Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra by Paul D. Gilbert Page B

ancient Sadhus, or holy men, whom I had encountered during my last trip to the Far East. As you might recall it was my intention to examine more closely the notion that an advanced civilization existed in the sub-continent long before the date established by Western historians. Of course, the potential dangers of confirming this most radical of truths had occurred to me and, as your mother was with me at the time, this and the extreme climate that we were experiencing, forced me to abandon the expedition prematurely and return your mother safely to these shores.
    Ironically I deemed that the search for Sheba would prove to be a far safer option for your mother to undertake with me. That decision and its tragic consequence, is one that I shall forever regret. So now, in honour of her memory, I shall return to the very cradle of civilization.
    Those pious and ascetic Sadhus spoke of a gigantic pillar that had been constructed from an unidentifiable metal. It has neither aged nor corroded throughout its existence. Its age has only recently been calculated by the interpretation of the inscription engraved upon the pillar’s circumference. It has been engraved in the ancient form of Sanskrit, the Gupta script. Amongst other things the inscription bears testament to the fact that the pillar was dedicated to the great Hindu god Vishnu by the legendary king, Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty. Astoundingly, recent research has proved that he reigned between the years 375-413 A.D! Obviously, therefore, the metal pillar must have been constructed sometime between the fourth and fifth centuries.
    I decided that I had to view this astounding relic with my own eyes and to see where this might lead me in my quest, the consequences of which I cannot even begin to speculate upon.
    Therefore, I have booked myself passage aboard a small Greek schooner, the
Diomedes
that sails from London on 28 September, bound for Calcutta. I have chosen this particular vessel for she will be laying up at the Cape for several days while she takes on supplies, and it may prove to be an opportunity for me to visit Natal and enquire after news of your sister in the hinterland.
    Whether or not I am successful in this I assure you that I shall write to you at every opportunity with news of my progress and well-being. I trust that this remains of interest to you and that my years of absence have not induced indifference. Should God grant me a safe return I will endeavour to heal any resentment that you might bear towards me and to be the father that, perhaps, I always should have been.
    â€˜He signs off simply with his initials,’ Daniel Collier breathlessly concluded.
    â€˜What a remarkably honest and heartfelt insight into a man’s regrets and his very soul. We must thank you for allowing us to share it with you,’ I said quietly.
    Holmes reacted as if my words had broken a spell and he had been awakened from a deep trance. He leapt from his chair and immediately lit a cigarette with the glow from one of our fire’s dying embers. He smoked in silence for a moment or two, then glanced at the clock.
    â€˜Look at the hour!’ he exclaimed. ‘I have been most neglectful, Mr Collier. We must refresh you before expecting you to read still further. Watson, you must use your charms, with the fairer sex, and secure for us a tray or two of supper from Mrs Hudson.’ This request from Holmes was as surprising as it was welcome and I embarked upon my simple mission with understandable enthusiasm.
    When I made my triumphant return, with news of soup andbraised kidneys, Collier excused himself so that he could clear his head with a brisk walk down Baker Street.
    â€˜Holmes, I have noted, down the years, how you have always demanded precision and brevity from your clients when they have been outlining their cases to you. Yet in the case of Daniel Collier and his father’s remarkable letter, you appear to have hung upon his every word