Edmund Lovelace

What reason?

This evening, just before dinner, I helped Gerald off with his top coat and went to hang it up for him.

As I did so, I heard a strange pellet clink in one of his pockets.

I slipped my hand inside it and found a hypodermic syringe in a small pile of liquid.

I opened the pile and smelled it.

Gentlemen, it reeked of bitter almonds.

Now, what did you do?

I thought of destroying it, but I realized that that would put him on his guard, so I replaced it in his pocket.

Of course, I warned the others, and we decided that I'd come to you.

I had to see a most important client tonight, or I'd have been here earlier.

Yes, I suppose it might seem so to you, Doctor.

That's the most interesting stick you carry, sir.

May I examine it?

Of course.

Here.

Thank you.

Yes, my dear Watson, but these marks under scrutiny give us even more specific information.

He's a large dog.

You've had him for some years, Mr. Lovelace, and he's now old and feeble.

Well, you're perfectly right, but I'll be hanged if I can see how you can tell that from looking at a walking stick.