Chapter 7


1. How did Watson feel when he heard of Holmes’s illness?

Answer: Watson was horrified and deeply shocked when he heard about Holmes’s illness. He had no idea that Holmes was unwell, and the sudden news filled him with worry and fear. He rushed at once to see his friend, concerned for his life.


2. Why didn’t the landlady call the doctor?

Answer: The landlady, Mrs. Hudson, didn’t call the doctor because Holmes had strictly forbidden her from doing so. Though she was extremely worried and wanted to help, she didn’t dare to disobey him, respecting his wishes even as his condition worsened.


3. What was the condition of Holmes when Watson saw him?

Answer: When Watson saw Holmes, he appeared to be in a very critical and miserable state. His face was gaunt, his cheeks were flushed, his eyes had the brightness of fever, and his hand twitched constantly. He looked extremely weak and lay listless on the bed, which deeply alarmed Watson.


4. What, according to Holmes, was the disease he was suffering from?

Answer:According to Holmes, he was suffering from a deadly and contagious disease known as the Tarpaunli fever or the black Formosa plague. He claimed to have contracted it during his recent investigation in Rotherhithe, and warned Watson not to come near him because the disease could spread by touch.


5. Who did Watson see when he entered the room?

Answer: When Watson entered the room, he saw Mr. Culverton Smith, a frail, bald man. Although Smith had initially told his butler to say he wasn’t at home, he became alert and concerned as soon as he heard that Sherlock Holmes had sent Watson. Smith’s attitude changed quickly upon hearing Holmes’s name.


6. What were the instructions given by Holmes to Watson?

Answer: Holmes gave Watson a series of careful instructions:

  • Place coins in specific pockets to make him appear delirious.
  • Light the gas lamp half on.
  • Place some letters and papers within Holmes’s reach.
  • Use tongs to open the ivory box and then place both on the table.
  • Go to Mr. Culverton Smith's house at 6 p.m. to make sure he would be home.
  • Convince Smith to come, but return before him using any excuse.
  • Once back, stay in the next room silently and not interfere.
  • These steps were part of Holmes's plan to trap Smith into confessing the murder.


7. Why did Holmes plead with Smith?

Answer: Holmes pleaded with Culverton Smith as part of his clever act to trap him. By pretending to be seriously ill and on the verge of death, Holmes gained Smith’s confidence and made him believe that he would not survive to expose the truth. This trick led Smith to confess his crime, thinking Holmes was too weak to do anything about it.


8. Who was responsible for Victor Savage's death? What was the evidence for it?

Answer: Mr. Culverton Smith was responsible for the death of his nephew, Victor Savage. The key evidence was the small ivory box with a sharp spring inside, which Smith had used to infect Victor—and later attempted to use on Holmes—with a deadly disease. Smith unknowingly confessed to the crime while speaking to Holmes, not realizing Inspector Morton and Watson were secretly listening.


9. What explanation did Holmes give for speaking rudely to Watson?

Answer: Holmes explained that he spoke rudely to Watson because it was part of his plan to deceive Culverton Smith. By acting harsh and delirious, Holmes made his illness seem real. He also did not want Watson to know the truth about the plan, so Watson's reactions would appear natural. Holmes apologized later, saying it was necessary to trap Smith.


10. How was Holmes able to look sick?

Answer: Holmes fasted for three days, taking neither food nor drink, which made him physically weak and pale. He also used makeup to enhance the signs of illness, such as flushed cheeks and tired eyes. His convincing performance, along with small tricks like acting delirious and asking for coins in his pocket, made everyone believe he was seriously ill.

11. Who was Mrs. Hudson? Why was she worried?

Answer: Mrs. Hudson was Sherlock Holmes's landlady. She was worried because Holmes had been very ill for three days and refused to see a doctor or take any food or drink. 

12. Why didn't Holmes let Watson examine him?

Answer: Holmes did not let Watson examine him because he was pretending to suffer from a deadly and contagious disease. He claimed it could spread by touch and said Watson was not a specialist in such illnesses.


13. Why did Holmes warn Watson against touching his things? What was Watson's reaction?

Answer: Holmes warned Watson not to touch his things, especially the ivory box, because it was dangerous and part of the trap for Smith. Watson was startled and sat down silently in disappointment.


14. What did Watson find on the table near the mantlepiece?

Answer: Watson found a small black and white ivory box with a sliding lid on the mantlepiece. It was later revealed to be the murder weapon used by Smith.


15. Who is Mr. Culverton Smith?

Answer: Mr. Culverton Smith was a planter from Sumatra with knowledge of rare Eastern diseases. He was also the murderer of his nephew Victor Savage and had tried to kill Holmes in the same way.


16. What did Holmes ask Watson to do before leaving his room?

Answer: Holmes asked Watson to light the lamp halfway, arrange coins and papers, and use tongs to open the ivory box. Then he told Watson to go and bring Mr. Culverton Smith to him.


17. What instructions did Holmes give Watson to get Mr. Smith?

Answer: Holmes told Watson to visit Smith after 6 p.m. and plead that Holmes was dying. He also instructed Watson to return before Smith arrived and stay hidden without speaking.


18. Why did Holmes want Smith to treat him?

Answer: Holmes only pretended to want Smith's help to trap him into confessing the murder of Victor Savage. He wanted Smith to believe he was dying so he would let down his guard.


19. How did, according to Smith, Holmes get the disease?

Answer: Smith revealed that Holmes got the disease from a small ivory box with a spring inside, which drew blood and infected him. The same method had been used to kill Victor Savage.


20. Who arrested Smith? What were the charges against him?

Answer: Inspector Morton from Scotland Yard arrested Mr. Smith. The charges were the murder of Victor Savage and the attempted murder of Sherlock Holmes.


21. How did Holmes trap Mr. Culverton Smith to confess the murder?

Answer: Sherlock Holmes used a brilliant plan to trap Mr. Culverton Smith into confessing the murder of Victor Savage. He pretended to be seriously ill by fasting for three days and using makeup to look weak and feverish. Holmes claimed to be suffering from a deadly Eastern disease, similar to the one that had killed Smith's nephew. He sent Watson to bring Smith, making sure Smith believed Holmes was dying. When Smith arrived, Holmes acted delirious and begged for help, which led Smith to confess that he had sent the ivory box with the deadly spring. As soon as he admitted the crime, Holmes dropped the act and revealed that Watson and Inspector Morton had heard everything. Smith was immediately arrested. Holmes’s clever acting, timing, and planning exposed the murderer and brought him to justice.


2. How did Watson help his friend to arrest the criminal?

Answer: Watson played an important role in helping Sherlock Holmes arrest Mr. Culverton Smith. Although Holmes kept his plan a secret at first, Watson followed every instruction carefully. He went to Smith’s house at the right time, convinced him to visit Holmes, and returned before Smith, as instructed. Once back, he stayed hidden in the next room and quietly observed everything. He did not interfere, even when Holmes seemed very sick. Watson’s silent cooperation allowed Holmes to carry out his trap successfully. He also helped confirm Smith’s confession by being a witness. His loyalty, trust, and timely actions contributed greatly to the success of the case and the arrest of the criminal.