Scene VI

Setting: Room in a boarding house. Holmes and Watts are sitting in chairs. Holmes has his bubble pipe in his hand and gestures with it while he talks.

At rise: Holmes rises from his chair and starts pacing around the room. He is obviously excited about something, while Watts is hanging on his every word.

Holmes: The butcher knows something. Did you notice his shifty eyes, how he squirmed when that woman said the meat was glowing? He's the one who did it! Now all we must do is find the evidence to prove his guilt.

Watts (timidly): I thought the man behind the butcher looked rather suspicious.

Holmes (dismissively): No, no, anyone can tell from just looking at him that he doesn't have the kind of brains required for a job like this. The culprit is the butcher. He's our man!

Watts: When will we being gathering evidence?

Holmes: We'll go out tonight and listen around, and tomorrow we'll ask the villagers some questions. Maybe they've heard something.

Watts: They didn't seem very friendly. No one came up to greet us.

Holmes: Nonsense! They were just shy of being around such a great detective as me. You watch, tomorrow they'll be as chatty as magpies.

Watts: If you say so, Holmes. (A knock is heard at the door.) Come in! Albert LeGrande enters, looking unhappy. Stands fiddling with his buttons.)

LeGrande: Are you Mr. Holmes and Mr. Watts? (Holmes opens his mouth to introduce himself, but LeGrande waves him back.) No, let me guess--the one with the bubble pipe is Holmes. Holmes shuts his mouth and looks faintly displeased.) Mayor Hawthorne said you were here to solve a problem for us, and sent me here to-- (takes a deep breath, then continues, looking more woebegone than before)--to offer you any help you need that I can give you. I'm the town constable, Albert LeGrande.

Watts: (Stepping forward to shake LeGrande's hand.) Good to meet you, LeGrande. I'm Eddie Watts.

LeGrande: Good to meet you, Watts.

Holmes: Swell of you to offer, old chap, but we don't really need any help. With a brain like mine other people tend to just get in the way. I say, would you mind getting me some coffee? The trip out here was a bit rough. (Smiles ingratiatingly. Doesn't notice that LeGrande is seething, and trying to keep a smile pinned on his lips.)

LeGrande (sarcastically): No problem, sir. Would you like biscuits with that?

Holmes (considering): No…I think the coffee will be good. Thanks anyway. And do make sure you put enough sugar in the coffee. I take three lumps. (LeGrande forces a greasy smile, then stalks out of the room.)

Watts (concerned): I say, Holmes, he didn't seem to like you all that much.

Holmes: Nonsense! He's probably just jealous of my impeccable reputation. Come now, Watts; it's almost time to begin our nighttime searches. (Curtains close.)