The Valley of Fear by Sir Conan Doyle is a fascinating piece of literature.
It was the last of Doyle's publications, so one I cherish dearly. I remember the first act you are talking about well, and these scenes too.
The act starts with a coded message warning him about events to unfold at Birlstone estate.
Then the American owner of the estate is found dead, with clues suggesting it was a fellow American who killed him.Suspicion is raised that an insider was the culprit, this centers around the problem of the moat and drawbridge being raised without anyone noticing.
Then there is a revelation - clues:
- the dead man's widow acting strangely
- a strange tattoo
on the victim's body - the discovery of a bicycle which may have been
used by the culprit, - a single dumbbell
I believe this is what the scenes in question deal with, correct me if I'm wrong though - it has been a while since reading this in the school library!
