Scene IV
Setting: Evening in the living room of Fursock Holmes and Edison Watts' house. The drapes are drawn and a fire burns cheerfully in the grate. A few lamps give light.
At rise: Fursock Holmes and Edison Watts are seated in the living room. Holmes has a pipe in his mouth and is blowing bubbles with it. Watts is reading a book. All is silent for fifteen seconds except for the turning of a page.
Holmes: Our caseload has been rather empty as of late, Watts. It seems like something big is on its way to us. (Watts murmurs his agreement.) In fact, I would bet my new walking stick that someone is bearing a telegram toward us at this very minute, which will send us off on some new and exotic case. (Watts looks up from his book, interested.)
Watts: And how the dickens would you know something like that, Holmes? You can't tell if someone is sending us a telegram! (A knock is heard at the door. Holmes gets up to answer it. Messenger 1 is standing there.)
Messenger 1: Telegram for a Mr. Fursock Holmes, sir. (Holmes looks triumphantly at Watts, then tips Messenger 1, who leaves. Holmes shuts the door and rips open the telegram.)
Holmes: So you see, Watts, it is clear that we-- (looks at the telegram for the first time, and his voice trails away.) Oh. I forgot to pay the gas bill. (Watts starts laughing as a second knock is heard. Holmes once again goes to the door and opens it. Messenger 2 is standing there.)
Messenger 2: Telegram for a Mr. Fursock Holmes, sir.
Watts: What is it this time, the water? (Holmes shoots him a quelling look as he takes the telegram from the messenger. Tips the boy, who leaves. Holmes shuts the door and sits down, but doesn't open the telegram.) Aren't you going to see what it says, Holmes?
Holmes: Oh, all right. (Opens the telegram slowly and glances at the contents. Victoriously begins to read it to Watts.)
Holmes (from telegram): "Dear Mr. Holmes: We are in desperate straits. A member of our town has been attacked by some strange creature, which left a sticky, glowing film on her face. This creature then stole all the meat she had bought that day. None of us know what this creature might be. We would be much obliged if you would come and work on this mystery for us. The town will pay all your expenses, of course. Our town constable will be here to assist you in any way needed. We eagerly await your reply. Sincerely, Reginald Hawthorne."
Watts (in awe): How did you know this was coming, Holmes?
Holmes (smugly): It is all a matter of intuition and deduction, my dear Watts. I have never been without a case for more than two weeks, and tomorrow was the two-week line. It simply had to come today.
Watts: So are you going to accept the case?
Holmes: Naturally, Watts. Go pack some clothes for both of us. I'll send a telegram in the morning and let them know we're coming. (Curtains close as Watts rises to do Holmes's bidding.)