From Watson’s Tin Box: The Devil’s Foot | The Fourth Garrideb

“Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatch-box with my name, John H. Watson, MD, Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid.”

– The Problem of Thor Bridge (THOR)

It was, then, with considerable surprise that I received a telegram from Holmes last Tuesday – he has never been known to write where a telegram would serve – in the following terms: ‘Why not tell them of the Cornish horror-strangest case I have handled.’ ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion that meets in Columbia, Maryland, shares a few select items from their tin evidence box for The Devil’s Foot with us here at The Fourth Garrideb. These evidence boxes were originally created by the late Paul Churchill, BSI, one of the founders of Watson’s Tin Box and contains both genuine artifacts and genuine faux reproductions that he (and others) created. These items create a great deal of discussion at their monthly meetings and we hope it will do the same here. Enjoy!

Thus it was that in the early spring of that year we found ourselves together in a small cottage near Poldhu Bay, at the further extremity of the Cornish peninsula. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

Many of my readers may retain some recollection of what was called at the time ‘The Cornish Horror’, though a most imperfect account of the matter reached the London Press. Now, after thirteen years, I will give the true details of this inconceivable affair to the public. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

He left them shortly after ten o’clock, playing cards round the dining-room table, in excellent health and spirits ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

I may have commented upon my friend’s power of mental detachment, but never have I wondered at it more than upon that spring morning in Cornwall when for two hours he discoursed upon celts, arrowheads, and shards, as lightly as if no sinister mystery was waiting for his solution. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

‘From the Plymouth hotel, Watson,’ he said. ‘I learned the name of it from the vicar, and I wired to make certain that Dr Leon Sterndale’s account was true. It appears that he did indeed spend last night there, and that he has actually allowed some of his baggage to go on to Africa, while he returned to be present at this investigation. What do you make of that, Watson?’ ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

The lamp, which was an ordinary standard, he examined with minute care, making certain measurements upon its bowl. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

He carefully scrutinized with his lens the talc shield which covered the top of the chimney, and scraped off some ashes which adhered to its upper surface, putting some of them into an envelope, which he placed in his pocket-book. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

‘You sent for me, Mr Holmes. I had your note about an hour ago, and I have come, though I really do not know why I should obey your summons.’ ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

Then, with a sudden impulsive gesture, he plucked a photograph from his breast-pocket and threw it on the rustic table before us.
‘That is why I have done it,’ said he.
It showed the bust and face of a very beautiful woman. Holmes stooped over it.
‘Brenda Tregennis,’ said he. ‘Yes, Brenda Tregennis,’ repeated our visitor. ‘For years I have loved her. For years she has loved me. ~ WTB DEVI Evidence Box

Thanks to the 42nd Garrideb, Denny Dobry, for the scans in this post. Thanks also to Debbie Clark, the 58th Garrideb, the current keeper of the evidence boxes.

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion in Columbia, MD, is one of the most active Sherlockian groups in the Middle Atlantic region, Generally meeting on the last Monday of each month, the meetings feature canonical toasts, good conversations and dining, as well as a discussion of the month’s featured story and an educational presentation. For more information about Watson’s Tin Box, please visit their website HERE.

A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars