The Adventure of the Retired Colourman

The Work of Sir Christopher Lee2 minutes read

Sherlock Holmes investigates the case of Josiah Amberley, who was robbed by his wife and a young doctor. Through clever deductions, Holmes uncovers the truth behind the crime, leading to a surprising arrest and the unraveling of sinister plans.

Insights

  • Josiah Amberley's wife and Dr. Ray Ernest betrayed him, running off together with his life savings, leaving him devastated and heartbroken.
  • Sherlock Holmes' meticulous investigative skills, collaboration with other experts like Mr. Barker, and ability to think like a criminal were crucial in unraveling the mystery behind Amberley's sinister plans, showcasing his brilliance in solving complex cases.

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Recent questions

  • Who was robbed of £7,000 in cash and securities?

    Josiah Amberley

  • Why did Dr. Watson agree to investigate the case?

    Holmes was preoccupied with another case

  • Where did Holmes and Watson receive a telegram from?

    Little Pearlington, Essex

  • How did Holmes uncover Ambery's guilt?

    Through clever observations and deductions

  • What did the dying victim's message hint at?

    Murder

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Summary

00:00

"The Case of Josiah Amberley's Betrayal"

  • Sherlock Holmes is in a melancholy mood and discusses the case of Josiah Amberley with Dr. Watson.
  • Josiah Amberley, a retired color man, has been robbed of £7,000 in cash and securities by his wife and a young doctor named Dr. Ray Ernest.
  • Amberley's wife and Dr. Ernest have run off together, leaving Amberley devastated.
  • Amberley's wife took the deed box containing his life savings as her personal luggage.
  • Dr. Watson agrees to investigate the case on behalf of Sherlock Holmes due to Holmes' preoccupation with another case.
  • Watson visits Amberley's house, "The Haven," and observes the dilapidated state of the property.
  • Amberley shares details of the robbery, including the theft of the cash and securities from his strong room.
  • Amberley expresses his disappointment in his wife and the young doctor, feeling betrayed and heartbroken.
  • Watson discovers that Amberley's wife did not attend the theater with him as planned, raising suspicions.
  • Holmes receives a telegram from a vicar in Little Pearlington, Essex, prompting him and Watson to investigate further, despite Amberley's reluctance.

15:54

Mystery of Josiah Ambery's Sinister Plans

  • Holmes emphasized the importance of ensuring a man named Josiah Ambery actually departs as planned, advising to send a single-word message "bolted" if needed.
  • The journey to Little Perington was unpleasant due to hot weather, slow trains, and a silent companion, with occasional sardonic remarks made.
  • Upon reaching the vicarage, the clergyman denied sending any wire to Mr. Ambery, deeming it a forgery and ending the interview abruptly.
  • Stranded in a primitive village, Ambery and the narrator sought Holmes' help via telephone, leading to a surprising revelation of no return train that night.
  • Ambery's reputation as a miser was confirmed through his reluctance to spend, even objecting to the hotel bill upon returning to London.
  • Holmes, accompanied by a police inspector, confronted Ambery with questions about the bodies, leading to a shocking revelation and a swift arrest.
  • Holmes revealed his burglary skills in uncovering a gas-filled sealed room in Ambery's house, deducing his guilt through clever observations and deductions.
  • Holmes collaborated with a rival investigator, Mr. Barker, to solve the case, showcasing his ability to think like the criminal and anticipate their actions.
  • A grim message left by a dying victim hinted at murder, leading to the discovery of hidden securities and unraveling the mystery behind Ambery's sinister plans.
  • The successful investigation was lauded in the press, highlighting Holmes' meticulous approach and the thorough police work that brought the case to a close.

31:27

Gas smell leads to well bodies discovery.

  • Inspector McKinnon deduced the presence of gas from the smell of paint, leading to the discovery of bodies hidden in a disused well.
  • Holmes acknowledged McKinnon's intelligence, suggesting the story be archived for future reference.
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