书虫1级《福尔摩斯与红发会》三个学生

The Three Students

Students at a college are going to take an examination very soon. But have any of them already seen the questions?

CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY

Sherlock Holmes

Doctor Watson

Hilton Soames, a teacher at St Luke's College

Bannister, a servant at the college

Gilchrist, a student

Daulat Ras, a student

Miles McLaren, a student

PERFORMANCE NOTES

Scene 1: A room with a table and chairs.

Scene 2: Soames's living room, with a writing table and chairs. There is a small table near the window. A door leads into his bedroom; a long curtain hangs near the bed.

Scene 3: Soames's living room.

Scene 4: Outside the door of Gilchrist's room.

Scene 5: Daulat Ras's room.

Scene 6: Outside the door of Miles McLaren's room.

Scene 7: The same room as Scene 1.

Scene 8: Soames's living room.

You will need a pipe, books, pens, papers, examination papers, three pieces of 'mud', pencil cuttings, and a letter.

SCENE 1

* * *

Hilton Soames's story

Sherlock Holmes is sitting at a table, writing. It is evening. Watson comes in with Hilton Soames.

HOLMES

(Not looking up) Who was at the door, Watson?

WATSON

This is Mr Hilton Soames, Holmes. He teaches at St Luke's College. (Holmes looks up.)

SOAMES

Can you give me some of your time, Mr Holmes? Today something happened at the college, and I was very worried. Then I thought, 'The famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is visiting our town. Perhaps he can help!' And I—

HOLMES

I have a lot of work to do, Mr Soames. Perhaps the police—

SOAMES

No, no, I can't go to the police!

HOLMES

Well, tell me your story, Mr Soames.

Watson sits down, but Soames stays standing.

SOAMES

Tomorrow is the first day of an important examination, and I'm one of the examiners. Today, at three o'clock, the three exam papers arrived for me to read. Of course, every student would like to see these papers before the exam!

HOLMES

(Laughing) Of course!

SOAMES

We are always very careful with them. I began to read them, but at 4.30 p.m. I went out to have tea in a friend's rooms.

HOLMES

Where did you leave the papers?

SOAMES

They were on my writing table. I locked my door, and was away for an hour. When I arrived home, I saw a key in my door. 'Is it my key?' I thought.'No, that's in my pocket. Ah, it's Bannister's key.' Bannister is my servant.

WATSON

Why did he go to your room this afternoon?

SOAMES

He brings my tea in every afternoon.

HOLMES

But you were at your friend's rooms. Did he forget that?

SOAMES

Yes. And so his key was in my door. He is usually careful, but—

HOLMES

Tell me about the examination papers. Where were they when you went back to your room?

SOAMES

One was on a small table next to the window, one was on the floor, and one on my writing table.

HOLMES

(Suddenly looking interested) The first paper on the floor, the second in the window, and the third on the writing table.

SOAMES

(Opening his mouth suddenly) Yes! How did you know that?

HOLMES

(Smiling) Please, tell us more of your very interesting story, Mr Soames.

SOAMES

First, I thought, 'Did Bannister look at the papers?' So I asked him, but he said, 'No, I did not.' And he is an honest man, Mr Holmes.

When I arrived home, I saw a key in my door.'

HOLMES

What happened next?

SOAMES

Bannister suddenly began to feel ill when I told him about the papers. He sat down on a chair and I gave him a strong drink. Then I looked carefully at the table next to the window.

WATSON

What did you find?

SOAMES

Small pieces of pencil.

HOLMES

Did somebody break and sharpen a pencil?

SOAMES

Yes, perhaps. Yes, that was it.

HOLMES

Good! That helps us!

SOAMES

Two more things. I have a new writing table, but now there's a little cut on it. And there was a piece of black mud on the table.

HOLMES

Is that all?

SOAMES

Yes. Please, help me. Mr Holmes!

Holmes gets up and begins to put on his coat. Watson gets his coat and puts it on too.

HOLMES

It's an interesting story, Mr Soames. Tell me, did any student visit you in your room after the papers arrived this afternoon?

SOAMES

Yes, Daulat Ras, a student from India.

HOLMES

And the papers were on your writing table?

SOAMES

Yes, but he couldn't read them. He was two or three meters away.

HOLMES

But they were exam papers. Could he see that?

SOAMES

Perhaps.

HOLMES

The examination papers were in your room. Did anyone know that? Did Bannister know that?

There's a little cut on my new writing table.'

SOAMES

No, nobody.

HOLMES

Where is Bannister now?

SOAMES

When I ran out, to find you, Mr Holmes, he was on the chair in my room. He looked very ill.

HOLMES

Did you leave your door open?

SOAMES

Yes, but I locked the papers up first.

HOLMES

Come, then. We must go to your rooms.

The three men leave the room.

SCENE 2

* * *

Holmes visits the college

Soames, Holmes and Watson come into Soames's living room. Holmes walks to the window and looks out.

SOAMES

That window does not open, Mr Holmes. Nobody can enter the room through there.

Holmes smiles but says nothing for a minute.

HOLMES

Your servant isn't here now. Perhaps he's feeling better. Which chair did you leave him on?

SOAMES

The chair by the window.

HOLMES

Near this little table, yes? (He thinks for a minute.) Yes – yes, of course. The man comes in. He takes the three papers from the writing table to carry them across to the window, because... because then he can see you when you come across the garden to the front door, Soames!

SOAMES

But he didn't see me, because I walked in through the back door.

HOLMES

Ah, that helps! Can I see the three papers now?

Soames opens a box with a key and takes out the papers. Watson moves near Holmes to get a look.

HOLMES

(Looking at the first paper) He carries this first paper across to the table near the window and begins to copy it. It takes him – ten minutes?

WATSON

Fifteen, I think.

HOLMES

All right, fifteen. Then he puts it down on the floor, gets the next paper, and begins to copy that. Then he hears you coming in the back door, Mr Soames. He must be quick! He leaves the second paper on the table next to the window, and runs – where? Did you hear him running upstairs?

SOAMES

No, I didn't.

HOLMES

(Looking closely at the table) He's writing quickly, because he breaks his pencil and needs to sharpen it again. This is interesting. The pencil was long, and dark blue. Look at these pieces. And do you see the gold letter 'NN'? It's at the end of a word. Do you know Johann Faber pencils?

WATSON

I do, Holmes. I write with them.

Holmes walks across to the big writing table and takes the small piece of black mud from it.

Can I see the three papers now?'

HOLMES

This is the piece of black mud? (He looks closely

at the writing table.) I can see the cut. (He looks across at the door.) What is that door?

SOAMES

It opens into my bedroom.

HOLMES

Did you go into your bedroom before you ran out to find me?

SOAMES

No.

Holmes opens the bedroom door, and looks under the bed. Then he sees the curtain.

HOLMES

A man can hide behind this curtain.

He pulls the curtain back quickly. Behind it are Soames's coats and suits. Then Holmes sees something on the floor, under the curtain.

HOLMES

What's this? It's some mud again. Your visitor was in this room, Mr Soames.

SOAMES

But – why?

HOLMES

Think for a minute. He hears you coming. What can he do? He must hide! So he runs into your bedroom and hides behind this curtain.

SOAMES

Oh! Then he was in here when Bannister and I were in the next room!

HOLMES

Yes, that's right. Tell me, how many students live upstairs and go past your door?

SOAMES

Three, all taking this examination.

HOLMES

Who are they?

SOAMES

There is Gilchrist. He plays football, and likes running. His father was Sir Jabez Gilchrist. He was a rich man, but he gambled his money away. Young Gilchrist hadn't much money, but he works hard.

Do you see the gold letter "NN" ?'

HOLMES

And the Indian student?

SOAMES

Yes, Daulat Ras is a quiet young man, but he works well. Then there is Miles McLaren, a very clever young man. But he doesn't study much and he's worried about this examination.

HOLMES

So he would like to see the papers first.

SOAMES

Well... yes, perhaps.

HOLMES

Can we speak to Bannister, your servant?

SCENE 3

* * *

Some questions for Bannister

In Soames's living room. Holmes, Watson and Soames are sitting in chairs. Holmes is sitting at the writing table. Bannister is standing in front of him.

HOLMES

Your key was in the door of this room today, Bannister. Is that right?

BANNISTER

Yes, sir. I don't usually leave it there, but–

HOLMES

Tell me, when did you come into the room?

BANNISTER

About 4.30 p.m., sir. With Mr Soames's tea. But he wasn't here.

HOLMES

Did you look at the papers on the table?

BANNISTER

No, sir!

A man can hide behind this curtain.'

HOLMES

Why did you leave the key in the door?

BANNISTER

The tea things were in my hands. I thought, 'I can come back for the key.'

WATSON

Did you forget to come back?

BANNISTER

Yes, sir.

HOLMES

So the room was open all the time. And somebody in the room could get in or out?

BANNISTER

Yes – yes, sir.

HOLMES

When Mr Soames talked to you about the papers, you began to feel ill. So you sat down on the chair over there. Why did you go past the other chairs?

BANNISTER

I – I don't know, sir.

HOLMES

Did you stay here when Mr Soames ran out?

BANNISTER

Only for a minute or two. Then I locked the door and went to my room.

HOLMES

(To Soames) Mr Soames, I would like to visit the three young gentlemen. Is that all right?

SOAMES

Yes, of course. These rooms are very old, and very interesting. Visitors often go to look at them.

Mr Soames's tea.

SCENE 4

* * *

Gilchrist

Holmes, Soames and Watson are outside the door of Gilchrist's room. They are looking at the doorway.

HOLMES

(Quietly) Remember, gentlemen, you do not have a pencil with you. (The door opens.)

GILCHRIST

What are you—? Oh, it's you, Mr Soames.

SOAMES

Gilchrist, this is Mr Holmes and his friend. They are looking at the building.

HOLMES

Have you got a pencil, Watson? This is a most interesting doorway, and I want to draw it.

He takes some paper from his coat pocket.

WATSON

Oh, no. I'm sorry, Holmes.

HOLMES

(To Gilchrist) Have you, Mr Gilchrist?

GILCHRIST

A pencil? Oh, yes. (He goes away and comes back with a pencil.) There you are, Mr Holmes. It is a beautiful building.

HOLMES

Ah, thank you. (He looks closely at the pencil, then draws on the paper for a minute or two.) Yes, Mr Gilchrist, a beautiful building.

SCENE 5

* * *

Daulat Ras

Holmes, Watson and Soames are in Daulat Ras's room. The Indian is walking up and down the room. He looks worried. Holmes is drawing on a piece of paper.

HOLMES

A very interesting room, Soames. (He gives thepencil to Daulat Ras.) Thank you, Mr Ras. (And after a pause) Are you... worried about something?

RAS

Sorry, what did you say? Worried? Oh, yes. It's the – the examination.

HOLMES

Is that all?

RAS

Yes, of course. What—?

HOLMES

Good evening, Mr Ras.

Holmes, Watson and Soames leave the room.

SCENE 6

* * *

Miles McLaren

Holmes, Watson and Soames are outside the door of Miles McLaren's room.

MCLAREN

(From inside the room) Go away! I'm busy! I can't see anybody. Go away at once!

SOAMES

McLaren! This is Mr—

MCLAREN

(From inside the room) Go away! It's the examination tomorrow. I must study!

Are you... worried about something?'

HOLMES

Come, my friends. It is not important.

SOAMES

I'm sorry. Mr Holmes. But—

HOLMES

(Walking away) Is he a tall young man?

SOAMES

Tall? No, McLaren isn't tall. Gilchrist is the tallest of the three.

HOLMES

Good. And now, Mr Soames, good night.

SOAMES

What! Are you going? But tomorrow is the examination! What can I do? How—?

HOLMES

I'm going to take the pieces of pencil and the mud with me. Don't worry. I'm going to come back tomorrow morning with the answer.

SCENE 7

* * *

Holmes is thinking

Holmes's room. He and Watson are sitting in chairs.

HOLMES

What do you think, Watson? Who began to copy the papers?

WATSON

McLaren. He said, 'Go away!' But did he want to hide something? Or perhaps... the student from India? Mr Ras? He looked very worried.

HOLMES

Many people are worried before an examination, Watson. It is nothing. And the pencil was no help to us. (He thinks for a minute.) What about Soames's servant?

WATSON

Bannister? He's an honest man, Soames says. That's true, I think.

HOLMES

Yes. So why did an honest man...? Oh dear, I must think. Where's my pipe, Watson?

SCENE 8

* * *

All the answers to all the questions

Soames's room. It is morning. A very worried Soames is bringing Holmes and Watson into the room.

SOAMES

Well, Mr Holmes? Can we have the examination later this morning, or must I stop it?

HOLMES

You can have the examination, Mr Soames.

SOAMES

But the young man—

HOLMES

He isn't going to take it.

SOAMES

You know him?

HOLMES

Yes, I do. Please call Bannister.

Soames leaves the room.

WATSON

You have the answer, Holmes?

HOLMES

Yes, my dear Watson. Look. (He opens his hand. In it are three pieces of black mud.)

WATSON

Three! There were only two pieces of mud yesterday. Where did the third piece come from?

Soames comes back into the room with Bannister.

HOLMES

Now Bannister, I want the true story. What happened yesterday?

BANNISTER

(Worried) I told you everything, sir.

HOLMES

You have nothing more to say? Then I must tell you. When Mr Soames called you into the room yesterday, you saw something on that chair, and you sat on it before Mr Soames could see it.

BANNISTER

No, sir!

HOLMES

Yes! And when Mr Soames went out, to find me, you opened the door and said, 'You can come out now,' to the man hiding behind the curtain.

I told you everything, sir.'

BANNISTER

(Looking afraid) There was no man, sir.

HOLMES

That isn't true. But please go and stand next to the bedroom door. (He looks at Soames.) Soames, please go and ask young Gilchrist to come down.

Soames leaves, and comes back with Gilchrist. Gilchrist looks worried when he sees Bannister.

HOLMES

Mr Gilchrist, there are only the five of us to hear your answer to my question. Why did you copy the examination papers yesterday?

Gilchrist looks at Bannister, afraid.

BANNISTER

No, Mr Gilchrist, sir! I never said anything!

HOLMES

No, but you are helping us now, Bannister. (To Gilchrist) Tell us, Mr Gilchrist.

Gilchrist suddenly begins to cry. Holmes goes across and puts a hand on the young man's arm.

HOLMES

You did something very wrong, Gilchrist, but you're sorry now, I can see that. I'm going to tell you the story, Soames. Mr Gilchrist first saw the papers through the window.

SOAMES

But nobody can get in through the window!

HOLMES

That's true, but a very tall man can look through it from the garden. (He looks at the writing table.) I could not understand this cut, but then I remembered. Gilchrist likes running!

WATSON

But... how does that help, Holmes?

HOLMES

Think, Watson! This young man went running yesterday afternoon. When he walked home, his running shoes were in his hands...

WATSON

And running shoes have spikes! Of course!

HOLMES

Yes. Gilchrist went past his window and looked in – he's a tall young man, you see? He saw the exam papers on the writing table. Then he went past Soames's door – and saw the key in it.

WATSON

And he went into the room and put his shoes on the writing table, and a spike cut into it.

HOLMES

Yes, Watson. (To Gilchrist) What did you put on that chair near the window?

GILCHRIST

My watch.

HOLMES

(To Soames) He puts his watch on the chair, then begins to copy one of the papers. 'I'm going to see Mr Soames when he comes back across the garden,' he thinks. But you walk in through the back door, Soames.

Gilchrist put his shoes on the writing table.'

SOAMES

Then what?

HOLMES

Gilchrist hears you coming, quickly takes his running shoes, and runs into your bedroom to hide. One shoe leaves some black mud behind the curtain. Is this all true, Mr Gilchrist? I found the same black mud on your shoes.

GILCHRIST

Yes, sir, it's true.

SOAMES

(Angrily) Have you nothing more to say?

GILCHRIST

I – I have a letter here, Mr Soames. Early this morning, I began to write to you... (He takes a letter from his pocket.) It says, 'I'm not going to take the examination. I'm going to South Africa to work for the police there.'

SOAMES

I see. You're not going to take the examination now. I'm pleased to hear that.

GILCHRIST

Mr Bannister talked to me. This is the right thing to do. I understand that now.

HOLMES

Gilchrist was in the bedroom, Bannister, and you didn't tell Mr Soames. When you saw Gilchrist's watch, you sat on it to hide it. Why?

BANNISTER

Well, sir, I was once a servant to Sir Jabez Gilchrist, this young gentleman's father.

HOLMES

Ah!

BANNISTER

When he gambled his money away, I moved to the college to be a servant, but I always remembered Sir Jabez. He was good to me. So I did everything to help his son here.

HOLMES

And yesterday...?

BANNISTER

When Mr Soames called me yesterday, I saw Mr Gilchrist's watch on the chair. 'He looked at the examination papers!' I thought, and I quickly sat down on the watch before Mr Soames saw it.

HOLMES

Then Mr Soames visited me.

BANNISTER

Yes, sir, and I called young Mr Gilchrist. 'You looked at the exam papers,' I said to him. 'Did you copy them?' 'Yes,' he said. 'I did.' 'Then you cannot take the exam,' I said. 'Think of your father! He was an honest man, and you must be honest too.' I wanted to stop him, Mr Holmes.

HOLMES

You were right, Bannister. Well, Soames, you have your answers now. (To Gilchrist) And you, young man, did wrong, but you're going to put things right. You can thank Bannister for that.

GILCHRIST

I do thank him, sir.

HOLMES

Come, Watson. Our work is finished here.

WATSON

Yes, Holmes.

Our work is finished here.'