Steampunk Holmes: Legacy of the Nautilus Read Online Free PDF

won’t try to drag me into the matter, Mr. Holmes. What is the use of our speculating in this way when the original plans were actually found on Cadbury?”
    “Well, it is certainly singular that he should run the risk of taking originals if he could safely have taken copies, which would have equally served his turn.”
    “Singular, no doubt—and yet he did so.”
    “Every inquiry in this case reveals something inexplicable. Now there are three Engine cards still missing. They are, as I understand, the vital ones.”
    “Yes, although there is a fourth card which may be considered of equal importance to the construction of the main ship; I am surprised that it was not taken along with the others. It graphs out the details and positioning of several double valves with automatic self-adjusting slots which control the flow of seawater into the steam-generator that powers the vessel. Even if the thieves are able to understand how the generator itself works—something which we have not been able to fathom—they could not complete its development without the intricate graphs contained in this other card.”
    “That is most interesting, Mr Johnson. And now with your permission, I shall stroll about the premises.”
    Holmes dropped to his knees and inched around the office and along the outer corridor in snail fashion, pausing occasionally for a closer look at a misplaced speck, or trifles of the kind. I followed cautiously in his wake, staying well clear to avoid upsetting his research. At one point he glanced over his shoulder at me, and sent me to inquire of Mr Johnson how many people frequented the office adjacent to the strong-room, and particularly whether there were any female employees or frequent visitors.
    I returned speedily with the answer. No, there were no female employees in this building, save the ancient charwoman on Wednesdays and Fridays, and no visitors of any sort, besides the occasional Navy officer or constructor who came to consult the plans. Only Mr Johnson himself, Sir James, and Mr Cadbury ever used the offices on this level; three male secretaries shared a partitioned office down the hallway, and were not permitted to enter the main office quarters. Holmes, without a sign that he had attended a single word, continued inching his way to the front door on his hands and knees. He pushed the door open and nearly collided with Lestrade, who stood poised to enter the building. Holmes sighed impatiently at the interruption and rose to his full height, disregarding his dusty trouser knees.
    “Well, well, Mr Holmes,” said Lestrade jovially, “hard at work, aren't we? Formed any of those exotic and wild-limbed theories of yours yet?”
    “Lamentably, no,” said my friend coldly. “Although I have discovered one or two singularities which may reveal fresh facts. Your untimely coming has just interrupted a very promising trail.”
    “Ah, well, Mr. Holmes, even the best of us must deal with little inconveniences,” said Lestrade. “When you've been as long in the profession as some of us have, you'll have gotten used to such things.” Holmes' thin lips set in a white line; Lestrade chuckled and proffered a small bundle. “I thought you might like to see the personal effects of Sir James, as well as the artifacts found on Cadbury's person.”
    Holmes took the bundle and glanced cursorily through it; the only item that briefly arrested his attention was a set of keys on a gilt chain. He returned the lot to Lestrade without ceremony, and then excused himself, crouching low again to examine the threshold and step, and proceeded to disappear around the side of the building, inspecting the muddy snow-clad lawn and footpath closely as he went.
    Lestrade glanced at me and shrugged significantly. I said nothing, though I sympathized somewhat with his complete ignorance of Holmes' train of reasoning up to this point. A sudden shout from Holmes brought us running around the corner to where he stood before a