Free Sherlock Holmes in Something the Cat Dragged In by Lyn McConchie Page B

confidence. “There is a man I may be able to approach,” I said vaguely. “Wait here and leave it to me.” With that I left the café, hailed a cab, and went to an address where I found my quarry and was extremely frank with him.
    â€œWhatever your decision, I shall say nothing of this to anyone. It’s a matter of patient confidentiality,” I assured the man I addressed. “But I would put two points to you. One is that if this is not done quietly, then a hundred police will storm the area, and you know the police, while they’re there they’ll investigate anything and everything, for bloodhounds have nothing on them. They’ll dig through every room, every attic and cupboard. They’ll seize items and people, and ask questions of everyone. And people will fight back, so the police will pour more of their men into the search.”
    He nodded, a look of anger and concern on his face.
    â€œAnd there is this, too. They seek a man of power and influence; if he is hurt in this disturbance he has the ability to persuade the police to further efforts. Should he be seriously injured or killed, his powerful family will see the area razed to the ground. Nor is that all of it. The man behind those who hold Lord Northgate is a foreign spy, seeking to begin a war with England.”
    I saw the look in his eyes change. “You swear?”
    â€œI do. If we fail in this, war will very possibly come, and that swiftly. Nor is it likely that it will be only the two countries, as others may be dragged in until there is a great war, one that will see tens of thousands slaughtered. You may not be called up, but are there none in your family who are younger and able-bodied?”
    â€œYes.” And he continued, pre-empting my next question. “Nor do I wish to see them forced into the Army, as would happen. All right, Doctor, I’m convinced. I know the building you mention. There’ll be a clear passage to it from six this evening. You and no more than three others can pass though. If there’s any fighting, that’ll be for you to do. We’ll just see that you can come and go without interference, and I want no coppers.” He grinned. “Leastways none in uniform, and no one making any arrests or shouting about being the police, understand?”
    I did, and I said so. I was grateful and I said that as well.
    â€œAh well, me too, Doctor, me too. And it won’t do me harm to have it known that I prevented—well—what would have otherwise happened. You go along now, Doctor, and I’ll see you at six on the corner of…” He named two streets at the edge of the Metcalf tenements, and we went our different ways with goodwill.
    I returned to the café, and to Western’s complete astonishment informed Holmes and him that at six that evening we could walk unimpeded to the address where Northgate was held. Holmes and I would of course be involved, and we were permitted to bring another two men with us.
    â€œI’ll go,” Western said decisively. “If you can’t find another man, I could make a suggestion or two from those I know.”
    I chuckled. “I rather think that Lestrade will want to be in on this.”
    Holmes considered. “Yes, and he is less likely to lose his head. Harrison is a good man, but if he sees something he thinks should be investigated, zeal might run away with him. No, let us go at once to see Lestrade and make the arrangements.”
    That we did, and while also incredulous, the Inspector agreed to meet us just outside the area, and in plain clothes. “I’ll mind my own business as you ask, Mr. Holmes. You’re right. We’re there to get Northgate out alive and not to chase crooks, although that could go against the grain if I see anything blatantly illegal. However, as you say, better we get our man out in one piece and see if we can find the papers too, than we start a riot and