The Inquition – A Case of Identity

“Now we have the Sherlock Holmes test …”

–  A Scandal in Bohemia (SCAN)

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to announce the return of The Inquisition to be a feature with each story of the month that we highlight. Please join be in welcoming your new Inquisitor, Karen A. Wilson, ASH, who is also the 100th Garrideb (Woot!).

Sharpen your penicils! Let’s see how well you know your Canon and A Case of Identity.

1. Where did Holmes get his new golden snuff-box and that sparkling ring?

2. What does he imagine doing with Watson, “hand in hand”?

3. Holmes lists 3 odd features of the Dundas separation case. Name two.

4. If the client oscillates on the pavement, what sort of case does Holmes predict?

5. With what object does gallant Dr. Watson compare Miss Mary Sutherland as she enters 221B?

6. What two deductions does Holmes make about Mary in his initial greeting?

7. What did Holmes find for Mary’s friend Mrs. Etherege?

8. What is the source of Mary’s “own little income”?

9. What happened to Mary’s father’s business after her mother remarried?

10. What was the name of the chap who took Mary & her mom to the Gasfitters’ Ball?

11. Where, supposedly, was James Windibank whenever Mary met up with Hosmer Angel?

12. By what point in the relationship were Mary and Hosmer engaged?

13. What did Hosmer say had left him with a weak throat?

14. Name two of the things fashion-arbiter Watson tells us Mary was wearing.

15. At what part of a woman’s clothing does Holmes always glance first? Of a man’s?

16. What French author did Hosmer quote in his otherwise “commonplace” letters?

17. On what topic, pertinent to the identifying of Hosmer Angel, might Holmes write a monograph?

18. Why does Windibank leave 221B in such a hurry?

19. Holmes concludes the tale by comparing what two “wise” literary figures?

20. Complete the Persian saying: “‘There is danger for him who taketh the tiger cub, and danger also for _____.”

Answers will be provided in another post on this site, later this month. How do you think you fared with this?

Karen Wilson has the investiture of “A Faithful Scotchwoman” with us and the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes. She was the Tantalus (Quizmaster) of Watson’s Tin Box for 5 years and for the last three years she has helped develop the “killer quiz” on all 60 stories for that group’s annual Mycroft. Karen has been the organizer of the annual Scintillation of Scions conference and is looking forward to this year’s virtual version on June 13.