The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (31 page)

In all, just over 700 of the
Titanic
’s 2,200 passengers and crew had survived. By far, the heaviest losses were among the steerage passengers and the crew. All thirty-six of the ship’s engineers, who kept the engines and lights going until the very end, had apparently died.

And what of Holmes? Mr Lightoller told Miss Storm-Fleming that he had seen him struggling, hand to hand, with Moriarty just before the ship went down. But he could not say what happened to him after that.

‘They say we will reach New York by Thursday,’ said Miss Storm-Fleming.

I did not answer at once but lay there, staring at the ceiling.

‘I was just thinking about Holmes...and about all those people on deck. Some just refused to believe that the ship would sink, right to the very end. Hundreds more might have been saved if they had taken the danger seriously. Did they really think that the
Titanic
was unsinkable?’

‘I suppose we have become arrogant, somehow believing that we had overcome the forces of nature once and for all. We have forgotten humility. I think, if anything, the
Titanic
is a reminder for us to face the future with more humility. But, if you want to talk about legacies, let us consider the one left by Mr Holmes.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Mr Holmes certainly believed in the power of reason, but there was far more to him than that. His character and unswerving devotion to justice were unmatched. And the clarity of his values gave him the courage to recognize the villains of the world. I say courage, because once he recognized an injustice, he felt duty bound to challenge it. And he did this with an energy and confidence that set an example to everyone else.’

‘Indeed, he did, Miss Storm-Fleming.’

‘Doctor Watson, you too have shown those qualities. In fact, they live on in your books. There is your legacy to future generations.’

There was a knock at the door and Miss Norton walked in. ‘Why do you not come up on deck with me and get some fresh air?’

‘Well, Doctor Watson?’ said Miss Storm-Fleming. ‘Are you ready for a turn on the deck?’

‘Miss Norton, Miss Storm-Fleming, fresh air is just what is required.’ I rose from the bed and smiled at my companions. ‘We must be fit. There is still much to be done.’

S
UNDAY
21 A
PRIL
1912

I
t was reassuring to feel solid earth beneath my feet. The sky was blue and the sun had just risen over Chesapeake Bay. I was walking along the bank of the Severn River, which was dotted sparsely with oak and maple trees. I paused to listen to the chorus of chirping birds and the water splashing over the rocks. There is nothing quite like the serenity of a fresh spring morning.

I was being treated to this welcome respite by American intelligence officials. An acknowledgement of my role in the delivery of the submarine plans, they had offered me free use of a guest cottage at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. I accepted gratefully.

My two companions of the last two weeks were also enjoying the hospitality of the US Navy and staying at guest cottages near mine.

Try as I might, I could not remove the haunting memories of the
Titanic
’s sinking and the loss of my dear friend from my mind. But here, alone with my thoughts, I was just beginning to comprehend fully the enormity of what had happened.

I walked on, poking at shrubs with my walking stick as I moved at
a brisk pace. The air was becoming warmer and I considered stopping to remove my overcoat. The fresh air and exercise were making me hungry, and I was beginning to think about breakfast. I turned to see how far I had walked from the academy.

Behind me, I could see only the river and the vast solitude of the fields. I had apparently lost track of time and walked further than I had planned.

Then, in the distance, I saw another hiker. The man had just emerged from behind a ridge, and was walking along the river bank, following the same path I had just travelled. He was a tall, gaunt figure wearing a long grey travelling coat and close-fitting cloth cap. There was something familiar about the man — his gait, the look of his clothing — but I was too far away to obtain a good view.

As the man came closer I began to get a clearer look. I was stunned suddenly by the thought that someone might be playing a cruel joke on me. The man was the very image of my departed friend, Sherlock Holmes. He was even wearing the same type of outdoor clothing that he had worn during many of our investigations.

I decided to head back towards the naval academy. We would cross paths and I would soon get to the bottom of this mystery. As I began to move in his direction, the man suddenly stopped and raised his walking stick high into the air.

‘Greetings, Watson!’ he shouted. He then hurried forward at a faster pace, taking long strides all the way.

My head became dizzy with anticipation as I made my own way along the bank. Only concentration kept my legs moving. I saw that my hopes were not unfounded for I could see that my friend was very much alive.

When we reached each other I grabbed him by the shoulders and stared in disbelief, wondering if this could somehow be a twin.
Holmes had a satisfied smile on his face. He loved his little surprises.

‘Yes, my dear Watson, it is me. And I must say, it is very good to see you, old fellow. Very good, indeed.’

‘But how...?’

‘Well, Miss Norton and Miss Storm-Fleming remarked on that very same question last night. It was their conclusion that I am indestructible. I found that most flattering, although...’

‘Where have you been and why did you delay your return?’ There was a note of anger and disappointment in my voice. ‘It appears that everyone — except your best and oldest friend — has been aware that you are still alive.’

‘My apologies, but I am not quite as thoughtless as I may seem. It is true that Miss Storm-Fleming has known for some time, but I only told Miss Norton last night. I knew that you have a habit of retiring early, so I decided to wait until this morning.’

‘But it has been a week, Holmes. Where have you been?’

‘Well, I am afraid that our friends in American intelligence, while very generous with their hospitality, have been rather secretive. They thought it was best for my mission that even my closest friends thought I was dead. It was not until yesterday that Miss Storm-Fleming and I were able to convince them otherwise.’

I calmed down and even managed a smile.

‘Wherever did you get that outfit?’ I asked. ‘Surely they are not wearing such old-fashioned garb in America these days?’

‘Oh, the ulster and deerstalker, they were Miss Storm-Fleming’s idea. She used her influence to have them purchased at a shop in Baltimore and delivered here to the academy. She thought it would be...nostalgic for our reunion.’

‘Indeed, it is... But Holmes, tell me...we thought you were dead. How did you manage to escape from the
Titanic
? And what about Moriarty?
Lightoller said he saw you struggling with him.’

‘Yes, good old Lightoller. I owe him much, including my life.’

‘Lightoller saved you?’

‘Yes, but let me start at the beginning. As you know, while Miss Norton and I were on the boat deck, a page delivered a note from Moriarty.’

‘Miss Norton knew that he asked you to meet him, but she did not know where.’

‘The note directed me to go to the roof of the wheelhouse, the uppermost deck area of the ship. At that moment, there was very little activity there. The crew was busily loading passengers into lifeboats on the boat deck, one level below. On my way to meet Moriarty, I was apprehended by a member of the crew, who handed me a life jacket and insisted that I put it on. I must say, if I had not bowed to that sailor’s orders, I would not be here today.

‘At first, I could not find the man. The deck area above the wheelhouse actually extends back past the second funnel. Yet, while searching this large area, I had a sense that I was being watched. Frustrated by my failed attempt to locate Moriarty, I leaned over a rail and watched the activity below. It was a dreadful sight...men trying to comfort their families before loading them into lifeboats. I never in my life felt greater sadness.

‘I was standing next to a lifeboat, similar to the one that you all departed in. I would later be saved by that boat, although I must say it seemed far more precarious than yours.

‘As I looked at the deck below, I heard a deep voice from behind. It was Moriarty, standing there in a life jacket, staring at me with grim determination in his eyes. His words showed the utter contempt for human life that he shared with his brother: “Exciting, is it not?” he said. “It is unfortunate that survival is allowed for women and children only, rather than those of us who can make best use of it.”

‘I exchanged some remarks with him. I learned that the “Hot Russian Honey Bear” was a reference to the submarine plans — part of a prearranged code he had made with his buyer in New York. The “pipe organ in the smoking room” was, of course, the model of the
Titanic
in the reception room. This was their back-up position for exchanging the plans for money. I must say, he was quite upset that I had found his hiding place.

‘Soon, overcome by anger, he lunged at me. We struggled about the deck for some time. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lightoller and some crew cutting through the lashings of the Englehardt and attempting to launch it into the water, which was rising well above the bow. They must have thought we were quite mad to be struggling on the sloping deck as the ship was about to sink. But they made no effort to stop us. They had far more important matters on their minds. Soon, they were able to push the boat off the wheelhouse roof and into the water.

‘As I continued to struggle with Moriarty, I felt the bow plunge downwards, then stop. A bulkhead had apparently given way. This caused water to flow over the boat deck, leaving our battleground as one of the last remaining oases. Some passengers began to struggle up to our deck, while others climbed towards the ship’s stern.

‘As you know, my knowledge of baritsu, the Japanese system of wrestling, has saved me from similar situations in the past. I slipped loose from his grip, and sent him tumbling back towards the sinking bow. Just then the ship began to tilt upwards at an ever-quickening pace. Moriarty fell back over the rail and into the water, amongst a frightened and freezing group of passengers. As the stern continued to rise, I decided that my only chance was to leave the ship. I jumped off the starboard side just as the ship’s huge forward funnel broke free and went crashing down into the sea. It slammed into the water just where Moriarty had landed. I heard many screams of terror just before it hit the surface.

‘The shock I felt as I hit the water was tremendous. I cannot describe how cold it was. Lightoller later told me that it felt as though a thousand knives had been driven into his body. I believe that is as good a description as any.

‘I swam as far from the
Titanic
as possible as the ship slowly descended into the water. When it finally went under, the water was momentarily boiling with air bursting from the hull and debris floating to the surface. It was all I could do to keep my head above water long enough to get my next breath of air. I should note at this point that the struggle with Moriarty and my time in the water had removed the beard and make-up from my face. Commodore Giles Winter had disappeared with the
Titanic.

‘After the sea had settled a little I found myself clinging to the sides of the collapsible lifeboat that had been on top of the wheelhouse. It was floating upside down with a, group of passengers just barely managing to stay on top and was being rocked by some of my fellow swimmers who were trying to get out of the water. Soon Lightoller, who had been hanging on to the side, climbed onto the boat and took charge. He managed to get many of us into standing positions on the boat, all facing in the same direction. As the boat tilted, he ordered us to shift left or right to compensate for the boat’s movement. We stayed there, with the cold water lapping over our feet and ankles. As time passed, some succumbed to the elements and fell into the water. But many of us survived and were picked up by the
Carpathia.

‘No one on board the lifeboat had paid any attention to me. They were all too busy trying to stay alive. With the help of Mr Lightoller, I was moved secretly to a private cabin on the
Carpathia
and allowed to stay there until the ship arrived in New York. For the sake of my mission, the secrecy of my arrival had been maintained.

‘After a day’s recuperation, I asked Lightoller to bring Miss Storm-
Fleming to me. Of course, she was quite surprised to see that I was alive. She went on to arrange my meeting with American intelligence authorities in New York, asking me to stay in hiding until then. That, of course, prevented me from contacting you and letting you know that I was safe and sound. But believe me, old chap, I had no intention of beginning my mission without seeing you first.’

‘Well, at least it was not three years, as it was after the Reichenbach Falls. That was a far more dramatic resurrection from the dead.’