The Adventures of Mary Darling by Pat Murphy

Author:Pat Murphy [Murphy, Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, Action & Adventure, Fairy Tales; Folk Tales; Legends & Mythology, Fantasy, Fiction
ISBN: 9781616964382
Google: c6fb0AEACAAJ
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Published: 2025-05-05T16:00:00+00:00

On his first morning aboard, Holmes had created a routine that allowed him to endure the tranquility of the ocean voyage. He had selected a place on deck that was sheltered from the wind. There he set up two deck chairs and settled in—initially with his pipe and tobacco pouch, and later with a pot of Rumbold’s special tea as well.

From this comfortable vantage point, Holmes observed other passengers strolling on the deck. Occasionally he drew one into a long conversation. (That was what the second deck chair was for.)

The morning after Watson’s late-night encounter with mysterious blue lights, the good doctor found Holmes in his usual spot and took the deck chair beside him. Nana, who had been keeping a close eye on Watson since his late-night observation of lights in the water, sat beside him and leaned against his leg as if to remind him that she was there.

“Join me in a cup of tea?” Holmes asked. When Watson shook his head, Holmes smiled. “My dear doctor, don’t look so grim. Rumbold assures me that this beverage will do me no harm. I’m pleased to say that this tea has helped me stave off boredom for a time. I have whiled away these long afternoons taking advantage of the expertise of our fellow passengers. Dawson has educated me about the value of orchids. Benito Salini has taught me about gems. Rumbold has added to my knowledge of exotic poisons.”

“I’ve had some interesting conversations as well,” Watson said. “Sam told me where he met Mary and George.”

“Excellent! What have you learned?”

“You won’t like it.”

Before Watson could speak again, Holmes held up a hand. “Don’t just tell me what he said. Tell me when you talked, where you were, and what was happening when he told you. Include every detail, however trivial.”

“It was last night,” Watson said. “I was at the bow of the ship, watching the moonlight on the water. As I stared at the water, I became aware of light below the surface, ribbons of blue light that shifted and flowed. I could see moving shapes under the water. I heard sounds that blended with the rush of the water against the hull and the wind in the sails. Almost like music.”

Holmes was listening intently. “Go on,” he said, as Watson hesitated.

“Sam found me there and told me not to watch the lights and not to listen to the sounds.” Now, in the bright light of afternoon, Watson felt foolish. Experiences of the night before felt like a dream.

“Did he give you a reason for this warning?”

Nana put her head in Watson’s lap, encouraging him with her presence. “Sam said that mermaids were trying to lure me into the water so they could watch me drown. He told me they came from Neverland.” Watson hesitated, then went on. “Sam said that he met Mary and George in Neverland.”

Holmes nodded. “I am glad that Sam has acknowledged that he has a long acquaintance with George. I had deduced as much.

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