The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures - Mike Ashley [265]
“We come now to the question of why Count Balinsky told Simeonov of Mr Leonticles’ recognition of him. The Count is, as we all know, determined to start another Russo-Turkish war, from which he believes Russia would benefit. The Count was well aware that, if he told Simeonov that Leonticles knew of his past, Simeonov would try to silence him. If a Greek is murdered during this meeting, suspicion would immediately fall upon the Turks. If Simeonov was killed, suspicion would still fall upon the Turks. Either way, he could use the event as an excuse to forment trouble and urge the Czar to declare war against the Sultan. His plan could not fail. He waited downstairs outside the library so that he would be able to rush upstairs when someone else appeared – in the event it was Baron Nopchka – in order to ensure himself an alibi.”
“Mr Leonticles was armed with a revolver, when he heard Simeonov creeping up behind him. He shot him first and ran to the other end of the corridor to hide the weapon temporarily behind the large armchair in the corner. I have no doubt that he disposed of it efficiently later. The colonel heard the shot and rushed out of his room; he may have seen Mr Leonticles hiding the weapon, but he then went to the dying man, perhaps to hear what he had to say. When I interviewed the colonel yesterday he as good as told me that he knew Mr Leonticles killed Simeonov. I asked him whether he knew who murdered Simeonov and he did not say ‘No’, but replied: ‘I did not witness the killing, how can I know who killed him?” His avoidance of the word ‘murder’ was also revealing.”
Holmes turned to George Leonticles, the Greek Consul. “Have I given a passable account?” he asked.
The Consul remained silent, with a strained face, for a few moments. “Yes, Mr Holmes, you have. But you have not explained the meaning of the dying man’s last words, although I am sure you understand that, too.”
Yes,” said Holmes, “I understand the meaning of his last words. A dying man fighting for breath cannot easily say a word of many syllables. The capital of Thessaly is Salonika and the riots there became known as the Salonika Incident. I think Simeonov recognized Colonel Yusufoglu as he was dying and was trying to tell him that he remembered him from the days of the Salonika Incident.”
A heavy silence descended upon the room. Presently, Lord Eversden spoke, addressing the gathered company in general: “Tomorrow I will seek an audience with His Majesty the King, with the purpose of requesting His Majesty’s approval for a diplomatic deportation order to be prepared. I will also ask His Majesty to invite the Czar’s Government to appoint an Ambassador to the Court of St James, that post being currently vacant.” Count Balinsky sat perfectly still, although the fire still burnt in his eyes.
There was a soft knock on the door and the lugubrious butler entered. “My lord,” he said, “a person from Scotland Yard has just arrived. His name is Inspector Lestrade.”
“Thank you, Jenkins,” said Lord Eversden, “ask him to wait a few moments.” The butler withdrew, lugubriously.
Holmes looked at Lord Eversden. “I am now obliged to make my conclusions known to the police. Which account am I to give them?”
Lord Eversden turned to Orman Pasha, who shook his head and said: “It is abundantly clear that a burglar broke in.” He rose, came across the room and shook Holmes warmly by the hand. “Mr Holmes, thank you. What we owe you is beyond evaluation.”
Holmes and I returned to Baker Street in the evening. Holmes started ascending the stairs, but I went to have a few words with Mrs Hudson. When I joined Holmes upstairs, I found him sitting in his chair with an air of dejection and despondency about him. He was looking at the syringe on the mantelpiece.
“An interesting case, Watson. I wonder whether the world will ever come to its senses. This Balkan crisis nearly plunged the whole world into