Sherlock Holmes & The Phantom Passenger | A Sherlock Holmes Story

Welcome to Cafe stories where every story is a new mystery waiting to be solved grab a coffee stay curious and share the thrill with fellow mystery lovers let's get started Sherlock Holmes and the Phantom passenger chapter 1 a most peculiar Telegram in recording the numerous cases which have illustrated my friend Sherlock Holmes's remarkable gifts I have found none more singular than that Which occupied our attention during the bitter winter of 1887 the affair began as so many of our adventures did in our quarters in Baker Street where I was still sharing rooms with my friend

in those days before my marriage the morning in question was one of those raw penetrating days for which our English Winters are so justly infamous a thick yellowish fog had descended upon London rendering the view from Holmes's Windows little more than a study in ochre Shadows I had stopped by as was my custom when my practice permitted to find my friend in an uncommonly agitated State he was standing by the window his tall lean figure silhouetted against the murky light his pipe sending elaborate curlicues of smoke into the already oppressive at atmosphere upon the table

beside his chemistry apparatus lay a telegram its yellow paper bearing the clear marks of having been crushed and Then carefully smoothed out again ah Watson he exclaimed though he had not turned to see who had entered your timing is as ever impeccable I was just about to send a boy round to fetch you what do you make of this he thrust the telegram into my hands and I read My Dear Mr Holmes I write with a matter of utmost urgency regarding a most singular occurrence on the Norwood Express this morning a gentleman of considerable standing

one Mr Edmund Thornfield has vanished in a manner that defies all rational explanation the circumstances are most extraordinary he was last seen in a first class compartment both doors of which remained securely locked the windows being quite intact and offering no possibility of ESS his hat coat and papers remain undisturbed within the compartment yet the gentleman himself has utterly disappeared your most urgent assistance is required Yours Faithfully inspector G Lrad Scotland Yard good Heavens holes I exclaimed settling into my old armchair by the fire a passenger simply Vanishing Into Thin Air it seems quite impossible

does it not a a curious smile played about his thin lips as he tapped the ash from his pipe and yet lrad is not given to flights of fancy whatever else one might say about our friend from Scotland Yard he is praic to a fault then you believe there is something in It my dear Watson it is precisely because it appears impossible that I find it so intriguing he began to Pace the room with that nervous energy I knew so well consider a first class compartment on the Norwood Express locked doors on both sides windows

that open barely wide enough to admit a hand a passenger who boards at Norwood Junction and vanishes before Victoria Station leaving behind his personal effects what does that Suggest to you I pondered for a moment either some form of extraordinary Escape in a moving train observed by no one or I continued the Witnesses are somehow mistaken perhaps This Man simply left the compartment when no one was looking most Illuminating he reached for his coat we have not a moment to lose Watson the train is being held at Victoria Station and every minute we delay allows

some vital piece of Evidence to slip away bring your service revolver you expect danger then I inquired I expect nothing my dear fellow I merely observe that when a man vanishes from a locked room leaving behind his possessions but taking with him a Deadly Secret danger is rarely far behind as we descended the 17 steps to Baker Street I could not shake a profound sense of unease the fog seemed to wrap around us like a shroud and the usually busy street was eerily silent Save for the muffled clip-clop of a p ing handsome I say

holes I ventured as we waited for our own cab how did you know about the Deadly Secret he smiled that thin enigmatic smile that so often preceded his most brilliant deductions I didn't but you have just confirmed my suspicion that there must be one no man arranges so elaborate a disappearance without excellent cause And I dare say we shall find Mr Thor Field's reasons most enlightening indeed assuming of course we find Mr thornfield himself with that cryptic pronouncement he fell silent and we rode toward Victoria Station through the thickening fog each lost in our own

thoughts little did I know then that we were embarking upon a case that would test not only Holmes's remarkable deductive Powers but also our very understanding of what was possible Within the bounds of reason and Law chapter 2 the empty compartment Victoria Station presented a scene of barely contained chaos when our handsome deposited us at its imposing entrance a considerable crowd of onlookers had gathered Merchants clerks and laborers alike their social distinctions momentarily forgotten in their shared curiosity held at Bay by a cordon of constables who maintained order with that peculiar mixture of Firmness and

deference characteristic of London's finest stand back there if you please sir one particularly zealous officer was saying to A well-dressed gentleman inspector's orders begging your pardon sir inspector lrad met us at the platform his feret likee features drawn with concern Mr Holmes he said touching his hat brim doctor Watson I cannot tell you how gratified I am by your Swift response the newspapers will be upon us within the hour and I confess this business has me quite confounded pray give us the particulars inspector Holmes replied his sharp observant eyes already scanning the length of the

Norwood Express which stood silent and imposing beside the platform great clouds of steam still rising from its locomotive the missing passenger is one Edmund Thornfield aged five and 40 a solicitor of some repute in Lincoln's in fields lrad began leading us toward a first class Carriage he boarded at Norwood Junction at precisely quter 8 this morning at 47 minutes 8 as the train approached Victoria the conductor James Hawkins passed through checking tickets when he reached this compartment here he gestured to a door marked with a chalk cross thornfield had vanished though his Hat coat and

leather portfolio remained precisely where he had placed them and the compartment was locked holes inquired already examining the door with his lens on both sides Mr Holmes the windows as you can see cannot be opened more than a few inches barely enough to pass a hand through we've interviewed every passenger in the adjacent compartments none saw or heard anything un to Ward Holmes had began his examination of the compartment with that Methodical Precision I knew so well his gray eyes darted from floor to ceiling as he moved with the efficiency of a Blood Hound on

a scent he paused at the window paying particular attention to the brass fittings then knelt to study something near the leather upholstered seat most Illuminating he murmured tell me inspector was anything Disturbed when you found the compartment nothing sir everything was just as you See it now including this Holmes asked pointing to a small scuff mark on the leather seat I I believe so yes lrad replied with that slight hesitation I had often observed when he found himself on uncertain ground interesting very interesting Holmes straightened up his expression unreadable I should like to speak with

the conductor if you please and I shall need a complete list of all passengers who boarded at Norwood Junction as lrad hurried off to comply I ventured have you formed any Theory holes several my dear Watson though I must admit the truth may prove stranger than any of them he picked up thornfield abandoned hat examining the Maker's Mark in inside the brim tell me what do you make of our missing solicitor's choice of headwear I studied the well-made but unremarkable black bowler it seems perfectly ordinary for a man of his Station precisely Holmes exclaimed with

that familiar gleam in his eye perfectly ordinary almost too ordinary wouldn't you say and observe the slight discoloration on the band most suggestive before I could inquire further lrad returned with a nervous looking man in a conductor's uniform who twisted his cap in his hands with the air of one unused to being questioned by gentlemen this is James Hawkins Mr Holmes estrad announced he was the last person to see Mr thornfield indeed Holmes fixed the conductor with his penetrating gaze tell me Mr Hawkins did you know notice anything unusual about Mr thornfield behavior when you

took his ticket well sir Hawkins began his accent betraying his East End Origins now that you mention it he seemed rather agitated like kept looking at his pocket watch and muttering Something about time running out begging your pardon sir but it struck me as peculiar for a gentleman of his standing and Did You observe of anyone else paying particular attention to Mr thornfield or his compartment no sir though dot dot dot Hawkins hesitated his face flushing slightly there was a lady in the next compartment elegant sort she was wearing a purple dress with a matching

hat she dropped her handkerchief just as I was Passing and when I picked it up for her I could have sworn I heard something like a muffled cry from Miss Mr thornfield compartment but when I looked in he was sitting there calm as you please reading his newspaper Holmes's eyebrows Rose fractionally this lady was she traveling alone yes sir got off at the last stop before Victoria she did very refined in her manner if you take my meaning sir Thank you Mr Hawkins you've been most helpful Holmes turned to inspector LR I should like to

examine the track between that last stop and Victoria Station and I shall need to know everything you can tell me about Mr thornfield personal circumstances particularly any enemies he might have made in his legal practice as we left the station I could not help but notice the slight smile playing about Holmes's lips the same Smile I had seen so often when he had detected something vital that the rest of us had missed entirely holes I ventured surely you don't think not now Watson he interrupted softly the game is a foot and we must be very

careful indeed for I suspect our Phantom passenger is far more substantial than he appears and far more dangerous the fog had begun to thicken once more as we made our way back to Baker Street and with it came that inexplicable sense of forboding I had felt earlier somewhere in London I felt certain a clock was ticking and time as Mr thornfield had apparently known was running out Chapter 3 The solicitor's secret the offices of thornfield and Associates occupied the first floor of a dignified Georgian building in Lincoln's in fields its brass plate bearing the Patiner

of respectability that comes only with Decades of established practice as Holmes and I mounted the well-worn stairs we encountered a steady stream of Clarks and Messengers each according us the precise degree of deference appropriate to gentlemen callers yet betraying in their manner that peculiar mixture of curiosity and apprehension which suggested the morning's events were already common knowledge Mr Mortimer Whitley Holmes inquired of an elderly clerk whose ink stained fingers and wire rimmed spectacles bespoke a lifetime of legal documentation I am he sir the man replied straightening his waist coat with fastidious Precision though I fear

I can be of little assistance in this distressing business the morning papers pray do not concern yourself with the papers Mr Whitley Holmes interjected with that air of quiet Authority which So often elicited confidence I I should be most grateful for a few moments of your time regarding Mr thornfield recent correspondence upon my word sir I hardly know if I ought that is to say matters of client confidentiality Whitley's hesitation spoke volumes about the delicacy of his position I quite understand Holmes replied smoothly however as I act on behalf of Mrs thornfield in this matter

the lie was delivered with such consumate ease that I might have believed it myself had I not known better its effect on Whitley was immediate oh well in that case pray step into my office gentleman one cannot be too careful in these matters you understand the reputation of the firm his office proved to be a meticulously ordered sanctuary of leatherbound volumes and alphabetized Files the very air rolent with the peculiar mustiness of legal papers Whitley settled behind his desk with the air of one accustomed to measuring his words with the same precision as his margins

I presume Holmes began that you are aware of the threatening letters Whitley's start was almost imperceptible but to Holmes's practiced eye it might as well have been a confession I that is to say one does Occasionally receive correspondence of an intemperate nature in our profession Mr the name is immaterial Holmes waved away the inquiry what interests me is the letter that arrived last Tuesday written on blue paper with a distinctive Watermark I believe you placed it yourself upon Mr thornfield desk I confess I had no idea how holes could know such a detail but Whitley's

reaction confirmed its accuracy good Heavens how could you possibly yes I did Indeed most disturbing communication the gentleman in question was most put out about the Adelaide matter though I hardly see how the Adelaide matter I inquired but Holmes silenced me with a glance these letters he continued were they preserved Mr thornfield kept them in his private safe whitly replied tugging nervously at his collar though I did observe him burning one yesterday morning most peculiar as he was Typically most methodical about maintaining records and the safe I regret I have not the combination sir only

Mr thornfield and his wife quite so now regarding his banking activities of late oh that is another matter entirely Whitley's tones suggested both relief at changing the subject and concern about its implications most irregular he withdrew a substantial sum 3 days ago quite Unprecedented in my experience when I ventured to inquire about the annual accounts he was most sharp with me time enough for accounting when time itself is accounted for he said most unlike him I must say Holmes's eyes gleamed did he specify the amount withdrawal £5,000 sir in beer Bond and Bank of England

notes I dare say it caused quite a stir at the bank Mr thornfield was most insistent about the Denominations one final question Mr Whitley did Mr thornfield ever mention a lady in purple the Clark's reaction was extraordinary his already pale complexion became positively Ghostly and His Hands trembled as he reached for his handkerchief I that is I believe I hear one of the junior Clarks calling if you'll excuse me gentlemen he fairly fled from his own office leaving homes and me alone among the meticulously ordered Files well Watson Holmes remarked carefully pocketing the telegram fragment

what do you make of that it seems clear that thornfield was involved in something that frightened him considerably I ventured though what connection there could be between a legal matter £5,000 and a mysterious lady in purple ah but you perceive the Central Point Holmes's eyes sparkled with that peculiar light that suggested he was already several Steps ahead in his deductions I confess I do not consider my dear fellow why would a man who is typically most methodical about maintaining records suddenly burn correspondence why withdraw such a specific sum in such specific denominations and why here

he paused significantly why would the mention of a lady in purple so disturb a man who has spent 40 years handling the most confidential of legal Matters our next Port of Call proved to be a handsome Villa in St John's Wood where we were admitted by a maid whose starched April and precise curtsy spoke of a well-ordered household Mrs Helena thornfield received us in a morning room whose appointments bespoke both taste and comfort without ostentation she was a handsome woman of perhaps 5 and 30 her gray silk morning dress perfectly suited to her position though

I observed her hands clasped Together with barely suppressed agitation I presume Mr Holmes she began without Preamble that you have come about the Adelaide inheritance Holmes's eyebrows Rose fractionally you are aware of the matter then how could I not be she gave a laugh entirely devoid of Mirth lady Adelaide Blackwood and her peculiar will have quite consumed my husband's attention these past weeks the trust was to mature at midnight yesterday you understand Edmund was quite convinced there was some irregularity in the document though he would not speak of it directly only that time was of

the essence and the £5,000 holes inquired gently your husband's recent withdrawal he was most particular about the denominations she replied her fingers twisting the handkerchief she held small notes only more easily managed he said though what he meant to Manage with them she Rose abruptly and crossed to an elaborate escritoire perhaps this might illuminate matters Mr Holmes I found it in the great this morning Edmund was burning papers late last night most unlike him he has always been so methodical the document she handed to Holmes proved to be another telegram its edges charred but its

message still partially legible lady uh evidence must act now time one final Question if I may Holmes said carefully pocketing the fragment did you receive a visitor yesterday afternoon a lady perhaps wearing purple the effect of this inquiry was extraordinary Mrs thornfield composure maintained until now with admirable fortitude crumbled entirely How Could You Poss know about her unless yes she called they spoke in Edmund's study for nearly an hour when she left he was Changed he wrote a letter immediately afterward his hands were shaking so that he could hardly hold the pen all will be

well by midnight he told me either all will be well or all will be lost those were his exact words Mr Holmes h s was about to respond when the sudden tolling of a church bell made us all start Mrs thornfield glanced at the horo clock upon the mantlepiece with visible agitation gentlemen I fear I must ask You to excuse me I have an appointment which cannot be delayed perhaps we might continue this discussion tomorrow as we took our leave I observed Holmes's thoughtful expression well Watson he remarked marked once we were back in our

handsome what do you make of it the Adelaide inheritance the £5,000 the mysterious lady in purple they must all be connected somehow I Ventured indeed and did you notice anything particular about our visitor's attire as described by Mrs thornfield only that she wore purple homes not just purple Watson a most distinctive shade would you not agree why that I have observed in only one establishment in all of London his eyes gleamed with that peculiar light that suggested he was already several steps ahead in his Reasoning I believe it's time we paid a visit to Regent

Street that particular shade of purple combined with the quality of the material Mrs thornfield described speaks of only one possible Source driver to Madame Ban's miliner establishment and pray make haste chapter 4 threads in purple upon my word holes I exclaimed as our handsome clattered along region Street how did you deduce the ladyes Milla from nothing more than a glimpse Of her hat my companion smiled that slight satisfied smile which I had come to associate with his more brilliant deductions hardly a deduction my dear fellow I merely dispatched one of my Baker Street Irregulars to

make inquiries at every Millers shop between Norwood and Victoria Station young Wiggins has a remarkable eye for detail and a particular talent for extracting information from shop girls he reported that only one establishment in London Produces that precise shade of purple a fact which their proprietor guards most jealously and you believe this establishment might lead us to Our Mysterious lady consider Watson a lady of evident refinement purchases a distinctive hat mere days before a most peculiar disappearance the Hat itself is chosen to be noticed to draw the eye why would one wish to be so

memorable unless unless what holes unless being Noticed was precisely the point our cab Drew to a halt before an elegant shopf front its guilt EDG Windows displaying Confections of silk and Feathers calculated to catch the eye of London's most discriminating ladies a carefully lettered sign proclaimed Madame Bon's millenary establishment and beneath it in slightly smaller Letters by Royal appointment the latter with that particular flourish which suggested aspirational rather than actual Patronage the shop Bell tinkled with refined discretion as we entered a young shop girl her black dress and starched apron indicating her status as a

senior assistant approached with that peculiar mixture of deference and UT perfected by those who served the wealthy good morning gentlemen she said her accent suggesting an expensive finishing school how may we be of assistance pray inform Madame bosaw that Mr Sherlock Holmes would be most Grateful for a moment of her time Holmes replied presenting his card with an aristocratic flourish that caused the girl to revise her initial assessment of our social standing at once sir she murmured disappearing through a curtained doorway moments later we were ushered into a private Salon where Madame Bop herself awaited

us she proved to be a handsome woman of middle years her Silver Streak hair arranged with artistic Precision her black silk dress Indicating both prosperity and proper widowhood Mr Holmes she said extending her hand with perisian Grace I have of course heard of your reputation though I cannot imagine what interest London's foremost Consulting detective could have in my humble establishment Madame Holmes replied executing a small bow I seek information regarding a lady who purchased one of your distinctive Creations yesterday morning a hat in that particularly Striking shade of purple for which you are justly renowned

I observed a slight tightening around madame's carefully painted lips you must understand Mr Holmes that discretion is the very Foundation of my business my clients expect quite so Holmes interjected smoothly however when matters of life and death intrude upon matters of fashion even the most rigorous discretion Must occasionally bow to necessity life and death madame's perfectly arched eyebrows Rose fractionally surely you exaggerate sir I fear not the lady in question was observed this morning on the Norwood Express shortly before a fellow passenger vanished under most suspicious circumstances M the exclamation though theatrical contained a note

of genuine concern after a moment's hesitation she Continued the lady ordered the Hat a week ago paid in cash which is somewhat unusual for an order of that magnitude she gave no name but here she paused significantly yes she wore a brooch most distinctive the letter a in diamonds I noticed because it matched the monogram on her handkerchief most Illuminating Holmes murmured and and her manner did she appear agitated on the contrary mure she was most composed most elegant though Dot dot dot Madame Bon's voice dropped to a confidential whisper there was something in her

eyes when she spoke of the Adelaide estate that gave me Paw the Adelaide estate I ventured but Holmes silenced me with a glance one final question if you please he said did this lady happen to examine any of your mirrors with particular attention madame's start was most eloquent why yes she spent several minutes studying the angle of the triple Glass in our fitting room most peculia she seemed more interested in the mechanism of its movement than her own reflection Holmes's eyes gleamed with that particular light I knew so well thank you madam you have been

most helpful though I should advise you to be cautious should this lady return she may find your establishment's reputation for discretion especially appealing as we emerged onto Regent Street I caught a glimpse of purple disappearing into the fog at the corner holes surely that's after her Watson the game is not yet done but even as we gave Chase through the swirling London MC I felt rather than saw someone following us through the fog when I turned to look there was nothing there but shadows and swirling Mist yet the sensation of being observed remained unnervingly acute

chapter 5 smoke and Mirrors our pursuit of the lady in purple through the fog shrouded Regent Street proved fruitless though Holmes appeared more amused than disappointed by her Escape come Watson he said adjusting his cuffs with that fastidious Precision which often preceded his most significant Revelations I fancy we shall find matters of Interest awaiting us at Lincoln's INF Fields our quarry's flight suggests certain papers may be at Risk his prediction proved remarkably preent we found Lincoln's in fields in considerable disarray with several constables maintaining a discret presence while a cluster of legal clerks huddled beneath

umbrellas their M constitutional interrupted by this unprecedented breach of professional Sanctuary upon my word sir Mortimer Whitley exclaimed upon seeing us his usually impeccable attire showing signs of Perturbation how could you have known the night Porter discovered the Breakin not half an hour ago they've thoroughly ransacked Mr thornfield private office the chamber in question bore eloquent testimony to a most methodical search leatherbound volumes lay scattered about the turkey carpet their dignified Repose violated by whatever desperate hand had torn them from their shells the massive oak desk had been rifled each drawer Standing open like a

silent accusation nothing appears to have been taken inspector lrad informed us touching his hat brim to homes though they've made a proper mess of the filing system so Mr Whitley informs me on the contrary Holmes remarked his gray eyes sweeping the room something of Great Value has been removed observe the dust pattern on this shelf inspector a folder has been extracted with considerable Precision notice how the adjacent Volumes remain undisturbed our Intruder knew exactly what he sought I dare say this confirms your suspicions about the lady in purple homes I ventured it confirms my dear

Watson that we are dealing with a conspiracy of considerable sophistication a burglar who ignores a silver ink stand of considerable value yet takes time to examine legal documents most Illuminating indeed he paused by the window examining The sill with his lens tell me Mr Whitley was there not a file relating to the Adelaide estate kept in this office the clerk's start of surprise was most eloquent why yes Mr homes but how could you possibly he was interrupted by the arrival of a boy in Messengers Livery bearing a note addressed to Mrs thornfield in a hand

disguised by the expedient of newspaper clippings Arranged with painstaking Precision Madam Holmes read aloud having obtained the lady's permission your husband's absence may yet be explained to your advantage pray attend the Norwood Express platform at Victoria Station tomorrow at precisely 10:00 come alone or all shall be revealed most interesting no signature naturally but surely you don't mean for Mrs thornfield to comply with this outrageous demand I exclaimed how by no means Watson though I fancy we might derive some Advantage from appearing to do so he turned to lrad I should like to examine the train

compartment again inspector I have a particular Theory regarding its mechanism that requires verification the railway Carriage when we reached it stood isolated in a siding maintaining its air of inscrutable mystery homes spent nearly an hour examining every inch of its construction paying particular attention to the door Mechanisms ah he exclaimed suddenly his fingers tracing an almost invisible Groove in the Woodwork just as I suspected Watson you recall the Edinburgh disappearance of 82 I cannot say that I do homes no a most instructive case though in that instance the mechanism was considerably crudder modern engineering has

made remarkable strides he straightened up brushing dust from his knees I should very much like to speak with the railway company's Chief engineer inspector a Mr Harrison I believe Harrison mustad's ferrettie features showed surprise but we've already questioned him thoroughly indeed I have just signed a warrant for the arrest of Frederick Pembrook the evidence clearly shows my dear lrad Holmes interrupted with that peculiar smile which suggested he knew far more than he was willing to reveal I fear you may find Mr pem's Alibi for the crucial period Quite unassailable though I should be most interested

to hear his account of certain Financial transactions relating to the Adelaide trust I say homes I interjected recalling our encounter at the millenary shop surely pem's presence there this morning provides him with a perfect Alibi for the hours during which certain other events were transpiring my dear fellow though I fancy his appearance was not entirely coincidental he turned to Mrs thornfield Who had maintained an admirable composure throughout Madam I must ask you to trust me implicitly in this matter the note you received suggests our opponent's hand may be forced sooner than he anticipates Watson I

shall require your assistance tonight bring your service revolver as we departed Victoria Station I observed a familiar figure watching us from the Shadows of the booking office Holmes I whispered that man yes I had Noticed our friend in the grey olster the third time we've encountered him today by my count most gratifying he confirms several of my theories regarding this curious Affair then you know who he is I know what he represents Watson though the who I fancy may surprise even our friendless strad when all is revealed but come we have preparations to make if

we are to be ready for tomorrow's performance performance homes indeed for I suspect our Phantom passenger may be preparing for his final Journey unless we can persuade him to disembark somewhat earlier than he intends chapter six the Adelaide connection Dawn had scarcely touched the spires of London when Holmes and I found ourselves ensconced in a first class waiting room at Victoria state the previous night's preparations about which Holmes had maintained an air of sphinx-like Inscrutability had culminated in our current vigil though its purpose remained as opaque as the morning fog pressing against the windows patience

Watson Holmes murmured noting my restiveness our friend from the railway engineering Works should arrive momentarily ah observe a tall figure in emerged from the Mist his frock coat and gold rimmed spectacles lending him that particular Air of professional dignity characteristic of the higher branches of mechanical science at his heels trotted a smaller man whose cloth cap and oil stained fingers proclaimed his status as a working engineer Mr Harrison Holmes greeted them and Mr Perkins if I am not mistaken most gratifying of you both to attend at such an early hour upon my word Mr Holmes

Harrison replied employing his silk handkerchief with evident agitation your message Suggested matters of gravest urgency though I confess I failed to see what possible connection there could be between lady Adelaide blackwood's death and our Railway operations perhaps Holmes suggested we might begin with the rather singular modifications made to certain first class carriages over the past 6 months modifications authorized I Believe by a member of your board of directors Harrison's start was most Eloquent I that is to say such matters are strictly confidential sir company policy you understand oh come now Mr Harrison Holmes's tone carried

that peculiar note of Steel beneath its silk which I had heard so often surely the safety of your passengers must trans send mere policy Mr Perkins here I fancy might illuminate us regarding certain mechanical Innovations the working engineer tugged nervously at his cap begging your pardon sir but their Modifications was a most peculiar like never seen nothing like them in 20 years on the railway secret compartments in the paneling they was and clever Springs in the door mechanisms all done proper and official mind you with blueprints from the board and everything signed no doubt by

Sir George Adelaide Holmes inquired softly the effect of this name upon Harrison was extraordinary his professional composure crumbled Entirely how could you possibly but Sir George has been dead these 5 years precisely yet his signature appears on documents dated mere months ago most singular wouldn't you agree at this moment we were interrupted by the arrival of Inspector lrad accompanied by an elderly gentleman whose threadbear coat and roomy eyes suggested reduced circumstances Mr Holmes lrad began I've brought old jenkins's requested though I must say ah the former station Master at Norwood Junction Holmes interjected pray tell

us Mr Jenkins about the scheduled changes you observed last month schedule changes sir jenkins's voice quavered with age yet carried that Precision born of decades announcing departure times oh yes indeed most irregular train stopping 3 minutes longer than usual at Norwood it was though not marked in any official timetable same day every week regular as Clockwork and always that same first class Carriage the one with the purple Upholstery purple you say I exclaimed but Holmes silenced me with a glance and did you happen to notice any passengers of particular interest during these unscheduled stops well

sir seeing as you ask Jenkins glanced nervously at Harrison there was a lady most elegant she was always wearing purple and a Gentleman who looked uncommon like s George Adelaide though of course it couldn't have been him him being dead And all made me think I was going seile it did I dare say it did Holmes remarked dry though your eyes I fancy were sharper than you knew tell me Mr Harrison was it not lady Adelaide herself Who provided the funds for these mechanical modifications her solicitor handled all the arrangements Harrison admitted mopping his Brow

Mr thornfield as a matter of fact though what this has to do with he was interrupted by the arrival of Mrs thornfield her face pale but composed Mr Holmes she said I have just received the most extraordinary letter from my husband's Bank it seems he had been withdrawing substantial sums over the past year all authorized by Lady Adelaide's trust indeed Holmes's eyes gleamed and these withdraws coincided perhaps with certain mechanical Improvements to the railway the dates match precisely but there's more she withdrew a document from her reticule I found this among my husband's private papers

this morning it appears lady Adelaide had discovered something about her late husband's death something that required both legal expertise and here she glanced at Harrison engineering assistance to prove ah Holmes exclaimed softly now we begin to see the shape of things Whatson I believe you still have your service revolver excellent for unless I am much mistaken our Phantom passenger is about to make his final Journey though perhaps he added glancing at his watch we might persuade him to consider an alternative destination homes I ventured surely you don't mean not here my dear fellow the fog

is Lifting and with it I fancy the veil over this most singular Affair mrr you you have your men posted As I requested Capital then let us proceed to platform three where I believe we shall find the final piece of this most instructive puzzle chapter 7 Shadows on the platform the morning fog had begun to dissipate as we assembled on platform 3 though sufficient MC remained to cast ghostly Shadows among the forest of iron coll s supporting Victoria station's vast roof Holmes had positioned us with Characteristic precision estrad and his men strategically scattered among the

early morning passengers Harrison and Perkins the chief mechanical engineer conferring in studied casualness near the signal box and Mrs thornfield seated decorously upon a station bench every inch the genal lady awaiting her train observe Watson Holmes murmured his gray eyes is alert beneath the brim of his hat how our friend in the olster maintains his position near the Bookstore the third copy of the times he has pretended to peruse in the past quarter hour unless I am much mistaken I was about to respond when the station clock began to Strike 10 as the last chime

faded into the general hubub of the station a porter appeared pushing a luggage trolley with a singular item upon it a brass-bound trunk of evident Antiquity its surface bearing the patina of extensive travel most irregular sir the porter was saying to Harrison Touching his cap with proper deference founded in the left luggage office we did no ticket but marked for the 1015 to Norwood ah Holmes remarked softly now observe most carefully Watson for I fancy we are about to witness a most instructive demonstration of Railway engineering a gentleman had approached the trunk a distinguished figure

in an impeccable frock coat his silver hair and gold rimmed par lending him an air of unimpeachable Respectability I say he addressed the porter in cultivated tones I believe that trunk belongs to my client permit me to examine the documentation as he bent over the paperwork I observed his hand move with suspicious swiftness toward the the trunks's brass fittings Holmes's Cry of now shattered the morning calm like a thunderbolt the transformation that followed was extraordinary the gentleman's dignified demeanor vanished As he sprang away from the trunk with the agility of a trained acrobat lad's men

converged from all directions but our Quarry displayed remarkable resourcefulness diving beneath the luggage trolley and emerging on the far side with REM remarkable agility after him Watson Holmes shouted but mind the second trunk even as we gave Chase I noted A peculiar detail an identical brass-bound trunk being hurriedly conveyed toward a first class Carriage by two Porters I did not recall seeing before Holmes however made no move to pursue it his attention fixed Upon Our fleeing Quarry the chase led us through the Labyrinth of Victoria Station passed startled passengers around pillars and through clouds of

engine steam Al quarry's Top Hat went flying his Pinay abandoned in his flight yet he maintained a remarkable turn of speed for one of his apparent Years the signal box Watson Holmes called he means to use the railway lines indeed our fugitive had begun scaling the iron ladder leading to the elevated signal box but here Perkins proved his worth the engineer anticipating the maneuver had already ascended from the opposite side as our Quarry reached the platform he found himself confronted by perkins's solid form begging your pardon sir Perkins Said with that peculiar mixture of deference

and determination characteristic of his class but I can't permit tampering with the signals Railway regulations you understand the capture when it came was almost anticlimactic lad's men having finally negotiated the complex geography of the station arrived to find their Quarry effectively cornered yet Holmes I observed paid little attention to the arrest his gaze fixed instead upon the First class Carriage where the second trunk had been deposited I say homes I ventured as we regained the platform shouldn't we examine that other trunk patience my dear fellow all in good time for the moment I should very

much like to hear what our friend Hawkins has observed during his morning duties the conductor when summoned proved most Illuminating most peculiar sir he reported tugging nervously at his uniform collar that Carriage with the purple upholstry the one Mr Perkins modified it's been placed at the rear of the 1015 service a against regulations that is should be in the middle of the formation by right indeed Holmes's eyebrows Rose fractionally and did you happen to notice anything else irregular the timing of the signals perhaps now that You mention it sir Hawkins glanced nervously at Harrison the

signals for the Norwood Junction have been showing odd delays 3 minutes exactly every time that particular Carriage passes through just as Jenkins observed I exclaimed precisely Watson though I fancy today's delay may prove somewhat more permanent Holmes turned to lrad inspector I should like to examine that Carriage most carefully before the 1015 departs I have reason to believe we may find its Mechanism has been prepared for one final disappearing act Mrs thornfield who had maintained her composure throughout with admirable fortitude suddenly grasped Holmes's arm Mr Holmes she said her voice barely above a whisper the

lady in purple I've just seen her boarding the last compartment indeed Holmes's eyes gleamed with that peculiar light I knew so well most Illuminating tell me did she appear to be carrying anything of particular Note a small Val rather heavy by the way she handled it and Mrs thornfield hesitated her gloved hand tightening on her reticule she wore the Adelaide Diamond brooch I would recognize it anywhere it was quite the talk of London society when Sir George first presented it to his wife Capital Holmes exclaimed causing us all to start at his enthusiasm you've played

your part admirably Mrs thornfield now Watson if You would be so good as to keep your revolver handy I fancy we are about to witness the Final Act of this most remarkable drama though perhaps he added with that slight smile which always preceded his most brilliant deductions not quite in the manner our Phantom passenger intended chapter 8 the final station the 10:15 to Norwood Junction had scarcely cleared Victoria Station when Holmes sprang into action with that Peculiar energy which marked his moments of Crisis quick Watson he exclaimed hurrying us toward a waiting handsome we must

reach Norwood ahead of the Train the strads men have their orders they will follow with the second cab as our handsome clattered through London's fog shrouded streets I ventured to inquire about his strategy my dear fellow Holmes replied his gray eyes are light with that singular intensity I knew so well Consider what matter manner of man would go to such elaborate lengths to impersonate his own deceased brother before I could respond we had arrived at Norwood Junction homes led us not to the platform but to a small door marked private where we found inspector lrad

and his men already assembled absolute silence now Watson Holmes whispered Lees may depend upon perfect Timing the passage Beyond the door revealed a Warren of Maintenance tunnels beneath the station Holmes positioned us behind a massive pillar just as the rumble of approaching Wheels resonated through the underground chamber above us the 1015 from Victoria rolled to a stop what followed occurred with the Precision of a theatrical performance through gaps in the stonework I observed the lady in purple a light from her compartment moving with Studied Grace toward the rear of the train at that precise moment

a figure emerged from the Shadows a distinguished gentleman whose bearing spoke of generations of privilege everything is prepared the lady inquired her gloved fingers toying with a distinctive Diamond brooch my dear accomplice the gentleman replied with exquisite courtesy I rather think we have performed this charade long enough Enough poor Mr thornfield very nearly upset our plans with his inconvenient investigations he was becoming rather Troublesome she agreed with a cold laugh though I must say his unfortunate accident in our mechanical compartment was really quite ingenious just as effective as your disposal of your dear brother 5

years ago I would not speak so freely of s George's demise he cautioned though his tone carried a note of pride The proper application of mechanics combined with a well-compensated physician Silence has served us admirably though I dare say tonight's employment of our special Carriage will be the last quite right Mr James Adelaide Holmes's voice rang out as he stepped from concealment though perhaps not in the manner you intended the transformation in both Parties was extraordinary James Adelaide's Patrician demeanor C crumbled into something altogether more feral while the lady's triumphant Poise dissolved into naked fear

impossible James snarled his cultured accent slipping you cannot prove your impersonation of s George the mechanical compartment designed for your appearances and disappearances the murder of your own brother followed by that of Mr thornfield when he discovered The truth I fancy the evidence speaks rather eloquently Holmes's voice carried that peculiar note of Steel beneath its silk the railway board may have been deceived by S George's signatures appearing after his death but the modifications to this Carriage tell their own tale as does this I fancy remarked lrad emerging with his men from various concealed positions the

click of handcuffs echoed Through the tunnel as the constables secured both prisoners upon my word Mr Holmes a proper pair of villains though I dare say the hangman at Newgate will soon have the final word Mrs thornfield who had maintained a dignified silence throughout spoke at last then my husband died trying to expose their scheme he died Madam in the service of Justice Holmes replied with grave Courtesy though I fancy his sacrifice will ensure these two pay the fullest penalty of the law as we watched lrad and his men lead both James Adelaide and the

lady in purple away to their final Reckoning I could not help but reflect on the Grim symmetry of the affair later over Brandy in Baker Street I remarked as much to Holmes indeed Watson he replied filling his pipe with his evening tobacco a fortune a murder and a mechanical Marvel All serving to obscure One S simple truth that Justice like a railway line inevitably reaches its terminal the Adelaide Fortune will now pass to its rightful heirs and two more criminals have reached their final station the last journey will be somewhat shorter than they planned homes

upon my word my dear fellow he remarked with that slight smile I knew so well I rather think it will it was not until several days after the dramatic events at Norwood Junction That I found opportunity to inquire more deeply into the particulars of the case Holmes and I sat before a cheerful fire in our Baker Street quarters he occupied with his after dinner pipe while I made notes for what I hoped might become a record of this most singular Affair I confess Holmes I ventured at length several aspects of the business remain rather obscure

to me the mechanical contrivance for instance how exactly did it operate Holmes Rose and fetched a Roll of technical drawings from his desk observe Watson he said spreading them before me the Ingenuity lies in its very Simplicity the compartment floor beneath the seat could be swiftly lowered into a hollow space between the tracks created during those supposedly routine maintenance works the seat itself was mounted on perfectly balanced Springs allowing it to return to position without betraying the absence of its Occupant but surely such a device would require exceptional timing precisely why the train made those

peculiar 3 minute stops at specific points Mr Perkins the railway's chief mechanical engineer was most Illuminating on this point the modifications appeared legitimate bearing s George Adelaide's signature though of course the signatures were supplied by his brother James after s George's murder and poor thornfield how did he discover the truth through careful examination of the Adelaide estate's accounts he noted discrepancies in the railway company's invoices payments for maintenance work that seemed excessive his investigation led him to those modified carriages and ultimately to his death when he grew too close to the Truth the £5,000 withdrawn

from his bank was intended as blackmail payment before our villains decided on a more permanent solution but the lady in purple homes why such an elaborate disguise ah his eyes gleamed that particular shade Watson that was the master stroke of misdirection while Witnesses focused on the distinctive color they paid far less attention to other aspects of her appearance she was in fact James Adelaide's accomp helping him maintain the illusion of his brother's occasional appearances the diamond abroo was a rather theatrical touch I must say flaunting the very evidence of their deception good Heavens Holmes then

the mechanical compartment served both for thornfield murder and James Adelaide's impersonation of his brother precisely so James would emerge at crucial moments to sign documents or make brief appear es maintaining the illusion that s George was still alive and in control of the estate the lady in purple provided the necessary diversions and aliis most ingenious though ultimately fallible a rather specialized addition to the science of detection homes my dear fellow he replied sending a perfect Smoke Ring toward the ceiling in an age of mechanical Marvels we must be prepared to combat mechanical crimes though I

fancy few criminals will attempt quite so theatrical a Performance in future particularly given that both James Adelaide and his accomplice now await the hangman at Newgate the fire had burned low and outside our Windows a thick London Fog had begun to settle over Baker Street somewhere in the distance we could hear the muted whistle of a train a commonplace sound that now perhaps carried just a touch more mystery than it had before thank you for tuning in to Cafe Stories if you enjoyed the Intrigue and suspense be sure to subscribe and hit the Bell icon

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