I’m almost not late this week! And I LOVE listening to Sir Christopher Lee read!
I’ve always seen this story as being about drug abuse, and very possibly it’s Watson trying to express his concern about Holmes’ use. Presbury takes a different concoction, but he does it for a similar reason, he thinks it will enhance his natural ability, or restore his youthful vigor. He thinks he has it under control, using on a set schedule. Holmes was using, at least in part, because he thought it aided his thought process, and he didn’t think of himself as an addict. Watson on the other hand, was acutely aware that this is an illusion, and that in fact the dangers to Holmes were very real. The effects on Presbury of his using are grotesque, and frightening and disturbing to his daughter and his assistant, both of whom care about and respect him for who he truly is, not for this twisted and debased caricature.
Bennet and Edith also model a healthy, appropriate romantic relationship, such as Watson desires with Holmes. We never actually meet “Alice Morphy”, she and her Professor father might be ciphers for the illusory obsessions connected with the drug use. The relationship is presented as unnatural and unhealthy, and this “Alice” not as a caring person, but one who might only be attracted to Presbury because he’s rich.
The dog, named Roy (”king”), attacks “the monkey, not the man”, and thus expresses Watson’s desire to cast out this drug-demon from his beloved friend. I love that the dog is not killed in this story, only pried off the man. COPP is referred to in the beginning of the adventure, and the attack scene mirrors that in COPP closely, except that Roy is a Good Dog, a faithful companion (like Watson!) not one that has been tortured into viciousness. One feels at the end of the story, that while Presbury has a long recovery ahead of him, that his loyal hound will be a comforting companion through it. Is Watson trying to hint that he would like to come home to Baker St?