Prompt: Something goes awry with Holmes' chemistry experiment (trustingHim17)
There was a sudden uproar at my friend's remarkable pronouncement.
Holmes quieted them all with a gesture. "If you will excuse me, Captain Bond, I fear our game will have to come second after all," he said and stood without waiting for an answer.
Bond followed suit. "Mr. Holmes, there's no reason for such dramatics."
"There is but a simple test, and then all will be clear. It only requires a few common household ingredients." Holmes turned to our host. "If you would send for the maid."
The man obliged and Holmes's ingredients were swiftly brought as all the assembled, myself among them, watched on in open curiosity. Holmes gave me a mischievous smile that did not reassure so much as encourage my keen interest in what was to come. Even after so many years, Holmes never ceased to astound me.
He laid out a few powders on the table before him and delicately measured out the proper proportions, before calling over Mr. Marcus—the only man who was not eagerly looming over Holmes's work. The rest of the party ensured the suspect made no attempt to escape.
"Press your fingers here," Holmes instructed. "Yes, that will do nicely."
When Mr. Marcus had done as he was bid and stepped away—though he could not go too far—Holmes spread the dark powder he had concocted over the paper and then gently dusted it away. The rest of us craned our necks to see the result as it became apparent.
But there was nothing to be seen.
Holmes let out a sharp laugh. "I fear all evidence has been done away with very neatly indeed. Captain Bond, if I might have a word before Mr. Marcus so eagerly departs?"