Mrs. Hudson, the landlady of Sherlock Holmes, had a long experience of suffering. Not only was invaded the first floor at all times by flocks of strange and often undesirable characters but her remarkable guest showed an eccentricity and irregularity of life was undoubtedly hard to test your patience. His incredible disorder his love of music strange hours, his occasional training with the gun in the room, her outlandish and often malodorous scientific experiments, and the atmosphere of violence and danger that surrounded him, made him the worst tenant in London. Instead, their pay was princely. No doubt I could have bought the house for the price which Holmes paid for his rooms in the years I spent with him.
The landlady was the deepest respect for him and never dared to call to order for you seem annoying habits. In addition, he was fond, for he was a man of remarkable kindness and courtesy in dealing with women. On the disliked and distrusted them, but it was always a chivalrous opponent. Knowing how genuine was her regard for Holmes, listened carefully to the story that she did when she came to my house the second year of my married life and told me about the sad situation that my poor friend was reduced.
"He dies, Dr. Watson," he said. Takes three days to sink, and I doubt that lasts today. Will not let me call a doctor. This morning when I saw how you leave the bones of the face, and how I looked with her big eyes shining, I could not resist. "With your permission, or without it, Mr. Holmes, I'm going now to find a doctor" I said. "Then, it is Watson," he said. I would not lose an hour to go see him, sir, or at best is no longer alive.
I was horrified, because she had not heard of his illness.
Needless to say, I rushed to get my coat and my hat. While we were in the car, ask for details.
"I have little to tell. He had been working on a case in Rotherhithe, in an alley near the river, and has brought the disease with him. He lay on Wednesday afternoon and since then it has moved. During those three days you have not eaten or drunk anything.
- Good God! Why not call your doctor?
-Failure wanted at all, Dr. Watson. You know that is dominant. I dared not disobey. But it will not last long in this world, you see yourself in the moment you set eyes on.
It was certainly a sad spectacle. In the mean hazy daylight of November the sick room was a dark place, and that face haggard and consumed staring at me from the bed posing a shiver down my heart. His eyes had the brightness of fever, her cheeks flushed a disturbing way, and his lips were covered with dark crusts, the thin hands on the quilt were moving convulsively, and his voice croaked spasmodically. He lay inert I entered the room, but to me there was a gleam of recognition in his eyes.
"Well, Watson, we seem to have fallen on bad days," he said weakly, but with some of his old nonchalance of manner.
- My dear friend! I cried, approaching him.
- Back! Lie back! He said, sharp and compelling as I had seen him only in moments of crisis. If you approach me, Watson, I will send you out of house.
"But why?
"Because that is my wish. Is it not enough?
Yes, Mrs. Hudson was right. He was more dominant than ever. However, it was sad to see his exhaustion.
- Exactly! Help best by doing what you say.
"True, Holmes.
The softened the hardness of their ways.
- Do not be angry? He asked, gasping for breath.
Poor man, how could I be angry when she saw him lying in that situation before me?
"It's for your sake, Watson croaked.
- "For my sake?
"I know what I get. It is a coolie disease from Sumatra, which the Dutch know better than us, but so far have not achieved much. Only one thing is certain. It is fatal necessity, and it's awfully contagious.
Now spoke with a feverish energy, with long hands convulsing and shaking gestures for me to go away.
-contact transmission, that is. Keep your distance and everything will be fine.
- Good heavens, Holmes! Do you suppose that's going to affect me for a moment? Not affect me in the case of a stranger. Can you imagine what would prevent me from fulfilling my duty as an old friend?
I went to move, but I turned with a look of furious anger.
"If he stays there, will speak. If not, you must leave this room.
feel so deep respect for the extraordinary qualities of Holmes, I have always obeyed her wishes, even less understood. But now all my professional instincts were aroused. Although he was my boss at another site, in a room of a patient I was yours.
-Holmes, "I said, you are not yourself. A patient is just a kid, so I will try. Like it or not, I will examine your symptoms and I will try. He looked at me with eyes
poisonous.
"If I have a doctor, like it or not, at least that is one in whom you trust," he said.
- So you do not have it in me?
"In your friendship, certainly. But facts are facts, Watson, and after all, you are just a general practitioner is very limited experience and mediocre qualifications. It is painful to have to say these things, but I require it.
I felt very offended. "Maybe observation
not worthy of you, Holmes. I shows very clearly the state of his nerves. But if he has confidence in me, will not impose my services. Let's bring Sir Jasper Meek or Penrose Fisher, or any of the best in London. But someone has to accept, and that's final. If you think I'm going to stay here still, watching him die without help either by myself or bringing another for help, it was the wrong person.
"He means well, Watson said the sick, with something between a sob and a groan. Do I have to show your own ignorance? What do you know, please, fever Tapanuli? What do you know black Formosa corruption?
"I have not heard of any of both.
-In the East, Watson, there are many problems of disease, many strange pathological possibilities. "It contained after each phrase to focus your energy waning. I learned a lot in recent research of medico-criminal nature. In the course of which I have with this disease. You can not do anything.
"Maybe not. But I happen to know that Dr. Ainstree, the greatest living authority on tropical diseases, is now in London. It is useless to any protest, Holmes. I'll pick you right now, "and walked out the door determined.
I have never suffered such a shock! At one point, with a jump of a tiger, the dying man had intercepted me. I heard the sharp snap of a key to rotate. A moment later, she staggered to her bed, exhausted and panting after that one flash of energy.
"Do not remove the key by force, Watson. I have it, my friend. Here, and here I will stay until otherwise. But I will continue the mood. "All this in short gasps, with terrible struggles in the middle, looking breathlessly. Just think of my own good. It will have its way, but give me time to gather strength. Not now, Watson, not now. Four o'clock. At six you can go.
"That is crazy, Holmes.
"Only two hours, Watson. I promise you will go at six. Is content to wait?
"Looks like I have not alternative.
"Absolutely, Watson. Thanks, I need help to arrange the bedclothes. You, please, keep the distance. Well, Watson, there is only one condition that I would. You will get help, but not the doctor you mentioned, but from that point to me.
"Of course.
-The first three words of wisdom that has ruled since he came into this room, Watson. There are some books. I am a bit exhausted, I do not know how a battery feels when it pours electricity into a non-conductor. At six, Watson, we will resume our conversation.
but was intended to resume long before this time, and in circumstances which caused me a shock second only to that caused by his jump to the door. I spent several minutes looking at the silent figure in the bed. His face was almost covered and seemed to sleep. Then, unable to sit still reading, I walked slowly around the room, examining the portraits of celebrated criminals with which he was decorated. Finally, in my walk aimlessly, I came to the mantelpiece. On it are scattered chaos of pipes, snuff bags, syringes, knife, gun cartridges and other gossip. Amid all this, there was a small white box and black, ivory, with a sliding cover. It was a very pretty little thing, had spread I hand to examine it more closely when ...
was terrible ... the cry gave a howl that could be heard from the street. I felt cold on the skin and my hair stood on end this horrible scream. As I turned, I saw a glimmer of troubled face and frantic eyes. I was paralyzed, with the box in his hand.
- Stop it! Leave it at the time, Watson ..., at the time, I say! "When I put the box on the shelf, his head sank back into the pillow and heaved a great sigh of relief. It bothers me that they touch my stuff, Watson. You know that bothers me. You entangled more than tolerable. you, a doctor ... it is enough to send a patient to a mental hospital. Sit down, man, and let me rest!
That incident left an impression on my mind very unpleasant. The violent excitement for no reason, followed by this brutality of speech, so far from his usual soft, showed me how deep was the disorganization of his mind. Of all the ruins of a noble mind is the most deplorable. I sat in silent depression until he passed the stipulated time. He seemed to have noticed the clock as I do, because it was only six when he began to speak with the same feverish excitement before.
"Well, Watson said. Does change in your pocket?
-Si.
- Anything Silver?
"Pretty.
- How many crowns?
"I have five.
- Ah, too few! Not enough! How unfortunate, Watson! However, as they are, métaselas in the pocket watch, and all his other money, in the left pocket of his trousers. Thanks. This will balance better.
was crazy crazy. He shuddered and turned to make a noise between cough and sob.
"Now turn on the gas, Watson, but be very careful that not for one moment go by half. Please be careful, Watson. Thanks, that's fine. No, no need to lower the curtain. Now be good enough to put a few letters and papers at that table I can. Thanks. Now some of these dishes from the shelf. Excellent, Watona! There's sugar tongs. Kindly help them lift the ivory box. Put it in the papers there. Well! Now you can go to find Mr. Culverton Smith, in Lower Street, 13.
"I never heard this name" I said.
"Perhaps not, my dear Watson. Maybe he was surprised to learn that the man who understands the world about this disease is not a doctor but a planter. Culverton Mr. Smith is a popular subject of Sumatra, which is now traveling in London. An outbreak of this disease on his plantation, which was far from any medical help, you study did himself with far-reaching consequences. It is a very methodical person, and did not want to put you up before six because he knew very well that it would find in their study. If I could persuade him to come here and make us beneficiaries of odd experience in this disease, whose research is your hobby, do not doubt that would help me.
I give the words of Holmes as a whole row, and I will not try to replicate how it was interrupted by gasps gasping for breath and shaking hands indicating the pain he suffered. His appearance had worsened in the few hours I had with him. Their colors were more pronounced febrile, the eyes shone more from a darker hollows, and a cold sweat ran down her forehead. However, it retained its vibrancy of language confidently. Until the last gasp, would remain the boss.
"I tell you exactly how I left," he said. Him with the same impression in his mind, a dying, a dying delirious. In fact, I can not think why the whole bed of the ocean is not a solid mass of oysters, if so prolific they seem. Ah, I'm crazy! How strange, how the brain controls the brain! What I was saying, Watson? My instructions to Mr. Culverton Smith. Ah, yes, I remember. My life depends on it. Convince, Watson. There are no good relations between us. His nephew, Watson ... I suspected something dirty and let him see it. The boy died horribly. Have a grievance against me. You will soften him, Watson. Beseech, ask, bring here as it is. He can save me, just him!
"I'll get a cab, if I have to bring whatever.
"Do not do anything about it. Convecerá you to come. Then again before him. Put some excuse not to go back to him. Do not forget, Watson. I'm not going to fail. You never failed me. No doubt there are natural enemies which limit the increase of the creatures. You and I, Watson, we have done our part. Will be the world, then invaded by oysters? No, no, it's horrible! Assure all there in his mind.
I left with the image of this magnificent intellect babbling like a stupid child. The had given me the key, and a happy idea, I took with me, not to close himself. Ms. Hudson waited, trembled and wept in the hallway. Behind me, on leaving the floor, I heard loud and fine Holmes in some delirious chant. Down, while I whistled calling a cab, a man approached me in the fog.
- How is Mr. Holmes? He asked.
was an old acquaintance, Inspector Morton, of Scotland Yard, dressed in clothes is nothing official. "He's very sick
replied.
I looked in a very rare. If it was not too evil, could have imagined that the gas lantern light showed exultation in his face.
-I had heard rumors about it, "he said.
The car was already waiting for me and left.
Lower Burke Street proved to be an extended line of beautiful houses in the vague border between Notting Hill and Kensington. The house before which stopped my driver had an air of smug and solemn respectability in its iron gates of fashion, its massive folding door and shining gold. Everything was in harmony with a solemn butler who appeared framed in the rosy glow of colored electric light was behind him.
"Yes, Mr. Culverton Smith's home. Dr. Watson! Very well, sir, I will raise your card.
My humble name and my title did not appear to impress Mr. Culverton Smith. Through half-open door I heard a shrill voice, petulant, penetrating:
- Who is this person? What do you want? Wow, Staples, how many times I have to say I do not want to be disturbed in my hours of study?
There was a gentle stream of friendly explanations by the butler.
"Well, I'm not going to see, Staples, I can not let it interrupt my work well. I'm not home. Tell. Tell him to come in the morning if you really want to see me.
Again the small voice.
Well, well, give that message. It may come in the morning or may not return. My job does not have to be hindered. I thought Holmes
turning in his sickbed, and counting the minutes, perhaps, until he could provide assistance. There was a time to stop at ceremonies. His life depended upon my promptness. Before the former butler, all excuses, I deliver your message, I pushed my way in, leaving behind, and was already in the room.
With a shrill cry of anger, a man rose from a chair placed next fire. I saw a big yellow face of rough texture and greasy, heavy double chin, and eyes that gleamed sullen and threatening towards me under a sand-colored eyebrows. Its elongated bald head wearing a cap to be home, velvet, tilted coyly to the side of its pink curve. The skull was of enormous capacity, and yet, looking down, saw with amazement that the figure of the man was small and fragile, and twisted by the shoulders and back as he has suffered since childhood rickets.
- What is this? He shouted in a shrill voice and gaudy. What does this intrusion? Do not you sent word that came tomorrow morning?
"Sorry" I said, but the matter not be deferred. Mr. Sherlock Holmes ...
The pronounce the name of my friend had an extraordinary effect on the man. The air of anger disappeared in a moment of your face, and his features became tense and alert.
- Do you come from Holmes? He asked. "I just let
.
- What about Holmes? How are you?
-is desperately ill. So I came.
He made me sign that I sit in a chair and turned to sit down again in his. In doing so, I saw a glimpse of his face in the mirror over the fireplace. I could have sworn that showed a malicious and abominable smile. But I was convinced that it must be a twitch that I was surprised, for a moment then turned to me with genuine concern in his face.
"I'm sorry to know," he said. I only know Mr. Holmes through some business issues we had, but I have great respect for his talent and personality. It is a crime buff, and I of the disease. For him, the offender, for me the microbe. There are my prisons, "he continued, pointing to a row of bottles and jars in a side table. Among these crops of gelatin, are serving some of the worst offenders the world.
-For his special knowledge, is what I wanted to see Mr. Holmes. It has a high opinion of you, and thought it was the only person in London who could help.
The man started, and the stylish beanie slipped to the ground.
- Why? He asked. Why should Mr. Holmes think that I could assist in their difficulty?
"By his knowledge of Eastern diseases.
"But why would think that this disease has contracted is Eastern?
"Because in a professional inquiry, has worked with Chinese sailors on the docks.
"Mr. Smith smiled pleasantly Culverton and picked up his cap.
"Oh, that's it," he said, is it? I hope that the case is not as bad as you suppose. How long have you been sick?
"About three days.
- With delusions?
"From time to time.
- Go, go! That sounds serious. It would be inhuman not to answer your call. I very much regret this interruption in my work, Dr. Watson, but this case is certainly exceptional. I'll go with you right away.
remembered the words of Holmes.
"I have another errand to do," I said.
"Okay. I will go alone. I have noted the direction of Mr. Holmes. You can be sure I'll be there within half an hour.
I reentered Holmes's bedroom with sinking heart. As I left, in my absence might have happened the worst. To my great relief, had greatly improved in the interim. His appearance was as spectral as before, but had disappeared all trace of delirium and spoke in a weak voice, indeed, but with some of his usual clarity and lucidity.
"Well, have you seen, Watson?
"Yes, it's coming.
- Admirable, Watson! Wonderful! You are the best messengers.
"I wanted to get back with me.
"That would have been better, Watson. It would obviously be impossible. "I had asked what disease?
"I talked to the Chinese in the East End.
- Exactly! Well, Watson, has done all he could do a good friend. You can now disappear from the scene.
-I expect to hear his opinion, Holmes.
"Of course it should. But I have reason to believe that this view will be much more frank and valuable if you imagine that we are alone. The site is just behind the head of my bed.
- My dear Holmes!
"I'm afraid there is no alternative, Watson. The room lends itself to hide, but we need to do, as it is less likely to arouse suspicion. But right there, Watson, I fancy that the work could be done. She suddenly sat up in his face rigid surly attention. You can hear the wheels Watson. Soon, man, I really appreciated! And do not move, no matter what happens ... whatever happens, do you hear? Do not talk! Do not move! listen attentively.
Then in a moment, disappeared the sudden access of energy, and key words and meaningful died out in the deaf and vague murmurs of a delusional man.
from the hiding place where I had gone so quickly, I heard steps on the stairs and the bedroom door that opened and closed. Then to my surprise, there was a long silence, broken only by the heavy panting of breath and sick. I imagine that our visitor was standing by the bed and looked at the sufferer. Finally broke the awkward silence.
- Holmes! He shouted. Holmes! -With insistent tone to a sleeping man who wakes up. Can you hear me, Holmes? "There was a rustle, as if the patient suddenly shaken by the shoulder.
- Is it you, Mr. Smith? "Whispered Holmes. I would hardly expect to come.
The other laughed.
"So I guess not," he said. And yet, you see I'm here. Pangs of conscience!
"It's very good of you, very noble. I appreciate your special knowledge.
Our visitor chuckled.
"Sure. Luckily, you're the only man in London who appreciate them. Do you know what happens?
"The same," said Holmes.
- Ah! Do you recognize the symptoms?
-too well.
"Well, I miss you, Holmes. I do not doubt it was the same. A poor outlook for you if it is. Poor Victor died four days, a boy strong, vigorous. As you said, it was very shocking to have contracted a strange disease, which, besides, I had studied specially. Singular coincidence, Holmes. You were very smart to realize it, but uncharitable to suggest it was cause and effect.
"I knew you did.
- Oh, yeah? Well, you could not prove it, anyway. But what do you think of yourself, spreading and reports on me and then crawled for help when they are in trouble? What kind of game is it, huh?
I heard the hoarse and labored breath of the patient.
- Give me water! Gasped.
"You are nearing an end, my friend, but I can not leave until I have a word with you. So I give him water. Hey, do not pour out! All right. Do you understand what I mean?
Holmes groaned.
"Do for me what I can. Let bygones be bygones, "he whispered. I take off my head those words, I swear I will. Only cure me and I will.
"Forget what?
"Well, the death of Victor Savage. You almost had recognized that fact. Forget it.
-may forget or to remember, as you see fit. Saying I do not see the witness stand. I see from other woods in a very different, my good Holmes, I assure you. I do not care who knows how my nephew died. Not he of whom we speak. Is yours.
"Yes, yes.
"The guy who came to fetch me, I do not remember her name, said he had contracted the disease in the East End among the sailors.
"Just so I can not explain.
-You are proud of your brains, Holmes, right? Is deemed ready, right? This time he has found another ready. Now, look back, Holmes. Can not imagine how otherwise could have contracted it?
"I can not think. I lost my mind. Help me, by God!
"Yes, I will help. I'll help you understand where and how it has come to stop this. I wish you knew before he died.
"Give me something to relieve the pain.
"It's painful, right? Yes, the coolies used to scream a bit at the end. Gets a spasm, I guess.
"Yes, yes, it's a spasm.
"Well, anyway, you can hear what I say. Listen now! Can not remember any unusual incident in his life shortly before your symptoms begin?
"No, no, nothing.
-Rethink.
"I'm too bad to think.
"Well then, I will help. Did you get something in the mail?
- Why mail?
- A box by chance?
"I fainted. I'm dying!
- Listen, Holmes! "There was a noise as if shook the dying man, and I did what I could to keep quiet in my hiding place. You should hear me. I will hear. Do you remember a box, an ivory box? Arrived on Wednesday. You opened it, remember?
"Yes, yes, I opened it. Inside was a sharp spring.
a joke ... "It was a joke, you see your own expense. Idiot you commitment and already has. Who told him to cross my path? If I had left in peace, I would not have done anything. "I remember
Holmes gasped. Spring! I drew blood. That box is on the table ....
- The same, dammit! And you better leave the room in my pocket. Here's her last shred of evidence. But the truth is, Holmes, and can die knowing that I killed him. You knew too much the fate of Victor Savage, so I sent him to share it. You are very near its end, Holmes. I'll be sitting here and see him as he dies.
Holmes's voice had dropped to a whisper almost inaudible.
- What is that? "Smith said. "Raising the gas? Ah, the shadows begin to fall, right? Yes, I'll upload it for me to look better. She crossed the room and the light suddenly became brighter. Is there another service that can make you, my friend?
-A match and a cigarette.
almost cried with joy and wonder. He spoke in his natural voice, a little weak, maybe, but I knew it. There was a long pause and I could Culverton stood, looking dumb with astonishment at his companion.
- What does this mean? I heard him say at last, his voice dry and hoarse.
"The best way to represent a character," said Holmes. I give my word that for three days I have not tried to eat or drink until you have been kind enough to give me a glass of water. But the snuff is what I find most annoying. Ah, there a few cigarettes. "I heard scratching a match. This is much better. Hello, hello! Do I hear the footsteps of a friend?
footsteps were heard outside, opened the door and Inspector Morton appeared.
"Everything is in order and here is your man," said Holmes. L
police made the warnings of rigor. "I stop
charged with the murder of one Victor Savage," he concluded.
"And I might add that for attempted murder of one Sherlock Holmes," remarked my friend with a chuckle. To save an invalid now, Mr. Culverton Smith was kind enough to give our signal by raising the gas. Indeed, the detainee has the right pocket of his jacket a small box that would be better out of the way. Thanks. I would be careful if I were you. Leave it there. Can play its part in the trial. There was a sudden
turmoil and a struggle followed by the sound of iron and a cry of pain.
"No more than get hurt," said the inspector. Be still, do you want?
noise rang the closing handcuffs.
- Nice trap! "Cried the high voice and grumpy. This will take you to the bench, Holmes, not me. He asked me to come here to heal. Pitied me and came. Now surely invent I said something to support their suspicions insane. You can lie as you like, Holmes. My word is as good as yours.
- Good God! Cried Holmes. I had forgotten completely. I want to Watson, I owe a thousand excuses. I think that you missed! No need to introduce Mr. Culverton Smith, as I understand that you have met before this evening. Does the car to point down? I follow him in sight, it might be useful at the station.
"I've never been more necessary," said Holmes, as he revived with a glass of burgundy and biscuits in the intervals of their arrangement. Anyway, as you know, my habits are irregular, and such a feat means less to me for most men. It was essential to make believe Mrs. Hudson in the reality of my situation, since she must pass it to you. Can not be offended, Watson? You'll notice that among his many talents, there is no place for dissimulation. Never have been able to give Smith the feeling that his presence was urgently needed, which was the vital point of the entire project. Knowing his vindictive nature, surely come to see their work.
"But what about your appearance, Holmes, his face ghostly?
-Three full days of fasting did not enhance the beauty of one, Watson. Moreover, from a sponge with Vaseline over his forehead and put belladonna in their eyes, rouge on the cheeks and wax crusts on the lips, can produce a very satisfactory effect. Feigning illness is a subject on which I have sometimes thought to write a monograph. A little occasional talk about half-crowns, oysters or anything else strange delirium make enough impression.
"But why not let me wanted me to come, because in reality there was no infection?
- And you ask, my dear Watson? Can you imagine that I have no respect for their medical talent? Could I imagine that his trial was beating a dying man to accept that, although weak, had no abnormal pulse or temperature? Four steps could fool you. If he could not deceive him, who would bring Smith to me? No, Watson, I would not touch that box. You can see, if you look sideways, leaving sharp spring when it opens, like a snake fang. I dare say it was a resource and thus met his death the poor Savage, who stood between this monster and heritage. However, as you know, my mail is varied, and I'm a bit on guard against any package that gets me. But I thought that by pretending that he had actually achieved its purpose, could extract a confession. And I've done this project with the perfection of the true artist. Thank you, Watson, you have to help me put on my jacket. When we're done with the police, I think it would not hurt to take something nutritious at Simpson's.
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