THE CREEPING MAN CHAPTER ONE -adaptedThe phone rings in Dr. Watsons house. Watson: Hello, Sherlock.

Anything wrong? Sherlock: Come quickly, Watson! Theres a case for which I need your immediate assistance.

The doorbell rings at 221B Baker Street. Mrs Hudson: Good Evening, Dr Watson! Im so sorry to have kept you waiting. Watson: Thats all right Mrs. Hudson. Is Holmes out? Mrs Hudson: No, hes here. Hes been in his study all day, reading. He hasnt come out once, even for lunch. Watson: Typical Holmes. Sherlock: Forgive me, Watson. I dont wish to appear rude, but Ive just been asked to take a new case and Im doing some research. Watson: I guessed as much. What are you researching? Sherlock: The habits of dogs. Watson: Is that why you called me here, Holmes, to discuss peoples pets? Sherlock: No, not exactly. But you have to admit, it is rather strange that Professor Presburys dog a dog he has had for years, I might add would suddenly attack him for no reason at all. Watson: Its really not that strange, Holmes. The dog is probably ill. And, anyway, who is this Professor Presbury? Sherlock: Professor Harold Presbury is a well known physiologist. He lives in Camford and lectures at the university there Mrs Hudson: Mr. Holmes, theres the doorbell. Young Mr Bennett has arrived. I will go and let him in. Mr Bennett: Oh, Mr. Holmes has a visitor! Perhaps I should come back another time, when we can talk in private... Mrs Hudson: Dont worry, Mr. Bennett. Dr Watson is a trusted friend and he will be assisting Mr. Holmes with your case. Mr Bennett: I see Sherlock: Watson, this is Trevor Bennett. Hes Professor Presburys assistant. He lives at the Professors house and is engaged to his daughter, Edith. Watson: How do you do? Mr Bennett: A pleasure to meet you, sir. Sherlock: Have a seat, Mr Bennett. Mr Bennett: First, I will explain to Dr. Watson why I have asked for your help. Professor Presbury is a widower who, a few months ago, was introduced to Alice Morphy, and fell in love with her. Because she is much younger than him, we did not approve However, Alices family did not object, so the two became engaged. Then the Professors behaviour began to change Watson: Change? How? Sherlock: Well, about two months ago, he went away for two weeks without telling anyone where he was going. Shortly after he returned, Mr Bennett received a letter from a

friend of his in Prague who mentioned that hed seen the Professor there. Strangely enough, the Professor became distant and moody, ignored his friends and family. but, he continued to give brilliant lectures Watson: What about Professor Presburys fiance, Mr Bennett? What has her reaction been to all of this? Mr Bennett: Alice knows nothing about this, as shes travelling through Europe with her father and they will only be back in about two weeks. Watson: Has she been corresponding with the Professor? Mr Bennett: Yes, they write to each other regularly. Sherlock: Which brings us to those mysterious letters. Watson: Mysterious letters? Mrs Hudson: Yes But before you discuss that, Mr. Holmes, and dear guests, please come and have a cup of tea! Ive prepared some delicious home-made biscuits which Im sure will sweeten your day!