Sherlock Holmes & The Master Engraver (Sherlock Holmes Revival) Read Free Page A

based as far as I could determine, solely upon the briefest of introductions, upon our unexpected visitor’s appearance and attire, and a simple calling-card. He replied “My dear Mr Petch, I have known them from the moment you presented yourself at our table. As to how I know them, it is my business to know such things. But let me set your mind at rest – you are a walking autobiography Sir! I note from your calling-card that your firm is the well-known and respected London printer of currency and bonds, though it does not advert as much in so many words; that you are a senior partner is likewise similarly evident.
    “That you are a master engraver required a little more application.
    “Your gold spectacles are evidently costly and new, and of an unusually strong prescription – clearly, therefore, you require to work at unusually close range to your task. Given the senior years you have attained, I assume that they are not your first pair of eyeglasses; therefore a man who renews his spectacles from time to time, unless through loss or misfortune, may likely be compensating for progressively deteriorating eyesight, in your case hyperopia and possibly strabismus, caused by many years of intense and concentrated fine detail work, at extremely close distances.
    “In addition, I observe a faint circular impress around your right eye, which could result from nothing other than the sustained use of a jeweller’s loupe for several hours a day.
    “Add to that the most distinctive callus on the pad of your right thumb, running length-wise, and its crosswise partner on the outer edge of the first digit precisely between the first and second joints, then nothing save an engraver’s burin used habitually in your right hand serves to provide a satisfactory answer. Hendrik Goltzius’ self-portrait of his own right hand admirably illustrates the general effect. And with foreknowledge of your firm’s particular line of business, the matter resolves itself with ease.”
    “And my heated glass-house?” Holmes pointed down. “A man who unwittingly walks around with a tiny orchid-bud lodged in his trouser cuff in the depths of winter could surely have acquired it only in his tropical glass-house.”
    The cadaverous master engraver glanced down, retrieved the minute bloom and smiled briefly, the only occasion since he had entered the salon, then studied his right hand as if for the first time; he looked up. “Startling Mr Holmes; indeed astonishing. It appears that you have a mystical knack of being able to observe a man, shake his hand, and after the briefest conversation, divine his occupation, his history and his station in life; truly that is most extraordinary.” For the briefest instant, a look of exasperation clouded Holmes’ aquiline face. Somewhat coolly he replied “Sir, I do believe that is the first occasion I have heard my precise science of observation, analysis and deduction described as ‘a mystical knack’. I hope it may be the last.
    “But should you have appetite for further magic and mystery, I shall tell you that you have very recently handled game poultry.” Petch’s eyes narrowed sceptically. “Then you will have spoken with the maitre d’hotel who surely informed you of the brace which my wife required me to collect, and which now rests in his custody on the counter in the lobby!” For answer Holmes smiled thinly, reached out a bony white hand and delicately plucked a tiny, red-gold iridescent feather from Petch’s cuff, held it high over the table and released it theatrically to float gently to the table-cloth – “ Phasianus colchicus I rather fancy – the common pheasant.” The elderly engraver peered closely at it; he nodded and smiled ruefully, conceding equally the unqualified accuracy and absolute authority of Holmes’ remarkable faculties.
    “I see from that rather arresting demonstration, Mr Holmes that the high recommendation I was given is well merited; you are accurate in