Sherlock Holmes in Russia

He went into his study and opened a secret compartment in one of the inlaid cupboards by pressing on one of the stones.

‘Here is my diary,’ he said, handing Holmes a thick notebook. ‘You will recognize that it was written long, long ago from the handwriting and ink. Here are the bandit’s letters, and here is my last will and testament, made ten years ago, in which I reveal Irra’s real name and leave her, in the event of my death, my entire estate. And now, I ask you to hand me over to the police.’

Sobbing, the countess fell at the feet of her husband and embraced his knees.

We stood there, not knowing what to do.

XIV

A month passed. The trial was over and he was found ‘not guilty!’

The wounded pirate was forced to confess to all his crimes. He was handed over to the British authorities and his life ended on the gallows.

Soon enough, Rajah Ben-Ali was told of his daughter’s fate. His joy knew no bounds. He sent quite a deputation to fetch his daughter and son-in-law.

Sherlock Holmes and I received generous rewards and for some time corresponded with the count and countess, till time and other concerns distanced this enigmatic affair in our memories.

Copyright

© Alex Auswaks 2008

First published in Great Britain 2008