There are a number of elements that combine to make a successful Sherlock Holmes story. These include a good plot, the right atmosphere, and the deductive powers of Holmes himself. But underpinning these is the lasting friendship between Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson. This is the ‘glue‘ that holds the Sherlock Holmes stories together.
The case unfolded at Mark Cross Police Court at Tunbridge Wells in April, 1913. The defendant was a collie dog named Roy. Roy stood accused of killing a sheep belonging to a farmer named Arthur Hale. Roy’s defence was conducted by his owner - none other than the world famous author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“You may marry him, murder him, or do anything you like to him.“ Such was Arthur Conan Doyle’s reply to a cable he received one day in 1899. The cable was from the American actor-playwright, William Gillette. Gillette was rewriting a play about Sherlock Holmes.
On 4 August, 1914, Conan Doyle organised a meeting in his local town of Crowborough in Sussex. Conan Doyle proposed setting up a local civilian volunteer reserve.
A whaling ship named the Hope left the Scottish port of Peterhead on 28 February, 1880. It was bound for the Arctic Ocean on a seven month long voyage. On board was a 20 year old medical student named Arthur Conan Doyle.
The idea of an undersea link between Britain and France dates back to 1802. However, there were powerful and persistent arguments against it. But among those who were in favour of a tunnel was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“Matilda Briggs was not the name of a young woman, Watson, “ said Holmes in a reminiscent voice, “It was a ship which is associated with the giant rat of Sumatra, a story for which the world is not yet prepared.“