pleasure cruise... I swear, sir, if I did not know better, I would say this ship was under the curse of Jonah.’
Miss Norton poured the captain another cup of tea. ‘Now, Captain, your breakfast is getting cold.’
Taking a deep breath, the captain forced a smile and picked up his knife and fork, slowly lifting a slice of melon to his mouth.
‘Rest assured, Miss Norton. This captain is always in control. But Mr Holmes, why the concern?’
‘I believe Mr Holmes might be referring to Bishop,’ said Futrelle, who had already devoured his breakfast. ‘We still do not know who killed him. If, in fact, someone shot Bishop to keep him silent...’
‘Exactly, Futrelle,’ said Holmes. ‘Captain, I would like to inspect Strickley’s quarters immediately. I may be able to determine whether we have another murder on our hands, or if Mr Strickley is simply absent without leave.’
‘Very well. Mr Lightoller, would you assist Mr Holmes?’
‘Yes, sir, a pleasure... Mr Holmes, do you suspect that Strickley’s disappearance could be related to the theft of the documents?’
‘It is possible. We also have few clues as to their whereabouts. Strickley’s disappearance may serve to enlighten us.’
‘It is Sunday, and I am expected in the dining room at 10.30 to conduct Divine Service. Would any of the rest of you care to join me? A prayer would be helpful to all of us,’ said the captain.
‘My wife and I were already planning to attend,’ said Futrelle. The writer looked at his watch. ‘Doctor Watson, Miss Norton, shall we meet there in an hour?’
‘I must accompany Holmes. Perhaps Miss Norton...’ I responded.
With a firmness of tone that reminded me of my late wife, Miss Norton said, ‘You have had quite enough adventures yesterday. You will take a turn on the deck with me, then we will go to the service.’
Holmes chuckled and walked over to the table of food.
‘I must agree, my dear Watson. You are officially off duty until after church.’
Miss Norton grabbed my arm and began to lead me to the door.
‘She Who Must be Obeyed,’ I said, resignedly, waving goodbye to the others.
THE LATE MORNING OF SUNDAY 14 APRIL 1912
The morning was bright and clear, and a number of passengers were enjoying the opportunity to take a pleasant stroll on deck.
As Miss Norton and I ambled along the boat deck, I took particular pleasure in watching the children play.
‘Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three...’ said one young girl as she faced the deckhouse, her hands covering her eyes. Her companions were scurrying to find a place to hide. One ambitious young man was nervously inspecting a lifeboat, trying to find a way inside.
As we continued, I spotted a familiar face. The boy was sitting next to a deckchair, playing with some toys.
‘Well, well,’ I said. ‘If it isn’t our young detective, Tommy Roberts. And how are you this fine day?’
‘Doctor Watson! Would you like to play? I am pretending that...’ Tommy stopped and stared at my companion.
‘Oh, Tommy. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Miss Norton.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Tommy. What is that you are playing with?’
Tommy smiled, thrilled by this interest in his new game. ‘Found these in the wastepaper basket...little tables and chairs, cabinets, even some little people.’
‘What fun,’ said Miss Norton. ‘I once had a doll’s house with pieces like that...’
‘I am using them to make Mr Holmes’s sitting room, just like you described it in your books, Doctor Watson.’
‘I am most impressed, Tommy. That is a very good representation.’
‘I just wish I had some more pieces. There’s a lot missing.’
‘Just use your imagination. Remember, Mr Holmes uses his imagination, along with deductive reasoning, to solve crimes.’
Tommy paused for a moment to consider this.
‘Tommy, have you seen Miss Storm-Fleming lately?’ I asked.
‘Not since yesterday. She was talking to that man, the German.’
Miss Norton and I exchanged glances. ‘When was this?’
‘Just before dinner, I think. They were in the library. I went there with Mother, so she could get a book.’
‘Thank you, Tommy. I have been looking for her. Perhaps we will see her at the church service.’
‘Church! Oh my gosh! I told Mother and Father that I would be back to get dressed... Excuse me.’ The young man abruptly got to his feet and ran down the deck, leaving his toys behind.
Miss Norton laughed. ‘I hope he is not in too much trouble.’
I stooped down and scooped up Tommy’s toys. ‘I am sure he will want these. I will return them to him at church... I wonder if Holmes knows that our sitting room has become the latest vogue among children.’
My companion smiled. ‘Fame can affect judgement, Doctor.’
‘A point well taken, Miss Norton.’ I grinned. ‘But rest assured, the fresh sea air and a rousing sermon from the captain will soon restore my humility.’
Miss Norton took my arm. ‘Lead the way, Doctor Watson.’
We arrived well before the service was due to begin. I was surprised to see that a large congregation had already assembled. Many viewed this as a fine opportunity for conversation and meeting new people. It was a family occasion, and the only one that brought together passengers from first, second and third class.
It was a special treat for steerage passengers. They were staring wide-eyed at their luxurious surroundings, while chatting quietly and pointing about the room.
The Futrelles had already arrived and were engaged in a conversation with Baron Von Stern. Moriarty was standing in a cluster of well-dressed people, some of whom I recognized as being among the first-class passengers.
Miss Storm-Fleming had just paid her respects to the captain and was circulating through the crowd. I waved and she returned my gesture with a broad smile, walking briskly in our direction.
‘Doctor Watson, I have been looking everywhere for you!’ She spoke warmly.
Somewhat overcome by this greeting, I muttered a less than satisfactory reply.
‘I was rather involved in a matter that took some time...’
‘And what kind of business would keep you so busy in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?’ she asked.
‘Nothing of any consequence... Just helping Futrelle with research for an article he is writing on the
Miss Storm-Fleming’s eyes remained warm and bright but there was a momentary change in her expression that indicated she was not fully pleased with my explanation.
‘And how are you, Miss Norton? Are you enjoying the trip? Quite exciting, is it not?’
‘Yes, very much so,’ Miss Norton replied. ‘I am happy to see that you are enjoying it too...after everything that happened.’
‘I have always had a talent for springing back from adversity. Hardships along the way are part of life’s great adventure.’
‘Have they made any progress in finding Bishop’s killer?’ Miss Norton asked.
‘I do not believe so. I was just talking to the captain and he did not volunteer any information. Have either of you heard anything?’
‘Not a word,’ I replied. ‘If only Holmes were on board. This is the kind of mystery he thrives on.’
‘Yes, if only he were.’ Miss Storm-Fleming’s eyes were fixed on mine. ‘Doctor Watson, people are taking their seats.’
‘Please do join us.’
