0003: THE SIGN OF FOUR

THE ORIGINAL TREE WORSHIPPERS OF ROCK COUNTY

DATE
Saturday, July 24, 2010
11:00 a.m.

LOCATION
Hedberg Public Library Public Meeting Room

MEMBERS PRESENT
Linda Fredell, Resa Haile, Elaine Khan, Gayle Lange Puhl, John Richter, Victor Rufer

CHARTER MEMBER
James Haile

STORY: THE SIGN OF FOUR
Tom Drucker, although not present, sent his quiz, and Gayle provided the swag. Gayle and Resa tied for first place, followed by Linda and Elaine in second and third, respectively.

Gayle read her original paper, “The Jewels of the Agra Treasure or Honestly, Officer, The Box Was Empty When I Opened It.” Resa read “The Sign of Four as a Sign of the Times” by Susan McCloskey, which appeared in the Baker Street Journal of Autumn 2003.

Elaine thought there was a loophole in the story in that Jonathan Small could know so much. It was pointed out that he did have a spy among the servants, but she thought he was on the scene too quickly. Gayle thought he was probably nearby, making money by exhibiting Tonga, and was brought on the scene by a telegram.

Resa noted Holmes’ consideration of Watson and also suggested he has a life beyond Watson, as he must go somewhere to study and practice boxing, etc. Also, he seems able to make friendly acquaintances, as his name has the effect of gaining entry from both Sherman and McMurdo in this story. Gayle said she had a theory that Sherman was a groundskeeper at the Holmes estate when “Mister Sherlock” was growing up.

Victor said that this story shows how important the cases are to Holmes’ well-being; as Holmes says, “I cannot live without brainwork.” There was some discussion about Holmes’ emotional and intellectual life. Gayle thought he had had a disappointing romance in his youth. Elaine pointed out that Buddhist monks live a similarly celibate life, devoting themselves to other things that take the place of romantic concerns.

The meeting closed with a group recital of “221B” by Vincent Starrett.

NEXT MEETING
A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA—August 28, 2010, 11 a.m.

Minutes prepared by Resa Haile.