The Lost Radio Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Read Online Free PDF Page A

opportunity to steal the Kitmanjar Emerald,
and now you have done it for me, sir, and presented me with a perfect alibi.”
    “The Kitmanjar
Emerald?” Holmes questioned, a curious look upon his face.
    “Come now, Mr.
Holmes, you know the treasure is in this house as well as I do. Apart from the
emerald, there is a superb Cellini that would fetch a fine price in the right
market!”
    “We aren’t here
after any valuables, my good man,” I said, deeply annoyed.
    “Please do not
call me your good man, Dr. Watson,” Deevers said sharply. “It’s patronizing and
untrue. In any case, whether you were here after the valuables or not makes no
difference. Let us say that I’ve caught you both red-handed! You are completely
in my power, gentlemen!”
    “I take it that
you are going to steal the treasure and pretend that we were responsible.”
    “Exactly, Mr.
Holmes. I shall kill you both, secrete what objects appeal to me and when my
master regains consciousness I shall explain that I found three men burgling
the house. That I killed two of them, while the third got away with the loot.
Who will be able to doubt my word? I shall be regarded as a hero. I might even
have my salary raised!”
    “Watson, I’m
afraid this is the end, old chap.”
    “What a sordid
way to die,” I blurted out, “shot in the back like a coward!” I was beside
myself in rage. If I had at least half a chance I would have tried to disarm
Deevers and thrash him to within an inch of his life! But I was helpless and,
in my worry, found myself concerned more with Holmes’ safety rather than my
own.
    “Deevers,” Holmes
asked, “at least do me the courtesy of allowing us to face the firing squad,
will you?”
    “Very well,
gentlemen, turn around, but don’t try any tricks!”
    “One last
request,” went on Holmes.
    “What is it?”
    “I’m beaten, and
I admit it. I am getting old, but in my heyday I crossed swords with some of
the greatest criminals in Europe. Attempts on my life have been made many
times, but I’ve always escaped. If this is to be my swan song, at least give me
the privilege of shaking the hand of the man who has, at last, bested me.”
    “Well, sir, I
feel that I am stepping a little out of my station, but I suppose the situation
is unusual. I hope you don’t object to the left hand, sir. I’ll keep the
revolver in my right.”
    “Very well,
Deevers. There you are.”
    The two men
stood shaking hands while I watched helplessly.
    “Goodbye, Mr.
Sherlock Holmes.”
    “Goodbye,
Deevers, and my congratulations.”
    My mind was
racing in an attempt to find some way to put an end to this terrible situation,
when suddenly Holmes twisted his body, holding onto Deevers’ arm. In an instant
Holmes applied leverage and Deevers, taken completely by surprise, found
himself flat against the floor, his revolver discharging, its bullet imbedding
itself harmlessly into the nearby wall.
    “My
congratulations for being a fool!” Holmes yelled in triumph.
    “Well done,
Holmes,” I said in much-needed relief.
    “I may be
getting old, but I’ve not lost my skill at Baritsu. Deveers struck the desk as
he fell. Better see to him, Watson.”
    “He’s gashed his
head, but it’s not serious. He’ll be unconscious for a while.”
    “Good. I think
we’ll take the precaution of closing this desk drawer. I don’t want him to be
exposed to further temptation when he comes to.”
    “Shouldn’t we
get in touch with the police, Holmes?”
    “Police? Great
Scott, no, old fellow! After all we’re burglars, and we’re in disguise. Two
facts that would be hard to explain satisfactorily. No, Watson, we must get
back to the bee farm as soon as possible, call Miss Norton, and inform her of
our success!”
    After Holmes and
I arrived at his farm, we took off our disguises and, contacting Miss Norton,
awaited her arrival. In due time a hansom deposited her at Holmes’ doorstep and
she was soon sitting before us.
    “Mr. Holmes,