Chapter 13: The Adventure of the Retired Colourman

The Adventure of the Retired Colourman Sherlock Holmes was in a melancholy and philosophic mood that morning. His alert practical nature was subject to such reactions. “Did you see him?” he asked. “You mean the old fellow who has just gone out?” “Precisely.” “Yes, I met him at the door.” “What did you think of him?” “A pathetic, futile, broken creature.” “Exactly, Watson. Pathetic and futile. But is not all life pathetic and futile? Is not his story a microcosm of the who…