The Beekeeper's Apprentice

In the summer of 1918, Russell is home in Sussex again when she learns from Patrick that the local Monk’s Tun inn, owned by Tillie Whiteneck, has been robbed of both cash and food. Russell telephones Holmes, but he initially refuses to involve himself in what he considers a minor local matter. Determined to investigate independently, Russell negotiates with Constable Rogers for access to the crime scene. However, he won’t let her in until Holmes arrives, at which point they are both allowed in, which infuriates Russell.

Together, they discover crucial evidence: a distinctive boot print, particles of tarred gravel, and traces of red clay soil. Using geological maps, they trace the clay to the area around the home of Tony Sylvester, a new barkeep recently hired at the inn. Russell borrows a scent-tracking dog named Justinian from Mrs. Barker to follow the trail.

The dog leads them to Sylvester’s house, where they find the stolen hams. Sylvester is not there, and to provoke him into revealing the cash’s location when he returns, Holmes deliberately breaks the kitchen door lock. They watch from concealment as Sylvester returns, discovers the damage, and retrieves a hidden cash box. When police arrive and Sylvester attempts to flee, Russell fells him with a thrown stone, leading to his capture and the successful conclusion of her first independent case.