Ryan - The Druid of Death - a Sherlock Holmes Adventure

The Druid of Death:A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

by Richard T. Ryan

2018 digital version converted and published by

Andrews UK Limited

www.andrewsuk.com

First edition published in 2018

Copyright 2018 Richard T Ryan

The right of Richard T Ryan to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998.

All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without express prior written permission.

No paragraph of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted except with express prior written permission or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956 (as amended). Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damage.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book, as of the date of publication, nothing herein should be construed as giving advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not of MX Publishing.

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Cover design by Brian Belanger.

As always, this book is dedicated to my wife, Grace, who not only does the impossible on a daily basis but puts up with it as well.

And to my children, Dr. Kate Ryan-Smith and Michael, as well as my son-in-law, Daniel. Each, in his or her own way, is a source of inspiration to me.

Finally, this book is dedicated to the memory of my parents.

Introduction

Those who have read either one of the previous stories that have appeared under my name are familiar with the origins of the manuscripts. While on a golfing holiday in Scotland, I attended an estate sale where I emerged victorious, after a rather spirited bidding war, as the owner of a locked box.

Upon forcing it open, I discovered a second box inside the first. Equally surprising was the fact that stenciled on the lid of the second box was the name John H. Watson. Indeed, it was the famed tin dispatch box of Sherlock Holmes friend and companion. Moreover, it was filled with manuscripts that had failed to see the light of day for various reasons during the great sleuths lifetime.

I believe that The Vatican Cameos was held back because of the possible political fallout it posed to a newly unified Italy as well as the potential embarrassment its release might have caused the papacy.

The Stone of Destiny was never published, I assume, because of the political tension that existed between England and Ireland at the time. I suppose a secondary reason for keeping it hidden might have been the fact that its release might have placed Holmes in a rather precarious position with the powers that be.

With this book, which Watson had titled The Druid of Death, there can be no doubt as to why the adventure was kept secret. Attached to the folder that contained the manuscript was a letter in the good doctors handwriting that explained his reticence in making the public aware of the facts.

Having read the entire tale, I find myself in agreement with Watsons assessment; however, that is a judgment that each reader must make for himself. To that end, I have provided a copy of the doctors letter, and I leave it the individual reader to decide whether to press on and read the tale or to heed the wishes of Holmes.

As I said, I find myself siding with the doctor, and my decision is rendered with a genuine tenderness for Holmes and the honest belief that at least in this one instance, Holmes vanity would deprive readers of an otherwise excellent adventure that I believe shows him at the absolute top of his game.

I think, had the Great Detective enjoyed the advantage of hindsight that we enjoy as well as the objectivity that we can bring to bear on this tale, he might have been persuaded to change his mind.

At any rate, here is the tale, preceded by Doctor Watsons missive. I hope you enjoy both, but I will certainly understand, if after perusing the letter, you should decide not to read the book.

Richard T. Ryan

Preface

10 June, 1910

More than a decade has passed since the strange and tragic events that gripped the nation in 1899. In his long and storied career, I believe that these events constituted, without a doubt, one of the more unusual cases in which Sherlock Holmes ever became involved.

Much of the story has been withheld due to a certain sense of propriety and the abhorrence that both Holmes and I share with regard to scandal.

However, the real reason that the case was never published is quite simply because Holmes forbade it. In retrospect, I can understand his feelings on that matter. I have often written of my friends vanity, perhaps his greatest weakness.

This case was one in which Holmes labored mightily, but with so few clues at his disposal, it was one in which he ultimately felt that he had not covered himself in glory. In fact, his exertions were such that at one point I even toyed with the idea of titling the work Holmes Agonisties .

Although I vehemently disagreed with him then (and I still do), I was not about to let the publication of such events drive a wedge between us. I valued Holmes friendship far more than the few pounds I might have made from their publication.

Still, I think this adventure demonstrates all the better qualities that make up Sherlock Holmes - tenacity, ingenuity, brilliance and, dare I say it, compassion - and that they can be seen shining brightly through the otherwise sordid events.

And so, as always, the choice falls to someone other than I to make the decision as to the disposition of this work.

Those who have admired Holmes may want to honor his wish and perhaps re-read one of my other efforts. To quote Geoffrey Chaucer, you may feel free to Turne over the leef and chese another tale.

However, I believe that those who choose that course will deprive themselves of as fine an exhibition of deductive prowess and wide-ranging knowledge as it has ever been my privilege to witness and chronicle.

Sincerely yours,

John H. Watson

Noli tubare circulos meos!

(Do not disturb my circles!)

Some believe these to be the last words of the Greek scientist and thinker, Archimedes

Chapter 1 - London, 1899

After a rather unremarkable winter, marked by a conspicuous absence of storms, during which Holmes and I were kept exceedingly busy, spring appeared to arrive early in 1899. By the second week of March, it had grown unseasonably warm, and I was beginning to think that crime had decided to take a holiday to celebrate the end of winter.

On Monday, the 20 th , spring officially arrived without any undue fanfare. The day was rather mild and sunny, but otherwise, like the winter that had preceded it, totally without distinction. I say that because I remember distinctly that it passed without incident. In retrospect, I now realize that it truly was the calm before the storm.

The next morning, I awoke to discover Holmes had gone out early. When she brought my breakfast, Mrs. Hudson informed me that Inspector Lestrade had arrived at about seven oclock and awakened her and Holmes in that order.

With nothing else to occupy my time and no word from my friend, I spent the day seeing a few patients and catching up on my correspondence. I ate a solitary dinner as Holmes had yet to return. After my meal, I visited my club, and when I returned to Baker Street, it was to an empty sitting room.

I was somewhat surprised - although not totally - at having no communication from Holmes.

I was just preparing to douse the lights and turn in when I heard my friends familiar tread on the stairs. As he entered, I could tell by the dour expression on his face that something was terribly amiss. Whats wrong, Holmes?