Dr. Watson

It began just before lunch, I remember, on November the 5th, 1899.

The day was foggy and cold, and Holmes and I seated each side of a blazing fire in our Baker Street rooms.

From outside we could hear the sound of voices laughing and singing.

Suddenly Holmes rose and crossed to the window, opened it and looked out.

Then he turned to me and spoke.

Children are having a great time, Watson, aren't they?

Yes, it cost me a shilling worth of pennies to walk here this morning.

Has it occurred to you, Watson, that the Gunpowder Plot offers very promising material to the speculative mind?

In what way, Holmes?

I say it's confoundedly chilly in here.

Don't you think you might shut that window?

Sorry, old chap.

As I was saying, the Gunpowder Plot offers very promising material to the speculative mind.

I've made something of a study of the historical records of the case.

There's more than a little evidence to suggest that King James was never in any real danger.

Never in any danger?

What makes you say that?

Knowledge of the proposed dastardly scheme came to light early.

The James Stuart King of England, the possessor of a shrewd and diabolical mind, used the spectacular discovery of the plot to try and bolster his weight in popularity, as well as to justify increased religious persecutions.

Well, that's the first I've heard of it, Holmes.