York, asking me to stay in hiding until then. That, of course, prevented me from contacting you and letting you know that I was safe and sound. But believe me, old chap, I had no intention of beginning my mission without seeing you first.’
‘Well, at least it was not three years, as it was after the Reichenbach Falls. That was a far more dramatic resurrection from the dead.’
‘Now, now, Watson, you know that I have apologized for that many times.’
‘I know, Holmes.’ I smiled and patted him on the shoulder. ‘But after this mission, I expect to see you again immediately. And no more dramatic reappearances.’
‘Indeed, but I also have a request to make.’
I nodded.
‘If, after I return from this mission, you decide to publish an account of it, I would like to choose the title.’
‘And what would you like to call it?’
He stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger, and looked towards the sky.
‘I would like you to call it
‘You have my word.’ We shook hands.
‘Well, Watson, to breakfast, but please do not eat too much.’
‘And why not, pray?’
‘The cook is preparing a special meal for us.’
‘A special meal?’
‘Yes, we are having woodcock, with all the trimmings.’
‘But Holmes, Mrs Hudson used to make that all the time. I have long since grown tired of it.’
‘And all this time I thought it was your favourite... Good old Watson, never one to complain.’
‘I am sure it will be quite delicious.’ We both laughed.
‘Shall we return to the academy?’ I said.
He nodded and we strolled back along the river bank, quietly enjoying a most spectacular dawn.
Special thanks are owed to Martin Breese, who first published this book back in 1996 and used his magic touch to produce a quality publication and ensure its successful introduction to readers.
My deepest appreciation goes to family members and friends who provided help and encouragement when I was writing this book. This includes past and current members of Seattle’s great Sherlockian society,
This book would not have been possible without the research of
Above all, I owe my thanks to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose Sherlock Holmes stories first captivated me in my childhood and still have a firm hold on my imagination.
William Seil
November 2011
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE PEERLESS PEER
During the Second World War, Mycroft Holmes dispatches his brother, Sherlock, and Dr. Watson to recover a stolen formula. During their perilous journey, they are captured by a German zeppelin. Subsequently forced to abandon ship, the pair parachute into the dark African jungle where they encounter the lord of the jungle himself...
ISBN: 9780857681201
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THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE STAR OF INDIA
Holmes and Watson find themselves caught up in a complex chessboard of a problem, involving a clandestine love affair and the disappearance of a priceless sapphire. Professor James Moriarty is back to tease and torment, leading the duo on a chase through the dark and dangerous back streets of London and beyond.
ISBN: 9780857681218
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THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE WEB WEAVER
A mysterious gypsy places a cruel curse on the guests at a ball. When a series of terrible misfortunes affects those who attended, Mr. Donald Wheelwright engages Sherlock Holmes to find out what really happened that night. Can he save Wheelwright and his beautiful wife Violet from the devastating curse?
ISBN: 9780857686985
AVAILABLE NOW!
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE ANGEL OF THE OPERA
Paris 1890. Sherlock Holmes is summoned across the English Channel to the famous Opera House. Once there, he is challenged to discover the true motivations and secrets of the notorious phantom, who rules its depths with passion and defiance.
ISBN: 9781848568617
AVAILABLE NOW!
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE GIANT RAT OF SUMATRA
For many years, Dr. Watson kept the tale of The Giant Rat of Sumatra a secret. However, before he died, he arranged that the strange story of the giant rat should be held in the vaults of a London bank until all the
