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. 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.