Sherlock Holmes & The Curse Of The Silver Ankh | A Sherlock Holmes Story

Welcome to Cafe stories my lovely listeners today I present a captivating new Sherlock Holmes's mystery the curse of the silver ank will the brilliant detective unravel the death surrounding an ancient Egyptian Relic or has he finally encountered a case Beyond even his remarkable Powers as you embark on this Victorian Adventure please share in the comments where you're joining us from today Let's get started Sherlock Holmes and the curse of the silver ank chapter 1 a visitor at Baker Street it was in the latter part of November in that year of peculiar atmospheric disturbances which I

have elsewhere chronicled as the winter of the black fogs when the singular case of the silver ank was brought to the attention of my friend Mr Sherlock Holmes the weather had been particularly Inclement even by London standards with a persistent chill Mist that seemed to penetrate to the very marrow of one's bones and transform the familiar streets of the Metropolis into a Labyrinth of Shadows and uncertain forms for some days Holmes had been in one of his introspective moods dividing his time between long periods of Silent contemplation curled in his armchair with his pipe and

Furious bursts of activity at his chemical corner I had Learned from long experience not to disturb him during these periods of mental fermentation and had occupied myself with reviewing my case notes and occasionally glancing through the dampened Windows of our lodgings at 221B Baker Street where the gas lamps struggled valiantly against the encroaching Gloom it was shortly after 3:00 in the afternoon when Holmes suddenly broke the silence that had persisted Ed between us For the better part of the day I wonder Watson said he without looking up from the chemical apparatus he had been manipulating

what would drive a man of science to believe in curses I looked up from my medical journal with some surprise that's a singular question Holmes I suppose some experiences might defy rational explanation even to the scientific mind precisely he replied his Keen gray eyes suddenly animated as He turned to face me and yet how often have we found that the most seemingly Supernatural occurrences have Perfectly Natural if ingenious explanations before I could formulate a response we were interrupted by the sharp peel of the doorbell followed shortly by Mrs Hudson's familiar tread upon the stair a

gentleman to see you Mr Holmes announced our landl as she opened the door Professor Benedict CZ the man who entered our sitting room was tall and distinguished with a neatly trimmed silver beard and the stooped shoulders of one who has spent many years bent over books and artifacts despite his apparent age which I judged to be about 60 there was a Vigor in his step and a keenness in his blue eyes that spoke of an active and disciplined mind mind his clothes though of good quality showed signs of hasty dressing and there was an unmistakable

Anxiety in his manner Mr Sherlock Holmes he said extending a hand that was marked with the calluses and stains particular to his profession I am most grateful that you could see me without an appointment my situation has become quite desperate please be seated professor said Holmes indicating a chair near the fire you are an egyptologist recently returned from an expedition to the Valley of the Kings if I am not mistaken the professor's eyes widened in astonishment how could you possibly know that Holmes smiled slightly your hands bear the unmistakable stains of certain preservatives used specifically

for Egyptian artifacts the tan on your face stops abruptly at your brow suggesting you have been wearing a pith helmet in a climate considerably more Sunny than our own the sand still clinging to your boot welts is of a peculiar reddish Hue Consistent with the Egyptian desert and if I might be so bold the small scarab beetle pin on your lapel rather gives the game away remarkable said the professor shaking his head in wonderment you are everything they say you are Mr Holmes yes I returned 3 weeks ago from an excavation near luxa and since

then sir I have become convinced that I Am A Marked Man marked in what way inquired Holmes his fingertips pressed together in that familiar Gesture of concentration the professor leaned forward lowering his voice as if fearful of being overheard though there was no one but ourselves to hear by a curse Mr Holmes a curse that has already claimed two lives pray continue Professor CZ said Holmes quietly from the beginning if you would be so good the professor drew a deep breath to compose himself our Expedition discovered a Previously unknown tomb of a minor Noble from

the 18th Dynasty the tomb had been overlooked by previous explorers hidden as it was beneath a rockfall among the artifacts we recovered were was a silver ank of extraordinary craftsmanship with hieroglyphics that warned of a terrible fate for any who Disturbed the Noble's rest my colleagues and I dismissed it as the usual superstitious nonsense of Course of course murmured Holmes his eyes half closed in concentration we brought the artifacts back to London for study at the British Museum 3 days after our return my assistant young James Williamson was found dead in the Museum's Egyptian Wing

he had been cataloging the ank the evening before the cause of death I inquired my medical curiosity peaked unknown Dr Watson the doctors who examined him were baffled there were no Marks of violence no evidence of poison that they could detect it was as if his heart simply stopped and the second death asked Holmes quietly my colleague Dr Henry Mortimer a man in perfect health he was found dead yesterday morning in his study the ank clutched in his hand again no apparent cause could be determined Holmes opened his eyes and now you believe you are

next Professor CZ I do Mr Holmes this morning I found this on my doorstep the professor reached into his coat pocket and produced a small object wrapped in linen with trembling fingers he unwrapped it to reveal a miniature silver ank identical to the one he had described but no more than an inch in length Holmes took the miniature ank and examined it closely with his lens has anyone else handled the Original artifact he asked only the museum curator Dr Faraday he locked it away after Dr mortimer's Death and where is it now in the Secure

Vault at the British museum no one is permitted to access it without doctor Faraday's express permission Holmes Rose abruptly and paced to the window the miniature ank still in his hand after a moment's contemplation he turned back to our visitor I shall take your case Professor Carz Watson and I will visit the museum tomorrow morning in the meantime I suggest you return home and take every precaution lock your door touch nothing that arrives unexpectedly and admit no visitors you do not know well the relief that washed over the professor's features was palpable thank you Mr

Holmes I confess I felt somewhat foolish coming to you with talk of ancient curses but I did not know where else to Turn there is no curse except that which dwells in the minds of men professor said Holmes handing back the miniature ank behind every every Superstition lies human agency and human motive we shall find yours I have no doubt after the professor had departed Holmes remained by the window smoking thoughtfully as he gazed out into the fog shrouded Street what do you make of it Holmes I asked a curious case Watson most curious I

suspect our answers lie not in ancient Egypt but in modern London the game is a foot he turned from the window his eyes eyes gleaming with the thrill of the Chase and now I believe I shall pay a visit to my brother micraft at the diogenes club his knowledge of Museum Affairs might prove useful will you join me with pleasure I replied already reaching for my coat and hat though I confess homes I find myself wondering if perhaps some Mysteries do lie beyond the Realm of science nonsense my dear Watson said Holmes with a slight

Smile as he DED on his hat there is no Riddle that cannot be solved by the application of logic and careful observation even those that come wrapped in the trappings of ancient curses as we stepped out into the fog Laden streets I could not help but wonder if my friend's confidence might just this once be misplaced the image of the silver ank And the professor's tale of mysterious deaths had left an impression upon my mind that not even Holmes's rational assurances could entirely dispel chapter 2 the British museum the following morning dawned clear and cold

a welcome respit from the previous days dreary fog though the air retained that particular bite of a London winter that seems to penetrate even the warmest of garments Holmes and I departed Baker Street shortly after Breakfast arriving at the imposing facade of the British museum as the Clock Was striking 10 we are expected I believe remarked Holmes to the attendant at the entrance who nodded and directed us to an office in the East Wing we were met there by doctor Faraday the curator of the Egyptian collection a small precise man with gold rimmed spectacles perched

Upon A prominent nose and a perpetually worried expression that seemed to have Deepened in recent days his hand shaked was brief but firm and he regarded us with a mixture of relief and apprehension this business with Professor cair's Expedition has been most distressing he confided as he led us through the Grand hallways with their echoing marble floors the museum Prides itself on scientific rigor Mr Holmes talk of curses does us no credit and threatens to undo years of scholarly work Dispelling such superstition i s and yet two men are dead Holmes remarked his Keen eyes

taking in every detail of our surroundings lingering occasionally on a display or a passing attendant tell me Dr Faraday were you acquainted with both of the deceased I knew Dr Mortimer quite well we had collaborated on several Publications concerning Middle Kingdom ferary practices a most meticulous scholar Young Williamson I knew only by reputation a promising scholar by all accounts with a particular gift for translating the more obscure hieratic scripts we had reached the Egyptian Wing where massive Stone pharaohs and sphinxes gazed impassively down upon us from their plinths their expressions as inscrutable now as they

had been when first carved thousands of years ago the gallery was quiet at this early hour with only a hand handful of visitors Moving slowly among the glass cases examining the Myriad artifacts of that ancient civilization where exactly was Williamson's body discovered Holmes asked pausing beside a display of canopic jars painted with the likenesses of the four sons of Horus in the restoration room just through there Dr Faraday pointed to an unobtrusive door at the end of the Gallery marked staff only in discreet gold lettering he had been working late cataloging the new acquisitions from

Professor cair's Expedition the night Watchman Jennings found him at his desk when making his rounds at approximately 2: in the morning and the an was on the desk beside him apparently undisturbed after the incident I placed it in our Secure Vault where it has remained except for when Dr Mortimer Requested to examine it Holmes nodded thoughtfully I should like to see this Vault and the ank itself if you please Dr Faraday hesitated his fingers unconsciously adjusting his spectacles the trustees have forbidden anyone to handle the artifact until this matter is resolved there has been talk

of returning it to Egypt I have no intention of handling it Holmes assured him with a slight smile merely observing a visual examination Will suffice for my present purposes with evident reluctance Dr Faraday led us through a series of corridors to a heavy iron door guarded by a uniformed attendant after exchanging a few words with the guard he produced a ring of keys from his waste coat pocket and unlocked the door revealing a room lined with metal cabinets illuminated by electric lights a modern Innovation that had not yet reached many parts of London our most

Valuable items are kept here when not on display he explained approaching one of the cabinets and unlocking it with a smaller key from the same ring from within he withdrew a small wooden box inlaid with Ivory in an Egyptian Motif the silver ank of Amon hotep he announced placing the box on a central table and opening it with great care the artifact resting on a bed of black velvet was indeed remarkable no more Than 6 in in length the ank was crafted from what appeared to be solid silver its surface covered with tiny hieroglyphics inlaid

with small Gemstones of lapis lazuli and carnon that caught the light with an almost hypnotic gleam Holmes bent close to examine it without touching his magnifying glass in hand extraordinary craftsmanship he murmured the has oxidized very little for an artifact of such Antiquity that is one of its most remarkable features Dr Faraday agreed adjusting his spectacles again the composition appears to be an alloy unknown to Modern Metallurgy Professor castz theorized that the ancient Egyptians possessed certain metalworking secrets that have been lost to time and these inscriptions have they been translated Holmes inquired his glass hovering

over the intricate High hieroglyphics that spiraled around the Loop of the ank Professor carair completed a preliminary translation before his departure yesterday the text speaks of protecting the Noble in death and bringing a swift end to any who disturb his rest fairly standard ferary imprecations though more specific than most in its descriptions of the manner of death that would befall transgressors I should like to see the professor's notes if possible said Holmes straightening up they would be in His office at the University I imagine or perhaps Dr Mortimer kept a copy he was most interested

in the linguistic aspects of the text Holmes closed his eyes for a moment as if committing the anks every detail to memory thank you Dr Faraday now if you would be so good as to show us where young Williamson was found Dr Faraday carefully returned the ank to its box and locked it away once More his movements betraying a certain nervousness that I had not observed previously he led us back through the labyrinthine corridors to the door marked staff only that we had passed earlier the restoration room was a large well-lit space filled with tables

covered in various artifacts in different stages of cleaning and repair several white-coated assistants looked up curiously as we entered but quickly returned to their work at a glance from Dr Faraday Williamson worked at that table by the window said the curator indicating a currently unoccupied workspace beneath a large window that overlooked a small courtyard after the police concluded their investigation we had the area thoroughly cleaned of course Holmes stroe to the table and examined it closely his fingers running lightly over its surface then moved to The window and studied The View who found the body

precisely Mr Jennings our night Watchman he makes his rounds every two hours and discovered the body at approximately 2: in the morning and Williamson was known to work late frequently he was most dedicated to his work the Egyptian artifacts held a particular Fascination for him were there any signs of forced entry that night any visitors recorded after hours Dr Faraday shook his head none the Police were quite thorough in their investigation the doors were all locked the windows secured no one entered or left the museum between the time when the last staff member departed at

7 and when Jennings found the body Holmes turned from the window I should like to speak with this Mr Jennings and with anyone else who was present in the museum that evening after interviewing the night Watchman a stolid reliable man of middle Years who could add little to what we already knew beyond confirming the time of his Discovery and the undisturbed state of the room and several other Museum employees who had been among the last to leave that evening Holmes declared himself satisfied for the moment now Watson to Dr mortimer's residence he said as we

stepped out into the pale November sunlight the pieces of this puzzle are scattered widely I think what your Impression so far Holmes I asked as we hailed a handsome cab that we are dealing with the most ingenious adversary he replied his eyes distant as he gazed up at the carved figures flanking the museum entrance one who has carefully crafted the appearance of a supernatural agency to conceal very Earthly motives you suspect murder then I suspect nothing as yet what I merely observe and gather facts but consider two men connected to An Egyptian artifact die under

mysterious circumstances with no apparent cause the remaining members of the Expedition fear an ancient curse it is all most theatrical the cab deposited us at a handsome townhouse in Kensington where we were received by doctor mortimer's housekeeper and Mrs Bridges who were still visibly distressed by the events of the previous day it was I who found him sir she told Holmes dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief sitting at His desk as peaceful as you please except that he was stoned Dead with that foreign Trinket in his hand was it usual for Dr Mortimer to

have Museum artifacts at home Holmes inquired his manner gentle but insistent no sir most unusual he was very particular about such things was Dr Mortimer said they belong to the public public not in private homes yet the ank was here did he mention receiving it or fetching it from The museum not to me sir but he did have a visitor the evening before Holmes's eyebrows Rose indeed who was this visitor I couldn't say Sir a gentleman well-dressed I showed him into the study and was dismissed he stayed about an hour can you describe him Mrs

Bridges frowned in concentration tall with a beard foreign looking I thought but it was dark and I didn't see him clearly I had retired before he Left Professor cair perhaps I suggested I couldn't say Sir I'd never met the professor Holmes nodded thoughtfully may we see the study where Dr Mortimer was found the study was a comfortable room lined with bookshelves and dominated by a large desk positioned before a window window overlooking a small garden now bare and frost covered in the November chill Holmes examined the room methodically paying particular attention To the desk and

the chair where Dr Mortimer had breathed his last the ank was in his right hand you say he asked Mrs Bridges yes sir clutch tight it was the police had to priz fingers open Holmes knelt to examine the Turkish carpet beneath the desk then Rose and moved to inspect the bookshelves his fingers running lightly over the spines of several volumes related to egyptology finally he turned to me with That familiar gleam in his eye that told me he had observed something significant I believe we have seen enough for the moment Watson we should return to

Baker Street to consider what we have learned as we departed I could not help but notice that Holmes cast one last lingering glance at the desk where Dr Mortimer had died his expression thoughtful and his eyes narrowed in that particular way that told me his Formidable intellect was already assembling the scattered pieces of the puzzle chapter 3 the third death upon our return to Baker Street Holmes fell into one of his silent moods curled in his armchair with his pipe lost in contemplation I knew better than to disturb him and occupied myself with my notes

on the case thus far it was only as evening approached that he finally stirred Watson said he reaching for the Morning's newspaper I believe we should call upon the remaining members of Professor cair's Expedition the professor himself of course but also the three Junior archaeologists who assisted in the excav how do you know there were three others I inquired somewhat surprised Holmes smiled faintly Dr Faraday mentioned it in passing while we were examining the restoration room the Expedition consisted of Professor cair's Doctor Mortimer young Williamson and three assistants whose names I have yet to learn

the following morning found us at the Royal archaeological Society where Professor carair had arranged to meet us the society's rooms were warm and well appointed the walls lined with maps and artifacts from various Expeditions we were shown into a private study where two gentlemen and a lady awaited us alongside Professor Carz Mr Holmes Dr Watson the professor Greeted us his manner even more agitated than when we had first met may I present my colleagues Mr Edward pemr Mr Thomas anley and Miss Katherine Forester they were all members of our our recent Expedition the introductions made

Holmes wasted no time I understand there was some disagreement about the handling of the artifacts discovered in the Tomb a look of surprise passed between the three assistants it was Miss Forester who Spoke first a tall serious young woman with intelligent eyes indeed Mr Holmes I objected most strongly to the removal of the ank the hieroglyphics contained a most specific warning a warning you took seriously while the others did not Holmes inquired I respect the beliefs of the civilization we study sir the others she broke off glancing at her colleagues the others thought you superstitious

Holmes finished for her While you thought them Reckless Mr pemboke a thin scholarly man with a nervous manner cleared his throat it was not merely a matter of superstition Mr Holmes there were questions about the proper attribution and cataloging of the find cataloging I asked yes doctor the official record of the Expedition does not include all items found in the Tomb Mr pemr said not meeting Professor cz's eye a common practice interposed Mr Anley a robust man with a sunburned face some items require further study before being officially documented Holmes was about to respond when

there was a sharp knock at the door a porter entered his face grave telephone message for Mr Holmes he announced most urgent Holmes excused himself and followed the porter he returned moments later his expression Grim I fear we must cut this interview Short he said Professor Carz you would do well to accompany us immediately what has happened the professor asked rising to his feet inspector lrad has just informed me that your house has been broken into the Constable who responded found something concerning the handsome ride to Mayfair passed intense silence upon our arrival we found

lrad waiting on the steps of Professor car's elegant townhouse his lean face troubled this way Mr Holmes he Said without Preamble leading us through the house to the professor's study the scene that met our eyes was one of careful deliberate destruction books had been pulled from shelves papers scattered across the floor but it was not this disorder that Drew our attention in the center of the room slumped across his desk was Professor carair himself or rather his exact double dressed in identical clothing right down to the Scarab pin on the Lapel good God exclaimed the

professor his face draining of color what manner of trick is this Holmes moved swiftly to the desk examining the figure with his lens no trick but a gruesome reality he said quietly this man is dead and has been for several hours but who is he I asked moving forward to assist in the examination his name was Alfred Simmons said lrad according to his papers a known criminal with a talent for Disguise and impersonation but why would he impersonate me the professor asked bewildered Holmes was examining something clutched in the dead man's hand perhaps this holds

the answer he said carefully extracting a small piece of Papyrus upon it was drawn a series of hieroglyphics in what appeared to be fresh ink what does it say I asked as the Professor leaned forward to seeit is a warning he translated his voice shaking death comes to all who profane the silver Guardian the third death murmured Holmes his eyes meeting mine across the desk but not I think the one intended I could see that the professor was thoroughly shaken as indeed was I three deaths now connected to the mysterious ank each more inexplicable than

the Last you believe this to be murder then asked lrad I do said Holmes but of a most ingenious kind our adversary is creating the illusion of a supernatural curse while employing very Earthly methods what methods the professor asked the doctors found no cause of death for either Williamson or Mortimer that said Holmes his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the chase is what we must discover estrad I suggest you place a guard on Professor carair it appears that the impersonator was meant to replace him which suggests that the professor himself is indeed Marked for

Death as we departed leaving lrad to arrange protection for the professor I could not help but remark upon the increasingly bizarre nature of the case it would seem Holmes that there is more to this affair than a simple Museum theft or scholarly rivalry indeed Watson we are dealing With a mind of remarkable cing one who employs ancient superstitions to mask modern crimes but every criminal no matter how clever leaves traces of his work we shall find this ones soon enough yet despite my friend's confidence I could not shake the feeling that we were confronting something

beyond our understanding something that in the words of the ancient warning brought death to all who Disturbed it chapter 4 The Widow's Tale the following morning dawned gray and cold with a biting easterly wind that cut through even the warmest of garments Holmes had been up early as was his habit when engaged upon a case of particular interest and I found him at The Breakfast Table surrounded by the morning papers and several open volumes on egyptology ah Watson he greeted me as I entered I trust you slept well despite the rather dramatic events of Yesterday

tolerably I replied pouring myself a cup of coffee though I confess that the image of that poor fellow disguised as Professor Carz has remained with me have you formed any Theory as to his purpose several said Holmes pushing a side a to on ancient Egyptian burial practices but I require more data before committing to any one of them we shall call upon Mrs Mortimer this morning the Widow May shed some light on her Husband's interest in the ank Mrs Mortimer received Us in the same study where her husband had met his end she was a

handsome woman of about 40 with a composed manner that spoke of considerable Inner Strength though her eyes betrayed the grief she had endured good I am grateful for your visit Mr Holmes she said as we seated ourselves the police have been most thorough but they seem no closer to understanding what happened to my Husband than they were at the beginning your husband's death is indeed perplexing Holmes acknowledged I understand he had a particular interest in these silver ank recovered by Professor cz's Expedition Henry was F fated by it she confirmed he believed it to be

of unique historical significance Beyond its obvious value as an artifact in what way Holmes inquired leaning forward with interest Mrs Mortimer hesitated her fingers smoothing the fabric of her morning dress I am not certain I should say Henry became most secretive about his work in those final days but I believe it had something to do with the hieroglyphics upon the ank he spent several nights translating them Consulting obscure reference works she Rose and crossed to a small writing desk in the corner this was among his papers perhaps it will be of use to you she

handed holes a folded Sheet of paper covered in Dr mortimer's precise handwriting Holmes examined it carefully then passed it to me it appeared to be a partial translation of hieroglyphics with numerous annotations and question question marks the guardian of the chamber reveals the path to the next word is unclear I read what chamber could this refer to that was what Henry was attempting to discover said Mrs Mortimer he believed the ank was more than a mere ferary object that it contained directions to Something of Great Value did he share these theories with Professor Carz or

the others Holmes asked not entirely there was some disagreement among the Expedition members Henry felt that certain discoveries should be reported immediately to the Egyptian authorities While others were more Interested in bringing everything back to England for study I see murmured Holmes Mrs Mortimer your husband had a visitor the evening before his death did he mention who this might have been a shadow passed across her face he did not I was visiting my sister in Kent that night when I returned the following morning her voice faltered but Henry had been receiving strange messages in the

days before Notes delivered by hand with no sender identified have you preserved any of these messages only one the others he destroyed she crossed to the desk again and withdrew a small envelope from a drawer this arrived the day before he died Holmes took the envelope and extracted a single sheet of paper upon it was drawn a crude representation of an ank with a scull superimposed upon it there was no written Message a crude attempt at intimidation Holmes remarked pocketing the note Mrs Mortimer did your husband ever mention the goddess sekmet in connection with the

ank she looked surprised why yes he said the hieroglyphics contained a reference to her as the destroyer of the defilers how did you know a conjecture said Holmes Rising thank you for your assistance Mrs Mortimer you have been most Helpful after taking our leave Holmes suggested we visit the London Library where he wished to consult certain references on Egyptian mythology while he immersed himself in research I took the opportunity to expand my own knowledge of the subject focusing particularly on the Goddess seet that Holmes had mentioned what I discovered was most Illuminating seet it appeared

was a goddess of both healing and Vengeance Often depicted as a lioness she was considered a protector of the Pharaohs and was believed to destroy the enemies of Egypt with fiery arrows that brought plague and death most intriguingly she was associated with a particular form of divine retribution that left no Mark upon its victims their hearts simply ceased to beat Holmes I said showing him the passage this description Bears a Remarkable similarity to the manner of death experienced by both Williamson and Dr Mortimer indeed said Holmes his eyes gleaming and observed this he pointed to

an illustration in his own volume the priests of sekmet were known to wear silver anks as symbols of their Authority they were also renowned for their knowledge of poisons and their antidotes you believe the deaths were caused by Poison a poison unknown to Conventional Medical Science perhaps or administered in a manner so subtle that it left no Trace home closed his book decisively there is a connection here Watson between all three victims beyond their association with the Expedition what connection consider Williamson was cataloging the an Mortimer was translating the hieroglyphics upon it and Simmons was

disguised as Professor CZ the leader of The Expedition what links them they all had access to the ank I've ventured precisely and to whatever secret it contains Holmes glanced at his watch we should return to Baker Street I have telegraphed for information about the backgrounds of our Expedition members the answers may be waiting for us as we Departed the library I could not help but feel that we were drawing closer to the heart of the mystery yet I remained troubled by the apparent Supernatural Elements of the case hope s however stro forward with the confident

air of a man who sees the path clearly even if it remains obscured to others the ank is the key Watson he said as we hailed a cab not as a cursed object but as the focus of very human greed and ambition we shall see before long which of our suspects has the most to gain from these deaths chapter 5 the Night Watch Upon Our return to Baker Street we found several telegrams awaiting Holmes's attention he read them with that peculiar concentration which I had come to associate with the advanced stages of his investigations his

brow furrowed and his Keen eyes narrowed most Illuminating he remarked at length tossing the final telegram onto the table it appears our night Watchman Mr Jennings has been in the Employe of the British museum for a mere 6 months prior to that he worked as a private security guard for several wealthy collectors of Antiquities you suspect him I inquired somewhat surprised I suspect everyone Watson until facts eliminate them from consideration and Mr Jennings I find bears closer scrutiny than most his previous employer was Lord Blackwell a noted collector of Egyptian artifacts with a somewhat questionable

reputation Regarding the Providence of his Acquisitions Holmes Rose and moved to the window staring out at the gaslit street below now shrouded in the early darkness of a winter evening tonight Watson we shall observe Mr Jennings as he goes about his duties his shift begins at 8:00 I suggest We Dine early and make our way to the museum District well before that time the evening was cold and clear the sky above London a vast Expanse of black velvet pricked with stars a rare sight in our fog bound Metropolis we positioned ourselves in a small coffee

shop across from the staff entrance of the British museum with a clear view of the comings and goings of the museum employees promptly at 8 we observed Jennings arrive a sturdily built man of middle years with the measured gate of one accustomed to patrolling he nodded to the departing daygu guard And disappeared into the building now we wait said Holmes his eyes never leaving the entrance if my theory is correct Jennings will emerge before his shift ends at 6:00 tomorrow morning our patience was rewarded shortly after midnight when Jennings appeared once more now dressed in

civilian clothes rather than his guard's uniform he glanced furtively in both directions before setting off at a Brisk Pace toward Bloomsbury Square come Watson Holmes whispered rising from his seat but keep your distance our Quarry appears to have the instincts of a hunted fox we follow Jennings through a Labyrinth of streets keeping to the shadows and maintaining a judicious distance his path LED eventually to a modest lodging house in a quiet street near Russell Square where he entered not through the front door but VI entrance that appeared to lead to the basement Interesting murmured Holmes

very interesting indeed we maintained our watch for nearly an hour before another figure approached the same side door a tall elegantly dressed gentleman whose face was obscured by the high collar of his coat and the brim of his hat the door opened at his knock and he vanished within I believe we have seen enough for one night said Holmes Let Us return to Baker Street I have several inquiries to make in the morning the following day Found Holmes dispatching a series of telegrams before breakfast was even concluded he then announced his intention to visit Scotland

Yard to consult with inspector lrad and what shall I do I inquired I should be most grateful if you would return to the British museum Watson keep our friend Dr Faraday engaged in conversation regarding the security of the Egyptian collection pay particular attention to his Knowledge of the night watchman's schedule and responsibilities I duly made my way to the museum where I found Dr Faraday in a state of considerable agitation the news of Simmons's death disguised as Professor carair had reached the institution and there was much nervous speculation among the staff it is most disturbing

Doctor Watson Faraday confined Ed as he showed me the recent additions to the Egyptian Gallery first Williamson then doctor Mortimer now this impostor and all connected to our unfortunate ank the police believe the deaths to be the work of human agency not Supernatural forces I assured him of course of course he said quickly but you must admit the circumstances are most unusual the manner of death the absence of any obvious cause I understand Mr Jennings was the one who discovered Williamson's body I Remarked as casually as I could manage yes during his regular rounds a

most reliable man Jennings always punctual always thorough has he been with the museum long about six months I believe came with excellent references from his previous position with Lord Blackwell was it not Faraday looked surprised why yes how did you know Mr Holmes makes it his business to know Such things I replied tell me doctor Faraday is it usual for your night Watchmen to leave the premises during their shifts a flicker of alarm crossed his features certainly not that would be grounds for immediate dismissal are you suggesting that Jennings I merely ask ask out of

curiosity I assured him security procedures interest me when I reported this conversation to Holmes upon his return from Scotland Yard he listened with evident satisfaction excellent Watson you have confirmed my suspicions Jennings is not what he appears to be lrad has provided me with some additional information that may be of interest it seems that Lord Blackwell is currently in Egypt but his private secretary a Mr Graves is known to reside near Russell Square the visitor to the lodging house almost certainly and there is more before his employment with the museum Jennings worked briefly for a

pharmaceutical company specializing in exotic Botanicals many sourced from North Africa you believe he has knowledge of poisons it is a possibility we cannot discount said Holmes filling his pipe with his favored shag tobacco but the true question is what is jennings's role in our drama is he merely a paid agent or does he have a more personal stake in the matter could he be working with Dr Faraday I suggested the curator seemed genuinely alarmed when I implied Jennings might be leaving his post or he is an accomplished actor Holmes replied no Watson I believe our

next step is clear we must discover what Jennings and his mysterious visitor discussed last night and what connection they have to our silver ank and to do that we shall need to pay a visit to those basement lodgings after Nightfall as dusk approached I found myself once again contemplating the increasingly complex web of our investigation what had begun as a seemingly Supernatural curse had transformed into a tangled scce of deception greed and murder and at its Center lay the enigmatic silver ank its ancient secrets yet to be fully revealed chapter six the hidden chamber the

evening brought with it a Penetrating chill and a thin Mist that clung to the streets like a spectral shroud Holmes and I left Baker Street shortly after 9:00 making our way toward the British museum through the gaslit thoroughfares of London my friend was unusually silent his lean face set in an expression of intense concentration I have been reviewing Professor cair's notes he said abruptly as we turned into great Russell Street There was a passage concerning the architectural structure of the Tomb that I found most suggestive in what way I inquired the tomb contained a c

ious feature a false door that when properly manipulated revealed a narrow passage leading to a small antichamber it was in this antichamber that the silver ank was discovered you believe this feature has some bearing on our case I believe Watson that we should Examine the museum with similar architectural possibilities in mind the silver ank was not merely a decorative object it was a key we approached the museum not by the main entrance but through a side door that Holmes assured me would be unlocked how he came by this knowledge I did not inquire having long

since learned that my friend's methods sometimes skirted the edges of propriety in the pursuit of Justice true to his prediction the door yielded to his touch And we found ourselves in a narrow service Corridor illuminated only by the beam of Holmes's dark Lantern Jennings will be making his rounds of the main Galleries at this hour Holmes whispered we must proceed to the Egyptian wing with all possible stealth the museum after hours was a place of eerie Stillness the ancient artifacts casting grotesque Shadows upon the walls as we passed the Egyptian Gallery when we reached it

was bathed in Pale Moonlight from the high Windows giving the stone faces of pharaohs and gods an unsettling semblance of Life hope moved directly to the far corner of the gallery where several massive stone blocks from a dismantled Temple had been arranged in a partial reconstruction observe these joints he murmured his fingers tracing the seam between two blocks there is a discrepancy here that does not match the original Architectural plans he pressed firmly upon a particular hieroglyph the symbol for hidden or concealed I later learned and there was a faint click to my astonishment a

section of the walls swung inward revealing a narrow aperture just wide enough for a man to pass through how did you know I whispered amazed at this Revelation the dust pattern on the floor Watson regular disturbance in this precise spot despite it being an area rarely approached by Visitors and see here he pointed to a minute scratch upon the stone the mark of a key similar in design to our silver ank the passage Beyond was narrow and descended via A short flight of steps to a small chamber fitted with electric lights a jarringly modern touch

in this ancient setting the room contained a workt strewn with tools several crates and most remarkably what appeared to be fragments of Egyptian artifacts in various stages of Reproduction forgeries said Holmes examining a partially complete Ed statuette and of exceptional quality but my attention had been caught by something else a large chart pinned to the wall depicting what appeared to be the layout of a tomb with numerous annotations in a cramped scholarly hand Holmes I said look at this could it be the true find of Professor car's Expedition Holmes finished studying the chart intently not

the tomb of a minor Noble but if I'm not mistaken the burial site of one of ramises th's favorite Architects a man rumored to have been inomed with plans of certain hidden Chambers in the Great Pyramid itself such information would be of incalculable value I remarked to archaeologists and Scholars certainly but also to those who seek Treasures yet undiscovered Holmes continued his examination of the room opening drawers and inspecting their contents with Methodical Precision ah what have we here from a locked cabinet which yielded readily to his skill with lockpicks he withdrew a small leatherbound

Journal opening it he nodded with satisfaction Dr mortimer's private Expedition diary not the official one submitted to the Royal archaeological Society listen to this entry C insists we withhold the tomb plans from the official report F agrees citing concerns About treasure Hunters but I suspect his motives are far from academic the ank is the key to more than just the antichamber it contains directions to The Architects Greatest Secret C would be Professor Carz I said but who is f Faraday said Holmes grimly our museum curator has been playing a deeper game than we realized further

exploration of the Hidden chamber revealed a small safe concealed behind a stack of crates Holmes applied his ear to it and Delicately manipulated the dial simple he murmured as the door swung open within lay several items a small wooden box similar to the one that had contained the silver ank a packet of letters and a glass vial containing a fine greenish powder Holmes carefully unstopper the vial and wafted a minute portion of its contents toward his nose then hastily resealed it as I suspected he said an extract of a rare Egyptian plant mentioned in certain

obscure papy As the breath of seet when properly prepared it induces a Swift and virtually undetectable Cardiac Arrest the poison used on Williamson and Mort I said the pieces falling into place and intended for professor carair as well though that plan went Ary with the death of Simmons Holmes pocketed the vial carefully this is the evidence we need Watson but there is more to this puzzle Than simple murder for academic Glory or financial gain a sudden noise from above made us both freeze the distinctive sound of footsteps crossed the gallery floor directly over our heads

Jennings making his rounds Holmes whispered we must but he was interrupted by a second set of footsteps lighter and more hurried followed by the murmur of voices one jennings's Gruff tones the other higher and more Refined it seems our curator has joined the night Watchman Holmes breathed this grows more interesting by the moment we must observe their meeting but with Extreme Caution the stakes of our game have just been considerably raised we extinguished our light and crept back up the narrow stairs the voices growing clearer as we approached the hidden entrance through the small opening

we could see two figures standing before a display case Jennings in his watchman's Uniform and Dr Faraday his scholarly figure in congruous at this late hour what we overheard in their hushed conversation confirmed Holmes's suspicions and revealed the full extent of a conspiracy that had already claimed three lives and threatened to take more before the night was through chapter 7 the Trap is set Holmes and I remained Motionless in the darkened passage straining to catch every word of the conversation between Jennings and Dr Faraday the professor is under police protection Jennings was saying his voice

a harsh whisper we cannot reach him as planned this is most unfortunate replied Dr Faraday adjusting his spectacles nervously without Carstairs we cannot complete the translation of the Tomb plans the final hieroglyphic sequence requires his expertise perhaps we should approach him openly offer him a share Dr Faraday gave A contemptuous snort after eliminating his colleagues the man is not a fool Jennings no we must find another way their voices faded as they moved away from our Hiding Place Holmes signaled for silence until we were certain they had left the gallery only then did he permit

us to emerge from the hidden chamber carefully securing its entrance behind us we must leave immediately he whispered I have heard enough to confirm My suspicions but we require additional evidence before confronting our criminals we made our way back through through the silent Museum without incident though at one point we were forced to conceal ourselves behind a massive sarcophagus as Jennings passed on his rounds once safely outside Holmes's Pace quickened his energy seeming to increase with each stride to Scotland Yard Watson he Announced as we reached the street lrad should hear what we have discovered

without delay inspector lrad received us in his office despite the late hour his lean ferret-like face alert despite signs of interrupted sleep you have news Mr Holmes he inquired motioning us to seats more than news lrad I believe I can now explain the deaths connected to the silver ank and what's more I can Identify the responsible parties Holmes proceeded to outline our discoveries in the hidden chamber producing the vial of poison as evidence most remarkable said lrad when Holmes had finished but how do you propose to prove that this particular poison was used in the

murders and what of the motive surely these men haven't committed multiple murders merely to sell forged Antiquities the forgeries are but a Small part of their Enterprise Holmes replied the true prize is the information contained in the Tomb plans the location of undiscovered Chambers in the Great Pyramid that may contain Treasures of inestimable value as for proving the use of this poison I believe I know how it was administered but to demonstrate that will require a certain theatrical touch a slow smile spread across Holmes's face a look I knew well and one that often preceded

his most Daring stratagems I proposed to set a trap lrad one that will draw our culprits into the open and provide in controver invertable proof of their guilt the following morning Holmes spent several hours composing and dispatching telegrams when I inquired as to their purpose he merely smiled and suggested I make myself comfortable as we had an appointment at the British museum that afternoon I have informed Dr Faraday That I wish to examine the silver ank once more he explained as we rode in a handsome toward the museum I hinted that I had made a

significant Discovery regarding its properties one that might explain the mysterious deaths is that not dangerous I asked concerned if Faraday suspects you know too much precisely the point Watson I wish him to believe I am on the verge of exposing him but without concrete evidence his only recourse will be to Eliminate me as he did the others home I exclaimed you cannot seriously intend to offer yourself as bait to a murderer have no fear my dear fellow I have taken certain precautions lrad and two of his most trusted men will be stationed nearby disguised as

Museum visitors and you Watson will be armed and Vigilant despite my protests homes would not be dissuaded by 3:00 that afternoon we found ourselves once again in Dr Faraday's office where the curator Received us with a convincing display of scholarly interest you mentioned a discovery about the ank Mr Holmes he inquired after the usual pleasantries had been exchanged indeed replied Holmes leaning forward with an air of confidentiality I believe I have determined how it was used as an instrument of death farad's hand which had been adjusting his spectacles froze momentarily an instrument of death I

Don't understand come now Dr Faraday the silver ank is more than a mere artifact or even a key to Hidden Treasures it is also a most ingenious device for delivering poison Holmes held up the curator's own magnifying glass may I with visible reluctance Faraday led us to the Secure Vault where the ank was kept as he unlocked the cabinet I positioned myself near the door my hand resting on the revolver in my pocket Holmes examined The ank closely then looked up at Faraday with a triumphant smile just as I suspected most cleverly designed I wonder

Dr Faraday if you would be willing to handle it yourself I have a theory about its mechanism that requires demonstration I that is Faraday stammered beads of perspiration forming on his brow the trustees have forbidden handling of the artifact how curious said Holmes yet Dr Mortimer handled it did he not and young Williamson I wonder if they activated its mechanism inadvertently or if someone his voice trailed off significantly the curator's face had gone quite pale Mr Holmes I really must insist that I say no more Holmes finished for him too late for that I fear

I have already shared my findings with inspector lrad he was most interested particularly in the hidden chamber beneath the Egyptian Gallery farad's composure crumbled visibly his eyes darted toward the door calculating Escape only to find me blocking his path it's over Faraday said Holmes quietly Jennings has already been apprehended and Lord Blackwell's secretary has provided a full statement regarding your Arrangement the only question that remains is how exactly you implemented your ingenious method of murder for a moment I thought the Curator might surrender peacefully instead with a sudden desperate movement he seized the ank from

its velvet nest and lunged at homes what happened next occurred with such rapidity that my recollection remains somewhat confused Holmes sidestepped the attack with the agility of a practiced boxer there was a flash of silver as the ank slashed through the air missing homes but striking a glancing blow to my arm as I moved to Intercept Faraday Watson Holmes cried in alarm even as lrad and his men burst through the door alerted by the commotion as the police secured Faraday Holmes turned to me with genuine concern are you injured did the ank break your skin

I examined my arm where the ank had struck merely a scratch nothing to concern yourself with on the contrary said Holmes grimly that scratch may be of the utmost concern come we must act quickly the Game is not yet finished chapter 8 the silver revelation hold him securely Holmes commanded as lrad and his men restrained the struggling curator and For Heaven's Sake do not let him near that ank again my friend turned to me with an expression of genuine concern that I had rarely seen upon his features he examined the scratch upon my arm with

meticulous care then produced from his pocket a small vial containing A yellowish powder swallow this immed immediately Watson he instructed mixing the powder with water from a Cara on Faraday's desk it is the antidote to the breath of seet I took the precaution of having it prepared after our Discovery in the hidden chamber I complied without question though the mixture had a bitterness that made me Grimace you knew said Faraday ceasing His struggles and regarding holes with a mixture of hatred and reluctant admiration you knew how the ank worked I deduced it Holmes replied his

attention still focused on my well-being a most ingenious device though hardly of ancient origin the anks hollow stem contains a reservoir of poison and its cross piece conceals a mechanism for delivering it through microscopic channels in the metal a mere Scratch is sufficient to introduce the toxin into the bloodstream but how did you know I would attempt to use it against you Faraday demanded Holmes smiled thinly because Dr Faraday I gave you no alternative your plan to eliminate Professor carair had failed with the unfortunate death of your hired impersonator you knew that I was close

to unraveling your scheme the temptation to eliminate me with the same method that had served you twice before would Be irresistible and you risked Dr Watson's life on this deduction lrad asked incredulously not at all Holmes assured him I anticipated that Faraday would Target me specifically and I was prepared to evade his attack Watson's injury was um an unfortunate accident fortunately I had taken the precaution of bringing the antidote by this time I was feeling the effects of the antidote a curious warmth spreading through my limbs dispelling The numbness that I had not even realized

was beginning to affect me I believe said Holmes observing my improving condition with evident relief that we should continue this conversation at Scotland Yard where Dr Faraday can provide us with a full account of his remarkably intricate conspiracy the scene at Scotland Yard that evening was one I shall not soon forget Professor Carz had been summoned along with the remaining members of his Expedition Jennings sat in sirly silence in one corner while Lord Blackwell's secretary a nervous man named Graves had been persuaded to turn Queen's evidence in exchange for leniency and now Mr Holmes said

lrad when all were assembled perhaps you would be good enough to explain precisely what has been occurring three deaths a hidden chamber of forgeries an ancient Egyptian arti fact and a plot involving tomb plans it is all most Bewildering the case is complex but the underlying motives are simple enough Holmes began standing before the fireplace in lad's office greed ambition and The Lure of archaeological Fame it began as so many crimes do with an unexpected opportunity he turned to Professor CZ your Expedition discovered not merely the tomb of a minor Noble but something far more

significant the burial place of one of resses the seca's master Architects containing plans to Hidden chambers within the Great Pyramid itself chambers that if the hieroglyphics are to be believed contain Treasures that have remained undisturbed for thousands of years castair nodded Gravely we had intended to report the discovery to the Egyptian authorities after completing our translation and Analysis the historical significance alone would have ured our professional Reputations but not everyone on your Expedition shared your scholarly patience Holmes continued Dr Faraday saw an opportunity for more immediate and substantial gain as curator of the Egyptian collection

he was in a unique position to access and study the artifacts including the silver ank which served as a key to deciphering the tomb plans but why murder asked lrad surely scholarly disagreement doesn't warrant Such Extreme Measures it was not merely disagreement Holmes explained young Williamson discovered Dr farad's forgery operation for years Faraday had been creating perfect replicas of minor artifacts selling the originals to private collectors like Lord Blackwell through intermediaries such as Jennings and Graves Williamson threatened exposure so Faraday eliminated him using The ank I interjected rubbing my arm where the scratch was now

merely a faint Red Line precisely Watson the ank itself was genuine but Faraday had modified it creating a hollow chamber in the stem that could be filled with poison when pressed in a particular way tiny needles would protrude briefly from the surface enough to deliver a fatal dose without leaving noticeable marks and Dr Mortimer asked Professor CZ had begun to suspect Faraday's Involvement in Williamson's death he had also made significant progress in translating the tomb plans without sharing his findings with Faraday he became the second victim again with the ank as the murder weapon the

impostor who died in my study Simmons was it the professor inquired that was an error in execution Holmes replied farad had hired Simmons to impersonate you intending to replace you temporarily To gain access to your notes and translations something went wrong perhaps Simmons became greedy or threatened exposure and Faraday eliminated him as well though not with the ank this time a more conventional poison was used and the hieroglyphic warning left as a theatrical touch to maintain the illusion of a curse Dr Faraday who had remained silent throughout Holmes's Exposition suddenly Rose to his feet with

such violence that His chair crashed to the floor behind him before anyone could react he had seized a decorative letter opener from lad's desk and lunged at homes you've ruined everything he snarled his scholarly demeanor completely vanished years of planning a fortune within my grasp I moved to intercept him but Holmes was faster with a swift sign step and a precise blow that I recognized from his days in the boxing ring he sent Faraday sprawling lrad and his men were Upon the curator in an instant restraining him as he continued to rage those Treasures were

meant for museums for scholarship Professor CZ exclaimed visibly shaken by the curator transformation they were meant for me Faraday shouted struggling against the handcuffs being applied to his wrists I spent my life cataloging other men's discoveries preserving other men's Treasures this was to be my legacy my fortune your legacy will be rather Different I fear said Holmes coldly three deaths and a conspiracy to plunder archaeological Treasures the courts take a dim view of such Enterprises as Faraday was led away still hurling invective Holmes turned to Professor CZ I was suggest Professor that the silver ank

be returned to Egypt along with the tomb plans some Treasures are perhaps best left undisturbed later that evening as Holmes And I sat before the fire at Baker Street I reflected on the curious case that had begun with talk of ancient curses and ended with the all two modern motives of greed and ambition it is remarkable holes I observed how Faraday used the Superstition surrounding the ank to conceal his very methodical murders the oldest deception Watson hiding the mundane beneath the mystical people are so willing to believe in curses and Supernatural Vengeance that they Overlook

the human hand guiding events Holmes tamped fresh tobacco into his pipe though I must admit the ank itself was a device of diabolical Ingenuity had you not received the antidote promptly he left the sentence unfinished but I understood his meaning well enough once again my friend's foresight and deductive reasoning had not merely solved a complex mystery but had saved lives including quite possibly my Own to think I mused that an artifact meant to symbolize life could be transformed into such an effective instrument of death A fitting metaphor for the case itself replied Holmes his eyes

reflecting the dancing flames of the fire the promise of discovering ancient Secrets led to decidedly modern crimes the silver ank remains in its way a symbol of both life and death much as it was for the ancient Egyptians themselves and with that philosophical Observation The Curious Case of the silver ank came to its conclusion a fortnight after the dramatic events at Scotland Yard Holmes and I sat at breakfast in our Baker Street lodgings perusing the morning papers the trial of Dr Faraday was proceeding with considerable public interest the newspapers having seized upon what they termed

the curse of the Egyptian ank with predictable enthusiasm I see that Lord Blackwell has Returned from Egypt rather precipitately observed homes folding his times with meticulous care no doubt anxious to distance himself from his secretary's unfortunate entanglements upon my word Holmes I remarked there remain certain aspects of the case that continue to perplex me even after your most Illuminating explanations at Scotland Yard indeed my friend raised an eyebrow reaching for the toast rack pray elucidate my dear Fellow well for one how did Dr Mortimer come to possess the ank at his home I had understood

it to be secured in the museum Vault Holmes buttered his toast with characteristic Precision ah yes Dr Faraday in his full confession admitted to signing out the artifact to Dr Mortimer for additional study a privilege occasionally extended to senior Scholars the museum Ledger confirmed this though Faraday had initially concealed this fact from us no Doubt to obscure his complicity I see now what of Professor castz Dr Faraday mentioned his departure yet he was present at the archaeological Society a deliberate falsehood on Faraday's part replied Holmes his gray eyes glinting he wished us to believe that

carair was unavailable hoping to delay our consultation with him in truth the professor had merely stepped away from the museum temporarily to deliver his preliminary findings to the Society I nodded recalling another curiosity and Simmons the unfortunate impostor you mentioned at Scotland Yard that he was was not killed by the ank poison indeed not the forensic examination completed after our confrontation with Faraday revealed traces of a more conventional toxin pric acid Faraday admitted employing different means for Simmons as he feared using the ank too frequently might draw attention to the specific mechanism of Death most

ingenious I murmured and the antidote you administered to me it's yellowish Hue differed from the greenish powder we discovered Holmes set down his cup with deliberate care the breath of seet is transformed in color when processed for use the raw material appears green while the antidote derived from the same plant but treated differently presents as yellow a detail I gleaned from Dr mortimer's Private notes which fortuitously included research on historical egyp I antidotes a comfortable silence fell between us broken only by the crackling of the fire and the distant sounds of Baker Street beyond our

windows I must say holes I ventured after a moment inspector lrad conducted himself with remarkable efficiency throughout his timely intervention in the museum Vault May well have saved both our Lives lrad has his qualities Holmes conceded with uncharacteristic generosity though I might wish for greater Acuity of Mind One cannot fault his dedication his men had surrounded the room at my signal bursting in precisely as Faraday made his desperate lunge their Restraint of the good doctor was somewhat clumsy but effective and Mrs Bridges she spoke as though she had discovered Dr mortimer's Body only the previous

day when in fact when in fact it had been two days prior homes finished for me the poor woman was quite distraught Watson grief has a curious effect upon one's perception of time in her distressed State the discovery seemed as immediate as if it had just occurred I nodded satisfied with these explanations it is a comfort to know that Professor carair followed your advice regarding the tomb Plans indeed the plans and the ank have been returned to Cairo where they shall remain under the aaces of the Egyptian Antiquities service some Secrets as I remarked at

the time are perhaps best left to their ancient Guardians Holmes Rose and moved to the window his tall lean figure silhouetted against the Morning Light the silver ank has claimed its final victim in Dr Faraday a man who sought to twist an Ancient symbol of life to serve death only to find himself entangled in the the very web he wo A fitting epit for the case I observed and a reminder my dear Watson said Holmes turning from the window with a slight smile that while ancient curses May belong to the realm of superstition the human

capacity for ingenious villainy remains eternally modern thank you for tuning in I hope you enjoyed the story please subscribe to the channel Your support keeps me motivated to continue sharing these classic detective stories until next time goodbye from Alfie at Cafe stories