On October 27th, 2010, members of the Greek Interpreters met at Hershey's Steak and Seafood restaurant in East Lansing for our Fall meeting. The story on which the evening's quiz and discussion focussed was "His Last Bow". the meeting opened with the customary Canonical Toasts to Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, the second Mrs. Watson and The Woman. Members then enjoyed an excellent dinner of prime rib or blackened chicken, accompanied by spirited conversation. A resolution of the quiz was carried out by Bill Reusch (the chemist).
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| he was gripped at the back of his neck by a grasp of iron | "Curse you, you double traitor!" cried the German | the two friends walked him slowly down the garden walk |
Our members were split on their reaction to this story. Some disliked it strongly, whereas others found it enjoyable. None ranked it high in the canon. Set in 1914, but written and published in 1917, it is clearly propaganda. Also, many critics have noted the illogic of returning Von Bork to Germany after informing him that all his intelligence is false. Did Holmes think this might have prevented or deferred war? Another question concerns the author of this report. Some scholars believe it was Mycroft, who certainly played a role in having the Foreign Minister and the Premier convince Holmes to undertake the job. Other suggestions were Martha (Hudson) and Von Bork himself. The only other story in the canon not written by Watson or Holmes is The Mazarin Stone, and its authenticity has been similarly questioned.
Although 'His Last Bow' is the last episode in the chronology of the canon, it was not the last story published. At least a dozen other adventures appeared following it, the final being Shoscombe Old Place in 1927.
The meeting concluded with the reading of Vincent Starrett's "221B" poem, followed by our singing of The Anthem.
