May 2011

Sherlock Holmes - Deductions

The Book of Life

It attempted to show how much an observant man might learn by an accurate and systematic examination of all that came in his way. It struck me as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. The reasoning was close and intense, but the deductions appeared to me to be far fetched and exaggerated. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Deceit, according to him, was an impossibility in the case of one trained to observation and analysis. His conclusions were as infallible as so many propositions of Euclid. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer.
“From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. So all life is a great chain, the nature of which is known whenever we are shown a single link of it. Like all other arts, the Science of Deduction and Analysis is one which can only be acquired by long and patient study, nor is life long enough to allow any mortal to attain the highest possible perfection in it. Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the inquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems. Let him, on meeting a fellow-mortal, learn at a glance to distinguish the history of the man, and the trade or profession to which he belongs. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. By a man’s finger-nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser-knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirtcuffs — by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent inquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.”
"I have a turn both for observation and for deduction. The theories which I have expressed there, and which appear to you to be so chimerical, are really extremely practical — so practical that I depend upon them for my bread and cheese.”
"Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn are invaluable to me in practical work. Observation with me is second nature. You appeared to be surprised when I told you, on our first meeting, that you had come from Afghanistan.”
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Sherlock Holmes - Character Illustrations

“There are no crimes and no criminals in these days,” he said, querulously. “What is the use of having brains in our profession? I know well that I have it in me to make my name famous. No man lives or has ever lived who has brought the same amount of study and of natural talent to the detection of crime which I have done. And what is the result? There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.” Read More...

Sherlock Holmes - Sayings

“You see,” he explained, “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.” Read More...

Jefferson Hope's accomplice who came to claim the wedding ring

At my summons, instead of the man of violence whom we expected, a very old and wrinkled woman hobbled into the apartment. She appeared to be dazzled by the sudden blaze of light, and after dropping a curtsey, she stood blinking at us with her bleared eyes and fumbling in her pocket with nervous, shaky fingers.

“Old woman be damned!” said Sherlock Holmes, sharply. “We were the old women to be so taken in. It must have been a young man, and an active one, too, besides being an incomparable actor. The get-up was inimitable."

Three bundles which John Ferrier's party took with them

Ferrier carried the bag of gold and notes, Jefferson Hope had the scanty provisions and water, while Lucy had a small bundle containing a few of her more valued possessions.

Threatening notes left for John Ferrier

He (John Ferrier) expected that he would receive some message or remonstrance from Young as to his conduct, and he was not mistaken, though it came in an unlooked-for manner. Upon rising next morning he found, to his surprise, a small square of paper pinned on to the coverlet of his bed just over his chest. On it was printed, in bold, straggling letters: —
“Twenty-nine days are given you for amendment, and then —”
Still more shaken was he next morning. They had sat down to their breakfast, when Lucy with a cry of surprise pointed upwards. In the centre of the ceiling was scrawled, with a burned stick apparently, the number 28.
That night he sat up with his gun and kept watch and ward. He saw and he heard nothing, and yet in the morning a great 27 had been painted upon the outside of his door.
Thus day followed day; and as sure as morning came he found that his unseen enemies had kept their register, and had marked up in some conspicuous position how many days were still left to him out of the month of grace. Sometimes the fatal numbers appeared upon the walls, sometimes upon the floors, occasionally they were on small placards stuck upon the garden gate or the railings.

Handcuffs produced by Sherlock Holmes

“Why don’t you introduce this pattern at Scotland Yard?” he continued, taking a pair of steel handcuffs from a drawer. “See how beautifully the spring works. They fasten in an instant.” (Sherlock Holmes)
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Poisonious pills

"Could you lay your hand upon those pills?”
“I have them,” said Lestrade, producing a small white box; “I took them and the purse and the telegram, intending to have them put in a place of safety at the police station.
“Give them here,” said Holmes. “Now, Doctor,” turning to me, “are those ordinary pills?”
They certainly were not. They were of a pearly gray colour, small, round, and almost transparent against the light. “From their lightness and transparency, I should imagine that they are soluble in water.”

Items found in Stangerson's room at Halliday's Private Hotel

"The man’s novel, with which he had read himself to sleep, was lying upon the bed, and his pipe was on a chair beside him. There was a glass of water on the table, and on the window-sill a small chip ointment box containing a couple of pills.” (Inspector Lestrade)

Stangerson's purse

"Stangerson had Drebber’s purse in his pocket, but it seems that this was usual, as he did all the paying. There was eighty-odd pounds in it, but nothing had been taken." (Inspector Lestrade)

Enoch Drebber's top hat

"You remember the hat beside the dead man?” (Inspector Lestrade)
“Yes,” said Holmes; “by John Underwood and Sons, 129, Camberwell Road.”
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Book recently purchased by Sherlock Holmes

"This is a queer old book I picked up at a stall yesterday — De Jure inter Gentes — published in Latin at Liege in the Lowlands, in 1642. Charles’s head was still firm on his shoulders when this little brown-backed volume was struck off.”
“Who is the printer?”
“Philippe de Croy, whoever he may have been. On the flyleaf, in very faded ink, is written ‘Ex libris Guliolmi Whyte.’ I wonder who William Whyte was. Some pragmatical seventeenth century lawyer, I suppose. His writing has a legal twist about it." (
Sherlock Holmes)

Dr Watsons service revolver

"Have you any arms?” (Sherlock Holmes)

“I have my old service revolver
and a few cartridges.” (Dr Watson)

“You had better clean it and load it."

Facsimile wedding ring

“Oh, yes, you have,” said he, handing me one. “This will do very well. It is almost a facsimile.” (Sherlock Holmes)
Wedding ring required by Sherlock Holmes should anyone respond to his advertisement.

Gray dust and Trichinopoly

In one place he (Sherlock Holmes) gathered up very carefully a little pile of gray dust from the floor, and packed it away in an envelope.

"He (
Jefferson Hope) smoked a Trichinopoly cigar."

"I gathered up some scattered ash from the floor. It was dark in colour and flaky — such an ash is only made by a Trichinopoly. I have made a special study of cigar ashes — in fact, I have written a monograph upon the subject. I flatter myself that I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand either of cigar or of tobacco." (
Sherlock Holmes)
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Rache

Why was that corner chosen to write it on? I will tell you. See that candle on the mantelpiece. It was lit at the time, and if it was lit this corner would be the brightest instead of the darkest portion of the wall.” (Inspector Lestrade)

" ‘Rache,’ is the German for ‘revenge’; so don’t lose your time looking for Miss Rachel.”

"It was simply a blind intended to put the police upon a wrong track, by suggesting Socialism and secret societies. It was not done by a German. The A, if you noticed, was printed somewhat after the German fashion. Now, a real German invariably prints in the Latin character, so that we may safely say that this was not written by one, but by a clumsy imitator who overdid his part." (
Sherlock Holmes)

Contents of Enoch Drebber's pockets

“A gold watch, No. 97163, by Barraud, of London. Gold Albert chain, very heavy and solid. Gold ring, with masonic device. Gold pin — bull-dog’s head, with rubies as eyes. Russian leather cardcase, with cards of Enoch J. Drebber of Cleveland, corresponding with the E. J. D. upon the linen. No purse, but loose money to the extent of seven pounds thirteen. Pocket edition of Boccaccio’s ‘Decameron,’ with name of Joseph Stangerson upon the flyleaf. Two letters — one addressed to E. J. Drebber and one to Joseph Stangerson.” Read More...

Wedding ring

We all gathered round him and gazed at it. There could be no doubt that that circlet of plain gold had once adorned the finger of a bride.

Red wax candle

Stuck on one corner of the immitation marble fireplace at 3 Lauriston Gardens where the murder of Enoch J. Drebber took place.

List prepared by Dr Watson of Sherlock Holmes' accomplishments

Sherlock Holmes — his limits:

1. Knowledge of Literature. — Nil.
2. “ “ Philosophy. — Nil.
3. “ “ Astronomy. — Nil.
4. “ “ Politics. — Feeble.
5. “ “ Botany. — Variable.
Well up in belladonna, opium, and poisons generally.
Knows nothing of practical gardening.
6. Knowledge of Geology. — Practical, but limited.
Tells at a glance different soils from each other.
After walks has shown me splashes upon his trousers, and told me by their colour and consistence in
what part of London he had received them.
7. Knowledge of Chemistry. — Profound.
8. “ “ Anatomy. — Accurate, but unsystematic
9. “ “ Sensational Literature. — Immense.
He appears to know every detail of every horror
perpetrated in the century.
10. Plays the violin well.
11. Is an expert singlestick player, boxer, and swordsman.
12. Has a good practical knowledge of British law.

Jezail bullet which injured Dr Watson

Which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. (Source of much discussion as Dr Watson's injury seemed to gravitate to his leg as time passed.)
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Article in The Echo on the day following the arrest of Jefferson Hope

“The public,” it said, “have lost a sensational treat through the sudden death of the man Hope, who was suspected of the murder of Mr. Enoch Drebber and of Mr. Joseph Stangerson. The details of the case will probably be never known now, though we are informed upon good authority that the crime was the result of an old-standing and romantic feud, in which love and Mormonism bore a part. It seems that both the victims belonged, in their younger days, to the Latter Day Saints, and Hope, the deceased prisoner, hails also from Salt Lake City. If the case has had no other effect, it, at least, brings out in the most striking manner the efficiency of our detective police force, and will serve as a lesson to all foreigners that they will do wisely to settle their feuds at home, and not to carry them on to British soil. It is an open secret that the credit of this smart capture belongs entirely to the well-known Scotland Yard officials, Messrs. Lestrade and Gregson. The man was apprehended, it appears, in the rooms of a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who has himself, as an amateur, shown some talent in the detective line and who, with such instructors, may hope in time to attain to some degree of their skill. It is expected that a testimonial of some sort will be presented to the two officers as a fitting recognition of their services.”

Notice on John Ferrier's grave

There was no mistaking it for anything but a newly dug grave. As the young hunter (Jefferson Hope) approached it, he perceived that a stick had been planted on it, with a sheet of paper stuck in the cleft fork of it. The inscription upon the paper was brief, but to the point:
JOHN FERRIER,
FORMERLY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
Died August 4th, 1860.

Letter from John Ferrier to Jefferson Hope

"There’s a party starting for Nevada to-morrow, and I’ll manage to send him a message letting him know the hole we are in." (John Ferrier)

On the morning which followed his interview with the Mormon Prophet, John Ferrier went in to Salt Lake City, and having found his acquaintance, who was bound for the Nevada Mountains, he entrusted him with his message to Jefferson Hope. In it he told the young man of the imminent danger which threatened them, and how necessary it was that he should return.

Telegram found in Stangerson's pocket

There were no papers or memoranda in the murdered man’s pocket, except a single telegram, dated from Cleveland about a month ago, and containing the words, ‘J. H. is in Europe.’ There was no name appended to this message.

Telegram sent by Inspector Lestrade to Liverpool

"I telegraphed to Liverpool, giving a description of the man, and warning them to keep a watch upon the American boats." (Inspector Lestrade)

Extracts from the newspapers following the "Brixton Mystery"

The Daily Telegraph remarked that in the history of crime there had seldom been a tragedy which presented stranger features. The German name of the victim, the absence of all other motive, and the sinister inscription on the wall, all pointed to its perpetration by political refugees and revolutionists. The Socialists had many branches in America, and the deceased had no doubt, infringed their unwritten laws, and been tracked down by them. After alluding airily to the Vehmgericht, aqua tofana, Carbonari, the Marchioness de Brinvilliers, the Darwinian theory, the principles of Malthus, and the Ratcliff Highway murders, the article concluded by admonishing the government and advocating a closer watch over foreigners in England.

The Standard commented upon the fact that lawless outrages of the sort usually occurred under a Liberal administration. They arose from the unsettling of the minds of the masses, and the consequent weakening of all authority. The deceased was an American gentleman who had been residing for some weeks in the metropolis. He had stayed at the boarding-house of Madame Charpentier, in Torquay Terrace, Camberwell. He was accompanied in his travels by his private secretary, Mr. Joseph Stangerson. The two bade adieu to their landlady upon Tuesday, the 4th inst., and departed to Euston Station with the avowed intention of catching the Liverpool express. They were afterwards seen together upon the platform. Nothing more is known of them until Mr. Drebber’s body was, as recorded, discovered in an empty house in the Brixton Road, many miles from Euston. How he came there, or how he met his fate, are questions which are still involved in mystery. Nothing is known of the whereabouts of Stangerson. We are glad to learn that Mr. Lestrade and Mr. Gregson, of Scotland Yard, are both engaged upon the case, and it is confidently anticipated that these well-known officers will speedily throw light upon the matter.

The Daily News observed that there was no doubt as to the crime being a political one. The despotism and hatred of Liberalism which animated the Continental governments had had the effect of driving to our shores a number of men who might have made excellent citizens were they not soured by the recollection of all that they had undergone. Among these men there was a stringent code of honour, any infringement of which was punished by death. Every effort should be made to find the secretary, Stangerson, and to ascertain some particulars of the habits of the deceased. A great step had been gained by the discovery of the address of the house at which he had boarded — a result which was entirely due to the acuteness and energy of Mr. Gregson of Scotland Yard.

Telegram from Cleveland police headquarters to Sherlock Holmes

“I have just had an answer to my American telegram. My view of the case is the correct one.” (Sherlock Holmes)

Advertisement placed in all the papers by Sherlock Holmes

It was the first announcement in the “Found” column.
“In Brixton Road, this morning,” it ran, “a plain gold wedding ring, found in the roadway between the White Hart Tavern and Holland Grove. Apply Dr. Watson, 221 B, Baker Street, between eight and nine this evening.”

Article in evening newspaper

"Have you seen the evening paper?”
“No.”
“It gives a fairly good account of the affair. It does not mention the fact that when the man was raised up a woman’s wedding ring fell upon the floor." (
Sherlock Holmes)

Telegram sent by Sherlock Holmes to head of police in Cleveland, Ohio

Holmes led me to the nearest telegraph office, whence he dispatched a long telegram.

Telegram sent by Inspector Gregson to Cleveland, Ohio

“Have you made any inquiries as to this man Stangerson?” (Sherlock Holmes)
“I did it at once, sir,” said Gregson. “I have had advertisements sent to all the newspapers, and one of my men has gone to the American Exchange, but he has not returned yet.”
“Have you sent to Cleveland?”
“We telegraphed this morning.”
“How did you word your inquiries?”
“We simply detailed the circumstances, and said that we should be glad of any information which could help us.” (
Inspector Gregson)

Letters found in Enoch J. Drebber's pocket

"Two letters — one addressed to E. J. Drebber and one to Joseph Stangerson.”
“At what address?”
“American Exchange, Strand — to be left till called for. They are both from the Guion Steamship Company, and reto the sailing of their boats from Liverpool." (
(Inspector Gregson)

Letter to Sherlock Holmes from Inspector Gregson

This is the letter which I read to him, —
“MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:
“There has been a bad business during the night at 3,
Lauriston Gardens, off the Brixton Road. Our man on the
beat saw a light there about two in the morning, and as the
house was an empty one, suspected that something was
amiss. He found the door open, and in the front room,
which is bare of furniture, discovered the body of a gentleman, well dressed, and having cards in his pocket bearing
the name of ‘Enoch J. Drebber, Cleveland, Ohio, U. S. A.’
There had been no robbery, nor is there any evidence as to
how the man met his death. There are marks of blood in the
room, but there is no wound upon his person. We are at a
loss as to how he came into the empty house; indeed, the
whole affair is a puzzler. If you can come round to the
house any time before twelve, you will find me there. I
have left everything in status quo until I hear from you. If
you are unable to come, I shall give you fuller details, and
would esteem it a great kindness if you would favour me
with your opinions.
“Yours faithfully,
“TOBIAS GREGSON."

Waterloo Bridge

"We rattled across Waterloo Bridge and through miles of streets, until, to my astonishment, we found ourselves back in the terrace in which he had boarded." (Jefferson Hope)
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Jefferson Hope's journey

At last, having collected enough to keep life in him, he departed for Europe, and tracked his enemies from city to city, working his way in any menial capacity, but never overtaking the fugitives. When he reached St. Petersburg, they had departed for Paris; and when he followed them there, he learned that they had just set off for Copenhagen. At the Danish capital he was again a few days late, for they had journeyed on to London, where he at last succeeded in running them to earth.
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Carson City

"We must push for Carson City through the mountains."
“They will be upon our track by this time,” he said. “Everything depends upon our speed. Once safe in Carson, we may rest for the remainder of our lives.” (
Jefferson Hope)
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Eagle Ravine

"I have a mule and two horses waiting in the Eagle Ravine." (Jefferson Hope)

On the sixth day, he (
Jefferson Hope) reached the Eagle Canyon, from which they had commenced their ill-fated flight. Thence he could look down upon the home of the Saints.

Nevada Mountains

He (Jefferson Hope) and they had been among the Nevada Mountains prospecting for silver, and were returning to Salt Lake City in the hope of raising capital enough to work some lodes which they had discovered.
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Wasatch Mountains

From the great inland sea to the distant Wasatch Mountains there was no name better known than that of John Ferrier.
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Nauvoo to Salt Lake City

In the central portion of the great North American Continent there lies an arid and repulsive desert, which for many a long year served as a barrier against the advance of civilization. From the Sierra Nevada to Nebraska, and from the Yellowstone River in the north to the Colorado upon the south, is a region of desolation and silence.

In the whole world there can be no more dreary view than that from the northern slope of the
Sierra Blanco. As far as the eye can reach stretches the great flat plain-land, all dusted over with patches of alkali, and intersected by clumps of the dwarfish chaparral bushes.
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Mews at the back of Halliday's Private Hotel

Where the milk boy notice a ladder against one of the windows of the hotel.

Halliday's Private Hotel, Little George Street

Joseph Stangerson was murdered there.
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(Little George Street runs between Gt. Geo. St. and Broad Sanctuary in the top left-hand corner of the map)

Copenhagen

"I noticed a Copenhagen label upon each of their trunks, showing that that had been their last stopping place." (Madame Charpentier)
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129 Camberwell Road

Address of John Underwood and Sons. The name inside Enoch J. Drebber's hat.
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Euston Station

Drebber and Stangerson intended to catch the Liverpool express from this station.
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Torquay Terrace, Camberwell

Address of the boarding house belonging to Madam Charpentier where Enoch J. Drebber and Joseph Stangerson stayed while in London.

(
This appears to be a fictional address)

3 Mayfield Place, Peckham

Address of Sally Denis, daughter of Mrs Sawyer.

(
This appears to be a fictional address)

13 Duncan Street, Houndsditch

Address of Mrs Sawyer who came to claim the lost wedding ring on behalf of her daughter.

(
This appears to be a fictional address)

Brixton Road

"I thought I would take a look round and see that all was right down the Brixton Road." (Constable John Rance)
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Henrietta Street

Constable John Rance and Constable Harry Murcher stood here for a while talking on the night of the murder.

(Henrietta St. runs into Covent Garden (centre of map) but whether this was 'the' Henrietta Street mentioned is another matter)
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Holland Grove

The beat of Constable Harry Murcher which adjoined that of Constable John Rance.
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(Top right-hand corner)

White Hart Tavern

There was a fight at the White Hart on the night of the murder of Enoch J. Drebber.

There was a pub known as the White Hart at 71 Loughborough Road which runs off the Brixton Road.
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Kennington Park Gate

Kennington Gate was one of the toll gates in London on the triangular piece of ground where the roads joined.
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46 Audley Court, Kennington Park Gate

Home of John Rance, the Police Constable who found the body of Enoch J. Drebber.
(
Audley Court appears to be a fictional address)

New York-Liverpool

"They (letters) are both from the Guion Steamship Company, and refer to the sailing of their boats from Liverpool. It is clear that this unfortunate man was about to return to New York.” (Inspector Gregson)
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American Exchange, Strand

"Two letters — one addressed to E. J. Drebber and one to Joseph Stangerson.”
“At what address?”
“American Exchange, Strand — to be left till called for."
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Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

This was the address printed on the cards in Enoch J. Drebber's card case.

It was but a glance of a face in a window, but that one glance told him (
Jefferson Hope) that Cleveland in Ohio possessed the men whom he was in pursuit of.
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3 Lauriston Gardens, off Brixton Road

Where the murder of Enoch J. Drebber took place.
(
Lauriston Gardens appears to be fictional)
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Atlantic, Niagara and Underground

“From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other." (Sherlock Holmes)

"I should like to see him clapped down in a third-class carriage on the Underground, and asked to give the trades of all his fellow-travellers." (
Dr John Watson)
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The Holborn

Where Dr Watson and young Stamford lunched.
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Bart's (St Bartholomew's Hospital)

Where Stamford had been a dresser under Dr Watson.

Where Watson had done some of his medical training.

Where Sherlock Holmes was working in the laboratory.
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Criterion Bar

Where Dr Watson met young Stamford.
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Private Hotel in the Strand

There I stayed for some time at a private hotel in the Strand, leading a comfortless, meaningless existence, and spending such money as I had, considerably more freely than I ought. (Dr John Watson)
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Portsmouth

I landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty.
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Peshawar

I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar.
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Maiwand

I served at the fatal battle of Maiwand. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet. (Dr John Watson)
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Candahar

I followed, however, with many other officers who were in the same situation as myself, and succeeded in reaching Candahar in safety, where I found my regiment, and at once entered upon my new duties. (Dr John Watson)
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Bombay

On landing at Bombay, I learned that my corps had advanced through the passes, and was already deep in the enemy’s country. (Dr John Watson)
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Afghanistan

The second Afghan war.
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Netley

To go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the Army.
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University of London

In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London. (Dr John Watson)
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Cowper

A Mormon named Cowper, to whom he (Jefferson Hope) had rendered services at different times. He therefore accosted him when he got up to him, with the object of finding out what Lucy Ferrier’s fate had been.

Brother Stangerson

The Mormon Elder in whose waggon Lucy Ferrier travelled, and who was instructed by Brigham Young to teach them the Mormon creed. His son was Joseph Stangerson.

“Take him, Brother Stangerson,” he said, “give him food and drink, and the child likewise. Let it be your task also to teach him our holy creed." (Brigham Young)

Brigham Young

A man who could not have been more than thirty years of age, but whose massive head and resolute expression marked him as a leader.
(See also Additional Information)
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Poor little devil of a terrier

"....which has been bad so long, and which the landlady wanted you to put out of its pain yesterday?” (Sherlock Holmes)

Alice Charpentier

"....an uncommonly fine girl she is, too; she was looking red about the eyes and her lips trembled as I spoke to her." (Inspector Gregson) Read More...

Madam Charpentier

Mother of Arthur and Alice. Owner of the boarding house where Drebber and Stangerson lodged while in London.

Arthur Charpentier, sub-lieutenant in Her Majesty's navy

Believed by Inspector Gregson to have murdered Enoch Drebber.

Wiggins

Leader of the Baker Street division of the detective police force.

There rushed into the room half a dozen of the dirtiest and most ragged street Arabs that ever I clapped eyes on.

Sally Dennis

Daughter of Mrs Sawyer. Read More...

Mrs Sawyer

Who claimed that the wedding ring found at the scene of Enoch Drebber's murder belonged to her daughter Sally. Read More...

Constable Harry Murcher

The Police Constable who had the Holland Grove beat.

Constable John Rance

Police constable who discovered the body of Enoch J. Drebber.

Retired sergeant of Marines

Bearer of a letter from Inspector Tobias Gregson telling Sherlock Holmes of the murder of Enoch J Drebber and asking for the detective's assistance. Read More...

Landlady

No mention of her name and no details are given in this novel.

Early visitors to Baker Street as clients of Sherlock Holmes

The same afternoon brought a gray-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew peddler, who appeared to me to be much excited.

A slipshod elderly woman.

An old white-haired gentleman had an interview with my companion.

A railway porter in his velveteen uniform.

Young Stamford

....who had been a dresser under me at Bart’s. The sight of a friendly face in the great wilderness of London is a pleasant thing indeed to a lonely man. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom. (Dr John Watson)

Murray, my Orderley

....my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. (Dr John Watson)
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Lucy Ferrier

A pretty little girl of about five years of age, whose dainty shoes and smart pink frock with its little linen apron, all bespoke a mother’s care. The child was pale and wan, but her healthy arms and legs showed that she had suffered less than her companion. Read More...

John Ferrier

His appearance was such that he might have been the very genius or demon of the region. An observer would have found it difficult to say whether he was nearer to forty or to sixty. His face was lean and haggard, and the brown parchment-like skin was drawn tightly over the projecting bones; his long, brown hair and beard were all flecked and dashed with white; his eyes were sunken in his head, and burned with an unnatural lustre; while the hand which grasped his rifle was hardly more fleshy than that of a skeleton. As he stood, he leaned upon his weapon for support, and yet his tall figure and the massive framework of his bones suggested a wiry and vigorous constitution. His gaunt face, however, and his clothes, which hung so baggily over his shrivelled limbs, proclaimed what it was that gave him that senile and decrepit appearance. The man was dying — dying from hunger and from thirst.

Jefferson Hope

The murderer of Enoch Drebber and of Joseph Stangerson. Read More...

Joseph Stangerson

With a long pale face.

Secretary to Enoch Drebber.

Murderer of John Ferrier.

Inspector Tobias Gregson

A tall, white-faced, flaxen-haired man, with a notebook in his hand.

"Gregson is the smartest of the Scotland Yarders."

"They are both quick and energetic, but conventional — shockingly so." (Sherlock Holmes)

Enoch J. Drebber, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

A bull-necked youth with coarse, bloated features.
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Inspector Lestrade

There was one little sallow, rat-faced, dark-eyed fellow.

"A well-known detective. He got himself into a fog recently over a forgery case, and that was what brought him here.” (
Sherlock Holmes)

(
Lestrade) lean and ferret-like as ever, was standing by the doorway, and greeted my companion and myself.