THE CREEPING MAN

CHAPTER ONE-adapted-

The phone rings in Dr. Watson’s house.

Watson: Hello, Sherlock. Anything wrong?Sherlock: Come quickly, Watson! There’s a case for which I need your immediate assistance.

The doorbell rings at 221B Baker Street.

Mrs Hudson: Good Evening, Dr Watson! I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting.Watson: That’s all right Mrs. Hudson. Is Holmes out?Mrs Hudson: No, he’s here. He’s been in his study all day, reading. He hasn’t come out once,

even for lunch.Watson: Typical Holmes.Sherlock: Forgive me, Watson. I don’t wish to appear rude, but I’ve just been asked to take a

new case and I’m doing some research.Watson: I guessed as much. What are you researching?Sherlock: The habits of dogs.Watson: Is that why you called me here, Holmes, to discuss people’s pets?Sherlock: No, not exactly. But you have to admit, it is rather strange that Professor Presbury’s

dog – a dog he has had for years, I might add – would suddenly attack him for no reason at all.

Watson: It’s really not that strange, Holmes. The dog is probably ill. And, anyway, who is this Professor Presbury?

Sherlock: Professor Harold Presbury is a well known physiologist. He lives in Camford and lectures at the university there…

Mrs Hudson: Mr. Holmes, there’s the doorbell. Young Mr Bennett has arrived. I will go and let him in.

Mr Bennett: Oh, Mr. Holmes has a visitor! Perhaps I should come back another time, when we can talk in private...

Mrs Hudson: Don’t worry, Mr. Bennett. Dr Watson is a trusted friend and he will be assisting Mr. Holmes with your case.

Mr Bennett: I see…Sherlock: Watson, this is Trevor Bennett. He’s Professor Presbury’s assistant. He lives at the

Professor’s house and is engaged to his daughter, Edith.Watson: How do you do?Mr Bennett: A pleasure to meet you, sir.Sherlock: Have a seat, Mr Bennett.Mr Bennett: First, I will explain to Dr. Watson why I have asked for your help. Professor

Presbury is a widower who, a few months ago, was introduced to Alice Morphy, and fell in love with her. Because she is much younger than him, we did not approve… However, Alice’s family did not object, so the two became engaged. Then the Professor’s behaviour began to change…

Watson: Change? How?Sherlock: Well, about two months ago, he went away for two weeks without telling anyone

where he was going. Shortly after he returned, Mr Bennett received a letter from a

friend of his in Prague who mentioned that he’d seen the Professor there. Strangely enough, the Professor became distant and moody, ignored his friends and family. but, he continued to give brilliant lectures…

Watson: What about Professor Presbury’s fiancée, Mr Bennett? What has her reaction been to all of this?

Mr Bennett: Alice knows nothing about this, as she’s travelling through Europe with her father and they will only be back in about two weeks.

Watson: Has she been corresponding with the Professor?Mr Bennett: Yes, they write to each other regularly.Sherlock: Which brings us to those mysterious letters.Watson: Mysterious letters?Mrs Hudson: Yes… But before you discuss that, Mr. Holmes, and dear guests, please come

and have a cup of tea! I’ve prepared some delicious home-made biscuits which I’m sure will sweeten your day!