Sherlock Holmes: The Shadow From Beyond Read Online Free PDF Page A

recently released works that include pseudo-facts that relate to strange occult practices of native tribes, their so called worship of a pagan mythos and the pantheon of convoluted Chthonic deities within these myths. These stories are of such outlandish and illogical vision that I have never been able to separate what elements may be fact and which are fantasies, but my senses point to the latter. I have always said that the supernatural has no place within the bounds of reality and logic, the world is big enough for us, no ghost need apply!” Watson noticed that Holmes’ arms gestured about wildly as he spoke, and he seemed full of passion. “We are men of science, not science fiction!” he added. “But certainly Holmes there are some things that even science cannot easily process,” argued Watson. “Evil manifests itself in many strange and unexplainable ways. The lore of mankind, however exaggerated, usually takes root in some base reality does it not?”
    The detective turned his gaze from the display case to face his old friend, then upon the mummified corpse starring wide eyed at their feet.
    “Perhaps Watson, we shall become unwilling students of these dark arts once again,” He said as he cracked a sly grin. “Let us see if these evil spirits manifest themselves at all.
    “But as in our prior adventures, like the ones that you have penned; ‘The Hound of the Baskerville’s’ and ‘The Sussex Vampire’ amongst others, we have found these supernatural elements to lack truth. Indeed much more natural and much less super in fact.”
    “But Holmes, how often have you said that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”
    “Improbable Watson, not impossible. There is a big difference.”
     
     

Chapter 5

    Following the Trail
     
     
    A closer examination of the shattered patio doors prove to bear no new information. The doors themselves had been securely locked together and remained so, the bolt still in place. The wooden frames that contained them were fractured and broken inward, the brass support mounts twisted and torn.
    Muddy footprints that lead into the study from the patio and garden area beyond are evident. These prints continued up to, and away from, both the corpse and the desk area before retreating back out of the study via the way they entered. These footprints are well defined on the light patterned carpet and Holmes took some time in analyzing them.
    “Let us inspect the grounds behind these ruined doors,” Holmes stated as he rose. “Come Watson, Lestrade, follow me but be mindful not to disturb any possible evidence.”
    The morning sun shone brightly on the large garden behind the house. Perhaps it was once well maintained but now in noticeable decline. Empty flower beds, hedges and small trees dot the scene of disregard and piles of rotting vegetation are heaped about. A stone trail meanders about the area and a wooden fence borders a field in the distance.
    Holmes signaled to his companions to remain behind him as he proceeded slowly forward, bent low, magnifying glass in hand. He noticed that the footprints that lead toward and into the study originate from a a flowerbed just off the landing where the intruder’s boots picked up the soil that was tracked into the house. Holmes scanned the grassy area beyond the flowerbeds and discovered imprints in the turf that suggest a person had passed through that area as well.
    “The intruder approached slowly, hesitantly,” he said as he pointed to the bent blades of grass. “The footprints here are spaced closer together and well defined, implying that each step was held for a moment, time enough for pressure to leave its full mark upon the grass, a sign of caution.” Holmes continued forward. “But these prints, leading away from the house, are spaced further apart and show only the front toe marks, evidence of someone running or retreating quickly.”
    The trio followed the