Sherlock Holmes vs. Dracula by Loren D Estleman

Author:Loren D Estleman [Estleman, Loren D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Dracula; Count (Fictitious character), Mystery & Detective, General, Fiction, Holmes; Sherlock (Fictitious character), Traditional British, Watson; John H. (Fictitious character)
ISBN: 9780743475082
Publisher: I Books
Published: 2003-09-29T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

* * *

THE HUNT BEGINS

FOR PERHAPS a full minute after our visitor had introduced himself, no one moved. I am convinced that this was not due to any surprise upon the part of my friend, for from the moment the tall stranger appeared on the threshold his identity was never in doubt. Rather, I got the impression that the antagonists were measuring each other in anticipation of the struggle that would inevitably ensue. That I was considered little more than an interested spectator, and thus beneath the notice of the lordly presence in the doorway, was obvious from the start. At the end of the minute, the imperious expression upon the Count’s face softened somewhat and he favoured Sherlock Holmes with a courtly bow. In so doing he nearly swept the floor with the high silk hat he held in his right hand.

“I am honoured to make your acquaintance, sir,” said he, in that organ-pipe bass which was only slightly tainted with the accent of the eastern hordes. “Even in the country of my birth we have been fortunate enough to read of your marvellous exploits against the English criminal. The impressive abilities you have demonstrated within your chosen field of endeavour are without equal anywhere upon the Continent.”

It may have been that I was overwrought by his unexpected presence in our chambers, but I felt certain that he had placed a certain stress upon the words “your chosen field of endeavour.” If Holmes had noticed this as well, he made no mention of it, but inclined his head in a bow of appreciation.

“You flatter me, Count. Your reputation precedes you as well.”

There was no hostility in his tone, but it was there, in his words. The Count ignored it. He smiled in reply, exposing still further the razor-sharp canines which made my blood run cold just to look at them.

“The night is cold and I am not as young as once I was,” he said. “May I come in?”

“Please do. Perhaps you would care to join my colleague and myself in some whisky. Watson, a glass.”

“Thank you. I do not drink alcoholic beverages.” Dracula closed the door behind him noiselessly and advanced farther into the room. I noticed that he towered over my friend by nearly four inches. “If it please you, I will stand,” said he when Holmes indicated one of the armchairs. “The hours of the night are few, and I have many appointments to keep before morning. I will state my business and then you will be rid of me.”

“Would that that were true, Count Dracula.” Holmes returned his smile.

Dracula’s expression grew cold. “You are an outspoken young man, Mr. Holmes. In my country that is a dangerous trait. I advise you to guard your tongue in my presence.”

“My dear Count, we are both too old to waste time upon these pleasantries. How may I be of service to you?”

“Earlier this evening, you paid a visit to my home. I would like to know why.”

“I think we both know the answer to that question,” said my friend.

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