It was nine o'clock at night upon the second of August- the most terrible August in the history of the world. One might have thought already that God's curse hung heavy over a degenerate world, for there was an awesome hush and a feeling of vague expectation in the sultry and stagnant air. The Beautiful words of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle upon which this final chapter is based.

Chapter Ten.

We drove for hours, Holmes had told me very little. We stopped outside of London to swap cars and change, Holmes from his usual suit to loose shirt, trousers smeared with dirt and a scarf around his neck, I smiled as the Holmes I knew disappeared to be replaced with a stranger. I changed into the outfit he had provided for me, that of a chauffeur, I felt ridiculous but then I always felt ridiculous around Holmes, I sighed.

"Ready?" He said, Holmes' face had taken on a grave look and I suddenly felt horribly aware of what we were doing.

Reluctantly I got into the driver's seat and we carried on. Gradually the sunlight faded and London slipped away, Holmes was silent; glancing out of the window as the world went rushing by, he sat sombre and thoughtful. I struggled to keep my eyes open as the daylight merged with the twilight. The open countryside was indeed beautiful, the calm quiet of it all, the peace, so unaware of what we were about to face and yet it was unyielding. I felt a swell of pride as I gazed on this, my country. Soon the coast was in sight and the fresh wind that one always associates with the sea blew into the car, courtesy of the window that Holmes had opened and was now leaning on. He looked up as we approached the cliffs.

"It gets closer Watson."

"I wish you would tell me what we were going to face Holmes, all this secrecy is making me decidedly nervous."

Holmes said nothing and continued to stare from the window. We stopped on the cliff edge, which stretched out to the open sea. Holmes stared intently into the distance as if searching for something. His whole body was tense and every sense on the alert. I could not relax, the wind grew cooler and the light continued to fade to almost complete darkness, I shivered. Holmes turned to me and placed a hand on my arm.

"We must go, now is the time." I saw absolute fear in his eyes, I started the car and we drove on. Another car passed ours and Holmes smiled slightly, somewhat comforted it seemed. Soon we came upon a large and opulent house, surrounded by beautiful, rolling English countryside. I pulled up and remained seated while Holmes went inside. I marvelled at how his attitude changed, he became buoyant and care-free; his whole body changed as his persona changed, I could hear his voice and was shocked to hear a practised, almost natural American accent emerged. I settled down into the chair and waited patiently, scared beyond my life for Holmes' safety but knowing I must do nothing. I was accustomed to Holmes' keeping things from me but this was different, this was not a case in which only a few people were involved, this was war and the entire nation was involved. I felt a wave of pity for Holmes for perhaps the first time in my life, it seemed to me that the whole weight of the world rested on his weary shoulders and I wished that I could help ease his burden, but I could not. I began to grow cold and wrapped my arms around me, I could hear voices from within, what they said I could not determine. I watched as figures moved past the window. I ached for some kind of sign from Holmes signalling me to move, soon I heard a crash. I leapt up and ran into the house. Holmes had one arm around a well-built sturdy man and together they crashed to the floor, the man ceased to struggle and breathless Holmes stood.

"Are you alright?" I asked, rushing over to him. He leaned gratefully on my arm.

"Yes, Watson I'm alright. Come help me to tie him up."

With difficulty, for the man was large and strong we managed to bind him and place him on the settee. Holmes sank into a nearby chair and ran a hand through his hair.

"Thank goodness that's over." He smiled at me and for a brief moment I saw the Holmes of days long gone, young, strong and fighting for justice in a world that was harsh and cruel, the Holmes I knew well, the Holmes I loved.

"A drink Watson?" Holmes said holding up a bottle of wine.

"Delighted Holmes." I smiled back.

To finish a brief passage from the only man who can write Holmes how he should be written, from my favourite Holmes story, I hand you over to the immortal words of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

"There are a good many other points of detail which will, no doubt, come to light in good time. But you have one quality which is very rare in a German, Mr. Von Bork: you are a sportsman and you will bear me no ill-will when you realize that you, who have outwitted so many other people, have at last been outwitted yourself. After all, you have done your best for your country, and I have done my best for mine, and what could be more natural? Besides," he added, not unkindly, as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the prostrate man, "it is better than to fall before some more ignoble foe. These papers are now ready, Watson. If you will help me with our prisoner, I think that we may get started for London at once."

It was no easy task to move Von Bork, for he was a strong and a desperate man. Finally, holding either arm, the two friends walked him very slowly down the garden walk which he had trod with such proud confidence when he received the congratulations of the famous diplomatist only a few hours before. After a short, final struggle he was hoisted, still hound hand and foot, into the spare seat of the little car. His precious valise was wedged in beside him.

"I trust that you are as comfortable as circumstances permit," said Holmes when the final arrangements were made. "Should I be guilty of a liberty if I lit a cigar and placed it between your lips?"

But all amenities were wasted upon the angry German.

"I suppose you realize, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said he, "that if your government bears you out in this treatment it becomes an act of war."

"What about your government and all this treatment?" said Holmes, tapping the valise.

"You are a private individual. You have no warrant for my arrest. The whole proceeding is absolutely illegal and outrageous."

"Absolutely," said Holmes.

"Kidnapping a German subject."

"And stealing his private papers."

"Well, you realize your position, you and your accomplice here. If I were to shout for help as we pass through the village-"

"My dear sir, if you did anything so foolish you would probably enlarge the two limited titles of our village inns by giving us 'The Dangling Prussian' as a signpost. The Englishman is a patient creature, but at present his temper is a little inflamed, and it would be as well not to try him too far. No, Mr. Von Bork, you will go with us in a quiet, sensible fashion to Scotland Yard, whence you can send for your friend, Baron Von Herling, and see if even now you may not fill that place which he has reserved for you in the ambassadorial suite. As to you, Watson, you are joining us with your old service, as I understand, so London won't be out of your way. Stand with me here upon the terrace, for it may be the last quiet talk that we shall ever have."

The two friends chatted in intimate converse for a few minutes, recalling once again the days of the past, while their prisoner vainly wriggled to undo the bonds that held him. As they turned to the car Holmes pointed back to the moonlit sea and shook a thoughtful head.

"There's an east wind coming, Watson."

"I think not, Holmes. It is very warm."

"Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age. There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared. Start her up, Watson, for it's time that we were on our way. I have a check for five hundred pounds which should be cashed early, for the drawer is quite capable of stopping it if he can."

-THE END-

Amazing stuff : ) There will be an epilogue following so it's not over yet! Thanks for reading and please review xx