forward and put his hand on Mr Futrelle’s forearm.
‘Mr Futrelle, I need your assurance that you will treat this entire matter, including my own identity, in the strictest of confidence.’
‘Of course. I have only spoken to my wife of my observations and I will ask her to keep them to herself.’
‘Very good,’ said Holmes. My friend glanced about the room and continued to speak in a low voice. ‘Now, you asked whether I was working on a case. In fact, Miss Norton, Doctor Watson and I are engaged in a matter of some importance and delicacy. It concerns certain documents that were stolen from Miss Norton’s cabin last night.’
‘May I ask, what is the nature of these documents?’
Holmes paused. We had every indication that Futrelle could be trusted. And given how little time we had left to recover the plans, his assistance could be valuable. But still, confiding in him would involve some risk.
‘Miss Norton works for the British government,’ Holmes said. ‘She was acting as a courier to deliver the documents to representatives of the American government. I can say nothing beyond that, except that it is vital that we recover the papers.’
‘I see... Well, I appreciate your trust and you have my word that none of this will go any further.’ Futrelle began to rise, but then, on second thoughts, he sat back down on his chair and spoke slowly, searching for just the right words. ‘Mr Holmes, I am only a writer, but my experience as a journalist has led me to develop some skills of detection over the years. If you find you need assistance during the remainder of this cruise, please let me know. I would consider it an honour and a pleasure to work with you.’
Holmes smiled. ‘The thought had occurred to me too. I understand that you once did some work for the American government of a similar nature.’
Futrelle was clearly taken aback by this statement.
‘However did you know that? I have never told a soul about that assignment.’
‘I have a small confession to make,’ said Holmes, taking pleasure in this opportunity to turn the tables on Futrelle. ‘I took advantage of the ship’s excellent wireless facilities to contact Miss Norton’s employers and check the backgrounds of several people on board — yourself included. They, in turn, contacted the Americans, who mentioned this little detail.’
Futrelle chuckled heartily. ‘For a moment I thought you were going to say you deduced that fact simply by observing mud splashed on my trousers or callouses on my hands.’
‘Perhaps I should have withheld the explanation and allowed you to maintain your high estimation of my abilities.’
We all laughed, relieving the tension that had developed since Futrelle came over to join us. This seemed like a good time to satisfy my curiosity.
‘Futrelle, could you tell us specifically what your involvement was with the American government?’
‘I am afraid, Doctor, that that was another case where I pledged myself to secrecy. I can only reveal that I was asked to help with one case only, and that involved locating a missing person.’
‘And did you find him?’ asked Miss Norton.
‘It was a woman, and yes, we did.’
‘This has proved to be a useful conversation for all of us,’ said Holmes. ‘Mr Futrelle, if we find that we need the assistance of an observant pair of eyes, we will be in touch. Meanwhile, we would appreciate your discretion.’
‘You shall have it, Mr Holmes... Oh, excuse me, Commodore.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Now, I am afraid I must leave you. My wife just glanced at her watch, which means she is anxious to begin our walk around the deck. Please would you excuse me?’
‘We look forward to seeing you later,’ said Holmes, rising and shaking the writer’s hand. Futrelle said goodbye to Miss Norton and me, and rejoined his wife. After exchanging a few words, they left the restaurant, Futrelle waving to us as he passed through the door.
‘Well, Holmes, it appears that we have some unexpected assistance in our investigation.’
‘Yes, I would have preferred to retain my anonymity but perhaps this will work out for the best.’
‘Do you really plan to include him in our investigation?’ Miss Norton asked.
‘He has a keen mind, and we do have more suspects than the three of us can keep an eye on at any one time. It is at times like this that I wish I had Wiggins and my Baker Street Irregulars available.’ He smiled. ‘Terribly inconsiderate of them all to grow into manhood.’
‘Well, with just the three of us at the moment, how should we proceed?’ Holmes, who had just begun to poke at his mutton chops, replied to my question by issuing instructions.
‘Watson, perhaps you would pay your respects to the baron and baroness. Learn as much about them as possible.’
‘Miss Norton, please talk to Miss Storm-Fleming. I find it curious that this young widow spends so much time travelling. Is there more to her holidays than she admits.’
‘Holmes, do you not think it would be better if I questioned Miss Storm-Fleming?’ I asked. ‘After all, she and I have already become acquainted...’
‘No, Watson, I think you are in a better position to question the Von Sterns. They came to you asking for help with the anonymous notes they claim to be receiving. Take advantage of that... Besides, old fellow, I would not want you to jeopardize your friendship with someone who may prove to be a fine woman.’
I nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, Holmes, of course, very wise.’
‘Time to begin, I believe,’ said Holmes, just before he manoeuvred a large slice of mutton onto his fork. ‘There are several matters I must look into, including the activities of our bearded stoker.’
We rose and began to make our way to the door. But before we could travel half way through the obstacle course of tables and chairs, we were spotted by a boy in uniform, who had just darted through the doorway.
‘Commodore!’ he called out, somewhat out of breath. He scurried past amused diners and stopped short when he reached us. ‘The captain wants to see you in his cabin right away. He said the man you wanted to meet has arrived.’
‘Excellent! That would be Mr Strickley,’ said Holmes, clearly pleased that the investigation was once again moving forward. ‘Let us not keep the captain waiting.’
When we arrived at the captain’s sitting room, we found Strickley seated on a wooden chair, somewhat more subdued than when we last encountered him in the boiler room. Two muscular seaman stood like bookends on either side of him. Apart from these three men, there was no one else in the cabin. I was about to inquire as to the captain’s whereabouts, when Captain E J Smith stepped through the doorway.
‘Gentlemen, Miss Norton, thank you for coming so promptly.’
‘Captain, would it be possible for these two gentlemen to wait outside?’
‘I suppose the four of us can handle our guest. Bates, Johnson, wait outside the door, please.’
After the two crewmen left, the captain went to his desk and sat back in his big leather chair.
‘Mr Strickley, the commodore tells me that you were impolite to him down in the boiler room. Do you have anything to say to that?’
The stoker was hunched forward in his chair. His posture suggested submission, but his eyes were filled with defiance.
‘I wasn’t rude to nobody. I just don’t like a lot of accusations being thrown at me. I’m an honest working man, just trying to do his job.’
‘Well then, how
‘Like I told the officer here this morning, I fell into some scrap metal. That ain’t no crime.’
‘I doubt it,’ I said, causing Strickley to sit up suddenly in his chair and look in my direction. ‘I am a doctor and I have treated many injuries. Those scratches were not made by scrap metal. I would give ten-to-one odds that they were made by a hand.’
‘All right. All right. It was a woman who scratched me. But it wasn’t what you’re thinking. I had a get- together last night with a young lady in steerage, that’s all. I got a little too romantic for her, so she slapped me and ran off.’
‘Did anyone see you with this young lady?’ asked Holmes.
‘No, we weren’t exactly in a public place.’
