Free Sherlock Holmes by Dick Gillman Page B

to have come from this company in
London." He turned the box he was holding towards us. Upon it was
displayed the name, ‘Arthur Birchwood & Sons, Chiswick,
London.’
    “Chiswick!” I cried, “That’s where…” I
stopped as I was silenced by a glance and a raised finger from
Holmes.
    Holmes nodded. “Indeed, Watson. That’s where
we must search further."
    Holmes thanked the inspector and then
enquired the time of the next train back to London. The inspector
consulted his watch and told us that we could catch the half past
two express. This then gave us sufficient time to partake of a
light luncheon, pack our bags and catch the train.
    Holmes, I could see, was appreciative when
Inspector Thomas himself collected us from ‘The Swan’ and drove us
to the station. Shaking hands, we bade him farewell and promised to
send word of the results of our enquiries.
     

Chapter 6 - The motive
     
    The train journey back to London was
uneventful except, perhaps, when Holmes, who had been propped in a
corner, seemingly asleep, suddenly addressed me. “Watson, in the
light of what we discovered in Truro. What can we now deduce from
the communications we have received from this villain? I am seeking
any further information that we might garner, now that our minds
are not clouded by the imperative of finding his modus
operandi.”
    I sat for a few moments, thinking back to the
letter we had both seen at Baker Street. “Well, I can see the
reason why the gum on the envelope remained unused and why it was
sealed with wax. Clearly he did not want to fall foul of his own
poison."
    “Yes, quite so... but sending a poisoned
envelope was clearly a mistake on his part. I think he may also
have made a further error by revealing more about himself than he
would like.” Holmes now paused for a moment before asking, “Do you
recall the wording for the insertion into ‘The Times’ personal
column?”
    I thought for a moment before replying, “Yes.
I thought it a little contrived.”
    Holmes smiled
and nodded. “Let us look closely at this
sentence. 'Mr J. Bull agrees and wishes to settle his debt.' I
think it conveys more than a simple message”.
    Holmes leaned
forwards slightly, saying, “J. Bull obviously refers to Great
Britain… but why does he see this attempt at extortion as a
repayment of a debt? Reparation, perhaps? It is as though he feels
he has been cheated and, is indeed, rightfully owed this money by
the government.”
    I shook my head and once more Holmes sank
back into the corner of the train compartment, deep in thought.
    It was early evening when we arrived back at
Paddington and we quickly hailed a Hansom. Holmes had dispatched a
telegram to Mycroft from the station telegraph office, asking him
to come to Baker Street at 10 a.m. the following morning.
    I was somewhat fatigued from our travels and
bade my friend goodnight. Holmes grunted and remained sitting in
his leather armchair, drawing steadily on his pipe, deep in his own
thoughts.
    When I arose and appeared for breakfast at
8:30 a.m. the following morning, Holmes had already left. About an
hour later, I heard Holmes’ familiar tread on the stairs and
feeling refreshed, I asked, “Good morning, Holmes. An early
stroll?”
    Holmes shook his head. “Hardly, Watson. I
have been to Companies House and to see other contacts in The City
to gather information regarding Messrs. Arthur Birchwood and
Sons.”
    “Did you find anything of interest?” I
enquired.
    Holmes sat down and began to fill his
favourite Meerschaum. “Yes, very much so. It would appear that the
company was set up some fifty years ago to make the folding paper
templates for envelopes. The company was successful and moved
forward, embracing the new system of producing gummed envelopes.
Apparently, the process required the purchase of a large amount of
new machinery and, because of a series of unwise investments, the
company almost went bankrupt.”
    I nodded, asking, “I take it there is