The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part II Read Online Free PDF

Mr. Holmes?” Mary asked.
    â€œThere is a young lady, who waits for me now at Baker Street. I came here, leaving her in the care of the maid. I fear she has been ill-used.”
    â€œIll-used?”
    â€œIn a most unspeakable way.”
    Mary’s fingers went to her mouth. “Oh...”
    â€œGood Lord,” I whispered.
    â€œShe does not know the man who attacked her. He abducted her, rendering her unconscious with chloroform. The man gagged her, put a burlap sack over her head so she’d not know where she was, and later held a knife to her throat as he did... what he did. After, that he beat her and left her alone in this fashion for three days in some sort of prison, giving her only marginal food and drink, if any at all. Around ten-thirty this evening, she managed to twist herself free of her bounds and crawl through a coal chute to escape.
    â€œA cabby named Preston, whom I know from other cases, brought her to me tonight believing I might help her. Even so, I have sent word to Stanley Hopkins at the Yard. He is a compassionate sort, someone a woman in this state might find consoling.” He shook his head. “Meanwhile, I have tried, in vain, to interview the lady at length, to glean more definitive details about her ordeal, but her upset renders her unable to speak of it coherently. Much of what I’ve told you I was able to deduce by observation, but when I attempted to examine the blood under her nails, she recoiled from me as if my hands were laced with acid.”
    â€œThe poor girl.” Mary shook her head.
    â€œMrs. Watson, I have the faculties to help this young lady, but she cannot reveal what she must to me because...” He paused, his lips turning downward in a troubled frown.
    â€œYou are a man,” she finished for him.
    He nodded. “Despite her desire for my assistance, she is not entirely... comfortable... in my presence, which I understand completely given the circumstances.” He continued in a subdued voice. “Mrs. Watson, you’ve read your husband’s narratives and you know that I have not always spoken of the fair sex in the most sympathetic terms. Nonetheless, I would never wish to see such grievous harm done to a woman.”
    â€œI know that, Mr. Holmes,” Mary said in a gentle voice.
    My friend averted his gaze from her and turned to pace the rug again. “The loathsome vermin who did this must be found, but without more data I am in the dark. There is grain powder and saw dust on her dress, along with mechanical oil, indicating she was kept at a mill or some similar place. Where, that is the question. I need her to reveal more. She fears me, though, which, while irrational, is, as I said, understandable.”
    Mary nodded. “What would you have me do?”
    â€œI would like you to interview her while the doctor and I listen from the adjoining room. Mrs. Hudson may have helped, but she is with her son this evening. Besides, I think someone close to her own age may comfort her. The housemaid would be of little use in this regard, for I need someone with a quicker intellect.”
    â€œBut, Mr. Holmes, I am not a detective. I am hardly qualified - “
    â€œOn the contrary, you are uniquely qualified for what I am asking. You are reserved, but not shy. You are also personable, and what she needs now is a friend. I believe she will respond to you better than I because, in addition to being female, you have a genuine, sympathetic character. And yet...” He leaned on the fireplace mantel and pressed his knuckle to his lips.
    â€œWhat is it?” Mary asked.
    â€œYou have never done this before. Perhaps I am asking too much of you. It is just that I can conceive of no other way.”
    â€œIf there is no other way that you can think to manage this situation,” Mary replied, “then I must do it, must I not? At the very least I should do the very best I can.”
    Holmes looked from my wife to me,