Free The Broken Sun by Darrell Pitt

doesn’t suit you!’
    The temperature continued to drop. It may have been spring, but the strong onshore
wind was icy. They kept an eye on the water, but no ships came into sight. The discussion
returned to the case. Jack was enthusiastic that they had possession of the thief’s
vessel until Mr Doyle pointed out it was stolen.
    â€˜There are papers on board indicating the Pimpernel belongs to a Lady Jefferson of
Sussex. She appears to own two dachshunds named Zali and Koko,’ he said. ‘I have
taken note of the airship’s registration number, but I doubt it will lead to anything.’
    Early the next morning, Mr Doyle managed to hail a passing fishing boat that took
them back to the mainland. They ate a hearty meal in town before heading to Professor
Stein’s castle. He was able to add little to what he had already told them: the robbery
was still a mystery to him—as was the theft from the British Museum.
    â€˜Professor Stein is lying,’ Mr Doyle said as they travelled on a train back to London.
‘He knows more than he’s letting on. We did learn one thing that may help us. The
professor made a small slip about the artefact when we met him.’
    Jack thought hard. ‘He said the Broken Sun was part of a map.’
    â€˜Good boy.’
    â€˜It’s hard to believe that odd contraption could be part of a map,’ Scarlet mused.
    â€˜There have been many strange maps throughout history,’ Mr Doyle said. ‘One of the
most unusual was a medieval German map of the world made by Gervase of Ebstorf. Measuring
twelve feet wide, it was constructed from the skin of thirty goats.’
    They arrived back at Bee Street a few hours later. Gloria threw together an impromptu
lunch of sausages and potatoes, and Jack and Scarlet ate in the sitting room while
Mr Doyle leafed through his mail. Jack turned to see a goldfish bowl filled with
glass eyes. He was sure it hadn’t been there before.
    Gloria stuck her head in. ‘I have good news,’ she said. ‘The Lion’s Mane has been
found abandoned in Edmonton.’
    â€˜Is she damaged?’ Mr Doyle asked.
    Gloria confirmed the vessel was in excellent condition and already on route to them.
The reception bell rang and she went to answer it, returning with a business card.
    â€˜There’s a gentleman to see you,’ she said. ‘Tobias Bradstreet.’
    â€˜The mining tycoon?’ Mr Doyle frowned. ‘Did he state his business?’
    â€˜Something about being able to help you with your investigation.’
    Scarlet bit her lip. ‘How would he know what we’re investigating?’
    â€˜That is a mystery,’ Mr Doyle said. ‘Show him in, Gloria.’
    The man who stepped through the door was tall and thin with steel grey hair and broad
shoulders. He carried a grave air about him, but he still smiled as he shook hands
and took a seat.
    â€˜I’ll get straight to the point,’ Bradstreet said. ‘I know you’re involved in the
investigation of some stolen artefacts. I also have an interest in retrieving those
same pieces.’
    â€˜I am curious to know how you found out about our investigation,’ Mr Doyle said.
    â€˜Let’s just say I have eyes and ears everywhere. I would like to engage your services.’
    â€˜I am already employed by the British Museum. Obviously any information about the
Broken Sun would be helpful.’ Mr Doyle paused. ‘I assume you’re one of the investors
who backed the original expedition.’
    â€˜I am. I’ve long had an interest in archaeology.’
    â€˜What is so important about the Broken Sun?’
    â€˜Let me ask you a question,’ Bradstreet said. ‘What do you know about Atlantis?’
    â€˜Atlantis?’ Mr Doyle frowned. ‘It’s a mythical city, first mentioned in the writings
of Plato around 360 BC. Supposedly it was destroyed by a disaster some 10,000