Sherlock Holmes
Page 13
Holmes was silent for a moment. “I will have to confer with the authorities to see what can be done. In the meantime, do nothing. I will send a telegram requesting your presence at Baker Street in the next few days.” Holmes stood and we prepared to leave.
The Bishop looked up at Holmes, asking, “Do you think there is a chance a scandal can truly be avoided?”
Holmes’ face was grim as he replied, “It is a possibility, nothing more.” Giving the Bishop a brief nod, we left.
Chapter 5 - Mycroft muddies the waters.
As we travelled back on the train, I enquired of Holmes’ knowledge of German spies in London. Holmes smiled. “You really need to look back to the war between Austria and Prussia for the background to modern German spying, Watson. A man of great talent set up a huge network of agents in the areas which were to be invaded, his name was Karl Stieber. Born in 1818 in Saxony, he became the head of the German secret police; his legacy is the network of spies we see today. It pervades Western Europe, seeking intelligence wherever it can.”
I was a little shocked by this. “Surely there cannot be many here in London? The authorities must be aware?” asked I.
Holmes spread his hands in reply. “The authorities are aware of their presence but, for the most part, their identities remain hidden. Grave concerns have been raised regarding the openness of our borders, Watson. A sharp contrast to the other countries of Europe. This has drawn spies and anarchists to London, they see it as a safe haven from which to operate. This affair with the Bishop is one that, I believe, brother Mycroft will want to exploit.”
On our return, Holmes had despatched a telegram to Mycroft outlining our meeting with the Bishop. The result of this was an unexpected visit the following morning.
We had just finished a fine breakfast of a pair of smoked kippers when in swept Mycroft. “Ah, Sherlock! I require your counsel. I have a need to turn this debacle to our advantage.”
Holmes’ face bore a thin smile. “Yes, I thought this situation might be of interest to you, Mycroft. I see a way for you to influence the thinking in the German capital.”
Mycroft nodded. “Yes, it must be done subtly, Sherlock. We need the Bishop's co-operation. Will he be willing?”
Holmes nodded slowly. “I believe he would do anything to avoid a scandal and a charge of treason.”
Mycroft's face bore a grim smile. “It is as I had hoped. I have prepared some papers which I want the Bishop to take to Mrs Withers. They contain some unimportant information which is true but also some important misinformation regarding the loyalty of one of their top submarine designers, a certain Johann Friedmann. We have also arranged for a payment to be made into Herr Friedmann's bank account. With a little effort, the money can be traced back to an English bank which is known to the Germans for handling government payments.”
Holmes smiled. “Ah, you intend to use this contact to muddy the waters a little within the Kaiserliche Marine?”
Mycroft nodded. “Indeed so. A seed of doubt regarding the loyalty of this fellow may well bear fruit. You will need to send the telegram to the Bishop requesting him to come here. I have obtained a case identical to the one used by Captain Mapleton. If he does as requested, I will try and persuade the government not to take action against him.”
Holmes nodded. “I will see to it, Mycroft.”
The telegram was duly sent that afternoon and the following morning there was a ring at our front door which announced the arrival of the Bishop of Sandbury. I must confess that he did not look a deal better than when we had seen him before. It was indeed clear that his transgressions were weighing heavily upon him.
Holmes welcomed the Bishop and as he sat before us, I could see him trembling. “Good morning, my Lord. I have spoken to my brother, Mycroft, who has some influence within the Government. There is a chance that you may not be prosecuted and a scandal averted.”
The Bishop looked up a Holmes, there was now a spark of hope in his eyes. “What must I do, Mr Holmes?”
Holmes stood and paced a little. “It is necessary for you to visit Mrs Withers again with a document case identical to that of your brother. I have it here, ready, and it is imperative that you behave as before. Nothing must change.”
The Bishop looked shocked. “But...but the government papers...”
Holmes smiled. “Do not fear, my Lord, all is in order. You are not committing any act of treason.”
There was some relief on the face of the Bishop… but it was clear that he was still gravely concerned. “What of my tie pin and the photograph?”
Holmes rubbed his chin, saying, “Yes, I have been giving that some thought. It may require me also to visit Old Burlington Street. Tell me, my Lord. When Mrs Withers showed you the tie pin and your photograph, where were you?”
The Bishop thought for a moment before answering. “She showed me into her office and asked me to sit down. It was then that she unlocked a drawer in her desk and took from it the two items.”
Holmes nodded. “Well, my Lord, here is the case with the papers. I must stress again that you act as you have done on your previous visits. It is imperative that you do not raise her suspicions.” The Bishop looked quite unwell but nodded silently. Holmes held out the case and walked towards the Bishop. “We must not delay you any further, my Lord. Mrs Withers awaits!” and with that, he handed him the case and ushered the Bishop out of the door.
Chapter 6 - Watson bares all!
The Bishop had left us somewhat reluctantly and, from our rooms, we saw him hail a cab in the street below. We could only hope that he would play his part in this grand deception.
We sat for a while, each in our own thoughts and smoked a pipe of tobacco. Holmes sat back in his favourite leather armchair and it was clear from his countenance that he was considering what options were open to him. “Describe to me, if you will Watson, the locations of the rooms at Old Burlington Street.”
I sat and thought for a moment, trying to visualise the rooms that I had visited. “Well, as you enter the establishment, you find yourself in the waiting room. To the left is the office from where Mrs Withers appeared. To the right there are two other rooms which appear to be identical, 'treatment' rooms. It was into one of these I was shown. I believe, from my conversation with Nurse Susan, that there are similar rooms upstairs.”
Holmes pursed his lips. “It is the office of Mrs Withers that is of interest to me. I'm afraid you may be required to put on a bit of a show, old chap... nothing spectacular, but sufficient to attract and hold the attention of Mrs Withers.”
I held my tongue but the thought of returning to Mrs Withers’ establishment was one I did not relish.
We waited until the following day before venturing out towards Old Burlington Street. Holmes had selected several items from his collection of burglar's tools and had placed them in his coat pockets.
We hailed a Hansom and once again I asked the cabbie to stop in Saville Row and, together, we walked the last few yards. “This is it Holmes. Mrs Withers’ establishment is on the first floor.”
Just as we were climbing the steps, a tall, distinguished figure swept past us. I looked at Holmes and was about to ask him to confirm the identity of the person I had recognised when Holmes held up his hand. I realised then that discretion in this matter was everything.
Climbing the stairs to the first floor we approached the door. As I reached out to knock, Holmes caught my sleeve, saying, “I shall follow in three or four minutes, giving you time to discuss your needs and for Mrs Withers to take you into the treatment room.”
I saw the smile on Holmes’ face. I was sure that he was gaining enormous pleasure from my discomfort in this matter. I knocked and waited. A few moments later the door was once again opened by the maid and I was invited inside.
Mrs Withers was already in the waiting room and it was plain that she was most pleased to see that I had returned. “Good morning, sir. How pleasant to see you again. Is the shoulder still bothering you?”
Once again Mrs Withers beamed at my request. “Of course, sir… and would you be requiring Nurse Susan?” she enquired.
I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I found her massage most beneficial during my last visit.”
Leading the way, Mrs Withers took me into the treatment room and, once there, she entered the bathroom. Clouds of steam again rolled from the bathroom bringing the scent of pine which filled the air as she ran my bath. It was at that moment that I panicked. I had forgotten to relate, in my narrative to Holmes, that Mrs Withers had left for a few minutes whilst I undressed and climbed into the bath. I heard the water stop running and she entered the treatment room saying, “Right then, sir. I will leave you for a few moments whilst you undress.”
She had her hand on the door and was opening it as I cried, “Wait!” She turned towards me and I saw, to my horror, through the opening door, the figure of Holmes entering the waiting room. “I...I...err...I'm having some difficulty undressing, due to my shoulder. I wonder if you would mind helping me, Mrs Withers.”
I gave her what I hoped would be a helpless smile. She gave me a knowing look, saying, “Why of course sir, I'm always available to assist a gentlemen out of his clothes and into the bath” and she gave my arm a squeeze.
Even though I am a professional man, used to having to examine my patients and sometimes help them disrobe, I am, at best, a reluctant patient. We struggled with my clothes for a few minutes with me feigning difficulty with my shoulder but soon I was naked. I held out my arm and she assisted me as I climbed into the bath and sat down.
At this point, she turned to leave. I was sure that Holmes had not had sufficient time to accomplish his task so I had to try and delay Mrs Withers further. “Pray, don't leave Mrs Withers. I...I am in need of your attentions for my bathing also. Of course, I would be willing to pay a little extra for your expertise in these matters.”
Mrs Withers gave me a wink, saying, “Of course sir, allow me.” and, taking up a loofa, she began to wash my back.
After ten excruciating minutes, not one part of me had been left untouched. I felt defiled! However, I smiled as she dried me and I indicated that Nurse Susan would not be required as the assisted bathing had relaxed me sufficiently. Mrs Withers helped me dress and we returned, once more, to the waiting room.
“Right, sir. That will be twenty-five shillings to cover the little extra attention.” She smiled sweetly and I gave her a sovereign and two half crowns. I touched my hat, said goodbye and hurried down the stairs.
Chapter 7 - Illustrious Gentlemen
It took me but a few moments to find Holmes. He could see that I was more than a little unnerved. “Gracious me, Watson. You came down those steps in a very spritely fashion for a man with a war wound!” He laughed heartily and patted me on the back. “Come on old fellow, let us look for somewhere to compare stories.” With that, he took my arm and we set off to seek somewhere to lunch.
Finding a nearby tavern, we ordered two pints of ale. For our luncheon we were served a fine meal of pork pie, a little Stilton cheese, some pickles and freshly baked bread. Holmes was as anxious to hear my tale as I was to hear whether he had been able to retrieve the Bishop's tie pin and photograph.
“I have to say, Holmes that my heart almost stopped when I saw you through the crack in the door as you entered the waiting room.”
Holmes smiled broadly. “Yes, very quick thinking on your part, Watson. I heard it all!”
I grumbled and raised my glass of ale. “That is not all, Holmes. I had to prevent Mrs Withers from returning to her office. I did so by procuring her services and enduring the indignity of a most intrusive and intimate assisted bath!” At this, Holmes roared with laughter and, whilst at first I was a little aggrieved, I did eventually see the humorous side of the affair.
Holmes then began to recount his adventure from when he entered the waiting room. “On opening the outer door a crack, I observed that the coast was clear. Crossing towards the office of Mrs Withers, I saw the door of the treatment room beginning to open and heard your voice. Thankfully, your request saved the day! I slipped into the office which I have to say was richly furnished in Mahogany and velvets. Mrs Withers’ desk was rather fine with inlaid legs and a leather writing surface in the Georgian style.”
Holmes paused and took a drink of ale before continuing. “However, the drawer locks were child's play and by using the appropriate pick they soon gave up their secrets. I was surprised to find that Mrs Withers had files on numerous clients, several illustrious names were amongst them. It took me but a few moments to find the Bishop’s file and from it I removed the photograph and also the tie pin.
Holmes paused again briefly before continuing. “It was as I prepared to copy the names of the clients into my notebook that I heard footsteps approaching. This required me to dive into the kneehole of the desk. I could see, from my position in the shadow beneath the desk, that one of the nurses had entered the room. She crossed to a wooden cabinet, opened it and inside was a small safe with a slotted recess in the top. Obviously, it was the practice that when Mrs Withers was not present to take the money, the girls dropped the coins into the safe. I observed that the safe was made by Thomas Milner of Oxford Street. A safe of reasonable quality but certainly not invincible.”
I looked closely at Holmes and noted that he now had a distinct twinkle in his eye. “Waiting until the girl had left, I then quickly scribbled the names from the files into my notebook. I also took the liberty of making an impression of the safe key which was also in the desk drawer. Taking a small tin containing some glaziers putty is always useful when one may have to make an impression of a key. Replacing everything as it had been found, I locked the drawer, slipped from the office and out of the building.”
Chapter 8 - A triumphant return!
Holmes was clearly pleased with the outcome of our adventure and, on finishing lunch, we hailed a cab and returned to Baker Street. As we entered our lodgings, Mrs Hudson passed Holmes a note that had been left by a government messenger. “Ah, it is from Mycroft. He is to visit this evening at around nine.” I could see from Holmes’ expression that he was indeed eager to pass on the details of our exploits to his brother.
As we sat after dinner smoking a pipe before Mycroft's arrival, I suddenly remembered the list of names that Holmes had copied into his notebook. “Were there some names of interest in Mrs Withers’ files Holmes? I asked.
Holmes had a thin smile on his lips as he tossed his notebook over to me. I must confess that I sprang from my chair like a Jack-in-the-box as I read the first name. “Holmes! This is incredible...and...no! Good Lord...not...” I sank into my chair totally aghast and bewildered by the importance of the names on the list. “You mean this woman has a hold on each of these men?”
Holmes nodded. “Incredible it may be, Watson but I fear it is so. These men are the captains of industry and men of great influence within our government and yet, they are mere puppets, performing at the whim of a foreign power.”
I had barely taken in this information when the ringing of the bell in the hall below announced the arrival of Mycroft. Once safely in our rooms, and with the door firmly closed, Holmes swiftly recounted our visit to Mrs Withers and how he had retrieved the Bishop's photograph and tie pin. At the end of his narrative, Holmes passed Mycroft a copy of the list of names from his notebook.
Mycroft Holmes is not a man easily shocked. However, it was apparent from his expression that, on this occasion, he most certainly was! Mycroft recovered quickly, saying, “I must admit, Sherlock that Mrs Withers has very interesting clientele. It is something, I think, Mr Asquith and the Prime Minister should be made aware of immediately.”
Holmes smiled and nodded. “Quite so...you may find this of some use in the future, Mycroft, should you have need to visit the lady's establishment in an official capacity.” Holmes r
eached into his jacket pocket and removed the small tin containing the glaziers putty with the impression of the safe key.
Mycroft opened the tin and examined the impression. “Ah, one of Thomas Milner's if I am not mistaken. The form of the key is quite distinctive. Thank you Sherlock, it will no doubt be most useful. I will keep you apprised of the situation regarding the Bishop of Sandbury.” With a nod in my direction, Mycroft was gone.
Two months passed before we heard from Mycroft again. It appears that he had had occasion to use the services of the Bishop of Sandbury to deliver further false information to the German embassy. As confirmation of the validity of the contents of Captain Mapleton's bag, he had arranged for Mrs Withers’ establishment to be raided a week later by Special Branch. In the raid the files were seized and the contents of the safe removed. Such action ensured that Mrs Withers’ hold over her clients had been relinquished, much to the relief of all parties concerned. We also learned that as a direct result of the deception, Herr Friedmann had been removed from his post and was currently languishing and awaiting trial in a Kiel prison.
It was a few days after these events, as we were sitting at leisure in our rooms, that a letter arrived for Holmes bearing the postmark of Sandbury. Holmes opened it and smiled. “It is a note from the Bishop, listen to this, Watson...'Dear Mr Holmes and Dr Watson, I have been informed that as a result of my co-operation with Special Branch that I am not to be prosecuted. This is on condition that I retire from my post as Bishop of Sandbury with immediate effect. The Bishop of Westfield tells me that I have you and Dr Watson to thank for preventing a scandal and I am forever in your debt. I have also been informed that you retrieved my tie pin from Mrs Withers. It would give me great pleasure if you would keep it as a gift from a very grateful churchman'. It is signed, Clive Mapleton."