Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, Volume 15 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle & Arthur Conan Doyle

Author:Sir Arthur Conan Doyle & Arthur Conan Doyle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: elementary, sherlock holmes, mystery magazine
ISBN: 9781479404629
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2014-12-09T05:00:00+00:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR HOLMES! by Gary Lovisi

It was in late 1903 after the affair I would eventually chronicle as “The Adventure of the Creeping Man” for The Strand magazine, when my friend Sherlock Holmes seemed to be in an unusual mood of dark disturbance. I could only assume that it was the Abercrombie situation that was playing upon his mind—a dangerous escaped convict who was said to be on his way to London. Holmes would not speak of it and even the press was sparse regarding details, so I put the matter aside for the time being. I had concerns of my own just then causing me considerable consternation.

Mary, my wife, had gone away for a protracted visit to the north country to look after her ailing mother, so I found myself alone and lonely at home without her. I was much buoyed when Holmes suggested I move back into our old lodgings at Baker Street for the next month or two while she was away. It was a generous offer on his part to assuage my loneliness and I felt beholden to do something to reciprocate his generosity—and I knew exactly what I would do to repay my good friend.

“Watson? Now what is it?” Sherlock Holmes asked me with obvious disdain that morning as we finished breakfast. “I can smell the wood burning.”

“Should I stoke the fire?” I asked coyly.

“Hah! Not the fireplace, old man, but you, your very thoughts. Your mind is working in high gear. I fear you may hurt yourself if you tax your faculties so harshly.”

“You…fear…What?” I blurted, holding down my chagrin.

Holmes laughed, allowing a mischievous grin, “You are up to something. I can read the signs all over you, though you are trying hard to hide it. Now I wonder what it can be?”

“Really, Holmes! You can be insufferable at times.”

Sherlock Holmes smiled victoriously. I knew he was playing with me now. “That does it! Now whatever can you be planning? Surely not that execrable birthday party scheme again? Each year at this time you endeavor to harass me with that ridiculous nonsense, and each year I refuse you adamantly.”

“That may be, Holmes, but this is different. This January, the sixth will be your fiftieth birthday, a singular milestone in your life and career,” I spoke softly, imploringly, for I knew his rages and upon this matter he had always been very firm. Nevertheless, I felt I had to press ahead for he was correct, you see, I did have plans. I added, “This is a special moment in your life. You should celebrate this occasion. I wish to celebrate it. Many people would like to celebrate it with you.”

“Then do so. Tip a pint! Tip a dozen pints for all I care, but do please leave me out of it. I have no wish to be put on display, regaled by gawkers with whom I am forced to make pleasantries, while being force-fed food and victuals, then stuffed with cake or pastry, only

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.