Basic Information

Abbreviation: LAST (J. F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 6,126 (C. E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Strand Magazine, September 1917; Collier's Weekly, September 22, 1917

Discussion Questions

• What roles are Holmes and Watson playing in the beginning of this story?
• Why did Holmes come out of retirement to solve this case?
• How does Holmes outsmart Van Bork? Who assists him, and how?
• What is Holmes’ ultimate objective in this case? Why does this require him to disguise himself?
• What are the stakes in this case? What does Holmes risk happening if he does not pull this off successfully?
• What is the “east wind” Holmes is referring to?