead of me, somewhere in
the darkness. That was enough.
Mr. Holmes to assure me that, what I had seen was not a vision
Godfrey had run away from me andhe had shut a door behind him of
that. I was certain.
There was nothing more I could do, and I spent an uneasy night

(19:59):
turning the matter over in my mind and trying to find some
Theory, which would cover the facts.
Next day, I found the kernel rather more conciliatory, and as
his wife remark that there was some places of interest in the
neighborhood. It gave me an opening to ask
whether my presence for one morenight, would incommode them as

(20:20):
somewhat grudging acquiescence from the old man gave me a clear
day in which to make my observations.
I was already perfectly convinced that Godfrey was in
hiding somewhere near but where and why remain to be solved?
The house was so large. And so rambling that a regiment
might be hit away in it and no one the wiser.

(20:43):
If the secret lay there, it was difficult for me to penetrate
it. But the door which I had heard
closed was certainly not in the house.
I must explore the garden and see what I could find.
There was no difficulty in the way for the old people were busy
in their own fashion and left meto my own devices.

(21:03):
There were several small outhouses, but at the end of the
garden, there was a detached building of some size large
enough for a gardeners, or a gamekeepers residents.
Could this be the place whence the sound of that shutting door
had come. I approached it in a careless
fashion as though I was strolling aimlessly around the
grounds as I did. So a small brisk bearded man in

(21:28):
a black coat and bowler hat. Not at all.
The gardener type came. Out of the door to my surprise.
He locked it after him and put the key in his pocket.
Then he looked at me with some surprise on his face.
Are you a visitor here? He asked, I explained that I
was, and that I was a friend of God for his, what a Pity that he

(21:51):
should be away on his travels for, he would have so, like to
see me, I continued Quite so, exactly said he with a rather.
Guilty are no doubt. You will renew your visit at
some more propitious time he passed on.
But when I turned, I observed, that he was standing watching me
half concealed by The Laurels atthe far end of the garden.

(22:15):
I had a good look at the little house, as I passed it, but the
windows were heavily curtained and so far as one could see, it
was empty. I might spoil my own game and
even be ordered off the premisesif I were to or daesh.
But I was still conscious that Iwas being watched.
Therefore. I strolled back to the house and
waited for night before I went on with my enquiry when all was

(22:37):
dark and quiet. I slipped out of my window and
made my way as silently as possible to the mysterious
Lodge. I had said that it was heavily
curtained, but now I found that the windows were shattered as
well. Some light however was breaking
through one of them. So, I concentrated my attention
upon this now. I was in luck for the curtain.

(22:59):
Had not been quite closed and there was a crack in the shutter
so that I could see the inside of the room.
It was a cheery Place enough, a bright lamp and a blazing fire
opposite. To me was seated, the little
man, whom I had seen in the morning.
He was smoking a pipe and reading a paper.
What paper? I asked my client seemed annoyed

(23:23):
the interruption of his narrative.
Can it matter? He asked it is most essential.
I really took no notice possiblyyou observed.
Whether it was a broad leafed paper or of that smaller type,
which one Associates with weeklies.

(23:45):
Now that you mention it, it was not large.
It might have been The Spectator.
However, I had little thought tospare upon such details for a
second. Man was seated with his back to
the window and I could swear that this second man was
Godfrey. I could not see his face, but I
knew the familiar slope of his shoulders.

(24:08):
He was leaning upon his elbow inan attitude of great Melancholy,
his body turned towards the fire.
I was hesitating as to what I should do when there was a sharp
tap on my shoulder and there wasColonel Emsworth beside me.
This way, she said he in a low voice, he walked in silence to

(24:30):
the house and I followed him into my own bedroom.
He had picked up a time table inthe hall.
Mary's, I train to London at 8:30 said he the Trap will be at
the door at 8:00. He was white with rage and
indeed. I felt myself in so difficult to

(24:50):
position that I could only stammer out of you incoherent,
apologies in which I tried to excuse myself by urging my
anxiety for my friend. The matter will not be a
discussion. Said he abruptly.
You have made a most damnable intrusion into the privacy of
our family, you here as a guest,and you have become a spy.

(25:14):
Nothing more to say. So say that I have no wish ever
to see you again. At this, I lost my temper.
Mr. Holmes, and I spoke with some warmth.
I have seen your son and I'm convinced that for some reason
of your own, you are concealing him from the world.
I have no idea what your motivesare in cutting him off in this

(25:36):
fashion, but I am sure that he is no longer a free agent.
I warn you Colonel Emsworth. Dirt until I am assured us to
the safety and well-being of my friend eyes will never desist in
my efforts to get to the bottom of the mystery.
And I shall certainly not. Allow myself to be intimidated
by anything that you may say or do.
The old fellow look diabolical and I really thought he was

(25:59):
about to attack me. I had said that he was a gaunt
Fierce old giant and though I amno weakling.
I might have been hard put to itto hold my own against him.
However, after a long glare of Rage, he turned upon his heel
and walked out of the room. For my part.
I took the appointed train in the morning with the full

(26:20):
intention of coming straight to you and asking for your advice
and assistant at the appointmentfor which I had already written.
Such was the problem, which my visitor laid before me it
presented. As the astute reader will have
already perceived few difficulties in its solution for

(26:42):
a very limited choice of Alternatives.
Must get to the root of the matter.
Still Elementary as it was, there were points of interest
and Novelty about it which may excuse my Basing it upon record.
I now proceeded using my familiar method of logical

(27:04):
analysis to narrow down the possible solutions.
The servants. I asked how many were in the
house? To the best of my belief.
There were only the old Butler and his wife.
They seem to live in the simplest version.
There was no servant. Then in the detached house, none

(27:27):
unless the little man with the beard acted as such, he seemed
however, to be quite a superior person.
That seems very suggestive. Her do any indication that food
was conveyed from the one house to the other.
Now that you mention it, I did see old Ralph carrying a basket

(27:48):
down the Garden, Walk and going in the direction of this house.
The idea of food did not occur to me at the moment.
Did you make any local inquiries?
Yes. I did.
I spoke to the stationmaster andalso to The Innkeeper in the
village. I simply asked if they knew
anything of my old comrade Godfrey Emsworth.

(28:09):
Both of them assured me. That he had gone for a voyage
round the world. He had come home and then Almost
at once, started off again. The story was evidently
universally accepted. You said, nothing of your
suspicions, nothing that was very wise.
The matter should certainly be inquired into.

(28:31):
I will go back with you to talk spree old park today.
It happened that at the moment. I was clearing up the case,
which my friend Watson has described as that of the Abbey
School in which the Duke of Greymonster was so deeply involved.
I had also a commission from theSultan of turkey which called

(28:54):
for immediate action, as political consequences of the
gravest kind might arise from its neglect.
Therefore. It was not until the beginning
of the next. Because my diary records that I
was able to start forth on my mission to bedfordshire in
company with mr. James m.

(29:16):
Dot as we drove to Houston, we picked up a grave and taciturn.
Gentlemen of iron gray aspect with whom I had made the
necessary arrangements. This is an old friend said, I
had odd. It is possible that his presence

(29:36):
may be entirely unnecessary, andon the other hand.
It may be essential. It is not necessary at the
present stage to go further intothe matter.
The narratives of Watson have accustomed, the region had opted
to the fact that I do not waste words or disclose.

(29:57):
My thoughts. While a case is actually under
consideration, Dodd seemed surprised.
But nothing more was said and the three of us continued our
journey together. In the train, I asked Dodd, one
more question, which I wished our companion to here.

(30:17):
You say that you saw your friends face quite clearly at
the window. So clearly that you are sure of
his identity. I have no doubt about it.
Whatever his nose was pressed against the glass, the lamp
light Shone full upon him. It could not have been someone
resembling him. No.

(30:39):
No. It was he but to say was changed
only in color, his face was Should I describing it was a
fish-belly whiteness. It was bleached.
Was it equally pale all over? I think not.

(31:00):
It was his brow at I saw. So clearly as it was pressed
against the window. Did you call to him?
I was too startled and horrifiedfor the moment.
Then I pursued him as I have told you.
But without result. My case was practically complete
and there was only one small incident needed to round it off.

(31:24):
When after a considerable drive.We arrived at the strange old
rambling house, which my client had described.
It was Ralph two elderly Butler who opened the door.
I had requisitioned the carriagefor the day and had asked my
elderly friend to remain within it unless we should summon him.

(31:47):
Ralph, a little wrinkled old fellow was in the conventional
costume of black coat and pepper-and-salt trousers with
only one, curious variant. He wore brown leather gloves,
which at sight of us. He instantly shuffled off,
laying them down on the hall table.

(32:09):
As we passed in. I have as my friend Watson may
have remarked and abnormally a cute set of senses and a faint,
but incisive sent was a parent. It seemed to Center on the whole
table. I turned placed my hat there

(32:30):
knocked it off stooped, to pick it up and contrived to bring my
nose within a foot of the gloves.
Yes, it was undoubtedly from them that the Curious Terry odor
was oozing. I passed on into the study with
my case complete. I'll ask that.

(32:53):
I should have to show my hand. So when I tell my own story, it
was by concealing such links in the chain.
That Watson was enabled to produce his meretricious
finales. Colonel Emsworth was not in his
room, but he came quickly enoughon receipt of Ralph's message.

(33:16):
We heard his quick heavy step inthe passage.
The door was flung open and he rushed in with bristling beard
and twisted features as terribleand old.
Man, as ever. I have seen, he held our cards
in his hand and he tore them up and stamped on the fragments.

(33:38):
Have I not told you you infernalbusybody that you are warned off
the premises. Now, I dare to show your damn
face here. Again.
If you enter again without my leave, I shall be within my
rights. If I use violence, I'll shoot
you sir. By God.
I will as to you sir. Turning upon me.

(33:59):
I extend the same warning to you.
I am familiar with your ignorable profession, but you
must take Are reputed talents tosome other field.
There is no opening for them here.
I cannot leave here, said my client firmly until I hear from

(34:20):
God, present lips that he is under no restraint, involuntary,
host rang the bell. Ralph.
He said, telephone down to the County police and asked the
inspector to send up two constables.
Tell him there are burglars in the house.
One moment said, I, you must be aware.

(34:44):
Mr. Dodd. That Colonel Emsworth is within
his rights and that we have no legal status within his house.
On the other hand, he should recognize that your action is
prompted entirely by solicitude for his son.
I venture to hope that if I wereallowed to have five minutes

(35:08):
conversation with Colonel Emsworth, I could certainly
alter his view of the matter. I'm not so easily.
Altered said, the old Soldier Ralph do what I have told you,
what the devil are you waiting for her ring up the police,
nothing of the sort. I said putting my back to the

(35:30):
door. Any police interference would
About the very catastrophe, which would read.
I took out my notebook and scribbled one word upon a loose
sheet. That said I as I handed it to
Colonel Emsworth is what has brought us here.

(35:50):
He stared at the writing with a face from which every expression
say the amazement had vanished. How do you know?
He gasped sitting down heavily in his chair?
It is my business to know things.
That is my trade. He is sat in deep, thought his

(36:14):
gaunt hand tugging at his struggling beard.
Then he made a gesture of resignation.
Well, if you wish to see Godfreyyou shall it is no doing of
mine, but you have forced my hand.
Ralph tell mr. Godfrey and mr.
Kent that in five minutes. We saw there with him.

(36:38):
At the end of that time, we passed down the Garden Path and
found ourselves in front of the Mystery House at the End.
A small bearded, man. Stood at the door with a look of
considerable astonishment upon his face.
This is very sudden, can rims with said, he this work.
This arranged, all our plans. I can't help it.

(37:01):
Mr. Kent. Our hands have been forced can
mr. Godfrey, serious.
Yes, he is waiting inside, he turned and led us into a large
plainly furnished front room. A man was standing with his back
to the fire and at the sight of him, might client sprang forward
with outstretched hand. Hi Godfrey old man.

(37:25):
This is fine. But the other waved him back
then touch me. Jimmy.
Keep your distance. Yes, you may well stir.
I don't quite look the smart. Lance corporal Emsworth of B,
Squadron to eye. His appearance was certainly
extraordinary one could see thathe had indeed been a handsome

(37:48):
man with clear-cut features sun burned by an African Sun, but
mottled in patches over this darker surface were curious
whitish patches, which had bleached his skin.
That's why I don't Co-op visitedsaid he, I don't mind you Jimmy,

(38:09):
but I could have done without. A friend I suppose there is some
good reason for it but to have me at a disadvantage.
I wanted to be sure that all waswell with you Godfrey.
I saw you that night when you looked into my window and I
could not let the matter rest till I had cleared things up.
Old Ralph told me you were thereand I couldn't help taking a

(38:31):
peep at you. I hoped you would not have seen
me, and I had to run to my burrow and I heard the window go
up. But what in Heaven's name is the
matter. Well, it's not a long story to
tell said he lighting the cigarette.
You remember that morning? Fight at Buffalo's bright
outside, Pretoria on the EasternRailway line.

(38:54):
You heard? I was hit.
Yes. I had that but I never got
particular. Three of us got separated from
the others. It was very broken country.
You may remember there was Simpson.
The fellow. We called balda Simpson and
Anderson and I we were clearing brother bore, but he lay low and
got the three of us. The other two were killed.

(39:17):
I got an elephant bullet throughmy shoulder.
I stuck onto my horse. However, and he gallops several
miles before I fainted and rode off the saddle.
When I came to myself, it was night for and I raise myself up
feeling very weak until to my surprise.
There was a house close beside me, a fairly large house with a
broad stupid many windows. It was deadly cold.

(39:41):
You remember the kind of numb cold, which is to come at
evening, a deadly sickening, sort of cold.
Very different from a crisp, Healthy Frost.
Well, I was chilled to the Bone and my only hope seemed to lie
in reaching at house. I staggered to my feet and
dragged myself, along hardly conscious of what I did.

(40:02):
I have a dim memory of slowly ascending the steps.
Entering a wide-open door passing into a large room, which
contained several beds and throwing myself down with a gasp
of satisfaction upon one of them.
It was unmade, but that troubledme.
Not at all. I do the clothes over my
shivering body and in a moment, I was in a deep sleep.

(40:24):
It was morning when I wakened and it's To me that instead of
coming out into a world of Sanity.
I had emerged into some extraordinary, nightmare the
African Sun flooded through, thebig curtainless windows, and
every detail of the Great Bear whitewashed dormitory stood out,
hard and clear. In front of me was standing as

(40:45):
small dwarf, like man with a huge bulbous, head who was
jabbering excitedly and Dutch waving to horrible hands, which
looked to me, like brown spongesbehind him.
Stood, a group of people who seem to be intensely amused by
the situation, but at chill cameover me as I looked at them.

(41:07):
Not one of them was a normal human being everyone was twisted
or swollen or disfigured in somestrange way.
The laughter of these strange monstrosity is was a Dreadful
thing to hear. It seemed that none of them
could speak English, but the situation wanted clearing up for

(41:27):
the creature. With the big head was growing
furiously angry and uttering wild beast cries.
He laid his deformed hands upon me and was dragging me out of
bed. Godless of the fresh flow of
blood, from my wound. The little monster was as strong
as a bull and I don't know what he might have done, to me had
not an elderly man who was clearly, an authority been

(41:48):
attracted to the room by the hop-up.
He said, a few Stern words in Dutch and my persecutors shrank
away. Then he turned upon me gazing at
me in the utmost, amazement. How in the world did you come
here? He asked in amazement.
Wait a bit. I see that you are tired out in

(42:08):
that wounded shoulder of yours wants looking after I'm a doctor
and I'll soon have you tied up. But man alive, you are in far
greater danger here than ever. You were on the battlefield.
You are in the leper hospital and you have slept in a lepers
bed. Need, I tell you more, Jimmy.

(42:29):
It seems that in view of the approaching battle.
All these poor creatures have been evacuated the day before,
then as the British Advance. They had been brought back by
this their medical superintendent, who assured me
that. No, he believed, he was immune
to the disease. He would nonetheless never have
dared to do what I had done. He put me in a private room

(42:55):
treated me kindly and within a week or so.
I was removed to the General Hospital at Pretoria.
So that you have my tragedy. I hoped against hope but it was
not until I had reached home that the terrible signs which
you see upon my face. Told me that I had not escaped.

(43:17):
What was I to do? I was in this lonely house.
We had two servants whom we could utterly trust.
There was a house where I could live under pledge of secrecy.
Mr. Kent, who is a surgeon was prepared to Stay With Me.
It seemed simple enough on thoselines.

(43:40):
The alternative was a dreadful one segregation for life.
Among strangers, with never a hope of release, but absolute
secrecy was necessary. Or even in this quiet
Countryside, there would have been an outcry and I should have
been dragged to my horrible Doom.
Even you Jimmy even you had to be kept in the dark.

(44:01):
Why? My father has relented.
I cannot imagine. Colonel Emsworth, pointed to me.
This is the gentleman who forcedmy hand.
He unfolded the scrap of paper on which I had written the word
leprosy. It seemed to me that if he knew

(44:22):
so much as that, it was safer that he should know all.
And so it was said, I who knows but good may come of it.
I understand that only. Mr. Kent has seen the patient.
May I ask sir? If you are an authority on such

(44:42):
complaints which are I understand tropical or
semi-tropical in their nature? I have the ordinary knowledge of
the educated medical man. He observed with some stiffness.
I have no doubt sir that you arefully competent.
But I am sure that you will agree that in such a case of

(45:05):
second opinion is valuable. You have avoided this.
I understand for fear. That pressure should be put upon
you to segregate the patient. That is so said to Colonel
Emsworth. I foresaw this situation, I
explained and I have brought with me a friend whose

(45:26):
discretion May absolutely be trusted.
I was able once to do him a professional service and he is
ready to advise as a friend rather than as a specialist.
His name is Sir James Saunders. The prospect of an interview
with Lord Roberts would not haveexcited greater wonder and

(45:50):
pleasure in a row Supple tonightthan was now reflected upon the
face of mr. Kent.
I shall indeed be proud. He murmured.
Then I will ask sir, James to step this way.
He is at present in the carriageoutside the door.
Meanwhile, Colonel Emsworth. We may perhaps assemble in your

(46:12):
study where I could give the necessary explanations.
And here it is that I miss my Watson by cunning questions and
ejaculations of Wonder. He could elevate my simple art
which is but systematized commonsense into a prodigy.

(46:35):
When I tell my own story. I have no such Aid and yet I
will give my process of thought even as I gave it to my small
audience, which it included God for his mother in the study of
Colonel Emsworth. That process said I starts upon
the supposition that when you have eliminated all which is

(46:58):
impossible, then whatever remains however, improbable must
be the truth. It may well be that several
explanations remain in which case one tries test after test
until one or other of them has aconvincing amount of support.

(47:20):
We will now, apply this principle to the case in point
as it was. First presented to me, there
were three possible explanationsof the seclusion or
incarceration of this gentleman in an outhouse of his father's
mansion. There was the explanation that
he was in hiding for a crime or that he was mad and that they

(47:44):
wish to avoid an asylum or that he had some disease, which
caused his segregation. I could think of no other
adequate Solutions these then had to be sifted and balanced
against each other. The criminal solution would not
bear inspection. No.

(48:05):
Unsolved crime. Had been reported from that
District. I was sure of that.
If it were some crime, not yet, discovered then clearly it would
be to the interest of the familyto get rid of the delinquent and
send him abroad rather than keephim concealed at home.
I could see no, explanation for such a line of conduct.

(48:29):
Insanity was more plausible, thepresence of the second person in
the Outhouse, suggested a keeper, the fact that he locked
the door when he came out, strengthened, the supposition
and gave the idea of constraint,on the other hand.
This constraint could not be severe or the young man could

(48:52):
not have got loose and come downto have a look at his friend.
You will remember mister. God, that I've felt round four
points asking you for example, about the paper.
Which mr. Kent was reading.
Had it been the Lancet door, theBritish medical journal, it

(49:12):
would have helped me. It is not illegal.
However, to keep a lunatic upon private premises.
So long as there is a qualified person in attendance and that
the authorities have been duly notified.
Why then all this desperate desire for secrecy.
Once again, I could not get the theory to fit the facts.

(49:39):
There remained the third possibility into Which rare and
unlikely. As it was everything seemed to
fit leprosy is not uncommon in South Africa, by some
extraordinary chance. This youth might have
contracted. And his people would be placed

(50:02):
in a very Dreadful position since they would desire to save
him from segregation. Great, secrecy would be needed
to prevent rumors from getting about and subsequent
interference by the authorities a devoted.
Medical man. If sufficiently paid would
easily be found to take charge of the sufferer.

(50:25):
There would be no reason why thelatter should not be allowed
Freedom after dark. Bleaching of the skin is a
common result of the disease. The case was a strong one.
So strong that I determined to act as if it were actually
proved. When on arriving here, I noticed

(50:46):
that Ralph who carries out the meals had gloves, which are
impregnated with disinfectants. My last doubts were removed.
A single word showed you a sir that your secret was discovered.
And if I wrote rather than said it it was to prove to you that

(51:07):
my discretion was to be trusted.I was finishing this little
analysis of the case when the door was opened and the austere
figure of the great dermatologist was ushered in.
But for once his sphinx-like features had relaxed and there

(51:27):
was a warm Humanity in his eyes.He Strode up to Colonel Emsworth
and shook him. By the hand.
It is often my lot to bring ill Tidings and Tell them good said
he, this occasion is, the more welcome.
It is not leprosy. But oh well marked case of

(51:54):
pseudo, leprosy or ichthyosis, ascale like affection of the
skin, unsightly obstinate but possibly occur herbal and
certainly non infective. Yes, mr.
Holmes. The coincident.
It's a remarkable one, but is itcoincidence?

(52:16):
Are there not subtle forces at work of which, we know little.
Are we assured that the apprehension from which this
young man has no doubt suffered terribly since his exposure.
To its contagion, may not produce a physical effect, which
simulates that, which it fears. At any rate, I pledge, my

(52:38):
professional reputation, but thelady has fainted, I think that
mr. Kent had better be with her
until she recovers from this, joyous shocked.
End of the adventure of the bleached Soldier.

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B9E3 - The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Book 9, Part 1, Episode 3

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}B9E3 - The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Book 9, Part 1, Episode 3