The Furt The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Titanic Tragedy

‘And do you recall her name?’

‘No, I didn’t even ask it. What for? We were just having a little fun together.’

‘Captain, did you search the pockets of this fine example of English chivalry?’

‘Yes, but we did not find anything — just a wallet, a comb and a few coins. There is nothing in his wallet except for a small amount of money and some personal papers. It is all over on the map table, if you would care to look.’

Holmes, who had been standing by the porthole, moved over to the table and examined the stoker’s belongings. The contents of the wallet were arranged neatly on top of a nautical map.

‘I see you play the horses, Mr Strickley. Here, on the back of this old betting slip, you have listed directions to two race tracks in the state of New York. Do you plan to place a few bets while you’re in America?’

‘Sure, I bet a few pounds. What of it?’

‘Oh, nothing at all, except the money you have in your wallet will not make you a fortune. Unless, of course, you expect to have much more money when we reach America.’

‘Just my regular pay, that’s all.’

And I’ve noticed that you’re not wearing your work clothes.’

‘That’s right. My back started acting up, so I reported in sick. I was resting in my cabin when the cap’n sent for me.’

‘Allow me to compliment you on your shoes. They appear to be of high quality, and well kept. Not like the rest of your clothes, I’m afraid.’

‘What are you saying?’

‘Captain, you might want to ask whether any first-class passengers reported a pair of shoes missing recently.’

‘I will do that, Commodore. Meanwhile, Mr Strickley, you are restricted to quarters until we reach New York. You will be informed of your next destination then. Any more questions, Commodore?’

‘Thank you, not for the moment. Perhaps some time in his quarters will encourage him to tell us who hired him. It would be a shame for him to spend all that time in prison by himself. And I fear the judge will not feel generous towards an uncooperative robber who ties up elderly women.’

‘You have no proof. I am innocent.’

‘Good day, Mr Strickley,’ Holmes replied.

As Holmes opened the door to invite the two seamen back into the captain’s cabin, we saw Bishop outside, chatting with the two men. For just a moment, he and Strickley exchanged glances. Then Bishop, after tipping his hat to us, continued towards the wheelhouse.

Chapter Twelve

THE AFTERNOON OF FRIDAY 12 APRIL 1912

After leaving the captain’s cabin, Holmes, Miss Norton and I parted company to begin our separate investigations. My decision to take a walk around the boat deck proved to be a good one. I soon saw Von Stern and his wife approaching, walking arm in arm. The deck was filled with passengers enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. The starboard side of the ship, shielded somewhat from the brisk sea breezes, was by far the most popular.

‘Good afternoon, Doctor,’ said Von Stern. ‘I see that you had the same idea we did. The sea air is quite invigorating, don’t you agree?’

‘Indeed, it makes me wonder why I continue to live in London. I suppose I have become used to the smell of fog and burning coal.’

‘There are many advantages to city living... Elisabeth and I were hoping to use the gymnasium, but it is open to children only from one to three o’clock. So we decided to stretch our legs on deck instead. We have the squash- rackets court reserved for half past three.’

‘Hans, why don’t you invite Doctor Watson to play?’ said the baroness. ‘I will go to the gymnasium instead.’

‘A pleasure, I am sure, Baroness,’ I replied. ‘But I do not have a racket or the proper clothing on board.’

‘Everything you need is available in the changing room... So, it is settled. It is after three o’clock now. We will walk down together. On the way, we will stop at the inquiry desk and purchase tickets to the Turkish bath. I find it most refreshing.’

‘Hans, isn’t there another matter that you would like to mention to the doctor?’ asked the baroness.

‘Ah, yes,’ said Von Stern. ‘Doctor, we have received another anonymous note. This was slipped under our cabin door this morning.’

Von Stern handed me a folded piece of paper. Like the first note, the message was constructed from magazine type. Again, Baroness Von Stern’s name was printed by hand, in pencil, along with a sum of money:

‘Baroness Von Stern — The sum required to avoid scandal is 10,000 marks. You will be contacted.’

‘What do you think about that, Doctor?’ asked the baron.

‘Well, like the first note, the words that are printed in pencil appear to have been written by a woman. And I will have to inspect the note more carefully, but the other words and letters may have been clipped from the Strand Magazine...’

A woman! Are you telling me that a woman has been threatening my wife?’

‘It does appear to be the case, either alone or with an accomplice.’

‘Very interesting. And have you come to any other conclusions?’

‘None. As I said before, I am not a detective. All I can suggest is that you either report this to the captain, or wait until the blackmailer attempts to contact you. We might then be able to learn more.’

‘Very well, we will wait,’ said Von Stern, again illustrating a seeming unwillingness to consult the ship’s authorities.

‘I must say, Baron Von Stern, you appear to be taking this much more calmly than you did when we first met.’

‘As I mentioned before, Doctor, my wife has nothing to hide. I can only assume that this is nothing more than a vicious prank. But I would very much like to know who is behind it.’

‘I am very curious about that myself, and why someone would want to pursue Baroness Von Stern with an empty blackmail threat.’

‘We will find that out, Herr Doctor. In the meantime, I suggest that we make our way down to the squash- rackets court. Elisabeth, will you manage?’

‘Of course, Liebchen. I will be in the gymnasium. I will see you in our cabin before dinner.’ Baroness Von Stern kissed her husband on the cheek and walked along the deck towards the gymnasium.

‘And now, Herr Doctor, I hope you are a competitive man. As you will find out, one of my greatest joys in life is the thrill of victory.’

At half past three we were on the floor of the Titanic’s squash court. I must confess, my skills at that sport are somewhat limited. For many years, I had depended on morning or evening walks as my main means of exercise. But several years ago, when my growing waistline became a hindrance, young Wiggins invited me to try squash rackets — a game at which he had become quite accomplished. Wiggins and I began playing together once a week, and I soon found others at the club who were willing to share a court with a novice. Over time, by competing against keen players, my own skill at squash rackets increased. If Von Stern was as good on the court as he claimed, I had little hope of winning. Still, I was confident I could play a respectable game.

For the benefit of readers who are not familiar with the sport, squash rackets is played by batting a rubber ball against a wall in an enclosed court. Titanic’s squash-rackets court was located on the lower deck in the centre of the ship, just forward of the foremost boiler room. It extended two decks high, with a length of thirty feet and a width of twenty feet. There is a gallery for spectators at the aft end of the court at the middle deck level. That afternoon, a man and woman were looking down, I suspect more interested in the court itself, than the two players.