Sherlock Holmes (Carlton Hobbs)

I've seen nothing later than the 15th century today.

Let us hear about it.

Some years ago, this country house, Yoxley Old Place, was taken by an elderly man named Professor Coram.

He was an invalid, keeping to his bed half the time.

He has the reputation down there of being a very learned man.

He found it necessary about a year ago to engage a secretary.

The first two that he tried were not successes, but the third, Mr Willoughby Smith, was a very young man straight from university.

He seemed to be just what his employer wanted.

I've seen his testimonials.

From the first, he was a decent, quiet, hard-working fellow.

Nothing against him at all.

And yet, this is the lad who has met his death this morning in the professor's study.

His death?

I take it you're going to tell us he's been murdered.

The circumstances can point only to that.

I see.

Well, you'd better tell us a little more about the household to begin with.

If you were to search all England, I don't suppose you'd find a household more self-contained.

or free from outside influences.

The professor was buried in his work.