The Final Tales of Sherlock Holmes - Volume 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

heavily prejudiced against what he called the interference of ‘those Baker Street amateurs’. However, I feel that certain crimes necessitate a more circuitous route to their solution than are provided by professionals. Provided no laws are broken, of course. Might I repeat my sincere commiserations at the loss of your brother, sir? This business must be very trying for you.’
    â€˜Yes, well. Grief has a way of disappearing over time, and during that time I shall be focussing on the capture, arrest and indeed, punishment of his murderer, this Goatslayer. Hopefully before he can get his hands on me. Any ideas on that?’
    Lestrade pulled a slip of paper from his coat pocket and handed it to Holmes. ‘This is the list of members and their guests who had frequented the club on the two days before Mycroft’s murder. The Diogenes employees are written on the back. The autopsy report has been delayed, I’m afraid.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ said Holmes, spreading the sheet out on the table. ‘Why the delay?’
    â€˜Well, sir. The toxicologist discovered certain… drugs… in Mr Mycroft’s system, and wanted to carry out further tests as to the presence of other… substances.’
    â€˜Really? Most interesting. Do you box?’
    â€˜I beg your pardon?
    â€˜You look like a very fit young man. What is your sport?’
    â€˜Not boxing. But I do play some football for the police team. Association football. When I have time, that is.’
    â€˜Good. We must work closely together from now on, young Lestrade. You may have noticed that Watson and I are no longer in what is fondly known as the first flush of youth. We will need your legs.’
    Lestrade looked pleased. ‘I’ll do my best,’ he murmured. ‘Long as it doesn’t interfere with my duties at the Yard.’
    â€˜Excellent. We make a formidable threesome. And you will go far in your profession, I assure you.’
    I felt a momentary qualm at being included in Holmes’ plans without being asked, and somewhat nettled by his blithe assumption that I was free to join him on his cases. But he had observed all too accurately the paucity of my medical practice, and so my nature was swift to resurrect the loyalty which had kept me by his side all those years ago. If he needed me now, I would be ready again. And for my part I was happy to have some time away from those few patients of mine, with their dreary problems.
    â€˜Do you have any data on the type of weapon used in the… method, Lestrade?’ asked Holmes.
    â€˜None whatsoever. It could be anything. All we can presume is that it is more blunt than sharp, because of the mess.’
    â€˜But it might be sharp, and in the hands of an incompetent?’
    â€˜I suppose so.’
    â€˜Good. And can you keep this murder out of the newspapers for the time being?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Excellent. Are you familiar with the terms of reference of the Diogenes Club, Lestrade?’
    â€˜Eh, no, Mr. Holmes. Can’t say that I am.’
    â€˜It is for the convenience of the most unsociable and unclubable men about town. There are many men in London who have no wish for the company of their fellows or their women. Yet they are not averse to comfortable chairs and the latest periodicals, printed on unrustling paper. It is for these that the Diogenes Club was formed. No member is permitted to take the least notice of any other. Only in the Stranger’s Room is talking allowed. Three offences, if brought to the committee’s notice, render the talker liable to expulsion. Someone who coughs three times can be expelled. My brother was one of the founders, and I have myself on occasion found it to have a very soothing atmosphere. Before I was expelled, that is. Can you tell us the time of death, Lestrade?’
    â€˜To the nearest hour, it was four o’clock, Mr. Holmes. A.M., that is.’
    â€˜Indeed. So my