Adventure 4 in his last Bow by Sir, Arthur Conan Doyle.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
The adventure of the bruce-partington plans in the
third week of November in the year 1895 a dense yellow fog
settled down upon London from the Monday to Thursday.
I doubt whether it was ever possible from our windows in
Baker Street, to see the loom of the opposite houses.
The first day Homes at spent in cross-indexing his huge book of
references, the second and third had been patiently occupied upon
us. Direct which had recently made
his hobby, the music of the Middle Ages.
But when for the fourth time, after pushing back, our chairs
from breakfast, we saw the greasy heavy brown swirl still
drifting pastors and condensing in oily drops upon the
windowpanes. My comrades impatient and active
nature could endure this drab. Existence, no longer.
He paced restlessly about our sitting room in a fever of
suppressed. Energy biting his nails.
Tapping, the The furniture and chafing against in action.
Nothing of interest in the paper Watson.
He said, I was aware that by anything of Interest homes,
meant anything of criminal interest, there was the news of
a revolution of a possible war and of an impending change of
government. But these did not come within
the Horizon of my companion. I could see nothing recorded in
the shape of crime, which was not common place and futile,
homes, groaned and resumed his Restless meanderings.
The London criminal is certainly a dull.
Fellow said he in the querulous voice of the Sportsman whose
game has failed him. Look out this window, Watson,
see how the figures Loom up on dimly seen and then blend once
more into the cloud Bank, the thief, or the murderer could
Rome London on such a day as the tiger does the jungle, unseen
until he pounces and then evident only to his victim.
There have said, I been numerous Petty, thefts, homes, snorted,
his contempt, this great. And somber, stage is set for
something more worthy than that said.
He, it is fortunate for this community that I am not a
criminal. It is indeed said, I heartily
suppose that I were Brooks or Woodhouse or any of the 50 men
who have good reason for taking my life.
How long could I survive against my own?
Pursuit as summons a bogus appointment and all would be
over it is well they don't have days of fog in the Latin
countries, the countries of assassination by jove.
It comes something at last a breakout dead monotony.
It was the maid with a telegram, homes.
Tore it open and burst out laughing.
Well, well, what next said he brother Mycroft is coming
around. Why not?
I asked why not. It is, as if you met a tramcar
coming down, a Country Lane Mycroft has his rails and he
runs on them. His palm.
Our lodgings, the diogenes club Whitehall that is his cycle once
and only He wants. He's been here.
What? Upheaval can possibly have
derailed him. Does he not explain homes handed
me? His brothers telegram must see
you over cadogan West coming at once Mycroft.
Good organ West. I've heard that name it recalls.
Nothing to my mind, but that Mycroft should break out in this
erratic fashion. A planet might as well leave its
orbit by the way, do you know what Mycroft is?
I had some vague recollection of an explanation at the time of
the adventure of the Greek. Interpreter you told me that you
had some small office under the British government Holmes
chuckled. I do not know, quite so well, in
those days, one has to be discreet.
When one talks of high matters of State you are right, in
thinking that he is under the British government, you would
also be right in a sense. If you said that occasionally,
he is the British government. My dear Holmes, I thought I
might surprise you Mycroft draws 450 pounds a year.
Remains a subordinate has no Ambitions of any kind will
receive neither honor nor title but Remains the most
indispensable man in the country, but how well, his
position is unique. He has made it for himself.
There's never been anything like it before, nor will be again.
Has the tidiest and most orderly brain with the greatest capacity
for storing facts of any man. Living the same great Powers
which I have turned to the detection of crime.
He has used for this particular business, the conclusions of
every Department, a pastor him and he is the central exchange,
the Clearinghouse, which makes out the balance.
All other men are Specialists but his specialism is
omniscience. We will suppose that a minister
needs information as to a point which involves the Navy.
India, Canada and the bimetallic question he could get his
separate advices from various departments upon each but only
Mycroft can focus them all and say offhand how each factor
would affect the other. They began by using him as a
shortcut. Convenience.
And now he's made himself an essential in that Great Brain of
his everything is pigeon-holed and can be handed out in an
instant again. And again, his word has decided
the national policy. He lives in it, he thinks of
nothing else. Say when as an intellectual
exercise, he and Ben's, if I call upon him and ask him to
advise me on one of my little problems, but Jupiter is
descending today. What on Earth?
Can it mean, who is Cadogan West.
And what is he to Mycroft? I have it.
I cried and plunged among the litter of papers upon the sofa.
Yes, yes. Here, he is.
Sure enough. That could open West was the
young man who was found dead on the Underground on Tuesday
Morning, Holmes sat up at attention, his pipe halfway to
his lips. This must be serious.
Watson, a death, which has caused my brother to alter his
habits. Can be no ordinary one.
What in the world can he have to do with it?
The case was featureless, as I remember it, the young man had
apparently fallen out of the train and killed himself.
He had not been robbed and there was no particular reason to
suspect violence is that not. So there has been an inquest
said, I and a good, many fresh facts have come out looked at
more closely. I should certainly say that it
was a curious case. Judging by its effect on my
brother. I should think it must be a most
extraordinary. One, he snuggled down in his
armchair. Now, Watson, let us have the
facts. The man's name was Arthur
cadogan West, he was 27 years of age unmarried and a Clark at
Woolwich Arsenal. Government employee behold.
The link with brother Mycroft he left will itch suddenly on
Monday night was last seen by his fiancee Miss Violet
Westbury. He left abruptly in the fog
about 7:30 that evening there was no crawl between them and
she can give no motive for his action.
The next thing heard of him was when his dead body was
discovered by a plate. Layer named Mason just outside
old Gate station on the Underground system in London.
When the body was found at six on Tuesday morning, he was
lying. Wider than Metals upon the
left-hand of the track as one goes Eastward at a point close
to The station where the line emerges from the tunnel in which
it runs. The head was badly, crushed and
injury, which might well have been caused by a fall from the
Train. The body could only have come on
the line. In that way had been carried
down from any neighboring Street, it must have passed a
station barriers, where a collector is always standing.
This point seems absolutely certain very good.
The case is definite enough, the man dead or alive.
Hi, the fell or was precipitated from a train so much is clear to
me. Continue the trains, which
Traverse the lines of rail beside, which the body was found
are those which run from west to east some being purely
Metropolitan, and some from willesden and outline Junctions,
it can be stated for certain that this young man when he met
his death was traveling in this direction at some late hours of
the night, but at what point he entered the train is impossible
to stay. Tate his ticket of course, would
show that there was no ticket in his pockets.
No ticket. Dear me Watson.
This really is a very singular according to my experience.
It is not possible to reach the platform of a metropolitan train
without exhibiting ones. Ticket, presumably.
Then the young man had one, was it taken from him in order to
conceal the station from which he came?
It is Well, did he drop it in the carriage?
That is also possible, but the point is of curious interest, I
understand that there was no sign of robbery apparently not,
there is a list here of his possessions, his purse contained
two pounds 15. It also check book on the which
branch of the capital and Counties Bank through this is
identity was established. There were also two dress Circle
tickets for the will itch theater dated for that very
Evening. Also a small packet of technical
papers Holmes, gave an exclamation of satisfaction.
There we have it at last Watson, British government Woolwich
Arsenal Technical papers brother Mycroft the chain is complete,
but here he comes, if I'm not mistaken to speak for himself, A
moment later the tall and portly form of Mycroft Holmes was
ushered into the room, heavily built and massive.
There was a suggestion of uncouth, physical inertia in the
figure. But Above This unwieldy frame,
there was perched ahead. So masterful in its brow.
So Alert in its steel, gray, deep-set eyes.
So firm in its lips, and so subtle in its play of
expression, that after the first glance one, forgot the gross
body and remembered only the Dominant mind at his heels, came
our dear old friend lestrade of Scotland, Yard sin, and ostia.
The gravity of both their faces for told some weighty Quest the
detective shook hands without a word, Mycroft Holmes, struggled
out of his overcoat and subsided into an armchair.
A most annoying business. Sherlock, said he I extremely
dislike altering my habits But the powers that be would take no
Denial in the present state of Siam.
It is most awkward that I should be away from the office but it
is a real crisis I have never seen the prime minister so upset
as to the admiralty it is buzzing like an overturned
beehive have you read up the case we have just done.
So what were the technical papers?
Ah there's the point. Fortunately it is not come out,
press would be furious if it did the papers which this wretched
youth had in his pocket with a plans of the Bruce Partington
submarine, Mycroft Holmes, spoke with a solemnity which showed
his sense of the importance of the subject, his brother.
And I sat expectant surely you've heard of it, I thought
everyone had heard of it only as a name, its importance can
hardly be. Exaggerated, it has been the
most jealously guarded of all government secrets.
You may take it from me, that Naval Warfare becomes impossible
within the radius of a bruce-partington operation.
Two years ago, a very large sum was smuggled through the
estimates and was expended in acquiring, a monopoly of the
invention. Every effort has been made to
keep the secret, the plans which are exceedingly intricate
comprising, some 30 separate patents.
Each essential to the working of the whole are kept in an
elaborate safe in a confidential officer joining the Arsenal,
with burglar-proof doors and windows, and a no conceivable
circumstances were the plans to be taken from the office.
If the chief Constructor of the Navy desire to consult them,
Even he was forced to go to the Woolwich office for the purpose.
And yet here we find them in the pocket of a dead, Junior Clark,
in the heart of London, from an official point of view, it's
simply awful. But you have recovered them.
No Sherlock. No, that's the pinch.
We have not ten papers were taken from Woolwich.
There were seven in the pocket of cadogan West.
The three most essential are gone, stolen vanished, you must
drop everything Sherlock, never mind.
Your usual Petty, puzzles of the police court.
It's a vital International problem that you have to solve.
Why did cadogan West take two papers where the missing Just
how did he die? Okay, his body where it was
found, how can he evil be set, right?
Find an answer to all these questions and you will have done
good service for your country. Why do you not solve it
yourself? Mycroft?
You can see as far as I possibly Sherlock, but it is a question
of getting details. Give me your details and for an
armchair I'll return you an excellent expert opinion but to
run here and run. They're to cross-questioned
railway guards and lie on my face with a lens to my eye.
It is not my metier know. You are the one man who can
clear the matter up? If you have a fancy to see your
name in the next honours list, My friend smiled and shook his
head, I play the game for the game's own sake, said he.
But the problem certainly presents some points of interest
and I shall be very pleased to look into it some more facts
please, I've jotted down the more essential ones upon this
sheet of paper together with a few addresses, which you'll find
if service. The actual official guardian of
the papers is the famous government expert.
So, Walter who's decorations and subtitles, fill two lines of a
book of reference. He's grown gray in the service
is a gentleman, a favored guest in the most exalted houses and
above all, a man, whose patriotism is beyond suspicion.
He is one of two, whoever key of the safe.
I may add that the papers were undoubtedly in the office during
working hours on Monday and that's a James left for London,
about three. A clock, taking his key with
him. He was at the house of Admiral
Sinclair at Berkeley Square during the whole of the evening
when this incident occurred as the fact been verified.
Yes. His brother Colonel Valentine.
Walter has testified his departure from would itch and
Admiral Sinclair to his arrival in London.
So so James is no longer a direct factor in the problem.
Who was the other man with a key?
The senior Clark and draftsman mr.
Sidney Johnson, he's a man of forty married with five
children. He is a silent morose man, but
he has on the whole, an excellent record in the public
service. He is unpopular with his
colleagues but a hard worker, according to his own account
corroborated, only by the word of his wife.
He was at home, the whole of Monday evening after office
hours. And his key is never left the
Watch chain upon which it hangs. Tell us about cadogan West, he
has been 10 years in the service and has done good work.
He has the reputation of being hot-headed and imperious but a
straight honest. Man, we have nothing against
him. He was next Sidney.
Johnston, in the office his duties.
Brought him into daily personal contact with the plans.
No one else had the handling of them.
Who locked up the plans that night?
Mr. Sidney Johnson the senior Clark.
Well it is surely perfectly clear who took them away.
They are actually found upon the person of this junior.
Clerk cadogan West. That seems final.
Does it not it does Sherlock and yet it leaves so much
unexplained in the first place. Why did he take them?
I presume. They were a value, he could have
got several thousands for them very easily.
Can you suggest any possible motive for taking the papers to
London, except to sell them? No, I cannot.
Then we must take that as our working hypothesis.
Young West took the papers. Now, this could only be done by
having a false key several false keys.
He had to open the building and the room.
He had then several false keys. He took the papers to London to
sell the secret Intending. No doubt to have the plans
themselves back in the safe. Next morning before they were
missed while in London on this treasonable Mission.
He met his end. How we will suppose that he was
traveling back to willich when he was killed and thrown out of
the compartment. Old gate where the body was
found is considerably pasta station London Bridge which
would be his route to wattage. Many circumstances Could Be
Imagined and to which he would pass London Bridge.
There was someone in a carriage, for example, with whom he was
having an absorbing interview, this interview led to a violent
scene in which he lost his life, possibly, he tried to leave the
carriage fell out on the line, and so met his end.
The other close, the door. There was a thick fog and
nothing could be seen. No, better explanation can be
given with our present knowledge and yet consider Sherlock how
much you leave untouched. We will suppose for argument's
sake that young cadogan West had determined to convey these
papers to London. He would naturally have made an
appointment with the foreign agent and kept his evening.
Clear. Instead of that, he took two
tickets for the theater escorted, his fiancee halfway
there. And then suddenly disappeared.
A blind said lestrade. Who is that listening with some
impatience to the conversation are very singular one, that is
objection. Number one objection number two,
we will suppose that he reaches London and sees the foreign
agent. He must bring back the papers
before morning or the loss will be discovered.
He took away 10 only seven were in his pocket.
What had become of the other three?
He certainly would not leave them of his own.
Free will then again, where is the price of his treason?
One would have expected to find a large sum of money in his
pocket. It seems me perfectly clear,
said lestrade, I have no doubt at all as to what occurred.
He took the papers to sell them. He saw the agent, they could not
agree as to price, he started am again, but the Asian went with
him in the Train, the agent murdered him, took them.
More essential papers and threw his body from The Carriage that
would account for everything. Would it not?
Why had he no ticket? The ticket would have shown,
which station was near as the agents house?
Therefore, he took it from the murdered Man's Pocket.
Good lestrade, very good said, Holmes your theory holds
together, and but if this is true, then the case is at an
end. On the one hand, the traitor is
dead. On the other, the plans of the
Bruce Partington, submarine are presumably already on the
continent. What is there for us?
To do to act Sherlock to act cried?
Mycroft springing to his feet or my instincts are against this
explanation. Use your powers.
Go to the Scene of the crime, see the people concerned.
Leave no stone unturned in all your career.
You have never had so greater chance of serving your country.
Well, well said, Holmes, shrugging his shoulders, come
Watson and you lestrade, could you favor us with your company
for an hour or two? We will begin our investigation
by a visit to Old Gate station. Goodbye Mycroft, I should let
you have a report before evening, but I warn you in
advance that you have little to expect.
An hour later homes lestrade, and I stood upon the Underground
Railroad. At the point, where it emerges
from the tunnel immediately before old Gate station a
courteous, red-faced Old Gentleman represented the
railway company. Who says were the young man's
body? Light said he indicating a spot
about three feet from the metals who could not fallen from above
for these. As you see are all blank walls.
Therefore, it could only have come from a train and that train
so far. As we can try sit must have
passed about midnight on Monday. I have the carriage has been
examined for any sign of violence.
There are no such signs. I know ticket has been found.
No record of a door being found, open none.
We've had some fresh evidence this morning said lestrade a
passenger who passed all gate in an ordinary Metropolitan train
about 11:40 on Monday night, declares a tiered and heavy thud
as of a body striking a line just before the train reached
the station. It was dense fog, however and
nothing could be seen. He made no report of it at the
time. Why.
Whatever is the matter with mr. Ohms.
My friend was standing with an expression of strained intensity
upon his face staring at the railway Metals, where they
curved out of the tunnel old gate is a junction and there was
a network of points on these. His eager questioning eyes were
fixed and I saw in his Keen alert face that tightening of
the lips that quiver of the nostrils and concentration of
the heavy tufted brows which I knew so.
Well, Points. He muttered.
The points? What of it.
What do you mean? I suppose there are no great
number of points on a system such as this.
No, they are very few and a curve, two points and a curve by
jove, if it were only, so, What is it?
Mr. Holmes have your clue and idea.
An indication no more but the case certainly grows in interest
unique perfectly unique. And yet why not?
I do not see any indications of bleeding on the line.
There were oddly any but I understand there was a
considerable wound. Oh bone was crushed but it was
no great, external injury. And yet, one would have expected
some bleeding. Would it be possible for me to
inspect the train which contain the passenger who heard the thud
of a fall in the fog over? Not mr.
Holmes, the train has been broken up before now and the
carriage is redistributed. I can assure you mr.
Holmes said lestrade that, every Carriage has been carefully.
Examined. Our saw to it myself.
It was one of my friends, most obvious weaknesses that he was
impatient with less alert intelligences than his own.
Very likely said he turning away as it happens.
It was not the carriages which I desired to examine Watson.
We have done all we can here, we need not trouble you any
further, mr. Lestrade, I think our
investigations Now carriers to willich at London Bridge, Holmes
wrote a telegram to his brother, which he handed to me before
dispatching, it here and us, see some light in the darkness, but
it may possibly flicker out. Meanwhile, please send my
Messenger to await return at Baker Street, a complete list of
all foreign spies or International agents known to be
in England with full address, Sherlock, that should be helpful
Watson. He remarked as we took our
seats. Seats in the village train.
We certainly owe brother. Mycroft a debt for having
introduced us to what promises to be.
A really very remarkable case. His eager face, still wore that
expression of intense and high-strung energy, which showed
me that some novel and suggestive circumstance, had
opened up a stimulating line of thought.
See the foxhound with hanging years and drooping Tail.
As it lulls about the kennels and compare it with the same
hound. As with gleaming eyes and
straining muscles, it runs upon her breast High sent such was
the change in homes since the morning.
He was a different man from the limp and lounging figure in the
mouse-colored dressing-gown who had proud.
So restlessly only a few hours before round the fog Gert room
there is material here. There is scope said he, I am
dull indeed not to have understood its possibilities.
Even now the dark to me the end is dark to me also but I have
hold of one idea which may lead us far, the man met his death
elsewhere and his body was on the roof of a carriage on the
roof remarkable, is it not? But consider the facts.
Is it a coincidence that it is found at the very point where
the train pitches and sways as it comes around on the points is
not At the place, where an object upon the roof might be
expected to fall off the points would affect No Object inside
the train. Either the body fell from the
roof or a very curious coincidence, has occurred.
But now consider the question of the blood.
Of course, there was no bleeding on the line.
If the body had bled elsewhere, each fact is suggestive in
itself together, they have a cumulative Force.
And a ticket to I cried, eggs-actly, we could not explain
the absence of a ticket. This would explain it everything
fits together, but suppose it was so we're still as far as
ever from unraveling the mystery of his death.
Indeed, it becomes, not simpler. But stranger perhaps said,
Holmes thoughtfully. Perhaps he relapsed into a
silent reverie, which lasted until the Oh, train Drew up at
last in Willets station there. He called a cab Andrew mycroft's
paper from his pocket. We have quite a little round of
afternoon calls to make said. He I think that's a James Walter
claimed our first attention The House of the famous official was
a fine Villa with green Lawns. Stretching down to the Thames.
As we reached it the fog was lifting and a thin watery
Sunshine was breaking through a butler answered our ring.
So James her said he with a song face so James died this morning.
Good Heavens, cried Holmes in amazement.
How did he die? Perhaps you would care to step
into and see his brother Colonel Valentine.
Yes, we'd best do so. We were ushered into a dim lit
drawing-room, where an instant later.
We were joined by a very tall, handsome light bearded man of
fifty, the younger brother of the Dead scientist.
His wild eyes stained cheeks and unkempt hair.
All spoke of the sudden blow which had fallen upon the
household. He was hardly articulate as he
spoke of it was this horrible Scandal said he my brother Sir.
James was a man of very Sensitive honor and he could not
survive such an affair, it broke his heart, he was always so
proud of the efficiency of his department and this was a
crushing blow. We had hoped that he might have
given us some indications which would have helped us to clear
the matter up. I assure you that it was all a
mystery to him as it is to you and to all of us had already put
all his knowledge at the disposal of the police naturally
had no doubt that could open West was guilty but all the rest
was inconceivable, You cannot throw any new light upon the
affair. I know nothing myself.
Save what I've read or heard. I have no desire to be
discourteous but you can understand mr.
Holmes, but we are much Disturbed at present and I must
ask you to hasten this interview to an end.
This is indeed an unexpected development said, my friend when
we had regained the cab, I wonder if the death was natural
or whether the poor old fellow killed himself.
If the latter may be taken as some sign of self-reproach for
Duty neglected, we must leave that question to the Future.
Now, we shall turn to the cadogan West's A small but
well-kept house in the outskirts of the Town sheltered, the
bereaved. Mother, the old lady was two
days with grief to be of any use to us.
But at her side was a white-faced young lady who
introduced herself as Miss Violet Westbury.
The fiancee of the dead, man, and the last to see him upon
that fatal night, I cannot explain it.
Mr. Holmes. She said, I have not shut an eye
since the tragedy thinking Thinking thinking night and day,
what the true meaning of it can be Arthur, was the most
single-minded chivalrous Patriotic, Man, upon Earth, he
would have cut his right hand off before he would sell a state
secret confided to his keeping it is absurd impossible.
Preposterous to anyone who knew him but the facts.
Miss Westbury. Yes.
I admit.
I cannot explain them. Was he in any want of money?
No. His needs were very simple and
his salary ample. He had saved a few hundreds.
And we were to marry at the new year.
No, signs of any mental excitement, come Miss Westbury
be absolutely Frank with us. The quick, I have my companion,
had noticed some change in her manner, she colored and
hesitated Yes. She said at last.
I had a feeling that there was something on his mind for long
only for the last week or so he was thoughtful and worried.
Once I pressed him about it, he admitted that there was
something and that it was concerned with his official
life. It is too serious for me to
speak about. Even to you said he I could get
nothing more Holmes, looked grave.
Go on Miss Westbury. Even if it seems to tell against
him, go on. We cannot say what it may lead
to indeed. I have nothing more to tell once
or twice. It seemed to me that he was on
the point of telling me something.
He spoke one evening of the importance of the secret.
And I have some recollection that he said that no doubt
foreign spies would pay a great deal to have it.
My friends face grew Graver still anything else.
He said that we were slack about such matters that it would be
easy for a traitor to get the plans.
Was it only recently that he made such remarks?
Yes, quite recently. Now, tell us of that last
evening. We were to go to the theater.
The fog was so thick that a cab was useless.
We walked and our way tooker's close to the office, suddenly he
darted away into the fog without a word, he gave an exclamation
that was all I waited, but he never returned then, I walked
home next morning after the office opened, they came to
inquire about 12:00, we heard the terrible news.
Oh, mr. Holmes, if you could only Least
save his honor. It was so much to him.
Holmes shook his head, sadly Come Watson said he now weighs
like elsewhere. Our next station must be the
office from which the papers were taken.
It was black enough before against this young man, but our
inquiries make it blacker. He remarked as the cab Lombard
off, his coming marriage gives a motive for the crime.
He naturally wanted money, the idea was in his head, since he
spoke about it, he nearly made the girl and accomplice in a
treason by telling her his plans It is all very bad.
But surely homes character goes for something.
Then again, why should he leave the girl and in Street and dart
away to commit a felony? Exactly, there are certain
objections, but it is a formidable case, which they have
to meet mr. Sidney Johnson, the senior Clark
met us at the office and received us with that respect,
which my companions card, always commanded.
He was a thin Gruff bespectacled, man of middle age.
His cheeks Haggard. This hands twitching from the
nervous strain to which had been subjected.
It is bad, mr. Holmes, very bad.
Have you heard of the death of the chief?
We have just come from his house.
The place is disorganized, the chief dead, cadogan West dead,
I'll pay the stolen. And yet, when we closed our door
on Monday evening, we were inefficient and officers and in
the government service. Good God.
It's Dreadful to think of that. West of all men should have done
such a thing. You are sure of his guilt then.
I can see no other way out of it and yet I would have trusted him
as I trust myself. At what hour the office closed
on Monday at five. Did you close it?
I'm always the last man out. Where were the plans in that
safe? I put them there myself, is
there? No Watchman to the building
there is but he has other departments to look after as
well. He is an old Soldier and the
most trustworthy man, he saw. Nothing that evening, of course
the fog was very thick. Suppose that could ogun West
wish to make his way into the building.
After hours, he would need three keys.
Would he not before? He could reach the papers?
Yes, he would. The key of the outer door, the
key of the office, and the key of the safe, only Sir, James
Walter, and you had those keys, I had no keys of the doors,
only, if the safe What's the James?
A man who was orderly in his habits?
Yes, I think he was, I know that.
So far as those three keys are concerned, he kept them on the
same ring. I've often seen them there.
And that ring went with him to London, he said, so and your
key. Never left your possession,
never then West, if he is the culprit, must have had a
duplicate and yet, none was found upon his body.
One other point, if a clock in this office desired to sell the
plans, would it not be simpler to copy the plans for himself
and to take the originals as was actually done.
It would have take considerable technical knowledge to copy the
plan. In an effective way.
But I suppose either James or you or west has that technical
knowledge. No doubt we had but I beg you
won't try to drag me into the matter, mr.
Holmes, what is the use of are speculating in this way when the
original plans were actually found on West?
Well, it is certainly singular that he should run the risk of
taking Originals if he could safely have taken copies, which
would have equally served his turn singular, no doubt, and yet
he did. So, Every inquiry in this case,
reveals something inexplicable. Now, there are three papers
still missing. They are as I understand the
vital ones. Yes, that is.
So, do you mean to say that anyone holding these three
papers and without the seven, others could construct a Bruce
Partington submarine. I reported to that effect to the
admiralty. But today I've been over the
drawings again and I'm not. So sure of it, the double value.
With the automatic self-adjusting slots are drawn
in one of the papers which have been returned until the
foreigners had invented that for themselves.
They could not make the boat. Of course, they might soon get
over the difficulty, but the three missing drawings are the
most important undoubtedly, I think with your permission, I
will now take a stroll around the premises.
I do not recall any other question which I desire to ask.
He examined the lock of the safe, the door of the room, and
finally, the iron shutters of the window.
It was only when we were on the lawn outside, that his interest
was strongly excited. There was a laurel bushes
outside the window. And several of the branches for
signs of having been twisted or snapped.
He examined them carefully with his lens and then some dim and
vague marks upon the Earth beneath finally.
He asked the chief clerk to close the iron shutters.
He pointed out to me that they hardly met in the center and it
would be possible for anyone outside to see what was going on
with in the room. The indications are ruined by
three days delay. They may mean something or
nothing. Well Watson.
I do not think that will itch can help us further.
It is a small crop which we have gathered.
Let us see if we can do better in London.
Yet we added one more Sheaf to our Harvest before we left
wallet station. The Clark, in the ticket office
was able to say with confidence that he saw cadogan West whom.
He knew well by sight upon that Monday night and that he went to
London by 8:15 to London Bridge. He was alone and took a single
third-class ticket. The Clark was struck at the time
by his excited and nervous manner.
So shaky was he that he could hardly pick up his change and
the Clark had helped him with it.
A reference to the timetable showed that the 815 was the
first train which was possible for West to take after he'd left
a lady about 7:30 let us reconstruct Watson said Holmes
after half an hour of Silence, I am not aware that.
In all our joint research is we have ever had a case which was
most difficult to get at every fresh Advance which we make only
reveals a fresh Ridge Beyond and yet we have surely made some
appreciable progress. The effect of our inquiries at
Woolwich has in the main being against young cadogan West.
But the indications that the window would lend themselves to
a more favorable hypothesis, let us suppose, for example, that he
had been approached by some foreign agent, it might have
been done under such pledges as would have prevented him from
speaking of it, and yet would have affected his thoughts in
the direction, indicated by his remarks, to his fiancee Very
good. We will now, suppose that, as he
went to the theater with the young lady, he suddenly in the
fog, caught a glimpse of this same agent going in the
direction of the office, he was an impetuous man, quick in his
decisions. Everything gave way to his duty.
He followed the man reached the window.
Saw the abstraction of the documents and pursued, the
thief. In this way, we get over the
objection. That no one would take the
originals. He could make copies.
This Outsider had to take Originals so far, it holds
together. What is the next step?
Then we come into difficulties one.
Would imagine that under such circumstances, the First Act of
young cadogan. West would be to seize the
villain and raise the alarm. Why did he not do?
So, could it have been an official Superior who took the
papers that would explain West's conduct?
Or could the chief of given West to slip in the fog and West
started at once to London to head him off from his own room?
Presuming that he knew where the rooms were the call must have
been very pressing since he left his girl standing in the fog and
made no effort to communicate with her.
Our scent runs cold here and there is a vast gap between
either hypothesis and the laying of West body with seven papers,
in his pocket on the roof of a metropolitan train.
My instinct now is to work from the other end.
If Microsoft has given us the list of addresses, we may be
able to pick up our Mound. Follow two tracks instead of
one. Surely enough.
I know to waited us at Baker Street, a government messenger
had brought it posthaste. Holmes glanced at it and threw
it over to me. There are numerous small fry but
few who would handle so big an affair.
The only men were considering our adult mire of 13.
Great, George Street, Westminster Louis Le hace are of
Camden Mansions, Notting Hill, and Hugo oberstein, 13
Caulfield, Gardens Kensington. The latter was known to be in
town on Monday and is now reported as having left.
Glad to hear you have seen some light, the cabinet, awaits your
final report with the utmost anxiety urgent.
Annotations have arrived from the very highest quarter.
The whole force of the state is actual back.
If you should need it, Mycroft, I'm afraid said, Holmes.
Smiling at all the Queen's horses and all the queen's men
cannot Avail in this matter. He had spread out his big map of
London and leaned eagerly over it.
Well, well said, he presently with an exclamation of
satisfaction things are turning a little in our Direction at
last. Why Watson?
I do honestly believe that we are going to pull it off.
After all. He slapped me on the shoulder
with a sudden burst of hilarity. I'm going out.
Now, it is only a reconnaissance.
I'll do nothing serious without my trusted, comrade and
biographer at my elbow. Do you stay here and they odds
are that you will see me again in an hour or two if time, hangs
heavy, get foolscap and pain and begin your Narrative of how we
saved the state. I felt some reflection of his
elation. In my own mind, try new wells,
he would not depart so far from his usual austerity of demeanor
unless there was good. Cause for exultation all the
long November evening, I waited filled with impatience for his
return at last shortly after 9:00, they're arrived at
messenger. With a note, I'm dining at
Goldie Knees, Restaurant, Gloucester, Road Kensington,
please come at once and join me there.
Bring with you a Jamie, a dark Lantern, a chisel, and a
Revolver. Sh it was a nice equipment.
For a respectable citizen to carry through the dim fog,
draped streets. I stowed them all.
Discreetly away in my overcoat and drove straight to the
address. Given their sat, my friend at a
little round table near the door of the garish Italian
restaurant, have you had something to eat now, then join
me in a coffee in Curacao try one of the Proprietors cigars.
They're less poisonous than what Expect, have you the tools?
The here? My Overcoat.
Excellent. Let me give you a short sketch
of what I have done with some indication of what we are about
to do. Now, it must be evident to you
Watson that this young man's body was placed on the roof of
the train that was clear from the instant that I determined
the fact that it was from the roof and not from a carriage
that he had fallen. Could it not have been dropped
from a bridge? I should say, it was impossible.
If you examine the rooves you will find that they are slightly
rounded and there is no railing around them.
Therefore we can say for certain that young cadogan West was
placed on it. How could he be placed there?
That was the question which we had to answer.
There is only one possible way you are aware that the
underground runs clear of tunnels at some points in the
West End. I had a vague memory that as I
have traveled by it. I have occasionally seen
Windows, just above my head. Now suppose that a train halted
under such a window. Would there be any difficulty in
laying a body upon the roof? It seems most improbable.
We must fall back upon the old Axiom that when all other
contingencies fail, whatever remains however, improbable must
be the truth here. All other contingencies have
failed. When I found that the leading
international agent who had just left, London lived in a row of
houses which are butted upon the underground.
I was so pleased that you were a little astonished at my sudden
frivolity. Oh, that was it, was it?
Yes! That was it.
Mr. Hugo oberstein of 13. Caulfield Gardens had become my
objective. I began my operations at
Gloucester Road station. Where a very helpful official
walked with me along the track and allowed me to satisfy
myself. Not only that the Baxter Windows
of Caulfield Gardens, open up on the line, but the even more
essential fact, that owing to the intersection of one of the
Railways the underground trains are frequently held motionless
for some minutes at that very spot Splendid homes.
You've got it so far so far Watson we advance but the goal
is a far. Well, having seen the back of
Caulfield Gardens. I visited the front and
satisfied myself, that the bird was indeed flown.
It is a considerable house, unfurnished so far as I could
judge in the upper room. Rooms oberstein.
Lived there with a single valet, who was probably a Confederate
entirely in his confidence. We must bear in mind.
That oberstein has gone to the continent to dispose of his
booty but not with any idea of flight for he had no reason to
fear a warrant and the idea of an amateur domiciliary, visit
would certainly never occur to him yet.
That is precisely what we are about to make Could we not get a
warrant and Legalize It hardly on the evidence?
What can we hope to do? We cannot tell what
correspondence may be there. I don't like it homes.
My dear fellow. You shall keep watch in the
street. I'll do the Criminal part.
It's not a time to stick at Trifles.
Think of Mike Ross, note of the admiralty, the cabinet, the
exalted person who waits for news.
We are bound to go. My answer was to rise from the
table. You're right homes, we are bound
to go. He sprang up and shook me by the
hand. I knew you would not shrink at
the last said he and For a moment, I saw something in his
eyes, which was nearer to tenderness than, I had ever seen
the next instant. He was his masterful practical
self once more. It is nearly half a mile but
there is no hurry. Let us walk said he don't drop
the instruments. I beg your arrest as a
suspicious character, would be a, most unfortunate complication
Caulfield Gardens as one of those lines of flat-faced
pillard and porticoed houses, which are so prominent.
Imminent, a product of the middle, Victorian Epoch in the
West End of London next door. There appeared to be a
children's party for the Mary Buzz of young voices and the
clatter of a piano resounded through the night.
The fog still hung about and screened us with its friendly
shade homes, had lit, his Lantern and flashed it upon the
massive door. This is a serious proposition
said he, it is certainly bolted as well as locked.
We would do better in the area. There is an excellent Arch Way
Down Yonder, in a case, a to zealous policeman, should
intrude. Give me a hand Watson, and I'll
do the same for you. A minute later.
We were both in the area hardly had.
We reached the Dark Shadows before.
The step of the policeman was heard in the fog above as its
soft Rhythm died Away Home, set to work upon the lower door.
I saw him stoop and strain until with a sharp crash.
It flew open, we sprang through into the dark, passage closing
the area door behind us Holmes, led the way up the curving
uncarpeted stairs. His little fan of you Light
Shone upon a low window. Here we are Watson.
This must be the one he threw it open and as he did.
So there was a low harsh murmur growing steadily into a loud
roar as a train dashed past us in the darkness homes, swept,
his light along the windowsill, it was thickly coated with
sucked from the passing engines, but the black surface was
blurred and rubbed in places. You can see where they rested
the body. Hello Watson.
What's this? There can be no doubt that it is
a blood Mark. He was pointing to faint
discolorations along the woodwork of the window here, it
is on the stone of the stair. Also, the demonstration is
complete, let us stay here until a train stops.
We had not long to wait the very next train roared from the
tunnel as before, but slowed in the open and then With a
creaking of breaks pulled up immediately beneath us.
It was not four feet from the window ledge to the roof of the
carriages homes, softly, close the window so far.
We are Justified said he, what do you think of it?
Watson, a masterpiece. You've never risen to a greater
height. I cannot agree with you there
from the moment that I can see, the idea of the body being upon
the roof, which surely was not a Very abstruse one.
All the rest was inevitable. If it were not for the grave
interests, involved the affair up to this point would be
insignificant, our difficulties are still before us but perhaps
we may find something here which may help us.
We are descended, the kitchen stare and entered the suite of
rooms upon the first floor. One was a dining room, severely
furnished and containing nothing of Interest.
Second was a bedroom which also Drew blank, the remaining room
appeared more promising and my companion settle down to a
systematic examination. It was littered with books and
papers and was evidently used as a study swiftly, and
methodically Holmes turned over the contents of draw after
drawer and cupboard after cupboard, but no gleam of
success came to brighten his austere face.
At the end of an hour, he was no further than when he started.
The cunning dog is covered his tracks said, he he's left
nothing to incriminate him. His dangerous correspondence has
been destroyed or removed. This is our last chance.
It was a small tin cash box which stood upon the writing
desk homes. Pried it open with his chisel.
Several rolls of paper with in covered with figures and
calculations without any note to show to what they referred.
The recurring words Pressure and pressure to the square inch
suggested some possible relation to a submarine homes toss them
all impatiently aside. There only remained an envelope
with some small newspaper slips inside it.
He shook them out on the table and at once I saw by his eager
face that his hopes had been raised.
What's this Watson? Hey, what's this record of a
series of messages in the advertisements of a paper?
Daily Telegraph agony. Column by the print and paper
right. Hand, top corner of a page, no
dates but messages arrange themselves.
This must be the first hope to hear sooner terms agreed to
rightfully to Address given on card.
Pierrot, next comes to complex for description must have for
report stuff. Awaits you, when Goods delivered
pierrot then comes matter presses must withdraw offer.
Unless contract completed make appointment by letter will
confirm by advertisement Piero. Finally Monday night after 92
Taps only ourselves, do not be so suspicious payment in Hard
Cash When Goods delivered. Piero.
A fairly complete record Watson. If we could only get at the man
at the other end, he sat lost in thought, tapping, his fingers on
the table. Finally, he sprang to his feet.
Well, perhaps it won't be so difficult after all, there is
nothing more to be done here, Watson.
I think we might drive round to the offices of the Daily
Telegraph and so bring a good day's work to a conclusion.
Mycroft Holmes and lestrade had come round by appointment after
breakfast next day and Sherlock, Holmes had recounted to them,
our proceedings of the day. Before the professional shook
his head, over our confessed burglary, we can't do these
things in a force mr. Holmes said he?
No wonder. You get results that are Beyond
us. But some of these days you'll go
too far and you'll find yourself and your friend in trouble for
England home and Beauty a Watson.
Martyrs on the altar of our country.
More. Do you think of it Mycroft?
Excellent, Sherlock admirable. But what use will you make of
it? Holmes picked up the Daily
Telegraph which lay upon the table.
Have you seen Piero's advertisement today?
What? Another one.
Yes. Here it is tonight.
Same our same place. Two Taps.
Most vitally important, your own safety at stake p.
Row by George cried lestrade. If he answers that we got him.
That was my idea when I put it in.
I think if you could both make it convenient to come with us
about 8:00 to Caulfield Gardens, we might possibly get a little
nearer to our solution. One of the most remarkable
characteristics of Sherlock Holmes was his power of throwing
his brain out of action and switching all his thoughts on to
lighter things whenever he had convinced himself.
Elf that he could no longer work to her Advantage.
I remember that during the whole of that memorable day.
He lost himself in a monograph, which he had, undertaken, upon
the Polyphonic motets of lassus for my own part.
I had none of this power of Detachment and the day in
consequence appeared to be interminable the great National
importance of the issue. The suspense in high quarters,
the direct nature of the experiment which we were trying
all To work upon my nerve. It was a relief to me when at
last after a light dinner, we set out upon our Expedition.
The stradun Mycroft met us by appointment at the outside of
Gloucester Road station. The area door of over Stein's
house, have been left open the night before and it was
necessary for me, as Mycroft Holmes.
Absolutely. And indignantly declined to
climb the railings to pass in and open the hall door by 9:00.
We were all seated in the study. Waiting patiently for our man,
an hour passed and yet another, when 11 struck the measured beat
of the great church. Clock seem to sound the Dirge of
our hopes. The Strada Mycroft were
fidgeting in their seats. And looking twice a minute at
their watches, Holmes sat silent and composed his eyelids half
shut, but every sense on the alert, he raised his head with a
sudden jerk. He is coming said he there had
been a furtive step past the door.
Now it returned, we heard a shuffling sound outside.
And then to Sharp taps with the knocker Holmes, Rose motioning
us to remain seated, the gas in the hall was a mere point of
light, he opened the outer door, and then as a dark figure
slipped past him, he closed. And fastened it this way, we
heard him say. And a moment later, I'll man,
stood before us. Holmes had followed him closely
and as the man turned with a cry of surprise and alarm, he caught
him by the collar and threw him back into the room before our
prisoner had recovered his balance.
The door was shut and Holmes was standing with his back against
it. The man glared around him,
staggered and fell senseless upon the floor with the shock.
His broad-brimmed hat flew from his head, his cravat slipped
down his lips and there with a long light beard And the soft
handsome. Delicate features of Colonel
Valentine Walter Holmes, gave a whistle of surprise.
You can write me down and asked this time.
Watson said, he, this was not the bird that I was looking for.
Who is he asked Mycroft eagerly the younger brother of the late
Sir. James Walter the head of the
submarine Department. Yes, yes, I see the fall of the
cards. He is coming too.
I think, did you had best leave his examination?
To me, we had carried the prostrate body to the sofa.
Now our prisoner setup looked round him with a horror-stricken
face and passed his hand over his forehead like one who cannot
believe his own senses. What is this?
He asked. I came here to visit mr.
Oberstein Everything is known Colonel Walter said Holmes, how
an English gentleman could behave in such a manner is
beyond my comprehension but your whole correspondence and
relations with oberstein are within our knowledge.
So also are the circumstances connected with the death of
young cadogan West. Let me advise you to gain at
least the small credit for repentance and confession.
Since there are still some details which we can only learn
from your The man groaned and sank, his face in his hands, we
waited, but he was silent, I can assure.
You said Holmes that every essential is already known.
We know that you were pressed for money.
That you took an impress of the keys, which your brother held
and that you entered into a correspondence with oberstein
who answered your letters through the advertisement
Columns of the Daily Telegraph. We are aware that you went down
to the office in the first A fog on Monday night, but that you
were seen and followed by Young cadogan West.
It would probably some previous reason to suspect you.
He saw your theft but could not give the alarm as it was just
possible that you were taking the papers to your brother.
In London leaving all his private concerns, like the good
citizen that he was, he followed you closely in the fog and kept
at your heels until you reach this very house there he
intervened and then it was Colonel Walter.
A that to treason you added the more terrible crime of murder.
I did not. I did not before God.
I swear that I did not cry. Dear Richard prisoner tell us
then how could dogon West met his end before you laid him upon
the roof of a railway Carriage? I will I swear to you that?
I will, I did the rest, I confess it, it was just as you
say, a stock exchange debt had to be paid.
I needed the money badly over Stein.
Offered me five thousand. It was to save myself from ruin.
But as to murder, I am, as innocent as you what happened,
then he had his suspicions before and he followed me as you
described, I never knew it until I was, at the very door, it was
thick fog and would could not see three yards had given two
tabs and oberstein had come to the door, the young man, rushed
up and demanded to know what we are about to do with the papers.
Stein have a short life preserver.
He always carried it with him as West forced his way.
After us into the house, oberstein struck him on the
head. The blow was a fatal one, he was
dead within five minutes there. He lay in the hall and we were
at our Wits End. What to do then oberstein, had
this idea about the trains which halted under his back window.
But first, he examined the papers, which I had brought he
said that three of them were essential and he Just keep them,
you cannot keep them said I there will be a dreadful route.
Willage if they're not returned I must keep them said he for
their so technical that it is impossible in the time to make
copies. Then they must all go back
together. Tonight said, I he thought for a
little and then he cried out that he had it three.
I will keep said he the others. We will stuff into the pocket of
this young man. When he was found the whole
business, will assuredly be put to his account.
I could see no other way out of it.
So we did as he suggested, we waited, half an hour at the
window before a train stopped. It was so thick that nothing
could be seen and we had no difficulty in lowering West's
body onto the train, that was the end of the matter so far, as
I was concerned and your brother, he said nothing, but he
had caught me once with his keys.
And I think that he suspected I read in his eyes that he
suspected, as you know, he never held up his head again.
It was silence in the room. It was broken by Mycroft Holmes.
Can you not make reparation it would ease your conscience and
possibly your punishment? Watch reparation?
Can I make, where is oberstein with the papers?
I do not know, did he give, you know, address.
He said that letters to the hotel du Louvre Paris would
eventually reach him then. Reparation is still within your
power said, Sherlock, Holmes. I would do anything I can I owe
this fellow no particular Goodwill.
He's been my ruin. And my downfall, here are paper
and Pen sit at this desk and write to my dictation directly
envelope to The Address. Given that is right now.
The letter, Dear Sir, with regard to our transaction, you
will no doubt for observed by now, that one essential detail
is missing. I have a tracing which will make
it complete. This has involved.
Me an extra trouble. However, and I must ask you for
a further advance of 500 pounds, I will not trust it to the post.
Nor will I take anything but gold or notes.
I would come to you abroad but it would excite remark.
If I left the country at present, therefore, I shall
expect to meet you in the smoking-room of the Charing
Cross hotel at noon on Saturday. Remember that only English notes
or gold will be taken? That will do very well.
I shall be very much surprised, if it does not fetch our Oh man.
And did it is a matter of history that secret history of a
nation which is often so much more intimate and interesting
than its public Chronicles. That oberstein eager to complete
the coup of his lifetime came to the lure and was safely engulfed
for 15 years in a British prison in his trunk.
We found the invaluable bruce-partington plans, which he
had put up for auction in all Naval centers of Europe.
Colonel Walter died in prison too.
The end of the second year of his sentence.
As two homes, he returned refreshed to his monograph, upon
the Polyphonic motets of lassus which has since been printed for
private circulation and is said by experts to be the last word
upon the subject some weeks afterwards.
I learned incidentally that my friend spent a day at Windsor
whence. He returned with a remarkably
fine Emerald type in when I asked him if he had bought it He
answered that it was a present from a certain gracious lady in
whose interests. He had once been fortunate
enough to carry out a small commission.
He said no more but I fancy that I could guess at that lady's or
gust name. And I have little doubt that the
emerald pin will forever recall to my friends memory, the
adventure of the bruce-partington plans, This is
the end of the adventure of the bruce-partington plans.
This is the end of the adventure of the bruce-partington plans.