William Seil - The Furt The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Titanic Tragedy

‘Remember, both of you, this dinner will afford us an excellent opportunity to observe our guests and any exchanges that may occur between them,’ Holmes said. ‘We must place ourselves around the table to see and hear as much as possible. The captain has sent personal invitations to each of the people on our list, and all have accepted.’

‘What should we be looking for?’ asked Miss Norton.

‘Anything and everything,’ Holmes replied. ‘Every detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem. We have witnessed some odd behaviour on board this ship. None of it may relate to the safety of the plans but we must take it all into account.’

We made our way to the grand staircase and descended one deck to the dining room. At the foot of the stairs we entered the reception room, where a number of passengers were clustered in small groups. The reception room was a place of simple, dignified beauty. It was decorated in Jacobean style, with white, carved panelling. On the wall directly ahead of us, a large French tapestry was displayed prominently above a sea of rich, dark carpet. Most of the passengers were standing, although a few took advantage of the comfortable cane chairs. Others gathered around the grand piano in the far left corner to listen to a medley of classical works.

Captain Smith was standing to the right, showing passengers a large, impressively detailed model of the Titanic . The three of us made our way over to him, hoping for an opportunity to exchange a few private words.

‘I wish we were able to display this model outside the glass case,’ Smith told the half-dozen or so passengers who had gathered around. ‘It is really quite a beautiful thing — one of several used by the designers when the ship was built. If I had a key to the case with me, I would remove some of the pull-away sections and show you the interior of the ship. You would be amazed by the detail. Unfortunately, they tell me that it won’t float. And that must be my ultimate test of a good ship — whether it is waterproof.’

The crowd laughed, and a few moved in for a closer look.

Captain Smith broke away and guided the three of us to a quiet corner.

‘The dinner party is all arranged. We’ll be sitting at the large oval table in the centre of the dining room. I cannot say I like the idea of young Bishop being there, though. It is somewhat of an honour for an officer to be invited to the captain’s table. There are others under my command who are more deserving than Bishop.’

‘Indeed, Captain, I appreciate the difficult position this puts you in. But I can assure you that this exercise is of great value to the safety of the plans.’

‘I understand, Mr Holmes. And now, if Miss Norton would care to join me, I suggest that we all go in for dinner.’

Miss Norton took the captain’s arm, and the two of them led the way into the main dining area. Other passengers, noting the departure of the captain, also moved towards the dining-room doors.

The dining room was a magnificent sight. Its design was similar to that of the reception room but it was larger — much larger. The leaded glass windows that lined the walls on either side made me feel that I had just entered the dining hall of a great mansion. Despite the size of the room, a sense of intimacy was created by the columns that supported the white plastered ceiling. In addition, recessed bays along the walls created a number of private dining areas. Throughout this great hall, fine oak furniture stood on tastefully designed linoleum tiles. But the true elegance and magic of this room was brought to life by cleverly arranged lighting, and the sight of passengers in formal dress at dinner.

Captain Smith sat down at the head of the table, after showing Miss Norton to the seat next to him. I walked around the table, looking at the cards that had been put at each place setting. Mrs Futrelle sat to the left of the captain, followed by her husband, then Miss Storm-Fleming, then me. Hugo Brandon, the gambler, was seated next to Miss Norton. Mr Bishop, the young ship’s officer, was already seated in the next chair down.

Holmes was seated at the far end of the table, opposite Captain Smith. As I passed, I paid my respects to the baron and baroness, who were seated to Holmes’s left.

‘Doctor Watson, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Elisabeth.’

Baroness Von Stern, in her early forties, appeared strong and healthy. Her solid grip as we shook hands demonstrated that physical exercise was part of her daily life.

‘Good evening, Herr Doctor. My husband said that you have been most kind by offering to help with our little problem.’

‘I am not a detective, but I will do what I can. Aside from this unfortunate incident, have you been having a pleasant cruise?’

‘Oh, yes. The facilities on this ship are most satisfactory. My husband and I have enjoyed the squash-racket court. Do you play?’

‘From time to time, but not well, I’m afraid.’

‘Then you must join us some time. It is simply a matter of practice and determination.’

‘Thank you, I would be delighted.’

I took my seat, and looked at the place setting between Holmes and me. The card read ‘Colonel James Moriarty.’

Within ten minutes, the remaining seats at the table were filled. Miss Storm-Fleming looked charming in her green evening dress. As she took her seat, I felt her silk glove in my hand.

‘So here we are, Doctor Watson. I hope you brought your dancing shoes for later in the evening. I hear the band will be playing.’

‘I am afraid my dancing shoes are somewhere at home in my attic, but I can improvise.’

I observed Colonel Moriarty to the extent I could without appearing to stare. I could not detect any signs that he recognized his brother’s old rival. In fact, he and Holmes, as Commodore Winter, were engaged in pleasantries about their respective naval and military backgrounds. The true test was about to come.

‘Colonel Moriarty, I want you to meet Doctor John Watson from London. We met each other as we left Southampton, and we have been engaged in several interesting conversations since.’

Moriarty appeared startled for a moment, then smiled and reached out to shake my hand.

‘Excuse me, but are you not the Doctor Watson who chronicles the adventures of Mr Sherlock Holmes?’

I confessed that I was.

‘Then we have something in common. My brother was Professor James Moriarty. He died at the hands of your friend many years ago.’

‘It did seem to be a fair fight, I hope you will not be offended but...’

‘Precisely, no offence taken. My brother pursued Mr Holmes and confronted him at Reichenbach Falls. I can hardly blame your friend for surviving the struggle. After all, my brother had one or two sins for which he had to account. If he had not died at Reichenbach, I am sure a hangman’s noose would eventually have caught up with him.’

‘I am most glad to hear that you no longer hold any ill will towards Holmes.’

‘I would like to meet him some day and tell him that face to face.’

‘I am sure he would appreciate your lack of ill will.’

Moriarty and I continued our conversation. I discovered that he had read nearly all of my stories of Holmes’s adventures. I had just begun to discuss my historical novels when Miss Storm-Fleming broke in.

‘Please forgive me, Miss Storm-Fleming, for my lack of attention. But Colonel Moriarty and I have been discussing...’

‘I am pleased to meet you, Colonel Moriarty. My name is Holly Storm-Fleming.’

‘Doctor Watson, if I have taken you from the company of this charming young lady, then I am the one who needs forgiving.’ He turned to Holmes, who was engaged in a conversation with the baron and baroness. ‘Perhaps the commodore would introduce me to his friends.’