Sherlock Holmes and the Discarded Cigarette by Fred Thursfield Read Free Book Online Page A

Holmes. “That time travel is possible and how the machine makes it happen.
    But you have to understand this kind of knowledge in the wrong hands could be dangerous.” “When I had the mechanical drawings executed it was only to prove that the machine could be constructed and could operate in the way I described in my story.”
    â€œA moot point Mr. Wells, it appears that some one has come into possession of this information by way of a duplicate copy of the mechanical drawings and may make your theoretical,” Holmes waved his hand in Mr. Well’s direction, “machine a reality.”
    â€œI can only speculate as to what type of havoc such a machine might be capable of doing, but because I have knowledge of the person who has the drawings so we can rule out any major crime like bank robbery happening once the machine becomes operational.”
    Wells now looking a little sheepish asked “Do you know who has the copy of the mechanical drawings and how they came into possession of it?” “The who Mr. Wells, is one Montague John Druitt,”
    â€œWatson can testify that Druitt was considered by many to be the number one suspect in the Jack the Ripper case how ever there was very little evidence with which to implicate him. He has been incarcerated for the theft of small to medium sized oil paintings and was also in the business of creating reasonably good forgeries of the stolen paintings to sell to less than discriminate buyers.”
    â€œI have a feeling that Druitt is going to find a use for your machine that the character in your story never thought of or much less imagined. As to the how I can’t really tell you, however I have it on good evidence that recently a lady was seen in Druitt’s company and the she was see carrying what looked like a large roll of papers no doubt unlike a set of mechanical drawings.”
    From the look of dismay and regret that was playing across Wells face I reasoned that he knew who in fact the lady was and why she had done this. Then realizing the gravity of what had been set in motion Wells stated “Mr. Holmes we will have to prevent this Druitt character from doing any harm at any cost.”
    Reflecting back to events that had taken place at the Belgravia Gallery and to the conversations we had both had with the managing director and the art restorer Holmes very matter of fact stated “I think Mr. Wells that with what I have ascertained from a reputable art gallery here in London Druitt may have already put his plan into motion.”
    Looking very puzzled Wells asked Holmes “How do you know this?” Before answering Holmes looked to me for some guidance. I minimally shook my head to him conveying that the less Wells knew at this time the better.
    Taking my cue as he stood up and helped Wells to his feet, “Watson if you would be so kind as to fetch Mr. Wells’s hat and coat.” Putting on his coat and hat Wells no doubt felt a little like he had been suddenly been left out in the cold, Holmes placed his hand reassuringly upon Wells shoulder and said to him “Rest assured Mr. Wells that when we know more about this matter we shall be in touch with you.”
    Holmes saw to it that I escort our guest down the flight of carpeted stairs from Holmes rooms to the front door. As we were both standing in the door way waiting for Wells hansom cab to arrive I told him that as a married man I had a pretty good idea of how events had come to this stage. That Druitt would be stopped one way or another and that with some luck Wells name and reputation would never come to any type of harm.

Chapter 18
    Â 
    While climbing back up the carpeted stairs to Holmes late afternoon lit parlor I had a chance to think about what he had alluded to with Wells. Seeing Holmes seated with his head casually buried in the paper...realizing he wasn’t really reading but only waiting for me to ask the obvious