by Arthur Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes

Mr Sherlock Holmes was always of opinion that publish the singular facts connected with Professor Presbury, if only to dispel once for all the ugly rumours which some twenty agitated the university and were echoed learned societies of London There were, however, certain obstacles way, true history curious case remained entombed tin box which contains records friend's adventures Now at last obtained permission to ventilate the facts which formed very last cases handled by Holmes before his retirement from practice Even now certain reticence and discretion have observed in laying the matter public

one Sunday evening early in September year 1903 that I received one of Holmes's laconic messages:

Come at once if convenient -- if inconvenient come all the same S H

The relations in those latter days were peculiar man of habits, narrow and concentrated habits, and I had become As an institution like the violin, the shag tobacco, the old black pipe, the index books, and others perhaps less excusable When case of active work and comrade was needed upon whose nerve place some reliance, my role was obvious But apart I had uses whetstone mind I stimulated him He liked aloud in my presence His remarks could hardly be said made -- as appropriately addressed bedstead -- but none the less, having formed the habit, it had become in some way helpful that register and interject If I irritated him by certain methodical slowness in my mentality, that irritation served only his own flame-like intuitions and impressions flash up the more vividly and swiftly Such was my humble role alliance

When I arrived at Baker Street him huddled up armchair with updrawn knees, his pipe mouth brow furrowed with thought clear that throes of some vexatious problem With wave hand he indicated my old armchair, but otherwise for half an hour no sign that aware presence Then with start reverie, and usual whimsical smile he greeted me back to what had once been my home

" excuse certain abstraction of mind, my dear Watson," said he "Some curious facts submitted last twenty-four hours, in turn have given rise to some speculations of more general character serious thoughts of writing small monograph uses of dogs work detective "

"But surely, Holmes, this explored," said I "Bloodhounds -- sleuth-hounds --"

"No, no, Watson, that side matter is, , obvious But another far more subtle recollect that case which you, in your sensational way, coupled Copper Beeches, able, by watching the mind child, deduction criminal habits very smug and respectable father "

"Yes, I remember it well "

"My line of thoughts about dogs is analogous dog reflects the family life Whoever saw frisky dog in gloomy family, or sad dog in happy one ? Snarling people have snarling dogs, dangerous people have dangerous ones And their passing moods may reflect the passing moods of others "

I shook my head "Surely, Holmes, little far-fetched," said I

He had refilled his pipe and resumed his seat, taking no notice comment

"The practical application of what said is very close problem which investigating tangled skein, you understand and looking for loose end One possible loose end lies question: Why does Professor Presbury's wolfhound, Roy, endeavour to bite him ? "

I sank back in my chair in some disappointment for so trivial question that I summoned from my work ? Holmes glanced across at me

"The same old Watson ! " said he "You never learn gravest issues may depend smallest things But not face of it strange that staid, elderly philosopher -- you've heard of Presbury, , the famous Camford physiologist ? -that such man, whose friend his devoted wolfhound, should now twice attacked by his own dog ? What make of it ? "

"The dog is ill "

"Well, that be considered But he attacks no one else, nor does he apparently molest his master, save on very special occasions Curious, Watson -- very curious But young Mr Bennett is before his time is his ring I had hoped longer chat before "

quick step stairs, sharp tap door and moment later the new client presented himself tall, handsome youth about thirty, well dressed and elegant, but with something bearing which suggested the shyness student rather self-possession man world He shook hands with Holmes, and then looked with some surprise at me

" is very delicate, Mr Holmes," "Consider the relation I stand to Professor Presbury both privately and publicly I really can hardly justify myself if I speak before any third person "

"Have no fear, Mr Bennett Dr Watson very soul of discretion, and assure you matter very likely to need an assistant "

" like, Mr Holmes , , understand my having some reserves matter "

" appreciate it, Watson, when I tell you gentleman, Mr Trevor Bennett, is professional assistant great scientist, lives under his roof, engaged only daughter Certainly agree professor has every claim upon his loyalty and devotion But it may best be shown by taking the necessary steps to clear up this strange mystery "

" so, Mr Holmes my one object Does Dr Watson know the situation ? "

" time to explain it "

"Then perhaps I had better go over the ground again before explaining some fresh developments "

" myself," said Holmes, " to show that the events in their due order The professor, Watson, is man of European reputation His life academic There has never been breath of scandal widower with one daughter, Edith , I gather, man of very virile and positive, one might almost say combative, character So the matter stood until very

"Then the current life was broken sixty-one , but he became engaged daughter of Professor Morphy, his colleague chair of comparative anatomy not, as I understand, the reasoned courting of an elderly man but rather the passionate frenzy of youth, for no one shown himself more devoted lover The lady, Alice Morphy, was very perfect girl both in mind and body, every excuse professor's infatuation None the less, it meet with full approval own family "

"We thought it rather excessive," said our visitor

"Exactly Excessive and little violent and unnatural Professor Presbury was rich, however, and no objection part father The daughter, however, had other views, and there were already several candidates for her hand, who, were less eligible from worldly point of view, were more of an age The girl seemed to like the professor eccentricities only age which stood way

" little mystery suddenly clouded the normal routine professor's life what he had never done before He left home and gave no indication where going away fortnight and returned looking rather travel-worn no allusion to where he , although usually the frankest of men It chanced, however, client here, Mr Bennett, received letter from fellowstudent in Prague, who said that seen Professor Presbury there, although he able to him Only did his own household learn where he