In the final part of our exclusive Sherlock Holmes adventure, the celebrated detective deduces the link between the delivery of seven macabre Christmas cards, a burglary and a violent murder but in doing so puts his own life in danger.
The next morning found Holmes staring moodily out of the window. Although the first and second post had already been delivered, no further cards had arrived and it seemed that there was little we could do but wait. Now there is a sad story, Holmes remarked. A young man marries above himself. In order to support his wife, he takes himself to the colonies and there accumulates a certain amount of wealth.
Yesterday, in the first part of our exclusive new Sherlock Holmes mystery, the eminent detective and Dr Watson were visited by a wealthy impresario whose valuable antique clock had been stolen.
But, more disturbingly, the clock s owner had received seven macabre Christmas cards, signed only by a friend . Could there be a link to the burglar?
After taking on the case, Holmes and Watson had a heart-stopping encounter on the dark streets of London.
The next day, Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard arrives with chilling news . . .
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson were visited by a wealthy impresario whose valuable antique clock had been stolen
It is a matter of some regret that, throughout my long and intimate acquaintance with Mr Sherlock Holmes, I was never able to persuade him of the simple pleasures afforded by the Christmas season. Not for him the goose roasting in front of the fire or the steaming plum pudding.
The notion of a tree supplanted from its natural environment and brought into the home he regarded as an abomination, even though it was a practice first championed by the Royal Household.
Never once did I see him go to church . . . unless it was in pursuit of an investigation. Indeed, I can recall a memorable occasion when he followed a known adventuress to a wedding ceremony only to his great surprise to find himself officiating as best man!