Sherlock Holmes in Something the Cat Dragged In Read Online Free PDF Page B

have dinner with me, taking him to a small but pleasant eating-house that Holmes had recommended. Once we were eating dessert I allowed him to draw from me why I was in the area.
    â€œI would say nothing, but the word of a Western of Pentwood must always be acceptable.” He assured me that he would say nothing of what I told him, no matter what it might be, and we shook on that. I leaned back in my chair, called for a moderately good brandy, and began.
    â€œI am looking to find out all that I may about a man currently in London. He is a danger to the Monarchy and either a spy himself or in their pay. He is an Englishman and therefore a traitor.”
    Western looked disgusted. “Any Englishman who turns against his country should be shot,” he said briefly.
    I thought his disgust, too, to be genuine and was heartened. Persuading him to assist me might not be as difficult as I had feared.
    â€œIt’s like this. A certain man of a noble family has a hobby…” I explained that hobby and what had come of it, Western listening intently. “So a friend and I have been asked to find this Persimmon Brand. Frankly, Mr. Western, I cannot understand what possessed the man to turn on his own country. He is providing aid to foreigners and,” I lowered my voice, “if it continues, there may be war.”
    Western’s gaze met mine. “War?”
    â€œYes, there are agents of a certain power in London. If these foolish papers were to be sold to them…” I broke off, giving him a significant look, and he nodded pensively, showing for the first time a sharp intelligence that gleamed through the bland attitude.
    â€œI see, yes, they would take them as genuine. That’s the way they would be presented and sold. And if all you say of the papers is true, the powers in another country might well decide that a preemptive strike would be safest.”
    I allowed a glimpse of my admiration to show. “You have it, Mr. Western. That’s what is feared. I need to find this scoundrel, a man named Persimmon Brand. He’s involved; we do not know exactly how or how deeply his involvement runs, but there’s no doubt that he is mixed up in it. Brand was identified at the place where a police officer and the man who created the papers were incarcerated. A witness says that Brand received a note that suggested it came from a fellow conspirator.”
    Western showed no response at the name, although according to Holmes he knew the man.
    â€œPersimmon Brand, you say. Well, I do have friends and acquaintances all though London and particularly in this area. Let me speak quietly to them, Dr. Watson. If we meet again for lunch tomorrow it may be that I can tell you something of Brand, perhaps even where he lodges.”
    We parted on excellent terms and I returned rejoicing, to find Holmes enjoying a whisky and soda stretched out in his favorite armchair. He turned to study me as I entered. “Ah, you have been successful, I think.”
    â€œI have. I found Western early this afternoon. He may be able to find Brand and will meet me tomorrow with the information.” I paused and contemplated Holmes. “It occurred to me, Holmes. Why did you send me to find Brand in such a roundabout manner? Surely you could have discovered the man’s whereabouts yourself?”
    â€œYes, but word would then have got about that it was I who sought him. If Western looks for him none will remark it, for it is well known that they are not friends, and if word gets back to Brand that an old enemy looks for him he will not take fright in the same way as he would if he knew himself hunted by the authorities. So far as he is aware, nothing is known of his involvement with the kidnapping of Lord Northgate or Constable Rogers. He may hear Western is seeking him and assume that it is to do with that old grudge. He will be wary, but of Western and his friends, not of us.”
    â€œBut, Holmes, how