Sherlock Holmes Solo Mysteries #07 - The Royal Flush

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THE GAME'S AFOOT!
Now, match wits with the world's greatest con-
sulting detective. And have no fear- if you don't
completely succeed at first, just play again! It might
be wise to keep in mind Holmes' advice to Watson
and all would-be detectives:
"It is an old maxim of mine," he said, "that
when you have eliminated the impossible,
whatever remains, however improbable, must
be the truth."
SHERLOCK HOLMES SOLO MYSTERIES™

developed by Iron Crown Enterprises - present a series of
living mystery novels designed for solitary game play ~In each
gamebook, the reader is the detective who must solve or
prevent a crime- with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as
allies.
#1-Murder at the Diogenes Club ........................... $2.95
#2-The Black River Emerald ................................ $2.95
#3-Death at Appledore Towers ............................. $2.9 5
#4-The Crown VS Dr. Watson .............................. $2.95
#5-The Dynamiters ............................................... $2.95
#6--The Honour of the Yorkshire Light Artillery :.$2.95
#7-The Royal Flush ............................................... $2.95
Look for a new gamebook in the
SHERLOCK HOLMES SOLO
MYSTERIES™ series every other month
from Berkley and Iron Crown Enterprises!
#8-The Lost Heir .............................................. :.... $2.95
#9-The Kidnapping of Moriarty ............................ $2.95
Cover Design: Richard H. Britton
System Editor: S. Coleman Charlton
Production: Suzanne Young, Richard H. Britton, Kurt
Fischer, Jessica Ney, John Ruemmler, Paula Peters,
Larry Brook, Leo LaDell, Eileen Smith, Marcia Sterrett,
Anne Bromley
"Sherlock Holmes was created by the late Sir Arthur Conan

Doyle and appears in novels and stories by .him"
"Grateful acknowle<Jgement is given tq Dame Jean Conan

Doyle for permission to use the Sherlock Holmes charac-
ters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle"
© 1988 IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, P.O. Box 1605,

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902.
ISBN - 0-425-10931-3
All Rights Reserved.
The "BSM" logo is a trademark belonging to Berkley

Publishing Corporation.
PRIN1ED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Distributed by Berkley Sales & Marketing, a division of

The Berkley Publishing Group, 200 Madison Avenue, New
York, New York, 10016.
THE ROYAL FLUSH
by Milt Creighton
Content Editor: John David Ruemmler

Managing Editor: Kevin Barrett
Cover Art by Daniel Home
Illustrations by Bob Versandi
CHARACTER RECORD
Skill Bonus Equipment:

Athletics +1 1) nofe. /,oo k..
Artifice _!:L 2) p~c.i/
Observation _!_1_ 3) ?oc.k~t- k,,;f~
Intuition . _:!_L 4)
Communication _!1_ 5)
Scholarship _!L_ 6)
7)
Money: zo pence · 8)
t z.. shillings 9)
_8_guineas 10)
1~ ~pounds 11)
NOTES:
CHARACTER RECORD
Name:
Skill Bonus Equipment:
Athletics -- 1)
Artifice -- 2) -
Observation -- 3)
Intuition -- 4)
Communication __ 5)
Scholarship -- 6)
7)
Money: _ _pence 8)
_ _shillings 9)
_ _guineas 10)
_ _pounds 11)
NOTES:
.
'·
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CLUE SHEET
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aB
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aE
aF
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aH
al
aJ
aK
aL
aM
aN
ao
aP
aQ
aR
as
oT
au
av
aw
ax
aY
oz
RESULTS DECISIONS
aA at
aB 02
a ·c 03
aD 04
aE as
aF 06
aG a7
aH as
al a9
aJ 010
aK an
aL 012
OM a13
aN 014
ao alS
at6
a17
018
DEDUCTIONS
al
a2
a3
04
as
06
AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE WORLD OF
SHERLOCK HOLMES
HOLMES AND WATSON
First appearing in "A Study in Scarlet" in
Beeton's Christmas Annual of 1887; Sherlock
Holmes remains a remarkably vigorous and fasci-
nating figure for a man of such advanced years. The 1
· detective's home and office at 221B Baker Street
are shrines now, not simply rooms in which Holmes
slept and deduced and fiddled with the violin when
he could not quite discern the significance of a clue
or put his finger on a criminal's twisted motive.
We know both a great deal and very little about
Sherlock Holmes as a person. The son of a country
squire (and grandson of the Erench artist Vernet's
sister), Holmes seems to have drawn little attention
to himself until his University days, where his
extraordinary talents for applying logic, observa-
tion and deduction to solving petty mysteries
earned him a reputation as something of a genius.
Taking the next logical step, Holmes set up a private
consulting detective service, probably in 1878.
Four years later, he met and formed a partnership
with a former military surgeon, Dr. John Watson.
Four novels and fifty-six short stories tell us every-
thing we know of the odd pair and their
extraordinary adventures.
Less a well-rounded individual than a collection
of contradictory and unusual traits, Holmes seldom
exercised yet was a powerful man of exceptional
speed of foot. He would eagerly work for days on a
case with no rest and little food, yet in periods of
idleness would refuse to get out of bed for days.
Perhaps his most telling comment appears in "The
Adventure of the Mazarin Stone:"
I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mf!re
appendix.
Holmes cared little for abstract knowledge, once
noting that it mattered not to him if the earth circled
the sun or vice versa. Yet he could identify scores of
types of tobacco ash or perfume by sight and odor,
respective! y. Criminals and their modus operandi
obsessed him; he pored over London's sensational
newspapers religiously.
A master of disguise, the detective successfully
presented himself ·a s an aged Italian priest, a
drunken groom, and even an old woman! A flabber-
gasted Watson is the perfect foil to Holmes, who
seems to take special delight in astonishing his
stuffy if kind cohort.
In "The Sign of Four," Holmes briefly noted the
. qualities any good detective should possess in
abundance (if possible, intuitively): heightened
powers of observation and deduction, _a nd ·a broad
range of precise (and often unusual) knowledge. In
this·Sherlock Holmes Solo Mysteries™ adventure,
you will have ample opportunity to test yourself in
these areas, and through replaying the adv.enture, to
improve your detective skills.
m
Although impressive in talent and dedication to
his profession, Sherlock Holmes was by no means
perfect. Outfoxed by Irene Adler, Holmes readily
acknowledged defeat by "the woman" in "A Scan-
dal in Bohemia." In 1887, he admitted to Watson
that three men had outwitted him (and Scotland
Yard). The lesson Holmes himself drew from these
failures was illuminating:
Perhaps when a man has special knowledge
and special powers like my own, it rather en-
courages him to seek a complex explanation
when a simpler one is at hand.
So learn to trust your own observations and de-
ductions - when they make sense and match the
physical evidence and the testimony of trusted
individuals - don't rush to judgment, and if you
like and the adventure allows, consult Holmes or
Watson for adviCe and assistance.
VICTORIAN LONDON
When Holmes lived and worked in London, from
the early 1880's until 1903, the Victorian Age was
much more than a subject of study and amusement.
· Queen Victoria reigned over England for more than
60 years, an unheard of term of rule; her tastes and
inhibitions mirrored and formed those of English
·society. Following the Industrial Revolution of
roughly 1750-1850, England leaped and stumbled
her way from a largely pastoral state into a power-
ful, flawed factory of a nation. (The novels of
Charles Dickens dramatically depict this cruel,
exhilarating period of sudden social change.)
Abroad, imperialism planted the Union Jack (and
implanted English mores) in Africa, India, and the
Far East, including Afghanistan, where Dr. Watson
served and was wounded.
Cosmopolitan and yet reserved, London in the
late Nineteenth Century sported over six million
inhabitants, many from all over the world; it
boasted the high society of Park Lane yet harbored
a seedy Chinatown where opium could be pur-
chased and consumed like tea. You will see that
Baker Street is located just south of Regent's Park,
near the Zoological Gardens, in the heart of the
stylish West End of the city. Railway and horse-
drawn carriages were the preferred means of trans-
port; people often walked, and thieves frequently
ran to get from one place to another.
THE GAME'S AFOOT!
Now, match wits with the world's greatest con-
sulting detective. And have no fear-if you don't
completely succeed at first, just play again! It might
be wise to keep in mind Holmes' advice to Watson
and all would-be detectives:
"It is an old maxim of mine," he said, "that
when you have_eliminated the impossible,
whatever remains, however improbable, must
be the truth."
Good luck and good hunting!

THE SHERLOCK HOLMES
SOLO MYSTERIES™
GAME SYSTEM
THE GAMEBOOK
This gamebook describes hazards, situations, and
locations that . may be encountered during your
adventures. As you read the text sections, you will
be given choices as to what actions you may take.
What text sectibn you read will depend on the
directions·in the text and whether the actions you
attempt succeed or fail.
Text sections are labeled with three-digit num-
bers (e:g.,"365'-'). Read each text section only when
told to do so by the text.
PICKING A NUMBER
Many times during your adventures in this game-
book you will need to pick a number (between 2 and
12). There are several ways to do this:
1) Turn to the Random Number Table at the end of
this book, use a pencil (or pen or similar object),
close your eyes, and touch the Random Number
Table with the pencil. The number touched is
the number which you have picked. If your
pencil falls on a line, just repeat the process. or
2) Flip to a random page in the book and look at the
small boxed number in the inside, bottom comer
of the page. This number is the number which _
you have picked. or
3) If you have two six-sided dice, roll them. The
result is the number which you have picked.-
(You can also roll one six,... sided die twice and
add the results.)
Often you will be instructed to pick a number and
add a "bonus". When this happens, treat results of
niore than 12 as "12" and treat results ofless than 2
as "2".
INFORMATION, CLUES, AND
SOLVING THE MYSTERY
During play you will discover certain clues (e.g.,
a footprint, murder weapon, a newspaper article)
and make certain decisions and deductions (e.g.,
you decide to follow someone, you deduce that the
butler did it). Often the text will instruct you to do
one of the following:
Check Clue xx or Check Decision xx or
Check Deduction xx.
"xx" is a letter for Clues and a number for Deci-
sions and Deductions. When this occurs, check the
appropriate box on the "Clue Record Sheets" found
at the beginning of the book. You should also record
the information gained and note the text section
number on the line next to the box. You may copy
or photocopy these sheets for your own use.
Other useful information not requiring a "check"
will also be included in the text. You may want to
take other notes, so a "NOTES" space is provided at
the bottom of your "Character Record". Remember
that some of the clues and information given may be
meaningless or unimportant (i.e., red herrings).
EQUIPMENT AND MONEY
Whenever you acquire money and equipment,
record them on your Character Record in the spaces
provided. Pennies (1 Pence), shillings (12 pence),
guineas (21 shillings), and pounds (20 shillings) are .
"money" and may be used during your adventures
to pay for food, lodging, transport, bribes, etc.
Certain equipment may affect your abilities as
indicated by the text.
You begin the adventure with the money noted
on the completed Character Record sheet near the
front of the book. ,
CHOOSING A CHARACTER
There are two ways to choose a character:
1) You can use the completely created character
provided at the beginning of the book. or
2) You can create your own character using the
simple character development system included
in the next section of this book.
STARTING TO PLAY
After reading the rules above and choosing a
character to play, start your adventures by reading
the Prologue found after the rules section. From this
point on, read the passages as indicated by the text.
CREATING YOUR OWN

CHARACTER
ff you do not want to create your own character,
use the pre-created character found in the front of
this book. ff you decide to create your own charac-
ter, follow the directions given in this section. Keep
track of your character on the blank Character
Record found in the front of this book. It is advis-
able to enter information in pencil so that it can be
erased and updated. ff necessary, you may copy or
photocopy this Character Record for your own use.
As you go through this character creation proc-
ess, refer to the pre-created character in the front of
the book as an example.
III
. SKILLS
The following 6 "Skill Areas" affect your
chances of accomplishing certain actions during
your adventures.
1) Athletics (includes fitness, adroitness, forti-
tude, pugnacity, fisticuffs): This .skill reflects
your ability to perform actions and maneuvers
requiring balance, coordination, speed, agility,
and quickness. Such actions can include fight-
ing, avoiding attacks, running, climbing, riding,
swimming, etc.
2) Artifice (includes trickery, disguise, stealth,
eavesdropping): Use this skill when trying to
move without being seen or heard (i.e., sneak-
ing), trying to steal something, picking a lock,
escaping from_bonds, disguising yourself, and
many other similar activities.
3 ) Intuition (includes sensibility, insight, reason-
ing, deduction, luck): This skill reflects your
ability to understand and correlate information,
clues, etc. It also reflects your ability to make
guesses and to have hunches.
4) Communication (includes interviewing, act-
ing, mingling, negotiating, diplomacy): This
skill reflects your ability to talk with, negotiate
with, and gain information from people. It also
reflects your "social graces" and social adaptiv-
ity, as well as your ability to act and to hide your
own thoughts and feelings.
5) Observation (includes perception, alertness,
empathy): This skill reflects how much informa-
tion you gather through visual perception.
6) Scholarship (includes education, science,
current events, languages): This skill reflects
your training and aptitude with various studies
and sciences: foreign languages, art, history,
current events, chemistry, tobaccory, biology,
etc.
SKILL BONUSES
For each of these skills, you will have a Skill
Bonus that is used when you attempt certain ac-
tions. When the text instructs you to "add your
bonus," it is referring to these Skill Bonuses. Keep
, in mind that these "bonuses" can be negative as well
as positive.
When you start your character, you have six "+ 1
bonuses" to assign to your skills.
You may assign more than one"+ 1 bonuses" to a
given skill, bu_t no more than three to any one skill.
Thus, two"+ 1 bonuses" assigned to a skill will be
a "+2 bonus", and three"+ 1 bonuses" will be a "+3
bonus". Each of these bonuses should be recorded
in the space next to the appropriate skill on your
Character Record.
If you do not assign any"+ 1 bonuses" to a skill,
you must record a "-2 bonus" in that space.
During play you may acquire equipment or inju-
ries that may affect your bonuses. Record these
modificatiOJ!S in the "Bo~us" spaces.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Miss Sally Barnes: A woman living in the East End.

Private Bracker: A member of the Guard.
The Lord High Chamberlain: Responsible for managing the royal
household and scheduling audiences for the Queen.
Mr. Eagleton: A friend of The Earl of Sumpter and the Marquess of
Befford.
Earl of Sumpter: A friend of the Prince of Wales.
Edward Albert: the Prince of Wales.
Tobias Gregson: Scotland Yard Detective.
James Holston: Proprietor of Holston & Sons on the Strand.
Richard Lloyd Huntington: Second son of the Earl of Marne, you
play his part in the story.
Samuel Johnston: A subordinate of the Lord High Chamberlain.
Andrew Larson: Co-owner of Larson & Trembley, Meatpackers at
Covent-Garden.
Sir Henry Lowe: Second Secretary to the Lord High Chamberlain.
Marquess of Befford: A friend of the Prince of Wales.
Private Joseph McGill: A member of the guard at Buckingham
Palace.
Private Thomas McNeal: The Victim and a member of the guard at
Buckingham Palace. ·
Private Michael Murphy: A member of the guard at Buckingham
Palace.
Mr. Patrick Murphy: A common laborer.
Dr. Wesley Thornton: A surgeon to the royal family.
Captain Jacob Treadwell: Captain of the Guard at Buckingham
Palace.
Mr. Robert Turncliff: The Lord High Chamberlain's principal
assistant.
William Turpin: A silversmith working for Reginald Ware, Silver-
smiths of Piccadilly.
Queen Victoria: Ruler of the United Kingdom since 1837.
Vincent: Richard Harrington's servant.
Admiral Sir George Weathersley: A ranking member of the
Admiralty and a distant relative of Queen Victoria.
Captain Lesley Wren: A company commander in the guard regi-
ment.
PROLOGUE
It was the sheer effrontery of it that galled the Chamberlain
the most British sentries had been attacked before, but never
in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace! He had been sum-
moned from a wann bed by the Officer-of-the-Guard and
brought out into the sleet and January cold to find the injured
man lying unconscious in front of his sentry box being tended
by a doctor.
"We found him in there," said the Guard officer, a Captain
whose name the Chamberlain could never remember, indicat-
ing the narrow box with the peaked roof used to protect
sentries from the elements. "Under normal circumstances I
would have taken care of the matter myself, Lord Chamber-
lain, but I thought you might want to have a look."
"A look at what, Captain?" the Chamberlain asked.
"At this," the officer replied, handing over a metal cylinder
he had taken from his coat pocket. "The sentry clutched it in
his hand. I had a devil of a time taking it from him."
The cylinder was a foot long and nearly two inches in
diameter. Made of brass richly embossed with silver and a
little gold, it was an item the Chamberlain recognized at once,
having seen it many times.
''The Queen's seal of state?" he asked incredulously. "You
found it in the sentry's hand? That is quite impossible. Only
the Queen's official staff and family have access to her study."
"It is true nevertheless, Lord Chamberlain. That is why I
sent for you."
"You were quite right to do so, Captain," the older man
sighed, wrapping his cloak more tightly around him. "How is
your man?"
''The doctor is tending him. He should be able to tell us
something by now."
The two men walked over to the unconscious figure lying
on a blanket and covered by a tarpaulin. The injured man's
face was slack, and there were great bruises along the left side
of his jaw and temple. The Chamberlain saw that he was
hatless and after a moment, spotted his crumpled bearskin in
one comer of the sentry box. His attention was drawn back as
the doctor stood.
~
"Well, doctor, will he be all right?" the Captain asked.
"I very much doubt it, although it is difficult to say with
head wounds. You did right not to move him. His scapula is
broken, as are several ribs on the left side. He has been quite
thoroughly beaten, probably with a heavy object. He was also
stabbed in the chest with a long, thin blade but since there was
almost no blood, I believe that may have happened near the
end of the struggle."
"How is it that the other sentry in the courtyard did not hear
the commotion, Captain?" demanded the Chamberlain. "His
station is less than a hundred feet away."
"It was the weather, Lord Chamberlain," the guard officer
replied, stiffening slightly at the implied criticism. "The sleet
and rain were heavy last night, and there was a very thick fog
off the Thames just before dawn. The sentries are instructed to
stay in their boxes in such weather unless they are needed."
"Did no one check on him?"
"The sergeant and I became involved in settling an alterca-
tion between two merchants making deliveries at the service
entrance. When the sergeant came round with the relief, he
found McNeal here slumped over in his box unconscious."
"What do you make of it, then?" asked the Chamberlain.
''Robbery would be my guess, Lord Chamberlain. McNeal
must have caught the fellow sneaking out of the palace."
"You believe a thief would attempt to sneak out the main
entrance of the palace?" the Chamberlain said, a note of
disbelief in his voice.
"With the rain and the fog so heavy it might be the logical
exit The service entrance is quite busy then."
"Perhaps you are right, Captain," the older man replied, but
the tone of his voice indicated he thought otherwise.
"Will he recover?" Queen Victoria asked.

"I think not, Your Majesty," the Chamberlain replied. "He
looked as if he might die at any moment"
"That poor man. To lie in the cold and rain for so long," she
sighed sadly. "It is a tragedy."
"Your Majesty, you do not yet know the worst of it."
"What do you mean, Lord Chamberlain?"
"He was beaten nearly to death with this." The Chamber-
lain unwrapped the cylindrical seal and handedjt to her.
"With my seal? Surely there has been some mistake. He
could not possibl'f have been struck with my seal."
"Your Majesty, I have checked your study, and it is indeed
Your Majesty's seal. I have had it cleaned, but you can-see
where the metal is scratched and the gold and silver inlay tom
away."
"So it is," Queen Victoria replied reluctantly after looking
closely arthe seal. "I begin to see what you mean. How did it
come to be there when only my staff and my.family have
access to my study?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Lord Chamberlain, I simply cannot have another scandal
involving the royal household, not after what the newspapers
printed about the Tranby Croft affair. It could irretrievably
damage the prestige of the monarchy."
"We still do not know what happened, Your Majesty. There
may be some other explanation. At the moment the guard
officer believes the sentry. was attacked by a thief attempting
to make off with the seal."
"You do not seriously believe that, do you?" The Queen
asked disdainfully.
The Lord Chamberlain stiffened visibly. "No, Your Maj-
esty, I do not. But the young Captain does not know how
difficult it would be for a thief to reach Your Majesty's study."
"Well then, where does that leave us?"
"With the staff and family, Your Majesty, though I cannot
imagine why anyone would want Your Majesty's seal."
"Other than Mr. Gladstone to affix to his Home Rule bill,"
she sniffed disdainfully. "What about your staff?"
"I believe I can vouch for all ofthem, Your Majesty. No one
on my staff had the opportunity last evening."
"And that leaves theroyal family, I believe," she concluded
resignedly. , ·
"Yes, Your Majesty, and possibly their friends. Shall I
summon Scotland Yard?"
"Not yet, Lord Chambeflain. This poor man has not died,
you.say?"
121
"That is correct, Your Majesty. At least not yet"
"lfl summon the police, the story will appear in the evening
newspapers, and the low and scurrilous will insist that the
sentry was beaten by a member of my immediate family! They
will never say it directly, but some of them will hint that the
Prince of Wales is somehow responsible."
"But we must report the crime, Your Majesty. The man
may die."
"I will not have my family dragged across the front page of
every London newspaper without cause, Lord Chamberlain.
The man has not died; he is merely unconscious. No, I should
like for you to investigate this affair yourself. If you can
uncover the culprit, we may keep my family out of it."
"But, Your Majesty, if the man dies..." the Chamberlain
protested. ·
''Then I shall have no choice but to summon the police.
However, until that happens I should like our own investiga-
tion to proceed. Forty~eighfhours should be sufficient. Stop!
I know what you are about to say," she continued, raising her
hand to forestall another protest. "You need not conduct the
investigation yourself. Choose someone capable, someone
who can be relied upon for discretion."
"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, accepting the inevitabil-
ity of it.
"And one more thing, Lord Chamberlain," the Queen
continued. "I will not have members of my family questioned
by a commoner. Whomever you choose to investigate must be
of noble birth."
"It should be perfectly obvious that none of what you have

heard here is to be mentioned outside this room. Should the
newspapers get wind of this, the Queen will sack the lot of us.
Now, I should like to entertain your suggestions." The Lord
Chamberlain pushed back from the desk over which he had
been addressing his subordinates and stood expectantly, his
hands behind his back.
"I do not believe that the investigator should be any of the
palace staff," replied Robert Turncliff, his principal assistant.
''The repercussions could be horrendous for all of us, espe-
cially if a member of the royal family takes insult"
"None of the Queen's family is qualified to investigate the
matter," added Samuel Johnston, another subordinate.
"I have already-reached those conclusions myself, gentle-
men," commented the Chamberlain dryly. "Now tell me who
qualifies. I must confess, I have not been able to think of a
single name."
·"What about one of the Prince of Wales' friends?" asked
Johnston. "Surely one of them could qualify." He was startled
to see both of the other men blanch at his suggestion.
"Certainly not," swore the Chamberlain. "Those friends of
his have given the Queen so many sleepless nights that the
very suggestion of appointing one of them would have the
royal headsman sharpening his axe. You.have not been here
long, Mister Johnston. Matters have been quiet for a good
while now, but they have not always been so."
Johnston sat back in his chair, somewhat chagrined. "I
always thought the stories were greatly exaggerated."
"Well, they were not!" snapped the Chamberlain. "What
about you, Robert?"
"I have just had a thought, Lord Chamberlain," he replied.
"I read last week that the Earl of Marne's son is in London. It
was in the-Times, I believe. Something to do with medical
research."
"I read that article," interrupted Johnston excitedly. ''The
research he is doing is a study of the causes of criminal
behavior in the insane. The paper also said he freely quotes
that detective fellow, Sherlock Holmes."
"Now, I believe, we have something," exclaimed the
Chamberlain with a gleam in his eye. "Provincial nobility not
likely to be out to even old scores. An investigator with an
understanding of the criminal mind. A logical candidate,
gentlemen, one who will satisfy the Queen, and one unlikely
to bring his mistakes home to roost with us. Send Sir Henry to
fetch him." Turn to 149.
100
You decide not to risk offending this powerful noble. His
father is on the board of the St Thomas Hospital, where you
eventually wish to pursue your studies. Turn to 265.
101
Suddenly, it all makes sense. This reckless idiot brought a
woman into Buckingham Palace, and in all likelihood she is an
adventuress of the most common sort! If this becomes public
knowledge, the scandal could forever tarnish the Prince of
Wales' image. No one would believe he knew nothing about
it.
The British people have been tolerant and even amused by
his antics for the past thirty years because he has always been
careful not to diminish the prestige of the Queen. But this is too
close to the heart of the monarchy itself. Lord Befford has all
but handed the newspapers the means to destroy the Prince of
Wales and damage Queen Victoria.
"Lord Befford, my advice to you is to get 'Mr. Eagleton'
out of the palace immediately. I should not mention this to
anyone." Turn to 265.
102
You decide to await the Admiral's return. Walking back to
the Chamberlain's office, you see an unusual amount of
activity in t~e staff offices and stop a staff member to ask what
is afoot. He tells you that McNeal _has died and the police have
been summoned. You have very little time.
Walking back to Admiral Weathersley's room, you glance
outside and see him getting out of a cab in the courtyard. You
decide to allow him a chance to get to his rooms before
confronting him. Turn to 165.
103
"I found a small, fresh bloodstain on the floor of the sentry
box. I do not know if it is significant."
"If they found the sentry as .you described and the stab
wound was small, it could have come from his assailant.
Remember that when you are dealing with those whom you
suspect."
"Did you learn anything by questioning the other soldiers?"
asks Dr. Watson.
•If you checked Clue D, turn to 389.
•Otherwise, turn to 313.
104
You decide to go see Sherlock Holmes. You dearly need to
consult with him on the progress of your investigation. You
hail a cab, telling the driver to take you to 221 Baker Street.
Turn to419.
105
The door opens to reveal a heavy-bodied, brooding hulk of
a man. You look for some resemblance to Private Murphy but
see none. A frail-looking woman stands behind him wringing
her hands.
"Mr. Murphy?"
"That I am, Patrick Murphy. Are you from the police then?"
"No, Mr. Murphy," you answer. "I am Richard Huntington.
I only wish to speak with your brother. I shall not harm him in
any way."
"I told you," wails the woman. "I told you, Mr. Murphy.
That brother of yours has done us in proper, see if he ain't."
"Keep quiet, woman! We ain't done nothin' ." Then he
looks back to you. "Michael ain't here, that's the truth of it. He
was here but he left sometime back. I don't know where he
went neither." Then he begins to shut the door.
As the door shuts you see something and put your foot
between the door and the jam. You saw a movement in the
room behind Patrick Murphy, and you have a good idea who
it is. You push the door back open.
"I know he is here," you say. Your words galvanize Private
Murphy to action. In a flash, he is at the window and then
through it Pick a number and add your Athletics bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 475. ·
•If 7-12, turn to 133.
106
"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Huntington," Detective
Gregson admits grudgingly after you explain, "but I dislike
having to give way in a criminal proceedings to an untrained
investigator. Even if you played no part in the decision, you
should have counseled against it."
"I admit I have had no formal training, Detective Gregson,
but I did have the best teacher. I have spent many hours at 221
Baker Street. with Sherlock Holmes, who I believe is an
acquaintance of yours."
"Yes, I know him," Gregson admits reluctantly. "He is a
fine detective in his own way."
"What do you meaq, 'in his own way', Detective
Gregson?" you demand somewhat hotly. "Surely Sherlock
Holmes has solved more cases than any detective in Scotland
Yard! And I would wager that many of them were cases in
which Scotland Yard could make no progress."
"I will give you that as well, Mr. Huntington," he says
holding up his hand to stop your impassioned defence of
Holmes. "I did not mean to impugn his abilities; his talents are
legendary. It is his motives that I disdain."
"What do you mean?" you ask intrigued.
"He is not a professional, Mr. Huntington. He is an amateur
- a gifted amateur I will admit, but an amateur all the same.
To him these cases are games, the more difficult and bizarre
the circumstances the better. His motive in solving the crime
is to demonstrate that he is more clever and more cunning than
the smartest criminal - and all the detectives of Scotland
Yard in the bargain.
"I am a professional, Mr. Huntington. I became a detective
because I wish to make the streets of London safe for the likes
of you to walk. It is my life and profession. It is not a game."
"Yet do you not go to him for advice upon occasion?" you
demand.
"I would consult with the devil himself if would net me a
criminal. I know my limitations, Mr. Huntington. Solving the
case is more important than winning the game."
You would be more impressed with his position if you had
not often heard Sherlock Holmes complain that Scotland Yard
claims the credit for his successes.
"I should think, Detective Gregson, that there is enough
crime for both Mr. Holmes and yourself."
"Quite right, Mr. Huntington, and Mr. Holmes has proven
himself both effective and reliable over the years. You have
not Again I ask, why you?"
You sigh. "Because I am of noble birth, Detective Gregson.
Queen Victoria did not wish to have members of her family
questioned by commoners in a criminal matter."
"What! The Queen? What has she to do with this?"
You had been hoping to avoid this. Silently, you take the
royal writ out of your pocket and hand ii to him. With a
quizzical look he opens the parchment and reads it.
When he is finished, he hands it back to you. "It was the
newspapers, was it not? They just finished pillorying the
Prince of Wales over some sort of gambling scandal. She
apparently thought they would show the same lack of restraint
in this affair."
"Precisely."
"Humph! She may have been right," he says thoughtfully,
the anger leaving his voice. "Had they gotten wind of it, few
of them would have been able to resist the temptation. Well,
I do not agree with her reasons, but I can at least understand
them." Then he shrugs, throwing off his irritation. "On to
business; tell me again what you have learned during the
- course of your investigation." Turn to 342.
107
"Very well, Detective Gregson," you say, rising to shake
his hand. "I will place the matter in your capable hands. As for
me, I must see the Lord High Chamberlain."
"Good day to you, Mr. Huntington. Thank you for your
assistance." Turn to 137.
108
There are still some puzzling aspects to this case. In an
effort to crystalize the questions in your mind, you decide to
visit Sherlock Holmes.
Youarriveat221 BBakerStreettofindDr. Watson looking
in on Holmes. Holmes, · in · good cheer, is suffering Dr.
Watson's ministrations without complaint. "I shall have
something to tell you by spring, Watson," he says with a
wicked grin. "By then I shall have this skein unraveled enough
to see where the threads cross."
"I am quite certain I have no idea what you mean, Holmes,"
Dr. Watson replies. "But whatever it is has improved your
health. I can find no trace of the illness you manifested merely
two days past."
"I told you, my dear Watson, that was a purification
process, and a most singular one it is too. I permitted myself
· to become ill so that I might destroy the illness. In a manner
of speaking, I lured it into the open where it could be destroyed
- using my body as both bait and weapon. In this manner the
illness could not creep upon me and incapacitate me during the
course of an investigation." w
"I must say, Holmes, it sounds preposterous," comments
Dr. Watson, shaking his head and smiling at you. "Had I not
seen you two days ago, I would have sworn you could not have
been that ill. It is totally beyond anything I have ever seen."
''The ~method is not new. Eastern mystics have used it for
centuries. I intend to explore these techniques more fully
sometime in the future. But..we are keeping Richard wait-
ing." Holmes waves you to a chair. "My apologies, Richard,
but the good doctor simply will not countenance anything in
medicine so totally outside his ken. You would think he took
it as a personal affront." -
"It is quite all right, Mr. Holmes," you reply. "I found it
most interesting." -
"There must have been some new developments in your
case, Richard. Have you caught your man?"
"Yes, it was Admiral Weathersley, but that is not why I am
here. Please pennit me to bring you up to date." You relate
what you have learned.
• If you checked Result M but not Results N & 0,
turn to 293.
•If you checked Result N but not Result 0, turn to 298.
•If you checked Result 0, turn to 505.
• Otherwise, turn to 305.
109
"The particular fly ·in this ointment is the ship plans,
Detective Gregson."
"What do you mean?" asks the policeman with a smile.
''To the best of my knowledge, they have not been recov-
ered. If Admiral Weathersley did not recover them and they
were not found by the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, they were taken
by someone else."
"They could have been blown away by the wind," suggests
Gregson.
"Not very likely," you reply, "The rain would have made
them wet and too heavy for the wind to lift."
"And what does that tell you, .Mr. Huntington?" Pick a
number and add your Scholarship bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 467.
•If 7-12, turn to 153.
110
His face turns red. Without warning, he picks up a heavy
silver candlestick and swings at you. Pic_k a number and add
your Athletics bonus:
• If2-5, turn to 455.
•If 6-12, turn to 388.
111
"I am very sorry, Detective Gregson, but I cannot do that,"
you reply. "I was given a mandate by.-the Queen herself to
pursue this matter to its conclusion, arid I shall do so. Now if,
you will excuse me, I have business e~sewhere."
Gregson shakes a finger at you. '"If you will not take a
request, Mr. Huntington, perhaps you will heed a warning. Do
not hinder or impede my investigation in any way, or I will see
to it that you are placed in police custody until this matter is
concluded. Am I making myself understood?"
"Quite, Detective Gregson," you reply unperturbed. You
expected the threat when you did not accede to his wishes.
"Very well, sir," He stands but.does not offer to shake your
hand. Check Result M. Turn to 108.
112
"Yes, I believe I can. I believe the accomplice is the
Sergeant-of-the-Guard. It is his responsibility to check on the
alertness of the sentries at their post, and he would have had
the best opportunity to do so. It has to be him." Turn to 118.
113
"I am very sorry, My Lord, but I ·must insist" Pick a
number and add your Communication bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 362.
• lf 7-12, turn to 346.
114
You agree to meet with Detective Gregson. The two of you
go into his office, where he shows you to a chair and sits down
behind a desk opposite you. Turn to 237.
115
"Yes, I believe I can. The evidence points to the Officer-of-
the-Guard. As ihe commander of the guard detail, Captain
Treadwell had the best opportunity of anyone to visit the
sentries at their post. It has to be him." Turn to 118.
116
"Yes, I believe I can. The evidence would suggest it is
Private Murphy. After all, the plans were of such importance
to the Separatists that he could easily have been chosen to
watch Private McNeal. Since he is a member of the guard,
though not on duty that evening, he could have gained access
to the palace grounds without being recorded in the logs. He
probably secured the plans and left. It must be him." Turn to
118.
117
"Hmm,,, you say thoughtfully. You reason it can only be
Private McGill, the other sentry on duty within the courtyard
that evening. For information as important as this, the Sepa-
ratfsts would never have depended on one man, no matter how
capable and loyal.
McGill was the only one-with the opportunity. The officers
were engagedin the dispute among the merchants, and Private
Murphy was in police custody for fighting.
The question is, do you tell Detective Gregson your reason-
ing? If you do, he may insist that you relinquish an active part
in the investigation. On the other hand, if you do not and
continue to actively pursue your suspicions, he could have you
arrested. Check Deduction 4.
•If you tell him what you suspect, turn to 139.
118
"Thank you, Mr. Huntington. You may very well be
correct. I shall put the suspect to the question, and in short
order we shall know the truth. In the meantime, please allow
me a request: Permit Scotland Yard to conclude this investi-
gation. You have done well thus far, all things considered;
however, events may take a delicate turn now, and the actions
of an amateur could well prove disastrous. Will you honor my
requestT'
•If you agree, turn to 134.
119
You thank the maid and walk down the corridor until you
are out of sight You wait until you think she is gone and then
quickly make your way back to Admiral Weathersley's door.
Glancing up and down the corridor, you try the door. It is
unlocked. You go inside.
The Admiral may return at any moment You are uncertain
about whether the Queen's writ pardons what you are about to
do, but you have already decided to do it. Perhaps you can find
something to help you make sense of this affair. You start your
search in the Admiral's sitting room. Pick a number and add
your Observation bonus:
•If 2-5, turn to 148.
•If 6-12, turn to 130.
120
There is silence for a moment Then the door opens. "Please
come in," says Admiral Sir George Weathersley. He is not
what you expected. From what Sir Henry told you earlier, this
Admiral has never been to sea. He has worked all his adult life
in the labyrinth of the Admiralty, rising ~o his present post
through meticulous attention to detail and sheer hard work.
You had expected to find a small, wizened gnome, his body
pale and undernourished from years of neglect
Instead, what you see is a hale and hardy man of middle
years. Admiral Weathersley is of average height with curly
·black hair, greying at the temples. His skin has color, and his
eyes are dark. His middle is beginning to thicken, and there are
lines around his eyes, but he looks more like your ideal of the
captain of a three-masted frigate than any naval officer you
have ever met. The effect is diminished only somewhat by the
half-frame reading glasses perched on his nose.
"Very well, what is it?" he asks, waving you to a seat.
You take a moment to look around before replying. You
find he has but two rooms: this sitting room and a small
bedroom through the open door on the far side of the room.
The sitting room, though spacious, doubles as a study or office
and is crammed with several chairs, a desk, a large wardrobe,
and file boxes of papers. There are a number of pictures on the
wall reflecting his nautical profession and a large portrait of a
very striking woman in a place of honor. The Admiral's dead
wife, you suppose. Your inspection complete, your eyes
return to Admiral Weathersley.
He has noticed your actions and appears somewhat irri-
tated. "If you have quite finished, may we proceed?"
"Yes, Admiral," you answer. "I should like to ask you a few
questions about an incident which took place at the palace
early this morning."
"What incident?" he asks, becoming agitated. Pick a
number and add your Observation bonus:
•If 2-5, turn to 240.
•If 6-12, turn to 409.
121
You believe he is telling the truth.
•If you have not-checked Decision 16, turn to 473.
122
For a moment, something about the ceremony you wit-
nessed jogs your memory, but the connection refuses to
~ surface. Check Result B. Turn .to 235.
123
One of .the boards under your feet gives more than it ought,
so you bend down and brush away the flour. A trap door! You
open it and climb down the steps into a hidden cellar. Inside,
you find row upon row of flour bags. You test several at
· random, but they appear' to contain nothing but flour. There
must something strange going on here. Pick a number and
add your Scholarship bonus:
• lf2-6, turn to 175.
• lf7-T;,, turn to 441.
124
When you finish, he looks at you for a long moment before
·replying. "I am.sorry, Mr. Huntington, but I cannot help you
very much. I can, however, assure you my friends could not
have had anything to do with the crime. You said something
about the guards on the stairs. That reminded me of the
hallway guards who are not present during the day but are on
duty at night. There is no way any of my inebriated friends
could have gotten past thein, in the condition they were in. I
give you my word they did not have anything to do with the
assault on the gate.guard." Check Clue K.
•If you question·the-merchants, ~rn to 417. •
•If you question Admiral Weathersley, turn to 265.
125
You do not believe him and decide to press him harder. "My
Lord, I have good reason to believe you do know where Mr.
Eagleton is. If you do not tell me, I shall be forced to take the
matter to the Queen. Now will you tell me?" Pick a number:
• lf2-6, turn to 446.
• lf7-12, turn to 222.
126
You find a patrolling constable and tum Holston over to
him, explaining his behavior and your suspicions. Then you
leave, having wasted enough time here. Turn to 289.
127
"After that, I turned Private Murphy over to his superiors
and returned to the palace."
"And what of the Officer-of-the-Guard?" asks Holmes.
•If you checked Decision 9, turn to 208.
128
"I have no time for this," he replies, turning back to his
customer.
"Mr. Larson, either you will speak to me or you will speak
to the police," you counter. "How many of these respectable
people will do business with you if they believe you to be a
criminal?"
"Prove you have some authority to question me, and I will
cooperate. If you cannot, leave now." Turn to 262.
129
The· inside of the sentry box is dark, poorly lit by the
overcast sky, and smells musty. You poke around inside, but
the·box has been recently swept. You are about to leave when
you see a scrap of paper caught under the baseboard. You take
it out and examine it. There appears to be nothing remarkable
about it at first glance. Its shape is triangular, and there is
nothing written on it. You try to think what to do next. Check
Clue B. Turn to 494.
130
You notice that the ashes in the fireplace have been care-
fully raked. Most of the fileboxes scattered over the floor are
gone. You search the wardrobe and the desk without success,
although you find correspondence from the Queen. Appar-
ently Admiral Weathersley was telling the truth,when he said
he acted as a liaison between the Queen and the Admiralty.
Having no success in the sitting room, you carry your
search into the bedroom. Thisrdom is nearly as crowded as the
sitting room, though smaller. You find nothing and return to
the sitting room. Discouraged, you plop down into Admiral
Weathersley's leather overstuffed chair and gaze off into the
distance, thinking.
Gradually, your eyes focus on a painting you have been
staring at for several minutes. It is an picture of a British ship-
. of-the-line under full sail, bearing down on a French ship with
her guns blazing. It is an undistinguished painting; you have
seen dozens like it lining the walls along Hyde Park on Sunday
afternoons.
But the picture is not what caught your eye. It is the picture
frame. The frame hangs Just a little crooked, exposing a small
triangle of wall paper not as faded as that on the walL It is this
small sector of brighter wallpaper that attracted your atten-
tion.
You get to your feet and walk over to the picture, pulling the
frame away from the wall and looking behind it The matting
on the back of the picture has a very suspicious-looking lump.
You pull out your penknife and spread the matting, extracting
a single sheet of folded paper. With shaking hands, you unfold
it and begin to read:
My Darling,
Someone has found us out! I am terrified! He
approached me in Kensington Gardens and said that
unless you agreed to help him, he would tell Otto
about us. Oh,/ am so afraid, my darling. I/Otto finds
out he will kill me and probably you too. Please,
please do as the man says.I could not bear to lose you!
You are everything to me, my love, and/ am confident
you wijl save us.
Will I see you Thursday next?.Please come. I must
see you, even if it is too dangerous to speak with you.
Oh, why did I not meet you first?
I shall remainforever,
Yours,
. L.
Now you settle back down in Admiral Weathersley's
leather chair to await his return. Check Clue R. Turn to 404.
131
You bolt after him, barely managing to keep him in sight.
Then he runs through a sidestreet into Covent Garden, and you
lose sight of him. You dash around from stall to stall, but it is
hopeless. He has vanished. Turn to 290.
132
"You did not ask the Admiral about the woman's picture in
his watch because it was ungentlemanly?"
"That is correct, Mr. Holmes," you reply.
"f thought I had taught you better than that, Richard. Even
that dolt Athelney Jones from Scotland Yard would not have
shied from asking embarrassing questions. It was a singularly
stupid thing to do! My instincts tell me that our good Admirnl
was the victim of blackmail. At the hands of Private McNeal!
The woman may be the key," he continues. "You must
discover why the Admiral does not want the information to be
made public. I cannot countenance your actions in this regard,
Richard."
"Yes, I see what you me~, Mr. Holmes," you say, redden-
ing at thejustifiedrebuke. "How should !rectify themistake?"
Turn to 218.
133
You take your foot from the door and dash down the stairs
three at a time, out the front door and _around to the back of the
building. You arrive there about the same time that the Private
drops to the ground and collar him before he can run.
"I have you now, Private," you say. "I promised your mates
I would not hand you over to the police. But, Private Murphy,
you will tell me what I wish to know, or you will wish I had."
Pick a number and add your Communication bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 274. ·
•If 7-12, turn to 350.
134
"Very well, Detective Gregson," you say, rising to shake
his hand. "I will place the matter in your capable hands. I am
certain you will ex_~act the truth in short order. As for me, I
must see the Lord High Chamberlain."
"Good day to you, Mr. Huntington. Thank you for your
assistance." Turn to 137.
...•• •• •••••
•• ••• Ill
...••••••
•••
....
..•••
•••
• ••
I I•• ••
••
•• •• Ill I
11111111
135
••
You are convinced that the man is telling the truth; his
manner is one of an honest fellow.You thank and dismiss him,
then thank the man you first spoke to, assuring him that
William Turpin is blameless. Then you leave. Turn to 289.
136
Having caused enough trouble for the baker today, you
release him and leave. Turn to 289. -
137
You decide to answer the Chamberlain's request, so you
make your way to his office, where you are shown in to see him
immediately. He rises to greet you. "Ah, Mr. Huntington," he
says. "So glad you could take the time to see me."
"A pleasure, Lord Chamberlain," you reply.
"I wish to thank you for your assistance in this affair. I
understand you caught the murderer. Fine work, Mr. Hunting-
ton. I am certain the Queen will be pleased to have this
unfortunate incident brought to a successful conclusion."
"A man was killed, Lord Chamberlain," you say.
..Why yes, of course," he replies with a faint smile, "and not
by anyone important. The Admiral's blood relationship to the
Queen is faint, you see. He was allowed to live in the palace
on the Queen's sufferance because of the love the Queen bore
Admiral Weathersley's dead wife. There will be no sordid
speculation in the newspapers. That is enough."
"I see," you say. You cannot disagree with the
Chamberlain's logic, but what you have heard has somehow
tarnished your victory. Now you just want to be away from
this man. "lf you will excuse me, Lord Chamberlain."
"Of course, Mf. Huntington, of course," he favors you with
a tight-lipped smile, "but there is one other matter we must
settle before you leave."
"And what is that, Lord Chamberlain?" you ask coldly.
"Why your audience with the Queen, of course. She in-
sisted upon seeing you if your investigation came to a success-
ful conclusion without drawing the attention of the newspa-
pers. Will Friday next suit?"
"Yes, ofcourse."
"I thought it might," he says with just a tinge of mockery as
he shows yoU"out the door.
•If you checked Result J, turn to 255.
138
you reply. "I was given a mandate by the Queen herself to
pursue this matter to its conclusion, and I shall do so. I have
- given you all the information·I have, ]Jut I must see the matter
through. I can do no less. Now if you will excuse me, I have
business elsewhere."
Gregson shakes a finger at you. "If you will not take a
request, Mr. Huntington, perhaps you wjll heed a warning. Do
not hinder or impede my investigation in any way, or I shall
see to it that you are placed in police custody until this matter
is concluded. Am I making myself understood?"
"Very well, sir," He st:aflds but does not offer to shake your
hand. Check Result M. Turn to 108.
m
_139 ~
You decide to pursue the safe'cours~ and try to work within
the official investigation. You tell Detective ·Gregson whom
you suspect. ·_ - .
"Thank you, Mr. Huntington," he replies. "You rriay-very
well be correct. I cannot fault your logic in ruling out ihe other
likely ca_ndidates, and I especially apprecfate the fact that you
have ruled out the guard officers. because they were settling a
dispute among the butcher: the baker, and the candlestick
m_aker." He favors you w{tfi-a sardonic smile·. "Nonetheless, I
shall put Private McGill to the question, ana in short order we ·
shall know thetruth.
"In the meantime,"·-he continues, '.'please allow me to
present a request. Permit Scotland Yard to conclude this
investigation. You have done·well thus far, all thfogs consid-
ered; however, events will take a delicate turn ~now and the
actions of an amateur could well prove_disastrous. Will yo"u
honor my request?" . _- ·
•If you do as he requests, turn 1o 134.
•Otherwise, turn to -306.
140
"I will tell you whatever you wish.to know, Mr. Hunting-
ton," he replies, spreading his= hands in surrender. "I have
never thought myself a murderer; it was the first time I have
ever kiHed anyone. The deed weighs heavily upon my c-0n-
science." ·
"He was blackmailing you then?" you ask.
"Yes, but you already kn_ow that," he replies.
"What was he using a8 ev:idence?" .
"I will not discuss that part of it, sir;" he states flatly. "I will
tell you whatever you want to know about my own actions,
Mr. Huntington, but I will not drag an innocent person's name
into this sordid episode. Please respect my feeling upon this
matter. That person would be in grave danger, should certain
·information he revealed." ·
"I will respect your wishes, Admiral Weathersley. For the ·
moment anyway," you reply, adding the last as yol1 remember
Holmes' recent admonition. "What did Private McNeal want
from you?'' Turn to 476.
' ITl
141
"Were you able to learn anything from the other guards in
the guard room?" (!$ks Holmes.
•If you checked Result D, turn to 238.
142
"I then decided to return to the ·palace."
•I/you checkedDecision ·9, turn to 208.
143
You decide to question the Sergeant-of-the-Guard because
he found-Private McNeal and may be able to provide addi-
tional details. Also you are fairly certain he will know more
about McNeal t~an does the Captain. Upon inquiry, you find
him in the small office near the Guard room at one side of the
palace. He stands as you enter. "May I help you, sir?" he asks.
"Possibly, Sergeant," you reply. "I have been appointed by
the Lord High Chamberlain to investigate the assault on your
man. I should like to ask you a few questions." CheckDecision
). Pick a number and add :your CommJ!,nication bonus:
• I/2-5, turn to 385.
•If 6-12, turn to 315.
144
"My Lord, before you issue challenge, there is something
you must know. I am forbidden by the Queen to accept your
- offer. If you~ would but open your door to examine the writ I
hold in my hand, you should see the truth of my words." If the
fool will l)Ot respond to reason, perhaps he will honor his
fea_ltylo his monarch. Pick a number and add your Intuition
bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 318.
•If 7-12, turn to 264.
m
• 145
After a long silence, one of the men steps forward, braving
the glares of his fellows. "Aye, sir. I know where he went, most
likely. 'Tis said he has a brother who lives along the canal in
the East End."
"Which canal, soldier?" you ask.
"The Grand Union Canal, sir."
"Thank you," you say to the men in general. "I assure you
that he will come to no harm provided that he has committed
no crime." You have a 1ead.
•If you decide the East End if too far and instead go to see
Sherlock Holmes, turn to 434.
•If you travel to the East End, turn to 430.
146
"But what of the Officer-of-the-Gmu:d?" asks Holmes.
• Otherwise, turn to 456. -
147
You decide that he is upset over your presence because you
are preventing him from completing his work. Turn to 453.
148
After an exhau~tive search, you find nothing. There is no
point compounding the problems you already have, so you
wi~ await the Admiral's return somewhere other than in his
rooms. Walking back down to the Chamberlain's office you
see an unusual amount of activity in the staff offices and stop
to ask what is afoot. .A man tells you that McNeal has died, and
the police have been summoned. You have very little time.
Walking back to Admiral Weathersley' s room, you glance
outside and see him getting out of a cab in the courtyard. You
decide to allow him to get to his rooms before confronting
him. Turn to 165.
149
You are in the study reading your notes when the doorbell
rings. Vincent, your servant, walks through the room on his
way to the front door. You hear the sounds of muffled
conversation as someone enters. The door closes.
After a moment, Vincent comes into the study. "Excuse
me, sir, but there's a man from the government to see you on
a confidential matter."
"Very well, Vincel!t," you reply, putting your papers back
in your rolltop desk. "Show him in."
· A moment later Vincent returns with a well-dressed
stranger. "Good morning, sir," the man begins, after your
·servant departs, shutting the door behind ~im. "Before I
introduce myself, may I ask if you are Richard Lloyd Hunting-
ton, second son of the Earl of Marne?"
"Why,·yes I am," you reply, somewhat surprised.
''Then, sir, may I present myself. I am Sir Henry Lowe,
second secretary to the Lord High Chamberlain, and I have .
come on a veiy serious matter." Turn to 364.
150
"Was there anything you noticed that was out of place, out
of the ordinary?" asks Holmes.
•If you checked Clue C, turn to 103.
151
"I am very sorry, Detective Gregson,.'' you answer, "but I
am afraid I cannot say with certainty who did it. There are any
number-ofpeople who might have had access to McNeal that
early in the morning. The palace corridors are guarded, yes,
but not so closely that someone accustomed to the guard
routine might not have been able_1o slip through unseen."
"Yes, quite," Gregson replies, the very picture of a man
convinced you are holding back. "Please allow me to present
a request. Permit Scotland Yard to conclude-this investigation.
You have done well thus far; however, events will take a
delicate tum now and the -actions of an amateur could well
prove disastrous. Will you honor my request?"
"I would very much like to honor your request, but I regret
to say I cannot," you reply. ''f. was given a mandate by the
Queen herself to pursue this matter -to its conclusion, and I
shall do so. Now if you will excuse me, I have business
elsewhere."
"If you will not take a request, Mr.Huntington, perhaps you
wHI heed a wami~g. Do not hiridcr or impede my investigation
in any way, or I shall sec_to it that you are placed in police
custody until this matter is concluded. Am I making myself
understood?"
"Vcry well, sir," He stands but docs nc>t offer to shake your
hand. Turn to 179. -
152
You stare at McGill closely for a moment. When he does
not flinch, yourealizchc will say no more. You take yourleave
of him.
• If you continue to question the other guards, turn to 296.
•If you decide to see Sherlock llolmes, turn to 247.
. 153
"It means, Detective Gregson, that McNeal has an accom-
plice, someone who found his body and instead of alerting the
guard, took the plans."
"Yes, that is correct, Mr. Huntington," he sighs. Check
Deduction 5. Tum to 252. IT]
154
No one answers your knock, but some instinct tells you they
have not left. You knock again. "Mr. Murphy," you say. "I am
not here to arrest your brother. I merely wi_sh to speak with
him."
You hear a movement behind the door and the sounds of a
whispered conversation. Then a moment later, the dooropens.
Pick a number and add your Observation bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 211.
• 1/7-12, turn to 105.
155
Just as the door closes in your face, you hear footsteps
coming down the hall and a voice you recognize. "Who is it,
Mrs. Hudson?"
"Dr. Watson," you call out. "It is Richard Huntington."
"Oh, Good Heavens, Mrs. Hudson," Dr. Watson says. "I
did not mean for you to bar the door~ You may allow Mr.
Huntington to enter." 4
-
The door swings open and you enter. Turn to 171.

156
"The Admifal is not here," the secretary says primly. "He
left several minutes ago for Buckingham Palace. If you hurry,
you may catch him." Turn to 354.
157
You have caught the murderer even if you cannot prove it.
At the very least, you prevented a scandal, and the Queen will
be grateful for that. Scotland Yard will be very happy to take
over from here, especially since you can save them time. You
wish you had been able to carry the investigation to a more
successful conclusion, but given the limited time, you must be
satisfied with a partial success.
•If you decide to try again, turn to 452.
•If you want to read the solution, turn to 493.
158
For a moment you think he is going to spring at you, but
then some of the tension drains from nim. He sinks into
another chair across the room.
"I will tell you whatever you wish to know, Mr. Hunting-
ton," he replies, spreading his hands in surrender. "I have
ever killed anyone. The deed weighs heavily upon my con-
science."
"He was blackmailing you then?" _you ask.
"Yes, but you already know that," he replies, shrugging.
"What was he using as evidence?"
"I will not discuss that part of it, sir," he states flatly. "I will
tell you whatever you want to know about my own actions, -
Mr. Huntington, but I will not drag an innocent person's name
matter. That person would be in grave danger, should certain
information be revealed."
"I will respect your wishes, Admiral Weathersley. For the
moment anyway," youreply,adding the last as you remember
from you?" Tum to 476.
159
You search the bunk, even stripping off the sheet, but find
nothing. Neither the wardrobe nor the trunk reveals anything.
Examining the.barracks common areas, you find nothing. You
decide that it was a good idea in.principle, but the results are
disappointing.
•If you have not checked Decision 18 and wish to talk with
the other soldiers, turn to-428.
•If you seek out Captain Treadwell, turn to 227.
•If you consult with Sherlock Holmes, turn to 419.
160
"It is the rope for you, then," you say. ·
"The rope! For what?" Your remark seems to have loos-
ened _his tongue.
"For murder, Mr. Holston," you reply.
"For using unlicensed flour?" He seems genuinely fright-
ened and confused. At the moment, you are also confused.
"Unlicensed flour? What are you saying, man? Is that why
you ran?"
"Yes, sir," Holston replies. "Are you not of the customs
service?"
"No, I am not~" you say dejectedly.
•If you turn him over to the police, turn to 126.
•If you_ leave, turn to 136.
16r
He laughs in your face. You are in danger of losing his
respect. "I believe you are on the wrong track, Mr. Hunting-
ton.· There is almost certainly a foreign power involved.
Everything points to it. Can you guess who might profit from
the information the blackmailers wanted from Admiral
Weathersley?"
You look at him blankly. "I am sure I have no idea,
Detective Gregson," you reply frostily.
"I shall give-you a choice, Mr. Hunrington," he continues.
"I believe it is either Germany or the United States. Can you -
guess why?" · _
•If you believe it is the United States, tlfrn to 431.
•If you believe :it is Germany, tum to 249.
IT]
162
After another short wait, you hear the sound of boots being
stamped and someone marching to the door. It swings open
and Lord Sumpter stands revealed. You can see he had been
quite handsome in his youth, though now he shows his age,
even more than the Prince. He is a little below medium height
and portly, his hair in disarray. He squints up at you in pain and
surprise.
"Big chap, are you not?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Would you mind awfully if we put off your thrashing to
another time? Beastly headache, what?" · ·
"My pleasure, My Lord."
''Well, now that you have got me, what are you going to do
with me?" -
"lam here to ask you several questions about last night, my
Lord."
"Questions? Aboutwhat?" .
"Will you please tell me if you and your friends came
directly to your rooms last night?"
"Why, yes. Immediately through the door, we all packed
off to bed." Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 198.
•If 7-12, turn to 490.
163
The man seems sincere and obviously feels guilty that a
fellow soldier was badly injured when he should have beeri
able to help. Turn to 152.
164
"Do you realize that what you did was tantamount to
obstructing an officer of the law, Mr. Huntington? And you
did not answer my question. What makes you an expert on
murder investigations? Where did you receive your training?"
• If you attempt to mollify him again, turn to 256.
165
You wait until he has had a chance to enter tiis room, then
walk up the staifs and knock on his door.
The door opens, and the Admiral starts as he catches sight
of you.
"Good afternoon, Admiral," you say evenly. "I hope I did
not startle you." -
"What are you doing here?" he snarls angrily. "Confound
you anyway, Huntington! This is not a public room. Go
away!''
"Why are you so agitated, _Admiral Weathersley? Has
something happcned7 Let me guess: Private McNeal died and
now you are officially a murderer." · -
"1 have no idea what you are talking about," he says,
pouring himself a shot of rum with shaking hands.
"Surely, you did not want him to live, Admiral," you
continue. "He would only have identified you, after all. Or
would he? Perhaps he would have hesitated to name you. After _
all~ you had done him quite a service, had you not?" .
"What do you mean?" There is a kind of horrified fascina- .
tion in his eyes now.
"Very seldom does a blackmailer betray his victim, Admi-
ral. Of course, the reverse is not necessarily true. You may as
w€ll tell me everything. I already know most of it anyway,"
you say, hoping he will fall into the trap of thinking you know
more than you do. Pick a number and add your Communica-
tion bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 140.
_ •If 7-12, turn to319.·
166
"Of course it makes sense. Should Ireland achieve Home
Rule, men lilfo McNeal will never believe the British Fleet
would cease to pose a threat to them. They would argue to
build a Oeet of their QWn." Check Result K. Turn to 204.
167
You leave the parliamentary office. Turn to 464.
168
"I saw nothing untoward, Mr.' Holmes," you answer. "I
would have preferred ~o bringthe seal here for you to examine,
but the Chamberlain would not allow it. In fact, it would have
been pointless, as he had it cleaned before·returning it to the
Queen."
"That is unfortunate," admits Holmes.
"Did you learn anything by questioning the other soldiers?"
asks Dr. Watson.
169
You decide to leave, having wasted enough time. You will
catch up with Admiral Weathersley at Buckingham Palace
where he does not have the weight of his office to shield him.
You walk back down The Mall to the palace. As you enter,
you are met by a footman who informs you that the Chamber-
lain has requested to see you~ Turn to 278.
170
"Leaming that McNeal had been a member of an Irish gang
might be significant, but at this moment it does no~ appear so.
And what of the Officer-of-the-Guard?" Holmes asks.
•If you checked Decision 9, turn to 2Q8.
171
As you climb the stairs behind Dr.Watson, he pauses for a
moment at the top and says, "Mrs. Hudson was right aboutone
thing, Richard. Holmes' health is not good at the moment I
trust you not to ask too much of him."
"Of course, Dr. Watson," you reply. "Youm~yrelyonme."
You enter Holmes' sitting room to find him in his dressing
gown stretched out upon the settee. You have never seen him
so thin. The sharpness of his features is dramatic, and his skin
pale, as if he has been inside for a long time. His hooded eyes
seem recessed even further into his skull.
"Mr. Holmes," you say, walking over to the settee to shake
his hand. "I hope my visit is not inconvenient."
"Not at all, Richard," he replies, standing to take your hand~
"I am not quite the invalid Dr. Watson would have you
believe. In fact, I am not ill at all. I am simply preparing myself
for what is to come." -
"Disgraceful," mutters Dr. Watson. "Your body cannot
take much more of this abuse, Holmes. You must attend to the
physical needs as well as the mental."
"You are quite right, Doctor," Holmes agrees. "That is why
I permit this attention."
"About time too," Dr. Watson continues unabated. "How a
· man of your age and intelligence could allow himself to
become so weak is beyond me. It is a good thing Mrs. Hudson
called me when she did." Then he looks sharply at Holmes.
"She also told me that one of your Irregulars crept in here to
see you. Is that true?" ·
"True enough, Watson. He brought me vital information.
But enough about that .. .! believe Richard has come with a
problem of his own, and as he has come from the Queen,
perhaps we should listen to him."
You feel as though the floor has just fallen out from under
you. You sink down in a chair and pass a hand across your
forehead in consternation. "Is it in the newspapers then?
Somebody must have talked. I -suppose someone always
does."
"Put your mind at ease, Richard," says Holmes. ''There is
nothing about your case in the newspapers. My body may need
mending, but there is nothing wrong with my eyes."
"You ·cannot have deduced my mission," you say hotly.
"There is no way you could have known."
"On the contrary, Richard. It was child's play," observes
Holmes with a knowing look. "It was partly observation and
partly deduction."
"Really, Holmes, you must explain yourself," Dr. Watson
exclaims. "I cannot see how you could possibly have known
this time."
Holmes favors you both with a self-satisfied smile and
continues, "If you will be so good as to look at Richard's
shoes, you will see part of the answer, my dear Watson.
Caught between the sole and the upper part of the right shoe
are two pebbles. Lying on the settee I was in a better position
to see them. The pebbles are a type of imported rose quartz
found only in the gardens along The Mall and in the courtyards
of Buckingham Palace."
You look at your shoe. The:r:e are the two pebbles, wedged
tightly into the seam. You look up. "I see the pebbles, Mr.
Holmes. But how did you dedu~e the rest?"
"Do you remember what you did when you entered the
room? You came and bent down to shake my hand, attempting
to safeguard the invalid from himself. As _you did, your coat
fell open, and I saw a piece of parchment in the breast pocket.
The parchment had a faint purple tint. That shade of parch-
ment is made exclusively for Queen Victoria. .
"I deduced that you would not have been to Buckingham
Palace unless you had been summoned for a serious-reason.
Forgive me, Richard, but your family is not pfominent enough
to frequent the palace."
"No offense taken. It is true enough, I suppose."
"It was a simple matter to deduce the rest. Child's play, as
1 said." Holmes concludes and returns to his seat on the settee.
"Now, how may I be of help?"
Quickly you relate the incident, summarize the results of
your investigation and ask his advice.
"Before I can advise you," he replies, "I must ask several
questions. First, what did you find at the scene of the crime?"
•If you have not checked Decision 1, turn to 233.
•If you checked Clue B, turn to 199.
172
"She is certainly a lovely woman/' you comment casually,
hoping to draw him out ._
"Ah, yes," he agrees a little frantically, casting around for
a way to explain her photograph~ obviously horrified that you
have such poor manners as to bring up another gentleman's
private life. "It is a picture of my mother when she was young.
I had a new print made as tl}e old one was destroyed when the
watch was accidently ·immersed in water." Check Result I.
Pick a number and add-your Scholarship bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 223.
•If 7-12, turn to 483.
173
"Detective Gregson," you say. "I do not intend to argue
with you over the propriety of this investigation. Either you
can accept what I have to say and allow me to save you time,
or you can retrace my steps."
"Very well, Mr. Huntington," he says, his eyes cold. "Tell
me what you have learned." Turn to 342.
174
"Seems quite in order," he says, handing it back to you.
"Very well, what is it you wish to know?" he asks, standing
aside so you may enter. He waves you to a seat.
You take a moment to look around before answering. You
find he has but two. rooms: this sitting room and a small
bedroom through the open door on the far side of the room.
The sitting room, though spacious, doubles as a study or office
and is crammed with several chairs, a desk, a large wardrobe,
and file boxes of papers. There are a number of pictures on the
wall reflecting his nautical profession and a large portrait of a
very striking woman in a place of honor. The Admiral's dead
wife, you suppose. Your inspection complete, your eyes come
back to Admiral Weathersley.
He has noticed your actions and appears somewhat irri-
tated. "If you have quite finished, may we proceed?"
"Yes, Admiral," you answer. "I should like to ask you a few
questions about an incident which took place at the palace
early this morning."
"What incident?" he asks, becoming agitated. Pick a
•If 2-5, turn to 240.
• If 6-12, turn to 409.
175
You search the cellar thoroughly, but cannot identify the
reason the baker would be hiding bags of flour down here.
•If you call the police, turn to 355.
176
Holston, however, remains silent.
"So you are willing to hang for murder, are you?" you
comment
That loosens his tongue. He swears he had nothing to do
with murder but will say no more. You summon the police and
describe his behavior; They will investigate and.keep him in
custody until they have the full story. Turn to 289.
177
You agree to meet with Detective Gregson but tell him
there is something you must. do first. There are some figures
missing in this equation. You need time to think.
You walk out into the gardens at the back of the palace and
stroll down one of the grass-lined graveled paths, coming
upon a bench illuminated by the late afternoon sunlight. You
sit on the bench and pull your coat a little more tightly around
you to ward off the increasing chill. The sun may be out today,
a rare occurrence this winter, but it carries little warmth. Pick
a number and add your Intuition bonus.:
•If 2-5, turn to 203.
• If 6-12, turn to 210.
178
"Yes, there was one oth~r thing. She told me McNe-al had
asked her to marry him. He said he would make his fortune in
ano~her week. I must confess that I do not know what he
meant. It may not be significant."
"I say, Holmes, that is a singular piece of information,"
observes Dr. Watson. "What do you think he meant?"
"I believe he meant no good, Watson," says Holmes, "but
before saying, I would like to ask another question." Turn to
332.
179
While in Detective Gregson' s office~ you realize there is
one possibility you have not had the op{X)rtunity to investi-
gate. It is true that McNeal is dead, but he might still be able
to t.cll you something.
You search out the location of the room where McNeal was
taken and ask for the. attending physician. In a few minutes,
you are shown into another office where you arc introduced to
Dr. Wesley Thornton. Dr. Thornton is a short, spare man of
about forty with a sober demeanor. "How may I help you, Mr.
Huntington?" he asks, handing the royal writ back to you.
"I am curious to know if Private McNeal said anything
before he died, Doctor," you reply.
"Nothing that made any sense, I am sorry to say," replies
Dr. Thornton.
''Even so, Doctor. Did he say any words you were able to
recognize? It may be important."
"He spoke of his mother there at the end - but wait, I
believe he did say something to one of the nurses. Just a
moment." He walks to the door and opens it. "Miss Jones,
would you be so good as to step in here for a moment?"
A very attractive young, blond woman enters the office
clad in a nurse's uniform. "Yes, Doctor," she says.
''This is Mr. Huntington, Miss Jones," he says, indicating
you. "He is investigating the death of Private McNeal. He
asked me if Private McNeal had said anything before he died.
I believe you mentioned that he had said something to you the
night after the attack." ·
"Yes, Doctor, it was very strange," her voice is a very
pleasant contralto. "He kept saying something about the
'German woman'. It was difficult to understand, but he said it
over and over until he sank into a coma near morning."
"Well, there you have it, Mr. Huntington. I hope it helps
you." ·
"It is most helpful, Doctor," you say, pleased.
As you take your leave of them, you find yourself wonder-
ing how you could contrive to see Miss Jones again. As you
shake her hand you notice thather smile is one of amusement,
as if she knows just what you are thinking.
Walking back down the palace corridors, you try to decide
whether to tell Detective Gregson of your discovery. It may
not mean much now, but he may uncover something ~lse
which might make the information significant You know that
if you are to secure his cooperation, you must be willing to
trade information. Unfortunately, he has not yet demonstrated
any desire to share information with you - not that he has any
to share at present. What should you do? Check Clue W.
•If you tell Detective Gregson, turn to 181.
180
"I regret that I cannot accept your word regarding this
matter, my Lord. There is simply too much at stake. Please
explain yourself more fully." Turn to 406.
[QJ
181
You decide that you have a duty as a responsible citizen to
keep the police informed.You find Detective Gregson and tell
him what you have foamed. Turn 186. to
182
You decide to search Admiral Weathers~ey 's room now
thatyou have clues as to what to lookforL Since the police have
not yet gotten around to placing a guard here, you have no
trouble getting inside. Pick anumber and add your Observa--
tion bonus: ·
• If4-5,turn to 187. ·
•If 6-12, turn to 190.
l83
You return to thy palace. As you enter, fuming about the
time you lost in the East End, a footman approaches '1nd tells
you that the Chan:iberlain would like to see you. Turn to 278.
184
As one hour has already passed, you decide to invest
another in waiting. Surely, no one can1ook over balance books
for longer than two hours! You settle back irr the chair once
more, trying your best to keep it and the secretary from getting
the better of you: The secretary favors you with another smile, ·
this one a trifle more respectful. He obviously admires your
patience. Turn to 480.
t8s·
Returning to the palace in the gathenng twilight, you find
your way to the guard room and ask for the Sergeant-of-the-
Guard. He is in his office and stands when you enter. Since the
palace guard dutfos are now being conducted by another
regiment, the man is a stranger. Concerned that you may have
to use the writ the Queen gave you, you introduce yourself.
"Thought it might be you, sir," the sergeant declares in ~
response to your name. "The Officer-of-the-Guard had a
meetin' with the Lord High Chamberlain and told me to offer
you any assistance you might need. How can I help you?"
"Thank you, Sergeant," you reply gratefully. "Tell me, are
there logs .kept which record who might enter and leave the
palace after hours?"
"Yes, sir, there are."
"Might I see them? Particularly theJog for late last night
I should like to see who entered between the hours of midnight
and dawn."
"Certainly, sir." He reaches behind him and takes out a
logbook. ''This is yesterday's book for the back gate. The one·
for the front gate should be here somewhere. Anyone entering
the courtyard would pass through the front gate." He begins to
rummage through his desk. After some determined searching,
he turns back to you. "This is very peculiar, sir. That log was
here not two hours ago. I saw it myself."
You feel the thrill of the chase; you have caught the first
scent of your quarry. "I suppose I can .always question the
opposite cotirtyarcl guard and get the information," you say.
"In the meantime I shall get what I need from the log for the
rear gate." You open the book and glance·inside. The entries
are arranged chronologically and list the time of entry, the
name of the visitor, whom he or she represents, the nature of
their business, and the time of departure.
Scanning down the columns, you see that a parliamentary
messenger arrived to see the Queen at two o'clock, stayed
until nine o'clock, ana left. There were also deliveries from
three merchants: a James Holston of Holston & Sons on the
Strand, a William Turpin of Reginald Ware, Silversmiths of
Piccadilly Street, and an Andrew Larson of Larson & Trem-
bley, Meatpackers at Covent Garden. You notice that two of
the establishments are located close to one another in .a
fashionable district near Charing Cross Station, while the
other is not far off Piccadilly Circus. Check Clue J.
•If you question the parliamentary messenger, turn to 297.
•If you question the merchants, turn to 417.
•If you go to Wellington Barracks to ques.tion the front gate
guard, turn to 464.
186
''Thank you, Mr. Huntington," Detective Gregson replies
without emotion. "Since we last talked, I have spoken with the
-Lord High Chamberlain and had your royal writ revoked. The
Queen is perfectly willing to see Scotland Yard conduct the
investigation now that there is no chance of a scandal. Please
give it to me." He holds out his hand, and you h_ave no choice
but to give it to him. ".Now go home, Mr~ Huntington. You are
not the police, arid you are not Sherlock Holmes. You will not
interfere in this investigation again or you will see the inside
of Old Bailey. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand, Detective Gregson," you reply, dis-
heartened.
It is nearly a week later and you are 'at breakfast when you
pick up a Daily Telegraph and open -it to the front page. The
headline screams: "Spy Ring Smashed by Scotland Yard".
The article rather sketchily describes a dastardly attempt by a
foreign power to secure critical naval secrets from the Admi.:.
ralty. Fortunately, the ring was smashed and the spies cap-
tured by Detective Gregson. The paper promises more details
as they become available. ·
So, you think, there was more to the plot, as you suspected.
And Gregson has managed to take the credit for the work you
did. You have the consolation of knowing that you identified
a murderer and helped to expose a spy ring, but you cannot
help feeling a little disappointed that you were not in it to the
last. The End
187
You find nothing of any significance. Check Result 0.
Turn to 108.
188
He is temporizing needlessly over a minor point of honor
just to be difficult "My Lord, I have been very patient with
you, but I am convinced that you are hiding something. If you
do not tell me, you will put me in the position of informing the
Queen that her son and his friends may have been involved in
a very serious incident She will not be amused. I shall waste
no more time on this ridiculous episode. Decide. Now!" Pick
a number and add your Communication bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 110.
• ~f 7-12, turn to 312.
189
You continue the questioning but learn nothing more of
significance. Turn to·377.
190
You make a quick search but find nothing. As you are about
to leave, you find a small stack of unopened mail addressed to
Admiral Weathersley. Now you are in a quandary. What
circumstances would justify a gentleman opening another
.gentleman's mail?
•If you open the mail, turn to 191.
191
You decide to open the mail. Admiral Weathersley is
certainly no gentleman, and Sherlock Holmes has already
reminded you of the practical realities of criminal investiga-
tion.
Quickly, you sort through the lot. One is official-looking
and you open it first It is an invitation to a reception to be held
at the German embassy this very evening. Check Clue X.
• 1 you take the invitation to Detective Gregson,
turn to 186.
192
."I was unable to _learn anything significant about their
recent contacts. They do not appear to be friends. I believe
Private Murphy was -hiding something, but I do not know
what." Turn to 243."
193
You decide that you cannot afford the time to make a trip
of questionable value all the way to Spitalfields on the chance
that Sally Barnes might know something. Instead you will
continue to question the men. Pick a number and add your
Intuition bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 331.
•If 7-12, turn to 501.
194
You look at the watch, fearing it is damaged beyond repair.
You see it lying on the floor, its.case open and the broken glass
of the watch bezel strewn across the room. You bend down to
retrieve it. As you pick it up, another lid cleverly concealed
within the first springs open, and you look inside what could
only be a secret compartment.
Inside the compartment is the picture of a woman, a
beautiful dark-haired woman. Admiral Weathersley snatches
the watch from your hand with a horror-struck look.
•If, being a gentleman, you do not ask about her,
turn to 451.
•If, being a cad at heart, you ask Admiral Weathersley ab6ut
her, turn to 172.
195
"I am sorry to have bothered you with all of these questions,
Admiral Weathersley ,"you comment as the brandy begins to
warm you. "But you must understand that the crime was a very
serious one. I hope that I have not offended you."
"I would be lying ifl claimed I enjoyed the questioning, Mr.
Huntington. However," he continues, "if the situation is as
serious as you say, it had to be done. Are you finished?"
"Yes, I am, Admiral Weathersley. I am quite satisfied." The
two of you chat for a few minutes, and you leave. Turn to 239.
196
You prowl the bakery trying to find the reason the baker
fled. There must be a clue to his behavior if you can just find
it Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 374.
• lf 7-12, turn to 341.
197
You decide not to open the mail. Just because Admiral
Weathersley committed a crime, it is no reason for you to
compromise your own principles. Reluctantly, you plac'e the
mail back on the table where you found it. You know Detec-
tive Gregson will have no compunction about opening it, but
he is a duly authorized representative of the law - addition-
ally, he is no gentleman. .
You decide to visit Sherlock Holmes. Check Result 0.
Turn to 108.
198
You find yourself believing him. There is an air of rough-
and-ready honesty about him. Turn to 379.
199
"I found this caught between the floor and the baseboard."
You hand Holmes the parchment comer you found.
"The Queen's stationery," Holmes says thoughtfully. "A
singular piece of evidence. Unfortunately, as it has nothing
written on it, it can tell us little." Turn to 150.
200
You will learn nothing more here, so you hail a cab, telling
the driver to take you to 221 Baker Street. Turn to 419.
[i]
201
It is quite dark before your cab pulls up in front of the
Gennan embassy. Well-dressed men and gowned ladies are
arriving, most of them in private carriages. An awning has
been erected outside the entrance for guests waiting to enter,
in case of rain. You join the line of guests. At the door you hand
your invitation to a doorman and are shown to a guest register,
where you enter your name as "Admiral Sir George Weather-
sley." A moment later you walk up the staircase to the floor
above, where the reception is being held.
You pause in the doorway and survey the crowd. There
appear to be more than a hundred guests already present, so
you will not be conspicuous. Many of the guests speak French,
and most of them are probably foreign diplomats and their
wives. Here and there you see the uniform of a military man,
but for once all the Germans appear to be in mufti.
The occasion appears ill;_suited for the assignation you
suspect, but you hope to discover the identity of the illusive
woman whose picture you saw in Admiral Weathersley's
watch. You begin to comb the crowd for her. Pick a number
and add your Observation bonus:
• 1/2-5, turn (o 328.
•If 6-12, turn to 339.
202
You doubt that this fool can tell you anything of substance.
In disgust you turn and walk away.
203
The pieces still refuse to fall into place. You need s<>meone
to help you sort out the truth; you must make a trip to 221 B
Baker Street. Turn to 108.
204
"Do you really believe that, Mr. Huntington?"
"Well, it is possible. They could also sell the plans to a
power unfriendly to England."
''This is where experience counts, Mr. Huntington. I should
have wondered at this ambiguity at once." Turn to 448.
[!QJ
I 111
205
"Yes, Detective Gregson. I agree. If if were not for Admiral
Weathersley 's violent response, McNeal might well be hawk-
ing the information right now."
~'Well, 'all's well that ends well,' Mr. Hunting-ton," he
smiles, putting out his hand. "Thank you for your assistance.
You have saved us valuable time. It is unfortun~te Scotland -
Yard was not called in immediately, but that is not y_our doing. ~
Please extend iny compliments to Mr. Sherlock Holmes when
you see him next." - -
You leave, wondering why Detective Gregson is wearing
such a self-satisfied look. Turn to 137.
206
Your hansom pulls up in front of 221 Baker Street. You
dismount, pay the driver, and walk up to the front door. As you
. are about to ring the bell,·the door flies open and a ragged
urchin races out carrying a fistful of rolls. In hot pursuit is an
older woman waving a broom and shouting for the boy to stop.
"Hello, Mrs. Hudson," you say.
"Mr. Huntington!" she gasps, somewhat out of breath as
she tuc~ a wisp of grey hair back into the bun on her head.
"Did you not see that ragamuffin carrying off a good part of
Mr. Holmes' dinner? Could you not have at least tried to slow
him down?" Her tone is one of exasperation.
"Mrs. Hµdson,'' you reply. "What would you have done
with the youngster had you caught him? Certainly, you would
not have served Mr. Holmes the rolls you took from the boy.
I let him go as an act of kindness to you both."
"You are beginning to sound just like Mr. Holmes," she
sniffs. "And I do not mean it as a compliment. What is it you
wish, Mr. Huntington?"
"To see Mr. Holmes, of course."
"Quite impossible, Mr. Huntington. Mr. Holmes is ill and
cannot be disturbed."
"What!" you exclaim, your heart sinking.
"He has been working much too hard, Mr. Huntington. I
have summ~ned the doctor. I will not have you upset him."
I 11
"My dear Mrs. Hudson," you sputter. "I have no intention
of upsetting the fellow."
"I saw the determined way you walked to my door, Mr.
Huntington; I was watching from the window. That is how that
young rapscallion managed to filch my fresh baked bread."
Wonderful, you think; now she is blaming me for the theft
of the bread.
"I have learned a little of Mr. Holmes' methods over the
years," she continues. "He has used them to catch me out often
enough. You are here with a problem and wish Mr. Holmes'
assistance. I shall not let you in."
You know you have little chance of solving the case
without Holmes' help. But first you must get by the Guardian
at the Gate. Pick a number and add your Communication
bonus:
• lf2-7, turn to 309.
•If 8-12, turn to 291.
207
The man does not hesitate. He dashes past you into the
street, running up the Strand for a block and then turning up
toward Covent Garden. You set off in hot pursuit. Pick a
number and add your Athletics bonus:
•If 2-7, turn to 131.
• If 8-12, turn to 384.
208
"All of my efforts to question the guard captain have been
in vain. Captain Treadwell was involved in the changing of the
guard today- not the ordinary one, mind you, but the one the
army performs when one regiment assumes command from
another.
''The ceremony was quite impressive, what I saw of it. I
think what struck me most odd, however, was Captain
Treadwell marching back and forth in front of his men
carrying his sword by its blade rather than its hilt"
•If you checked Result B, turn to 268.
209
The Chamberlain obviously wants you to hand over the
investigation to the police. You cannot afford to offend such
a powerful man, so you will do as he asks.
It is nearly a week later, at breakfast, when you pick up a
Daily Telegraph and open it to the front page. The headline
screams: "Spy Ring Smashed by Scotland Yard". The article
rather sketchily describes a dastardly attempt by a foreign
power to secure critical naval secrets from the Admiralty.
Forlunately, the ring was smashed and the spies captured by
a Detective Gregson. The paper promises more details as they
become available.
So, there was more to the plot, as you suspected. And this
Gregson has managed to take the credit for the work you did.
You have the consolation of knowing that you identified ·a
murderer and helped to expose a spy ring, but you cannot help
feeling a little disappointed that you were not in it to the last.
The End
210 ·
There is something that nags at yori. Then suddenly, you
have it The ship plans which Admiral Weathersley gave to
Private McNeal have not been recovered. They would not
have been blown away by the wind, because the rain would
have soaked them through. They should have been found. It
means that someone took them! And that can only mean that
McNeal has an accomplice. Now who is it? Check Deduction
5.
•If you think it is the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, turn to 220.
•If you think it is Lord Belford, turn to 224.
•If you think it is Private Murphy, turn to 225.
•If you think it is Private McGill, turn to 228.
211
The door opens to reveal a heavy-bodied, brooding hulk of
a man.You look for some resemblance to Private Murphy but
see none. A frail-looking woman stands behind him, wringing
her hands.
"Mr. Murphy?"
"That I am. Are you from the police then?"
"No, Mr. Murphy," you answer. "I am Richard Huntington.
I only wish to speak with your brother. I shall not harm him in
any way."
"I told you," the woman wails. "I told you, Mr. Murphy.
That brother of yours has done us in proper, see if he ain't."
"Keep quiet, woman! We ain't done nothin' ." Then he
looks back to you. "Michael ain'there, that's the truth of it. He
was here but he left sometime back. I don't know where he
went neither." He shuts the door, leaving you standing in the
hall.
You decide to leave and hail a cab, telling the driver to take
you to 221 B Baker Street. Turn to 419.
_212 -
You might have heard the door to Lord Befford' s bedroom
close softly. "I believe the intruder went into your bedroom,
Lord Befford," you say flatly. "Now kindly step aside and
allow me to do my duty."
He favors you with another cool stare, then steps aside.
"N.fr. Huntington," he says, his manner a dignified plea. "Do
not go ill there. No good will come of it''
•If you go into the room anyway, turn to 472.
•• Otherwise, turn to 489.
213 -
"'I pressed the fellow, and he admitted that he wa8 a member
of one of the gangs. He also admitted to trying to recruit ·
McNeal_:_without success, I might add. I left it at that and
returned to the palace." ·
"'And what of the Officer-of-the-Guard?". asks Holmes.
11
Otherwise, turn to 456.
214
· He laughs heartily. "Really, Mr. Huntington! How can you
think that? The United States is not an unfriendly power. You
have been influenced by some of that radicalTory rubbish. I
shall tell you who is in.all likelihood the intended recipient of
the spoils of the blackmailer's art." Turn to 443. ,
215
Admiral Weathersley leaps at you, snatching for the letter.
Pick a number and add your Athletics bonus:
•If 2-7, turn to 301.
•If 8-12, turn to 279.
216
"My Lord, I am on the Queen's busine~s. I am forbidden to
issue or accept challenge. If you object, please take the matter
up with her."
"Oh, very well, my dear fellow. lwas only having you on.
You are much too serious. What you need is a good thrashing,
and I just may be the one to give it to you." Turn to 162.
217
"Sally Barnes! And why would a fine man like yerself be
' wantin' to find Sally?" You start to answer but she cuts you
off. "No matter, Sally's gone. Been gone a week. Took off like
the.devil was after her, she did." Feeling the inevitability of
defeat, you try to decide what to do next. Pick a number:
• If2-10, turn to 481.
•If 11-12, turn to 254.
218
"By questioning Admiral Weathersley about the woman.
Do it now, Richard! The success of your investigation hangs
in the balance." Turn to 412.
I II
219
He smiles knowingly, the smile a teacher bestows on a slow
st dent who answers a question correctly. "I believe you are
on the right track, Mr. Huntington. You just have not carried
it frrr enough. I believe there may be a foreign power involved.
Everything points to it. If there is, who do you think it may
be?"
You look at him blankly. "I am sure there could be any
number, Detective Gregson. Great Britain is the most power-
ful nation on earth, after all," you reply.
"I shall give you a choice, Mr. Huntington," he continues.
"I believe it is either Germany or the United States. Can you
guess why?"
•If you believe it is the United States, turn to 431.
•If you believe it is Germany, turn to 249. ·
220
The evidence points directly at the Sergeant-of-the-Guard,
you decide. It is his responsibility to check on the alertness of
the :sentries at their posts. It has to be him. Turn to 241.
221
You talk for a little while until you are certain that there is
nothing more to be learned here. Then you take your leave and
hail a cab to 221 B Baker Street. Turn to 419.
222
Lord Sumpter passes his hand through his hair and stands
a little straighter. "I cannot tell you what you wish to know. It
would break a confidence. You should ask Lord Befford these
questions." Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
• ~f 2-6, turn to 188.
•If 7-12, turn to 436.
223
His explanation sounds plausible enough. It is possible to
print an old photograph on modem photographic paper.
"I do hope it is not broken," you comment sympathetically.
"It seems a fine watch. A gift from your father, you say?" Turn
to 33.5.
rn
224
It has to be Lord Befford. He was obviously trying to hide
something. Tum to 241. ·
225
The evidence suggests the accomplice is Private Murphy.
After all, the plans were of such importance that he could have
been instructed by the Separatists to watch Private McNeal.
Since he is a member of the guard, though not on duty that
evening, he could have gained access to the palace grounds
without being recorded in the logs. He probably secured the
plans and left. Turn to 241.
226
You ask for directions to Admiral Weathersley's rooms,
learning that they are on the second floor, up the famous white
marble staircase. You walk past some of the state apartments,
admiring the beauty and grace of the rooms through the
opened doors. Then you arrive at the staircase.
You tum left and climb past the mezzanine and the first
floor, passing the guards in their Beefeater uniforms. Once on
the second floor, you turn right and go down the corridor to
Admiral Weathersley.' s room. You rap on the door.
"Who is it?" comes the immediate answer.
"Mr. Richard Harrington, Admiral," you reply. Pick a
•If 2-6, turn to 326.
•If 7-12, turn to 120.
, 227
You leave the barracks area to seek out Captain Treadwell,
-hoping he may have discovered some new information in your
absence. He welcomes you to his office and offers you a cup
of tea. As you you sip the tea, you provide a short summary of ·
what you have learned.
"Not very.much, is it?" he says sympathetically. "Is there
anything I can do to help?"
"Have you learned anything since I saw you last?"
"Sorry, no." Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 221.
•If 7-12, turn to 499. [}]
228
It can only be Private McGill, the other sentry on duty
within the courtyard that evening. For information as impor-
tant as this, the Separatists would never have depended on one
mai1, no matter how capable and loyal.
McGilfwas the only one with the opportunity. The officers
were engaged in the dispute among the merchants, and Private
Mmphy was in police custody for fighting.
You suspect that if you tell everything you know to Detec-
tive Gregson, he will order you off the case. You decide to
avoid him until you have invaluable information.
Thereis one possibility you have not had the opportunity to
investigate. It is true that McNeal is dead, but he m;ght still be
able to tell you something.
You search out the location of the hospital room where
McNeal was taken and ask for the attending physician. In a
few minutes you are shown into another office where you are
introduced to Dr. Wesley Thornton. Dr. Thornton is a short,
spare man of about forty with a sober demeanor. "How may
I help you, Mr. Huntington?" he asks, handing the royal writ
back to you. ·
"Nothing that made any sense, I am sorry to say," replies
Dr. 1bornton. ·
"Even so, -Doctor. Did he say any words you were able to
"He spoke of his mother there at the end·- but wait, I
would you be so good as to _step in here for a moment?"
'''This is Mr. Huntington, Miss Jones," he says indicating
you: "He is investigating the death of Private McNeal. He
night of the attack."
~
'Gennan woman'. It was difficult to understand, but he said it
over and over until he sank into a coma near morning."
"Well, there you have it, Mr. Huntington. I hope it helps
you."
shake her hand, you notice her smile is one of amusement, as
if she knows just what you are thinking.
Walkiog back down the palace corridors, you try to decide
whether to tell Detective Gregson of your discovery. It may
not mean much now, but he may uncover something else
which might make the infonnation significant. You know that
if you are to secure his cooperation, you must be willing to
trade infonnation. Unfortunately, he has not yet demonstrated
any desire to share infonnation with you - not that he has any
to share at present. What should you do? Check Clue W.
•If you tell Detective Gregson, turn to 181.
, 229
"Are you STI:1:L there?" There is a plaintive note in his
voice.
"Yes, My Lord."
"I tell you, I will not see you - for any reason! I am too ill.
Now GO AWAY!"
•If you demand to see him, turn to 113.
230
The interest fades from Bracker' s face. For a moment, you .
wonder if perhaps you should have allowed him to think you
were from Scotland Yard. You suspect that questioning him
now is probably futile, but you have to try.
"What can you tell me about Thomas McNeal? I am given
to understand you are friends."
"Not exactly friends, sir~ but I know 'im better than most.
'ave you seen 'im, sir? Is 'e all right?"
"No, I have not seen him. He is still under the doctor's care,
I ~1elieve. What do you know of him?" You listen to the man
and soon realize that his attention is wandering. You will learn
nothing useful. Turn to 479.
231
"Thomas McNeal? Sick? He was never sick a day in his life,
I'm thinkin', sir. You wouldn't -be tryin' to trick me, now
would you, sir? Me with my pur head just spinnin' and all."
His speech is slurred. As difficult as it is for the man to stand,
his eyes look clear. He may not be as inebriated as he pretends.
"'Just tell me what you know, Private," you say .
.:'Didna know him that well, sir. His house was down the
street and me father and his warn 't friends. Truth to tell, they
hated each other. Thomas and me, we left just as soon as we
could. It was either that or starve. We both hied off to join the
anny as soon as they'd take us. That's all I know."
"Private Murphy," you say. "You say you left Ireland
because of hunger? That just is not possible. There are Irish
foodstuffs sold all over London. I believe you must have left
for a different reason." -
Murphy no longer pretends to be drunk; his anger flares. nI
tell you we was hungry, sir. And one o' the reasons is because
so much of our food is sold in London while people like me
and Thomas starve."
"And you and Thomas intended to do something about it,"
you say, hoping your shot hits home.
"Aye, we did that," he snarls, but then his shoulders slump.
"But what was the use~ We canna fight you while we fight
among ourselves. At least in the anny I eat regular."
"So you and Thomas becam~ members in a group whose
aim it was to redress those Irish grievances. Shall I guess
which one?" You refer to the Dynamiters, a loose collection
of terrorists dominated by the Irish and responsible for bomb-
ing attacks throughout London.
The effect on Murphy is dramatic. An expression of fear
crosses his face. Then it is gone, replaced with a calculating
look. "No, sir," he says, shaking his head. "I didna belong to
any of those groups. Thomas belonged to one long ago, but I
never did. And Thomas quit when they began doin' things he
did not approve of." Check Clue F. Pick a number and add
your Observation bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 189.
•If 7-12, turn to 410.
232
When you come to the part of your investigation concern-
ing the Prince of Wales' friends, you gloss over what you
learned. Fortunately, he does not question it Turn to 408.
233
You admit you did not go to the scene of the crime. "There
was no point, Mr. Holmes. The Lord Chamberlain and the
others had already-searched the box and found nothing. I could
not ask the guard on duty to move without bringing attention _
to myself." - -
"I am disappointed in you, Richard," replies Holmes.
''There may be clues there that the others have overlooked."
Then he shrugs. "By now the clues will no doubt be obscured.
It is too late to correct the problem. Continue. What did you
learn from questioning the soldiers?"
234
You decide to return to the palace and speak with Admiral
Weathersley about the money Murphy had. As you enter, a
footman approaches and tells you the that Chamberlain would
like to see you. Turn to 278.
235
You must now make a decision where to go next
•Ifyou wish to investigate the scene ofthe crime and have not
checked Decision 1, turn to 452.
•Ifyou wish to question the Sergeant-of-the-Guard and have
not checked Decision 3, turn to 143.
• Otherwise, you decide to see Sherlock Holmes.
t'urn to 206.
236
"Get out of my store," he snarls, wrenching a cleaver from
his chopping board. "I will not listen to your prattle unless you
can prove you have some authority." Turn to 262.
237
"Mr. Huntington, permit me to say I do not understand why
Scotland Yard was not called in to investigate this crime
immediately." He is obviously angry. "Can you tell me why
you are better qualified than trained detectives? Have you any
idea how many murders I myself have investigated?"
His complaints are becoming increasingly bitter, and you
feel yourself becoming angry as well in return. He is unfairly
blaming you for a decision made by the Queen and her
Chancellor. Still, you know that if you do not mollify him, this
discussion is very likely to turn into an argument.
"Come, come, Detective Gregson. Neither of us chose this
situation. Let us not squabble while there are serious issues to
discuss." Pick a number and add your Communication bo-
nus:
•If 2-6, turn to 164.
•If 7-12, turn to 106.
238
"As a matter of fact, I learned that McNeal had a ladyfriend,
one Sally Baf!WS, who lives in Spitalfields.,,
"And what did you do with that informationr' asks
Holmes.
239
It is quite late when you leave Buckingham Palace. There
are few cabs on The Mall, and all are occupied. You are forced
to walk all the way to Trafalgar Square before you can find one
to take you l!ome.
You are so weary by the time you arrive home that you go
straight to bed.
In the morning, you awaken suddenly, certain that you have
overslept. With an oath you throw off the covers and spring
from bed.
In less than twenty minutes, you have made yourself
presentable and eat a sandwich of toast, eggs, and bacon.
Later, you hail a cab to take you to Wellington Barracks.
It is nearly eight-thirty, and the sun is bright. The rain of the
past few days has disappeared, replaced by the winter sun.
Today is your last to solve the crime before the police are
called in, assuming that McNeal does not .die before the day is
out.
•If you search McNeal' s bunk, turn to 373.
•If you talk again to the other soldiers in the unit,
turn to 428.
240
He reaches out to move some papers from one stack to
another. The gesture appears to be unnecessary to you, possi-
bly arising from nervousness. Turn to 468.
241
Now you have enough evidence to tell Detective Gregson,
enough to force him to allow you to continue working on this
case. You go off to find him. Turn to 244.
242
You find thatLarson & Trembley own a small butcher shop
fronting on Covent Garden. It is located in a small, white
wooden frame building with the words "Larson & Trembley,
Meatpackers" in gilded letters on a small sign above the door.
You open that door and go inside. At the counter you ask for
Andrew Larson. A large, beefy man turns from waiting on
another customer and asks what you want.
"I am here on a confidential matter,'' you say. "May I speak
with you outside for a moment?" Check Decision 11. Pick a
·n umber and add your Communication bonus:
_ • I/2-6, turn to 236.
•If 7-12, turn to 128.
243
"As I was unable to make progress with Private Murphy, I
turned him over to his superiors and returned to the palace."
244
"Thank you, Mr. Huntington," Detective Gregson replies
without emotion. "Since I last sent for you, I have spoken with -
the Lord High Chamberlain. Your royal writ is revoked. The
Queen is perfectly willing to allow Scotland Yard to conduct
the investigation, now that there is no chance of a scandal.
Please give it to me." He holds out his hand, and you have no
choice but to give it to him. "Now go home, Mr. Huntington.
You are not the police and you are not Sherlock Holmes. You
will not interfere in this investigation again or you will see the
inside of Old Bailey. Do you understand?"
heartened. He has left you no choice.
Nearly a week later, at breakfast, you pick up the Daily
Te le graph and open it to the front page. The headline screams:
"Spy Ring Smashed by Scotland Yard". The article rather
sketchily describes a dastardly attempt by a foreign power to
secure critical naval secrets from the Admiralty. Fortunately,
the ring was smashed and the spies captured by Detective
Gregson. The paper promises more details as they become
available. ·
So, you think, there was more to the plot. And Gregson has
managed to take the credit for the work you did. You have the
consolation of knowing that you identified a murderer and
helped to expose a spy ring, but you cannot help feeling a little
disappointed that you were not in it to the last. The End
245
Holmes contemplates your report for a moment
•If you htive checked either Clue B or C and either
Clue E, Clue For Clue G, turn to 366.
246
"I cannot say that I do, Mr. Holmes."
"Doctor?" Holmes nods at Dr. Watson.
"Holmes is saying that the fact that the plans were not
recovered indicates that Private McNeal had an accomplice,
Richard," Dr. Watson replies gently. Turn to 321 .
. 247
There is nothing more to be learned here. You cannot spare
the time to watch the changing of the guard. As you slip out
through a side gate, you glance at the soldiers on parade. The
guard Captain marches back and forth, and something catches
your eye. He holds his saber by the blade rather than the hilt.
The sight jogs an old memory, but you have no time to give it
a chance to surface. Turn to 206.
248
. You hail a hansom and tell the driver to take you to
Buckingham Palace. As you drive off, you feel someone's
eyes on you. Looking over your shoulder, you see a door close
in a foyer across the street. Silhouetted in the glass is a man's
figure. Was he watching you? Turn to 185.
249
"I believe it is Gennany, Detective Gregson," you state.
"Really? Why so?" His question appears rhetorical, as if he
doe!s not expect you to advance any logical explanation to
support your choice.
"Because Gennany would profit from both the ship plans
and the infonnation McNeal asked Admiral Weathersley to
obtain about the African colonies."
"Please .continue," says Detective Gregson, a look of
grudging respect coming into his eyes.
"First, Gennany has wanted to build a fleetto rival Britain's
ever since Prince Bismark unifi~ the Gennanic states," you
.continue, pulling the threads together as you speak. "Second,
the Kaiser has been flexing his muscles since he forcibly
retired Bismark. He may not approve of the old man himself,
but he admires Bismark's methods. Did you see the cartoon
'dropping the pilot'?"
"You mean the one that depicted the Kaiser as captain of the
ship dropping Prince Bismark at the mouth of the harbor?"
"Yes. It is significant, I believe. Germany would like to
expand her African colonies from the Atlantic to the Indian
Ocean in a band across the continent If the Kaiser knew our
plans, he would know when to move."
"I will not say I disagree," remarks Detective Gregson
slowly, "but how do you account for these schemes against
Britain when Queen Victoria is Kaiser Wilhelm's grand-
mother? His own mother is English, after all."
"And a precious lot of good it has done either u,s or her," you
snap. "The Empress has suffered mightily under both Bismark
and her son."
"In that you are certainly correct, Mr. Huntington," the
detective replies with conviction. "They are a vicious lot,
those two. Perhaps things will be better now that the old man
is gone- if he stays in retirement, that is."
"I am not so sure, Detective Gregson. There is something
to be said for the old saying about 'better the .enemy you
know'." Check Result L. Turn to 482.
250
"I have thought about this, Detective Gregson. I have come
to believe that McNeal wanted the information on the African
colonies for the purpose of enlisting the aid of the Boers. I am
certain ·the House of LOrds will vote against Home Rule,
though that will ~ot put the issue to rest. However, should
Ireland become peaceful, men like McNeal will have no place
to go. Perhaps they would emigrate to·Africa."
•If you checked Result K, turn to 161.
251
"It means that Private McNeal had an accomplice. It was
raining that night. The plans would have been waterlogged,
too heavy to be blown away by the wind. No, someone took
them." Check Deduction 5 and turn to 321.
252
Now Detective Gregson becomes more alert, leaning for-
ward to sit on the edge of his seat. "Can you name his
accomplice, Mr. Huntington?"
•If you name the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, turn to 112.
•If you name the Officer-of-the-Guard, turn to-115.
•If you name Private Murphy, turn to 116.
•If you name Lady L., turn to 303.
•If you name Private McGill, turn to 117.
253
"Yes, I believe I can. The evidence points to the Officer-of-
the-Guard. As the commander of the guard detail, Captain
Treadwell had the best opportunity to visit the sentries at their
post." Turn to 266.
254
You take your leave of Miss Barnes and return to the
Palace. When you arrive, one of the palace staff informs you
the Chamberlain has requested you to call upon him. Turn to
278.
255
Less than a week later, you spend hours trying to prepare for
your audience with the Queen. It is an honor your father has
hadl only twice in his life, and you know he will be very proud
of your accomplishment at such an early age.
Yqu sit down to the hardy.breakfast Vincent has prepared
for you. You have more than two hours before you have to be
at your tailor's on Oxford street, so you decide that a leisurely
breakfast is just what you need. You pick up the-morning
edi1ion·of the Daily Te/egraph and qpen it to the front page. An
article down the page captures your attention. The headline
reads: "Prince of Wales and Friends Sneak Doxy into Buck-
ingham Palace".
The rest of the article tells the story in some detail and,
worst of all, quotes an unnamed but informed source who had
acc·~ss to the palace but no official position there. Detective
Gregson has exacted his revenge. You have a feeling your
audience with Queen Victoria will not be one to anticipate
with pleasure. If you are fortunate, she will refuse to see you
at all.
You cannot help blaming yourself for being so foolish as to
trust Gregson with this secret, especially as he was already
miffed at not being brought into the investigation earlier. Now
you only have yourself to blame. At least you have the
consolation of knowing that you have caught a murderer. The
End
256
"I admit I have not had formal training, Detective Gregson,
but I did have the best teacher. I have spent many hours at
Baker Street with Sherlock Holmes, who I believe is an
acquaintance of yours."
"Yes, I know him," Gregson admits reluctantly. "He is a
fine detective in his own way. Perhaps even the best."
"What do you mean, 'in his own way,' Detective
Gregson?" you demand somewhat hotly. "Surely Sherlock
Holmes has solved more cases than any detective in Scotland
Yard! And I would wager that many of them were cases in
which Scotland Yard could make no progress."
"I will give you that as well; Mr. Huntington," he says
holding up his hand to stop your impassioned defence of
Holmes. "I did not mean to impugn his abilities; his talents are
legendary. It is his motive that I disdain."
"What do you mean?" you ask intrigued.
"He is not a professional, Mr. Huntington. He is an amateur
- a gifted amateur but an amateur all the same. To him these
cases are a game, the more difficult and bizarre the circum-
stances, the better. His motive in solving each crime is to
demonstrate that he is more clever and more cunning than the
smartest criminal - and all the detectives of Scotland Yard·
into the bargain. I am a professional, Mr. Huntington. I
became a detective because I wish to make the streets of
London safe for the likes of you to walk. It is my life and
profession. It is not a game."
"Yet do you not go to him for advice upon occasion?"
"I would consult with the devil himself if would net me a
criminal. I know my limitations, Mr. Huntington. Solving the
case is more important than winning a game."
You would be more impressed with his position if you had
not.heard Sherlock Holmes often complain that Scotland Yard
usually manages to claim the credit for his successes.
"I should think, Detective Gregson, that there is enough
crime for both Mr. Holmes and yourself." -
"Quite right, Mr. Huntington, and Mr. Holmes has proven
himself both effective and reliable over the years. You have
not. Again I ask, why you?"
You sigh. "Because I am of noble birth, Detective Gregson.
Queen Victoria did not wish to have members of her family
questioned by commoners in a criminal matter."
·~what! The Queen? What has she to do with this?"
You had been hoping to avoid this. Silently, you take the
royal writ out of your pocket and hand it to him. With a
quizzical look he opens the parchment and reads it.
When _he is finished he gives it back to you. "It was the
newspapers, was it not? They just finished pillorying the
Prince of Wales over some sort of gambling scandal. She
thought they would show the same lack of restraint in this."
"Precisely."
_"Humph! She may have been right," he says thoughtfully,
the anger leaving his voice. "Had they gotten wind of it, few
of them would have been able to resist the temptation. Well,
I do not agree with her reasons, but I can at least understand
them." Then he shrugs, throwing off his irritation. "On to
business; tell me again what you have learned during the
course of your investigation." Turn to 342.
257
"Jimmy 'olston put you up to this, didn, t 'e?" Turpin, s face
beginstotumred. "Jimmy'sa-tryin' togetmejob! And you're
a-helpin' 'im!"
"Put you mind at ease, Mr. Turpin. I have nothing to do with
Mr. Holston. I am commissioned out of the palace itself. Here
is my authorization." You show him the writ
Turpin examines the writ casually, then shrugs and hands
it back to you. "Can't read. Never 'a~ the time to learn," he
says. ,
"Do you recognize the seal at the bottom?" you ask,
showing him the seal. He looks back at the parchment without
interest. Then suddenly, his eyes widen in astonishment.
"Do you think Mr. Holston has that much influence?" you
ask.
"No, sir," he replies .
. ''Then will you answer my questions?" Turn to 440.
258
He misses, and you grapple with him. Bigger and stronger,
you subdue him with only a modest struggle. You push him
into a chair and look at him with disgust. He must have been
quite handsome in his youth, though now he shows his age
even more than the Prince. He is a little below medium height
and portly, his hair in disarray. He squints up at you in pain and
surprise.
"Big chap, are you not?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Would you mind awfully if we put off your thrashing to
another time? Beastly headache, what?"
"My pleasure, My Lord."
"Well, now that you have got me, what are you going to do
with me?"
"I must ask you several 'questions about last night, My
Lord. Did you and your friends came directly to your rooms
last night?"
"Why, yes. Immediately through the door, we all packed
off to bed." Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
• l/2-6, turn to 198.
•If 7-12, turn to 490. GJ
259
"Yes, I believe I can. I believe the accomplice is the
Sergeant-of-the-Guard. It is his responsibility to check the
alertness of the sentries at their pqst. He would have had the
best oppottunity." Turn to 266.
260
"Yes, I believe I can. I believe it is the woman known as
Lady L. She looks familiar, and it may be that I have seen her
face inside the palace. It is only a matter of matching her face
with the picture of the woman in Admiral Weathersley's
watch. It could very well be her, since she knew Admiral
Weathersley would give in to the blackmailer's plans." Turn
to .Z66. ·
261
': 'I believe you are correct, Mr. Huntington," he replies, "but _
I suggest you permit Scotland Yard to conclude this investi-
gation. You have done well thus far, all things considered;
however, events will take a delicate turn now, and the actions
of an amateur could well prove disastrous. Will you honor my
request?"
•If you agree to do as Detective Gregson says, tum-to 107.
• 0 therwise, turn to 111.
262
You decide to take a: chance. You take the writ the Queen
prepared for you from your breast pocket and hand it to the
butcher. He opens it casually, but then his eyes fasten on the
signature and widen measurably. He refolds the writ and
hands it back to you. "All right, then. Where would you like
to talk?" he asks. Turn to 380.
~
263
"Yes, I can," you say thoughtfully. "It can only be Private
McGill, the other sentry on duty within the courtyard that
evening. For information as important as this, the Separatists
would never have depended on one man, no matter how
capable and loyal. There would have been at least two, and
McGill was the only one with the opportunity. The officers
were engaged in the dispute among the merchants, and Private
Murphy was in police custody for fighting."
"Very good, Richard," replies Holmes. "I agree." Check
Deduction 4.
•If you checked Result K, turn to 298.
264
"Oh, very well. If you are ori the Queen's business. I shall
not delay you for longer than it takes to deliver a proper
thrashing." Turn to 162.
265
You decide to question Admiral Sir George Weathersley.
The admiral is related to the Queen and has lived at the palace
since the death of his wife ten years ago. Though he ranks as
an admiral, he has never gone to sea. Instead, it is his duty to .
communicate the needs of the Admiralty to a recalcitrant
Parliament. He has achieved his rank by dint of hard work. He
lives quietly and simply and is known to work long hours,
particularly when Parliamen~ is in session, as it is now. Pick
a number:
•If 2-6, turn to 353.
•If 7-12, turn to 226.
266
"I am afraid I shall have to disagree with you. Of all the
those who might have had the opportunity, only one actually
did. It has to be Private McGill. The officers were off settling
a dispute among the merchants, and Private Murphy was in
police custody. As for Lady "L. ", she would never have had
a1;;cess to the palace. Too many would have remarked on her
p.resence."
• If Result K is checked, turn to 298.
267
"No, sir,"1 he says. "Not in a week. Thomas is up at the
palace." Though you suspect he is lying, you cannot be sure.
You hand him over to his superiors and return to Buckingham
Palace.
• ~f you have checked Decision 4, turn to 235.
• Otherwise, you decide to see the Officer-of-the-Guard.
Turn to485.
268
"The Irish Guards," Holmes mutters under his breath.
"What?" you say.
"Sorry," he replies. "The manner in which the captain
cru.ried his sword is unique to the Irish Guards. I suppose that
makes sense given all the rest"
"Well, that completes my tale, Mr. Holmes," you conclude.
"What do you think?" Check Clue H. Turn to 245.
269
You pocket the invitation, deciding to use it yourself. At
last you have a clue to use to unravel the rest of this mystery.
You go home to prepare for the party. Turn to 201.
270
You shake your head and leave. Turn to 289.
271
"'Sir, the challenge stands. Any gentleman who would insist
that another gentleman rise before he is prepared to do so is no
gentleman. Please be good enough to name your second!"
You are still uncertain whether Lord Sumpter is having you
on or not
•If you walk away, turn to 202.
[]
272
Two of the other men tum to look at a third. He shuffles his
feetfora moment before replying. "McNeai has a woman, sir.
Sally Barnes. She works in The County Cork. 'Tis in Spi-
talfields in the East End.,,
"Anything else?'-' you ask. The man shakes his head and
shuffles his feet. Check Result D.
•If you do not go to see Sally Barnes, check Decision 5 and
turn to 193.
•If you go to the East End to see Sally Barnes, check
Decision 6 and turn to 288.
273
He is on you before you can react. You throw him off once,
but he snatches a nearby candlestick and swings. A lucky.blow
catches you on the side of the head, and you fall.
It is dark outside when you awaken inside Lord Sumpter' s
room. Your attacker is gone, and all you have to show for your
pains is a beastly headache. You pick up the silver candlestick
and read the legend: Reginald Ware, Silversmiths of
Piccadilly. You replace the candlestick on the table and limp
out of the room.
In the hall, you walk toward the front door. A footman
approaches and tells you that the Chamberlain has requested
to see you. Dutifully, you tum toward his office. Pick a
number: ~
• lf2-3, turn to 278.
•If 4-12, turn If!. 304.
274
He refuses to talk, shaking his head, although you see fear
in his eyes. You search him but find nothing other than pocket
money. In disgust, you release him. Pick a number:
•If 2-6, turn to 200.
•If 7-12, turn to 183.
-- - - 0
275
You hear a small shriek, and a woman pulls the covers up
over her head. You back out of the room hastily. As you turn
back to the Marquess, you grow quite angry.
This reckless idiot brought a woman into Buckingham
Palace! In all likelihood she is an adventuress of the most
common sort. If this becomes public knowledge, the scandal
could forever tarnish the.Prince of Wales' image. No one will
believe that he knew nothing about it.
The British people have been tolerant of his antics for the
past thirty years because he has always been careful not to
diminish the prestige of the Queen. But this insult strikes close
to heart of the monarchy. Lord Befford has given the newspa-
_pers the means to destroy the Prince of Wales and damage
Quee:n Victoria.
out f the palace immediately. I should not mention this to
anyone." Turn to 265~
[2]
276
"I stopped him and learned that he was the sentry opposite
McNeal at the rime of the assault. He claims to have seen and
heard nothing but appears quite nervous. I believe he is trying
to conceal his lack of alertness at his post. The army takes a
dim view of such things."
"It is possible/' remarks Holmes noncommittally. Turn to
141.
277
"From everything you have said, Richard," Holmes contin-
ues, "I believe there may be foreign power involved. It would
have to be a nation that is interested in building a strong navy,
one with the industrial might to build battleships. That nation
would also have colonies in Africa, colonies whose future
they feel might be threatened by expansion of the British
_colonies. There is only one nation that fulfills both require-
ments: Germany."
"Yes, I see what you mean, Mr. Holmes," you agree.
"I suggest, Richard, that you return to the palace and look
thro~gh Admiral Weathersley's effects for some link to Ger-
.many or Germans. You must hurry before the police seal off
his rooms."
You thank him and hurry to the palace. Fortunately, the
police are moving at their own delibera~ pace, and you
manage to avoid Detective Gregson.
Now that you are here you realize there is another avenue
you have not explored. You have not yet spoken with
McNeal's doctor.
•If you visit the doctor, turn to 280.
•If you search Admiral Weathersley' s rooms again,
turn to 281.
278
You find the Chamberlain in his office. When you enter, he
stands to greet you, his expression serious. "Mr. Huntington,
I regret to inform you that Private Mc Neal died nearly an hour
ago. I have followed the Queen's wishes and informed Scot-
land Yard. They will be here directly. Will you be so good as
to wait and tell them what you have learned? They will assume
control of the investigation, but I am certain you can save them
some time. Thank you for your assistance."
•If you begin the case again, turn to 452.
•If you wish to give up trying to solve the case,
turnto492.
279
You overpower him easily and manage to retain the letter.
He slumps back in a chair, defeated. Turn to 460.
280
You search out the location of the room where McNeal was
taken and ask for the attending physician. In a few minutes you
are shown into another office where you are introduced to Dr.
Wesley Thornton. Dr. Thornton is a short, spare man of about
forty with a sober demeanor. "How may I help you, Mr.
Huntingtdn?" he asks, handing the royal writ back to you.
''Nothing that made any sense, I am sorry to say," replies
Dr. Thornton. _
"Even so, Doctor. Did he say any words you were able to
"He spoke of his mother there at the end - but wait, I
would you be so good as to step in here for a moment?"
"This is Mr. Huntington, Miss Jones," ·he says indicating
you. "'He is investigating the death of Private McNeal. He
night after the attack."
'Gennan woman'. It was difficult to understand, but he said it
over and over until he sank into a coma·near morning."
''Well, there you have it, Mr. Huntington. I hope it helps
you."
- shake her hand you notice her smile is one of amusement, as
if she knows just what you are thinking.
Now to see Admiral Weathersley's rooms. Check Clue W.
Turn to281.
281
·lbe room is as you left iL You decide that Detective
Gregson may grind exceedingly fine, but he certainly is slow.
You look around but are unable to discern any obvious
connection with 6ennany. As you pass a small table near the
entrance, you see a neat stack of mail that you did not notice
before. After a quick struggle with your conscience you
dee ide to open the mail. Admiral Weathersley is certainly no
gentleman, and Sherlock Holmes has already reminded you of
the practical realities of criminal investigation.
Quickly, you sort through the lot. One is official-looking,
and you open it first. It is an invitation to a reception to be held
at the German embassy this evening. You pocket the invita-
tion, intending to use it yourself. Check Clue X. Turn to 201.
282
In less than an hour Sir Henry returns and escorts you
through the halls of Buckingham Palace to your appointment
You find your knees a little weak at the prospect of meeting
yow· future sovereign. You walk down a corridor past a
magnificent white marble staircase, noting the guards stand-
ing at intervals up the stairs. You continue past several state
apartments where visitors to the palace are housed and see that
several of the doors are open, the apartments unoccupied at
pres1ent. Looking in, you see paintings of famous people who
have visited the Queen and gifts they have left behind.
You follow Sir Henry into the Pillar Room, perhaps the
most famous of the state apartments, and find Prince Edward
sitting on a settee. You bow deeply, saying, "Your Royal -
Highness, thank you for seeing me. I shall keep my questions
brief."
TI1e Prince of Wales is not a tall man, but he cuts an
imposing figure. His full beard is streaked with grey, but his
vitality appears undiminished. You_have heard the tales, after
all, who has not? But there is an honesty in his eyes that you
find yourself responding to. He smiles and says, "Mr. Hunt-
ington, there is no need for that. Take as much time as you
need. I wish to have this matter resolved quickly, aS does Her
Majesty, the Queen-perhaps even more," he adds somberly.
"As I understand, you wish to know about my friends. Please
ask me what you wish to know." Pick a number and add your
Communication bonus: -
• /f 2-5, turn to 359.
•If 6-12, turn to 124.
283
"I found her in Spitalfields, Mr. Holmes," you say. "She
lives in a room above a pub. She was the strangest woman I
have ever met. She is of some breeding, though what she is
doing in Spitalfields, I cannot guess. I was thinking of offering
to help her, but she warned me against it."
"She warned you?" asks Holmes.
"Yes, as if she were there by choice. She left me in no doubt
of that. Her warning chilled my blood, I can tell you."
"Most intriguing," says Holmes. "What do you think,
Watson? The fair sex is your department, after all."
"Enough of that, Holmes," snorts Dr. Watson. "You will
give Richard here the wrong impression. But to answer your
question seriously, depravity is not entirely the province of the
male. It could very well be that she knows herself for what she
is and has exiled herself from polite company for a reason.But
do go on, Richard. Did she telLyou anything else of import?"
•If you checked Clue E; turn to 178.
284
The inside of the sentry box is dark, poorly-lit, and musty-
smelling. You are about to leave when you see a scrap of paper
caught under the baseboard. You take it out and examine it.
There appears to be nothing remarkable about it at first glance.
Its shape is triangular, and there is nothing written on it. You
start to back out of the box when you notice a dark spot on the
floor. Bending closer, you surmise that it is a bloodstain. You
recall that Sir George told you that McNeal had been stabbed,
but there had been very little blood. Perhaps this blood is
McNeal's; it certainly looks fresh. You try to think what to do
next. Check Clues B and C. Turn to 494.
285
"You may be correct, Mr. Huntington, but you must let
Scotland Yard handle the case now. If we make an obvious
search for the document, it will be as goodas telling unfriendly
powers there is a treasure to be found. No, best it be done
quietly. Will you honor my request?"
•I/you do as he says, turn to 107.
•Otherwise, turn-to 111.
286
Discretion is the better part of a ·successful investigation. In
additiQn, incurring the wrath of such a powerful noble will do
your career little good. You retire gracefully. "Very well, My
Lord," you say. "Good day."
287
In what seems like seconds, the footman returns to inform
you that Admiral Weathersley has retUfl!ed. Turn to 226.
288
You decide not to ignore the chance that the woman Sally
Barnes might know something crucial to the success of your
investigation. Thanking the soldiers, you take your leave of
Buckingham Palace just as the ceremony is about to begin.
Slipping out through a side gate, you glance at the soldiers on
parade as they stand stiffly at attention. You see the guard
Captain marching back and forth, and something about him
catches your eye. He holds his saber by the blade rather than
the hilt. The sight jogs an old memory, but you do not have
time to wait for it to surface. There are no Underground
stations close to-Buckingham Palace. The parade has snarled
traffic, so you walk down The Mall in the direction of
Trafalgar Square. Before going very far, you hear the-clatter
of a carriage behind you. You turn to find an empty hansom.
Hailing it, you give the driver the address. He seems doubtful
for a moment but then shrugs and whips the horse. Your route
takes you on down The Mall, under Admiralty Arch and into
rn
Trafalgar Square. From there you drive down the Strand past
Charing Cross Station and on to Fleet Street, past St. Paul's
Cathedral. From there, the carriage travels up Victoria Street
to Bishopsgate and into Spitalfields. -
Along the way the buildings have changed from the posh
elegance of the Strand Palace Hotel to the decay and squalor
of the East End. The people have changed as well. The well-
dressed civil servants emerging from Northumberland
Avem~e and the fashionable young women wheeling prams
and feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square give way to aimless
ragged loungers and dirty street arabs. Your hansom pulls up
in front of a seedy pub along a narrow winding side street, the
sign in front so weather-beaten that it is illegible. You tell your
driver to wait and go inside. The light is dim inside The County
Cork. There are few customers so early in the day. Those with
money to spend are at work and those without cannot a.fford
the price of a drink.
"Hello," you say to a middle-aged, heavy-set woman who
has emerged from a storeroom.
"Sure, and ye'll be askin' for a drink just when I've got me
hands full," she says. "Well, ye'll have to wait." Then she
catches sight of you and stops. "What do ye want? I know it's
not a drink, not the likes o' you."
"Ah, I am attempting to locate Sally Barnes," you say. Pick
• If2-5, turn to 217. ·
•If 6-12, turn to 367.
289
You consider your course-of action.
•If you checked Decision 11 but not Decision 12,
turn to 352.
• If you checked Decisions 11 & 12 but not Decision 13,
turn to 392.
• If you checked Decision~ 11, 12, & 13 but not Decision 14,
turn to 297.
290
You return to the shop on the Strand, pushing past the
assistants and into the 0ack of the bakery. In addition to the
ovens lining one wall and sacks of flour lining the other, you
see three bakers and racks of fresh baked· bread. Pick a
• I/2-6, turn to 196.
•If 7-12, turn to 123.
291 -
You decide that a head-on approach has the best chance of
working. "Mrs. Hudson," you begin finnly. "I appreciate your
concern for Mr. Holmes' welfare. His health is of concern to
me, as well. However, it is not your place to decide whom Mr.
Holmes shall see and whom he shall not Kindly allow me to
~~" -
Your forthrightness works. You have wounded her and are
sorry for that, but you cannot allow her to impede your
mission. Turn to 347.
292
You walk north until you come to the Grand Union Canal,
then tum west until you come to the rooming house where
Private Murphy's brother lives. You climb the stairs to room
202 and knock loudly. Pick a number and add your Intuition
bonus:
• I/2-6, turn to 437.
• I/7-12, turn to 154.
293
"I believe Detective Gregson has deduced something from
whatltoldhim,Mr.Holmes,buticannotthinkwhatitcanbe."
"It is elementary, Ricliard:He has discerned that Private
McNeal had an accomplice, though McNeal himself may not
have known it. The accomplice took the ship plans from
McNeal after Admiral Weathersley had injured him. It is the
only explanation that makes.sense. The plans were not recov-
ered, and in the rain they would have become waterlogged."
"Of course!" Turn to 321.
294
Sherlock Holmes looks piercingly at you for a moment and
sighs. "I am afraid you have no real leads, Richard. You have
no revealing physical evidence and not enough information to
suggest a motive. You must go to the Chamberlain and inform
him of this. Scotland Yard should be brought in immediately,
before the trail grows colder yet. I_would offer assistance, but
my path leads in another direction, and I must husband my
strength. I wish you well." .
•I/you wish to begin again. turn to 452.
•I/you give up trying to solve the case. turn to 492.
295
"lam very sorry, My Lord, but I must insist There is too
much at stake here, and I have very little time to complete my
investigation. If you will give me a few moments of your time,
I will be as brief as possible." Pick a number and_add your
Communication bonus:
• I/2-6. turn to 458.
•If 7-12. turn to 330.
' 296 -
You continue into the rOOIJl, hoping to have enough time to
finish before they are called away for the changing of the
guard. Turn to 370.
297
You decide to question the parliamentary messenger first.
It is most unlikely that anyone chosen as a messenger from the
Prime Minister to Queen Victoria could be involved. Still, it
might be wise to ensure that the man was not an imposter.
It takes you an hour to locate the proper office, but once you
do, a five minute conversation, is enough to eliminate the man
from consideration. He entered the palace and went directly to
a waiting room where he waited in full view of a guard until
the Queen sent for him. Then he delivered his papers and left.
Check Decision 14. Pick a number:
•If 2-3. turn to 502.
•If 4-12. turn to 167.
298
When you finish, Sherlock Holmes makes a steeple with
his fingers and then gazes off into the distance. Turn to 277.
299
The inside of the sentry box is dark, poorly lit. by the
overcast sky, and smells musty. You are'about to leave when
you notice a dark spot on the floor. Bending closer, you
surmise that it is a bloodstain. You recall that Sir George told
you that McNeal had been stabbed, but there had been very
little blood. Perhaps this blood is McNeal' s; it cenai.nly looks
fresh. You try to think what to do next. Check Clue C. Turn
to494. ,
300
"Richard, are you saying the you did not press the matter
because such behavior is ungentlemanly?"
"I suppose I am, Mr. Holmes," you reply.
"I thought I had taught you better than that, Richard. Even
that dolt Athelney Jones from Scotland Yard would not have
shied from asking such questions. If Admiral W eathersley is
indeed guilty of the crime, his own act was most ungentle·
. manly. It was a singularly stupid thing to do! My instincts tell
me that our good Admiral was the victim of blackmail. At the
hands of Private McNeal! The woman may be· the key,"
Holmes continues. "You must discover why he does-not want
the information to be made public. You need to be more
forceful, Richard."
"I see what you mean, Mr. Holmes," you say. "How should
· I rectify the mistake?" Turn to 218.
301
With a cry of triumph, Admiral Weathersley manages to
grab the letter from your hand. As you rush .him, he turns and
picks up a walking stick, pulling at the handle to reveal a long,
thin blade. He holds you at bay while he sets fire to the letter.
As you watch the letter bum, you at least have the conso-
lation of identifying the weapon that made the puncture mark
on McNeal' s chest. When the letter is burned, Admiral
Weathersley scatters the ashes and turns back to you, lowering
the daggered stick.
"You may have me, sir," he says in resignation, "but never
her."
"You may as well tell me everything, Admiral," you say,
hoping he will fall into the trap of thinking you know more
than you do. "I already know most of it." Check Clue S. Pick
• I/2-6, turn to 319.
• I/7-12, turn to 425.
302
"No, Detective Gregson, I am not satisfied. I believe there
are still mysteries about this case which have not been solved."
"What do you mean,- Mr. Huntington?" he asks with a
penetrating look. Pick a number and add your Intuition
bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 500. ·
•If 7-12, turn to 109.
303
"Yes, I believe I can. I believe it is the woman known as
Lady L. She looks familiar and it may be that I have seen her
face inside the palace. It is only a matter of finding out who she
is. It could very well be her, since she knew Admiral Weath-
ersley would give in to the blackmailer's demands." Turn to
118.
304
The Chamberlain stands as you enter. "Do come in, M_r.
Huntington" he says, showing you to a seat. "I am sorry to say
that there has been a complaint about your conduct from LGrd
rn
Sumpter. I-had to assure him I would speak with you. His ·
words carry no weight with anyone but the Prince of Wales, -
but as the Prince will be King one day ..." He coughs politely
at the back of his hand. "I am sure you understand." -
"Of course, Lord Chamberlain," you say, rising from your
-seat. "Will that be all?"
"Yes, Mr~ Huntington," he replies. "Thank youforcoming.
You are doing an excellent job, ifl may say so."
•If you have not checked Decision 16, mrn to 473.
305
When you finish, Holmes sits back in his chair, a slight
smile on his lean face. "Tell me, Richard," he says. "Were the
ship plans ever recovered?"
"Not to my knowledge, Mr. Holmes," you reply.
"Then you must know what that means, Richard." Pick a
number and add your Intuition bonus:
• I/2-6, turn to 246.
• /f 7-12, turn to 251.
306
you reply. "I was given a mandate by the Queen herself to
pursue this matter to jts conclusion, and I shall do so. I have
given you all the information I have, but I must see the matter
through. I can do no less. Now if yeu will excuse me,J have
business elsewhere."
"If youwill not take a request, Mr. Huntington, perhaps you
will heed.a warning. Do not hinder or impede my investigation
in any way, or I shall see to it that you are placed in police
custody until this matter is concluded. Am I making myself _
understood?''
"Quite, Detec;tive ·Gregson," you reply unperturbe!l. You
"Very well, sir," He stands but does riot offer to shake your
hand. Check Result N. Turn to 108.
307
"No, that makes no sense at all. I fail to see how McNeal and
his friends can profit from that information.'' Turn to 219.
~
308'
You decide that McGill is probably playing on younym-
pathy to cover his lack of alertness. You have heard from your
Uncle that many soldiers quickly master the knack of sleeping
while standing up. McGill was probably asleep throughout the
attack. Turn to 152.
309
You do your best, but it is no use. She has no intention of
letting y9u in. Turn to 155.
310
While deciding to see the Chamberlain later, you are not
altogether certain that you are ready to meet with Detective
Gregson either. On the other hand, he could give you valuable
advice.
•If you see Detective Gregson, turn to 114.
•Otherwise, turn to 177. -
311
You search the bunk, even stripping off the sheet, but find
nothing. The trunk and wardrobe reveal nothing. Then you
widen your search to include the barracks common areas, but
· you discover nothing. You are about to give up when you have
a thought
Going back to McNeal' s bed, you turn over the mattress.
There is nothing under it, but you notice a long s1it on the side
that had been hidden against the .wall. The threads that held the
slit closed must have been cut with a knife. McNeal would not
have left the mattress in that condition before going on duty.
Someone has stolen whatever was there. Check Clue Q.
•If you have.not checked Decision 18 and wish to talk with
the other soldiers, turn to 428.
~If you consult with Sherlock Holmes, turn to 419.
312
Lord Sumpter caves in. "I may as well tell you, my dear
fellow. You shall uncover the truth soon enough anyway. Mr.
Eagleton is no gentleman. If you wish to find him, you must
ask Lord Befford." He plops down in a chair. "There was no
need to be so rough; I would have told you anyway." Turn to
473.
313
"I am afraid not," you reply. Turn to 478.
314
Apparently they do not trust you. Although flogging has
been outlawed, the military still treats desertion -as a serious
crime, and they view you as an agent of those who seek to
punish their comrade. With nothing more to be gained, you
talce your leave and hail a cab, telling the driver to take you to
221 Baker Street. Turn to 419.
315
"Certainly, sir," he replies. "I should be quite happy to help
you. What would you like to know?"
"You may begin by telling me what you know about
McNeal. What sort of soldier is he? Has he any friends in the
unit?"
"Well, sir," the sergeant answers after thinking a moment.
"McNeal, his given name is Thomas, comes from a little
village in Cork. He has been in the army for just over five
years. I cannot say that he is a model soldier, but I will say that
he is a little better than I expect. With his temper, you would
expect him to be more of a brawler, but he rarely gets into
scuffles in the barracks. He is said to be a moderate drinker and
is thrifty with his money. He always seems to have a few
shillings to lend his mates. Is that what you want, sir?"
"Yes, Sergeant," you say. "What about friends?"
"Not many, I think. The~e was one man in B watch. Bracker
is his name. They have been seen coming back to camp
together. Cannot think of anyone else."
"Can you tell me where I could find this man Bracker,
Sergeant? Perhaps I should speak with him."
"He should be in the guard room down the hall, preparing
for the changing of the guard, sir."
You thank him and leave his office, walking down the short
hall to the guard room. Entering the room, you find a small
group of soldiers putting on their dress uniforms and making
themselves presentable. You stand quietly for a moment to get
their attention. "Is there a Private Bracker here?" you ask.
One of the men straightens up and looks at you. "Here, sir,"
he says, standing to attention.
"Stand easy, soldier," you say. "I am only here to aska few
questions." [I]
"Yes, sir," he answers uneasily. You gesture him to accom-
pany you out into the hallway. "I am investigating the incident
which occurred last night, soldier, and I need your help."
"Are you from Scotland Yard, sir?" Bracker' stone is a little
awed.
"Nothing so glamorous, I am afraid," you reply. "This is a
private investigation." Pick a number and add your Commu-
nication bonus:
· • If2-4, turn to 230.
•I/5-12, turn to488.
316
"No, it makes no sense," you reply. "It cannot influence the
Home Rule issue directly. I saw that immediately. They could,
however, sell the plans to a nation unfriendly to Britain."
Check Deduction 2. Turn to 448.
317
You decide that there is no point in questioning the privates
in the guard detail as they are unlikely to know anything
important. The on1y one who may be able to provide cogent,
lucid information is the guard officer. Turn to 485.
318
The door opens a crack. "Show me th_e writ," he says in a
gruff voice. You unfold the parchment and place it where he
- can see it. "Very well, I shall honor the Queen's wishes, but I
maintain you deserve a sound thrashing for waking me."
You have had enough of this fool, even if he is a friend of
the Prince of Wales. "My Lord, I am on the Queen's business.
If you do not come out of your room this instant, I shall be
forced to drag you out." .
The door opens wide and Lord Sumpter dashes through, a
portly figure consumed by rage. "At you!" he shouts, and aims
a wicked punch at your head. Pick a number and add your
Athletics bonus:
• I/2-6, turn to 273.
•If 7-12, turn to 258.
319
"I think not, Mr. Huntington," he rejoins scornfully. "I
believe you know very little of my affairs. Regardless of my
guilt, I have no intention of satisfying your curiousity." Turn
to 157.
320
Although you wait expectantly, no one comes forward. It is
as if someone has poisoned them against you.
•I/you checked Decision 4, turn.to 235.
Turn to485.
321
"Correct," says Sherlock Holmes. "Now can you tell me the
identity of his accomplice?"
•I/you name the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, turn to 259.
•If you name the Officer-of-the-Guard, turn to 153.
•If you name Private Murphy, turn to 376.
•If you name Lady L., turn to 260.
•I/you name Private McGill, turn to 263.
322
"I remembered from some of my uncle's tales that only the
officers of the Irish Guards carry their sabers in that manner.
"Well, there you have it, Mr. Holmes," you conclude.
''What do you think?" Check Clue H (if you have not done so
already). Turn to 245. ·
323
His eyes narrow and he measures you with a long cool stare.
"Very well, Mr. Huntington," he replies, standing back to
allow you to enter the room. "I shall be with you directly, if
you will be so good as to wait in the sitting room through that
door." He points to a massive black ebony door set into one
wall.
You nod and walk into the room, hearing the door to Lord
Befford 's bedroom close and a low murmur of voices. In a few
minutes, the door opens again and Lord Befford comes into
the room and sits down.
"Now what is this about?" ·
"My Lord, an incident took place early this morning which
has very serious implications. I should like to ask you some
questions."
"Am I under suspicion, Mr. Huntington?" he asks, crossing
his legs with such studied casualness that the gesture makes
you suspicious.
"Everyone who might have had the opportunity to commit
the offense is under suspicion, My Lord," you reply coolly.
"Well then, ask away."
"May I begin by asking how you got that scratch ori your
cheek, My Lord?"
. "Dull razor, if you must know." .
You continue to ask questions which Lord Befford man-
ages to deflect. You are getting nowhere. Pick a number and
.· add your Observation bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 333.
• 1/7-12, turn to 463.
324
' "I am coming, damn you. You deserve a proper thrashing
for this." Turn to 162. ~
325
"I am afraid not," you answer. Turn to 141.
326
"Please go away, Mr. Hwttington. I have no time to see
anyone at the moment. I must prepare important Admiralty
papers for presentation in the House of Lords tomorrow."
"I am on the Queen's business, Admiral."
There is silence for a moment. The door opens. "Show me
your authorization," says Admiral Sir George Weathersley.
He is not what you expected. From what Sir Henry told you
earlier,. this Admiral has never been to sea. Instead, he has
worked all his adult life in the labyrinth of the Admiralty
building, rising to his present post through meticulous atten-
tion to detail and sheer hard work. You had expected to fine a
small, wizened gnome, his body pale and undernourished
from years of neglect
Instead, what you see is a hale and hardy man of middle
years. Admiral Weathersley is of average height with curly
black hair, greying at the temples. His skin has color, and his
eyes are dark: His middle is beginning to thicken, and there are
lines around his eyes, but he looks more like your ideal of the
captain of a three-masted frigate than any naval officer you
have ever met. The effect is diminished only somewhat by the
half-frame reading glasses perched on his nose. He holds out
his hand for the authorization. Hastily, you dig out the royal
writ and hand it to him. Turn to 174.
327
You go back to question the brother, but almost immedi-
ately realize that he was only protecting Private Mtirphy and
knows nothing..Turn to 200.
328
You make several passes through the crowd, but are unable
to find anyone who bears a close resemblance to the photo-
graph. True, there is a beautiful young woman who vaguely
resembles her, but only vaguely.
You mingle with the crowd a little longer and then decide
to leave. You can accomplish what you want by following
Private McGill to the rendezvous. There has been no oppor-
.tunity for him to pass the plans yet. Perhaps if you hurry, you
can still catch him. Turn to 345.
329
Walking into the yard, you find that the entire guard detail
has been collected. Jbere are already more soldiers1n the yard_
than you expected, and the-crowd is larger too. There appear
to be two full squads of scarlet-tunicked soldiers standing in
formation. The Sergeant-of-the-Guard stands.in front of his
men as the guard-officer marches back and forth across the
yard. You are somewhat surprised to see that he is not carrying
his saber by the hilt; instead he carries it by the blade. You
begin to think that something special i~about to happen. After
a moment, you hear the sound of a marc~ing band coming up
The Mall. As the band gets closer, you hear the clatter of
hooves. A troop of Horse Guards ride by on their way back to ·
barraGks. Then you see the band approaching. The crowd
gives way as the guards open the gates to allow the band and
the guard contingent into the yard. As they enter~ you catch
sight of another band and guard detail coming up the Mall, and
you finally realize what is happening. The ceremony is not
only a changing of the guard. The responsibility for guarding
the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and other historic
~ndon landmarks is about to shift from one regiment to
.another. You look back to the old guard detail and see they
have come ·to attention, presenting arins to their regimental
colors. The rest of the ceremony signals a formal conveying of
responsibility. Finally, both bands march out followed by the
old guard detail. You are dismayed to see the guard officer you
wanted to meet marching with his men. You only have forty-
eight hours and already one-witness has been consumed by the
ceremony. You will be forced to go to Wellington Barracks to
speak with the man when he returns. Fortunately, you know
his name. Check Decision 9. Pick a number and add your
Scholarship bonus: -
-. 1/2-7, turn to 122.
•If 8-12, turn to 411.
330 .·
''There will be other-trains, My Lord." Turn to 323.
331
No one volunteers any more information.
•I/you checked Decision 4, turn to 235.
•Otherwise, you go to see the Officer-of-the-Guard.
Turn to485.
332
"Richard, what you learned from Miss Barnes may provide
the motive for murder. But first tell me what you learned from
the guard officer."
•I/you checked Decision 9~ turn to 208.
333
You pause for a moment, thinking you heard a noise. But
after a moment, you continue to question him. Finally, you
decide there is no point in pursuing this aimless banter an_d
talce your leave. Turn to 265.
334
"I have no time for this foolishness, Mr. Huntington. I shall
be departing in less than an hour. I have a train to catch and
must collect my belongings from Sommerville House." He
begins to close the door.
•I/you insist on questioning him, turn to 295.
335
"Yes, it was," Admiral Weathersley replies quickly, grate-
ful for the opportunity to change the subject. "May I get you
a drink, Mr. Huntington?" .
"Yes, thank you."
"A brandy?"
"A brandy would be very nice," you say. The room has
become very cold. While he pours the brandy into two snifters,
you go over to the fire and stir new life to the dying embers.
• 1/2-~. turn to 338.
•If 7-12, turn to 381.
336
"He was inebriated when brought before me, but not so
much as he would have had me believe. A crafty rather than
cunning man. I decided to- ask him about his recent contacts
with McNeal.,,
•If you checked Clue G, turn to 445.
- 337
"I spoke with the fellow at some length, but he had nothing
further to add to the little I knew.'' Turn to 170.
338
The embers catch quickly as you stir them. You add
kindling, and in moments the fire roars. You return to your seat
just as Admiral Weathersley hands you a snifter. You notice
a strained look on his face and decide that he remains troubled
by the question you asked earlier. You sip your brandy.
-"I am sorry to have bothered you with these questions,
Admiral Weathersley ,,, you comment as the brandy begins to
warm you. "But you must understand that the crime was a very
serious one. I hope that I have not offended you."
"I should be lying if I claimed I enjoyed the questioning,
Mr. Huntington. However," he continues with a resigned sigh,
"if the crime is as serious as you say, it had to be done. Are we
finished?"
"Yes, we are, Admiral Weathersley. I am satisfied." The
two of you chat for a few minutes, and you take your leave.
Turn to239.
. 339
A waiter approaches with a tray of drinks and you take one,
knowing it will make you less conspicuous in the crowd. The
crowd has already resolved into little knots of individual
conversations, with most of them speaking French, the lan-
guage of international diplomacy. You do not see the mystery
woman in any of these groups. Then you notice a much larger
group at one end of the largest room and wander over. Most of
the group are men and once there, you see why. The woman
for whose attention they are all vying is one of the most
beautiful you have ever seen.
She is a small woman, not more than five feet tall. She is
slight of build but very feminine, with a long graceful neck and
eyes full of life. She laughs easily, favoring each of her suitors
in turn with her full attention. You are certain that every man
there is in love with her. Her many suitors address her as "Mrs.
Mueller." Check Clue Y.
•If you have checked Clue 0, turn to 351.
340
In less than an hour, Sir Henry tetums with the news that the
Prince is unavailable for the moment, but may be able to fit
you in next week.
•If you question the merchants, turn to-417.
•If you question Admiral Weathe;sley, turn to 265.
•If you question the Prince of Wales' friends, turn to 395.
341
You notice the bags of flour lining the wall. The writing on
the bags is in French. That in itself would not be significant.
What is significant is that there are no duty stamps on the bags.
The baker is using smuggled flour! That was why he ran; he
thought you were investigating him for smuggling. Turn to
270.
342
You begin to tell him what you have discovered during the
course of your investigation. As you talk you realize you must
make a decision whether to tell him about what you learned
from the Prince of Wales' friends. Do you trust this man
enough to place the seeds of a scandal in his hands?
•If you avoid the subject, turn to 232.
343
"So, Mr. Huntington, you caught the murderer and accom-
plished it in such a manner as riot to alert the newspapers," .
comments Queen Victoria. "We wish to express our sincerest
congratulations. We knew We had presented you a most
difficult task, but Our mini~ters spoke very highly of you."
"It was my pleasure, Your Majesty," you stammer, more
than a little nervous. ·
"We must admit that We were surprised to learn the identity
of the murderer. Admiral Weathersley has been a member of
Our household for many years. His wife Elizabeth was very r
dear to Us. We suspect her death must have unhinged him
somewhat."
''That could be so, Your Majesty," you reply. "Love some-
times has a way of putting us in difficult situations."
"It does not excuse his actions."
"No, Your Majesty, it does not."
"Mr. Huntington, We should like to confer upon you some
signal honor for the service you have done Us. We have
discussed the matter with the Lord Chamberlain, and you shall
be hearing from him in due course. Suffice to say that you shall
not lack for royal grants to carry on your work."
''Thank you, Your Majesty!" you say, your head spinning.
"Not at all, Mr. Huntington. Your research helps us all."
It is nearly a week later and you are at breakfast when you
pick up the Daily Telegraph and open it to the front page. The
headline screams: "Spy Ring Smashed by Scotland Yard".
The article rather sketchily describes a dastardly attempt by a
foreign power to secure critical naval secrets from the Admi-
ralty. Fortunately, the ring was smashed, and the spies cap-
tured by Detective Gregson. The paper promises more details
as they become available.
So, you think, there was more to the plot, after all. And
Gregson had cleverly said nothing, convincing you to permit
him to take over the case and get the credit for the work you
_did. You have the consolation of knowing you identified a
murderer and helped to expose a spy nng, but you cannot help
feeling a little disappointed that you were not in it to the last.
The End
344
You try to leave it at that and walk out, but find you cannot.
You walk to the secretary's desk and look down at him. "You
knew all along that he was not in there!"
"Sir, I did not. He has a private entrance. Hence, I only
know if he is leaving when he wishes." It may even be true, but
you know that he enjoyed every minute of your discomfort.
''Then I apologize for what I implied," you say, still fuming.
"Bye the bye, I believe that column adds to 368, not 386," you
say, pointing to one of the columns of figures on the page.
"Which column?" he says with genu~e interest.
"That one," you say placing your finger on the offending
number and managing to knock over his inkwell at the same
time. "Drat!" you declare in mock horror. "I am not normally
so clumsy; it must be the chair. Frightfully sorry." You leave
with the secretary dashing around the desk, trying to mop up
the spreading pool of ink.
You walk back down The Mall and enter Buckingham
Palace. As you enter, you ask the guards whether Admiral
Weathersley has returned yet. The sentry says that he returned
less than an hour ago. Turn to 226.
345
You leave the reception, retrieve your hat and coat, and
walk out of the embassy into the street to hail a cab. Hearing
a clatter you tum around to find a heavy growler bearing down
on you, the driver whipping up his team for all he is worth. You
dive for the sidewalk: Pick a number and add your Athletics
bonus:
•If 2-4, turn to 454.
•If 5-12, turn to 361.
346
"Oh, very well," he grumbles. "But I tell you I am most
decidedly unhappy about it. In fact, I may thrash you." Turn
to 162.
347
Walking down the hall, you meet Dr. Watson on the stairs.
"I was just coming to see what the commotion was about,"
he declares. "Hello, Richard, how are you?"
"I am well, Dr. Watson," you reply. "My Uncle Gerald
sends his best regards. Sorry for the disturbance, but Mrs.
Hudson was barring the door like a lion.,,
"I see that she has taken what I said a little too seriously. I
shall have a word with her directly. Please convey my regards
to your uncle when you next see him. How is his leg?"
"Quite well, Dr. Watson. He walks to the post office and
back every day. He asked me to tell you that he would be ready
for that walk in Surrey you promised him by spring."
"Delightful! I will look forward to it. In the meantime, I
suppose you are here to see Holmes?"
"Yes, I am." Turn to 171.
348
"One of the soldiers was in a great hurry to leave as I entered
the guard room," you answer.
•If you checked Deduction I, turn to391.
349
"Private Murphy described his life growing up in a Ireland.
As grim as his tale was, I did learn that McNeal had been a
member of an Irish _gang. Private Murphy claimed that
McNeal had dropped out before the recent violence began. He
said that McNeal did not approve of their methods."
"Commendable," remarks Holmes dryly. "Anything else?
•If you checked Result F, turn to 213.
350
"What is it you're wantin' to know then?" Murphy says
sullenly.
"First, why did you leave the barracks?"
"Because of the money," he answers, refusing to meet your
eye.
"What money?" you ask.
"The money I took from Thomas' bunk," he says as if the
answer was being torn from him. "He said I could have it,
should anything happen to him, indeed he did, sir. I would
have waited too, waited until he died." Now the words tumble
out of him in a rush. "Butl was afraid you would find it and
it's near three hundred pounds- a bloody fortune! I couldn't
take the chance. Truth to tell, sir, that was why I ran. Havin'
all that money in the barracks, and no-one to protect me."
"Why did he want you to have the money, Private Murphy?
I was given to understand that you were not very close."
"'Tis true, sir, but he wanted me to do something for him,
should something happen to him."
"Yes? What did he wish you to do?"
"I was to go to The County Corle and tell the owner."
"What were you to say?"
"Just that something had happened to him."
m
"And for that you were to keep the money?"
"Yes, sir. 'Tis the truth. I swear it is."
"I believe you, Murphy. Tell me, have you delivered your
message yet?"
"No, sir. I was not to go there until afternoon."
"Very good, Murphy, but now I have some advice for you,"
you say. "Go back to your unit and report to Captain Wren. I
have convinced him to go easy on you. Otherwise, the police
will be alerted."
"I was just talkin' about that with me brother. Patrick said
the same thing."
You release him, and the two of you go your separate ways.
•If you visit Sherlock Holmes, turn to 200.
•If you go to the pub, turn to 414.
351
She has matured since you saw her last. Her face has lost
some of the gamine quality of her adolescent years, but her
dark eyes are the same. She expresses more in a single glance
than most women do in hours of intimate conversation. You
watch her in the space of a single exchange go from cool
reserve, thawing gradually to open f~ankness and then to
provocative intimacy as she makes another conquest It is the
sense of intimacy she can create between herself and another,
even in the midst of a crowd, that is her greatest weapon. For
the man who is the object of her attention, there is no crowd.
There is no one but her in all the world.
She plays the reluctant wife now, this young actress you
first saw in Berlin. On her hand is a wedding ring, but you
cannot distinguish her husband from any of the others in the
group. No doubt he is as captivated by her as anyone there.
You shudder at the thought of what he must go through at
parties, each time the men gather around his wife. You join the
group and await your turn.
In time she turns to you, and you feel the impact of her eyes.
They smolder, they promise nothing and yet everything. They
are the eyes of Lorelei, the German temptress who lures men
to deaths, broken on the rocks of their passion.
"I do not believe we have met, sir," she says with a faint
German accent. "I am Mrs. Ludmilla Mueller."
"We have not, madam," you reply, bearing up with an effort
under the force of her allure. Now that her·attention is focused
in your direction, you begin to understand her power. Even
knowing what you do, you find it difficult to resist her. "My
name is Richard Huntingto~. I . am ·a friend of Admiral
Weathersley's. He asked me to express_his regrets."
"Admiral Weathersley?" she asks, somewhat confused as
if unable to place him. She is very good, but you saw her eyes
widen just a bit.
"I always meant to tell you how. much I enjoyed your
performance several years ago in Berlin, madam. You have a
lovely _voice," you say with a smile, watching her composure
for cracks. "I did not know you had been married. Do you not
remember Admiral Weathersley?"
"No,Iamsorry,sir,butlmeetsomanypeopleataffairslike
these. I could have met him once but not remember his name."·
She has neatly covered her tracks, but you did not miss the
meaningful glance she shot at someone over your shoulder.
Turn to369.
352
The establishment of Holston .& Sons, Bakers on the
Strand, is housed in a fine stone and glass-fronted three-story
building three blocks from Trafalgar Square and just one
block from Charing Cross Station. The store smells of fresh-
baked bread, making your mouth water. You ask for James
Holston. .
After a short wait, a man comes from the back, wiping his
flour-covered hands on a white apron. "Yes?" His clipped
/ vqice contains a hint of a French accent, "I am James Holston.
I have no time for idle-chat. Please tell me what you want I
have bread about to burn."
"I am here to investigate a crime," you say. "I have been
commissioned by the Lord High Chamberlain, and I should
like to ask you a few questions." Check Decision 12. Pick a
• 1/2-6, turn to 449.
•If 7-12, turn to 207.
353
You learn from the palace staff that Admiral Weathersley
is still at the Admiralty. He is not expected back until late
tOf!ight.
•If you go to the Admiralty to see him, turn to 401.
•If you await his return, (Jlrn to 457.
354
You dash out of the building, but Admiral Weathersley is
nowhere to be seen. He has obviously taken a cab. You decide
to walk back in case he stops along the way.
You hurry down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. As you
are entering the gate, you ask the guard if Admiral Weather-
sley has returned. He informs you that the Admiral returned
less than ten minutes ago. Turn to 226.
355
You summon a passing constable and explain to him what
you have learned. Then you depart, leaving the matter in his
hands. Turn to 289.
356
You know this woman. You are sure of it, though you
cannot place her. Her dark eyes express more in a single glance
than most women do in hours of intimate conversation. You
watch her in the space of a single exchange go from cool
reserve, thawing gradually to open frankness and then to
provocative intimacy as she makes another conquest It is the
sense of intimacy she can create between herself and another,
even in the midst of a crowd, that is her greatest weapon. For
the man who is the object of her attention, there is no crowd.
There is no one but her in all the world.
On her hand is a wedding ring, but you cannot distinguish
her husband from any of the others. No doubt he is as
captivated by her as anyone there. You shudder at the thought
of what he must go through at parties, each time the mell gather
around his wife. You join the group and await your turn.
In time she turns to you, and you feel the impact of her eyes.
They smolder, they promise nothing and yet everything. They
are the eyes of Lorelei, the German temptress who lures men
to deaths, broken on the rocks of their passion for her.
"I do not believe we have met, sir," she says with a faint
German accent. "I am Mrs. Ludmilla Mueller."
"We have not, madam," you reply, bearing up with an effort
under the force of her allure. Now that her attention is focused
in your direction, you begin to understand her power. Even
knowing what you do, you find it difficult to resist her. "My
name is Richard Huntington. I am a friend ·of Admiral
Weathersley's, whom I believe you know. He asked me to
express his regi:ets."
"Admiral Weathersley?" she asks, somewhat confused as
if unable to place him. She is very good but you saw her eyes
widen just a bit.
"Do you not remember Admiral Weathersley, Mrs.
Mueller?"
"No, I am sorry, sir, but! meetsomanypeopleataffairslike
these. I could have met him once but not remember his name."
She has neatly covered her tracks, but you did not miss the
meaningful glance she shot at someone over your shoulder.
Turn to369.
357
You decide you must tell him everything if he is to under-
stand how you arrived at Admiral Weathersley as the principal
suspect. It may be necessary for his conviction. Check Result
J. Turn to 408.
358
You decide you will see the Chamberlain first. The police
will be here for some time, after all. You can always see
Gregson.
You find the Chamberlain in his office. He rises to greet ·
you. "Ah, Mr. Huntington," he says. "So glad you could take
the time to see me."
"A pleasure, Lord Chamberlain," you reply.
"I wished to thank you for your assistance in this affair. I
understand you caught the murderer. Fine work, Mr. Hunting-
ton. I am certain the Queen will be pleased to have this
unfortunate incident brought to a successful conclusion."
"A man was killed, Lord Chamberlain," you say.
"W.h y yes, of course," he replies with a faint smile, '~and not
by anyone important. The Admiral's blood relationship to the
Queen is faint, you see. He was allowed to live in the palace
on the Queen's sufferance because of the love the Queen bore
Admiral Weathersley 's dead wife. There will be no sordid
speculation in the newspapers. That is enough."
"I see," you say. You cannot disagree with the
Chamberlain's logic, but what you have heard has somehow
tarnished your victory. Now you just want to be away from
this man. "If you will excuse me, Lord Chamberlain."
"Of course, Mr. Huntington, of course." He favors you with
a tight-lipped smile as he shakes your hand.
• If you are satisfied with the investigation, turn to 209.
~
359
When you finish, he looks at you for a long moment before
replying, "I am sorry, Mr. Huntington, but I cannot help you.
My friends entered the palace after I did, and whilst I cannot
conceive that they would have anything to do with such an
atrocious act, I cannot in truth say that they did not have the
opportunity. You must talk with them and draw your own
conclusions."
You thank the Prince and take your leave.
•If you question the merchants, turn to 417.
•If you question Admiral Weathersley, turn to 265.
• If you question the Prince of Wales' friends, turn to 395.
360
You decide to question the Earl of Sumpter, one of the
oldest and dearest friends of the Prince of Wales, and report-
edly a difficult man to deal with. You follow a footman to the
suite Lord Sumpter occupied for the previous evening and
wait while he knocks on the door. There is no answer. You
order the footman to knock louder. Still no answer.
''Use your passkey," you say.
The footman looks very doubtful, but does as you say. In a
-moment the door is unlocked and you enter, closing the door
behind you with a thud.
The room you have entered is larger than one entire floor of
the house in which you live. It is paneled in lustrous oak and
hung with brocaded curtains. Faded tapestries cover two walls
while the others are hung with portraits in gilded frames. On
a small stand in one comer sits a glass case covering a
medieval knight's helmet, polished to a silvery sheen. In
another is a stand supporting a small but exquisite music box
inlaid with gold, silver and mother-of-pearl, and set with
rubies and sapphires. It is breathtaking. There is enough
wealth in this one room to buy your father's estate several
times over. You walk over to the curtains and throw them
back, allowing the fading sunlight to enter.
Then you walk to a door on the far side of the room and
knock. You hear a groan from the other side. You knock
louder.
"Go away!" is the blurred command from the other side.
"I shall not go away, My Lord, until you arise."
"Go away or I shall have you thrown to the pigs!" The voice
is louder this time. ,
''There are no pigs at Buckingham Palace, My LOrdt you
answer.
' "What do you have then?" he snarls.
; "Dogs, My Lord."
"Dogs it is then," he says.
You wait but after several minutes but only silence comes
from the other sid~ of the door. You knock again, louder than
necessary. Another groan arises, this time with a hint of
desperation. Check Decision 15. Pick a number and add your
Communication bonus:
• lf2-7, turn to 229.
•If 8-12, turn to 503.
361
You manage to roll out of the path of the cab, but it was a
very near thing. Your carelessness nearly cost you your life,
but you cannot help having the feeling that this encounter may
not have been accidental. Perhaps you are getting close
enough to worry someone.
You make your way to Wellington Barracks. Just as your
cab pulls up and you are about to step out, you see Private
McGill come out of the entrance. The police have obviously
lifted the soldier's confinement since they have the murderer
in custody. You decide to follow him. Pick a number and add
your Artifice bonus: ·
•If 2-5, turn to 383.
•If 6-12, turn to 496.
·-
(1
--
362
"I shall not put up with this harassment, sirrah. I will have
satisfaction. To whom shall I send my man?"
The fool has challenged you to a duel! You wonder if he is
serious or just playacting. He acts the buffoon, but all this
.could turn very serious unless you tread carefully.
• If you try to talk sense into him, turn to 491.
•I/you show him the writ from the Queen, turn to 216."
363
You walk into the room and find it empty. Making a quick
search, you find nothing. But upon inspecting the wardrobe
once more, you discover an article of women's clothing.
Suddenly, everything makes sense. This reckless idiot
brought a woman into Buckingham Palace! In all likelihood
she is an adventuress of the most common sort.
If this becomes public knowledge, the scandal could for-
ever tarnish i.he Prince of Wales' image. No one will believe
that he knew nothing about it. The British people have been
tolerant of his antics for the past thirty years because he has
always been careful not to diminish the prestige of the Queen.
But this insult strikes too close to heart of the monarchy. Lord
Befford has offered the newspapers the means to destroy the
Prince of Wales and damage Queen Victoria.
"Lord Befford," you say to the Marquess standing in the
door. "My advice to you is to get 'Mr. Eagleton' out of the
palace immediately. I should not mention this to anyone."
Turn to265.
364
Later, you leave your house just off Regent's Park and
accept Sir Henry's offer of a ride to Buckingham Palace. On
the way you have a chance to ponder the extraordinary request
which has been made of you - and the almost undignified
eagerness with which you accepted. Sir Henry was brief but
thorough in his explanation of the assault as well as the
Chamberlain's request. You have agreed to respect the
Queen's desire for secrecy. Also, you are under no illusions as
to why you have been selected.
No one expects you to succeed- with possible exception
of the Queen. To the Chamberlain and his-subordinates, you
are nothing more than a cipher needed to fill a spot in a column
of figures, a naine to give the Queen. You feel your jaw
muscles tighten. If it is humanly possible, you will solve this
crime and justify Queen Victoria's faith in you!
The carriage passes through Trafalgar Square and under
Admiralty Arch, making its way down The Mall toward the
palace. You begin to plan how you will conduct the investiga-
tion. The need for secrecy will hamper you. On the other hand,
the Chamberlain has promised to intercede for you in difficult
situations. Dealing with nobility, all of whom outrank you,
will be tricky. But, perhaps most difficult of all will be the
arbitrary time limit the Queen has plac¢ on your investiga-
tion. You will need all the help you can get To that end, you
decide you will involve Sherlock Holmes in the investigation
at the earliest opportunity. Even if he cannot be an active
participant, he will be invaluable in a consulting capacity -
provided you can gain his attention. You remember the case
you brought him last year. Holmes scoffed at it and suggested
you go to the police - the ultimate indicator of its pedestrian
nature. Hopefully, this one will contain something to spark his
interest. Your carriage stops while the guards in front of
Buckingham Palace pull the gates open: Once they are open,
you enter and then drive through a short passage into an inner
courtyard. You dismount from the carriage, glance at the
sentry boxes on either side, and then follow Sir Henry into the
palace. On the way you stop for a moment to straighten your
tie in a hallway mirror. Looking critically at your own reflec-
tion you see a tall, lean ip.an with dark hair and sharp_features. _
Anyone who does not know you would put your age at thirty,
though you are still two months short of your twenty-fifth/
birthday. The pain of the loss of your wife and daughter is still
etc~ed in the lines in your face, and a haunted look lingers in
. the depths of your eyes. You straighten your tie and hurry to
catch up with Sir Henry. The Chamberlain stands when you
enter. "Ah, Mr. Huntington, do come in," he says, shaking
your hand. "So gratified you could spare the time to assist us
in this unpleasant matter."
[}]
"My pleasure, Lord Chamberlain," you reply. "Sir Henry
has already briefed me on the particulars of the case. Is there
any reason I should not get right to it?"
''The sooner the better, Mr. Huntington, but there have been
several developments since Sir Henry. left to fetch you. For
one thing, the entire guard detail has been confined to Well-
ington Barracks for the next two days - to keep the news
from getting out too soon and to assist your investigation. Also
I have something for you.'' He hands you a small rolled
parchment. "This is a writ from the Queen giving you author-
ity to question members of the royal family am~ forbidding
them from taking insult. It may help in those cases where you
cannot reveal the nature of your investigation."
''Thank you, Lord Chamberlain," you say. ''The writ will be
most helpful. There is one other thing I should like, if it is not
too much trouble."
"Of course, Mr. Huntington. What is it?"
"I should like to examine the Queen's seal."
''That is no trouble at all; I still have it here in my office."
He reaches into a compartment in his desk, extracts the seal
and hands· it to you. You examine the cylinder carefully,
noting the scratches in the metal and' the places where the
embossing has been damaged. You look up.
"Did you have the seal cleaned, Lord Chamberlain?" you
ask.
"Certainly. I could not take it in to the Queen looking the
way it did this morning. Why do you ask?"
''This may turn out to be a murder weapon, Lord Chamber-
lain. In its original state it could have provided valuable clues
to the identity of the attacker." ·
"Ah, yes," replies the Chamberlain without a great deal of
interest. "I see now I should not have had it cleaned." He rises
to indicate the meeting is at an end. "It is comforting to know
we have an expert on the case. Good luck, Mr. Huntington."
Sir Henry sees you to the door. Check Clue A and Result A.
•If you go to the scene of the crime, check Decision 1
and turn to 452.
•If you question the officers of the guard, check Decision 2
and turn to 396.
365
You jump to your feet and, making your apologies, leave to
seek out Captain Wren, Private Murphy's company com-
mander. He permits you to question the men in Private
Murphy's barracks. Gathering them, he turns them over to
you.
"Men," you say to the assembled group."As you are aware,
there a serious incident occurred last night, resulting in one of
your number being seriously injured. We have reason to
believe that Private Murphy is somehow connected to the
incident We must contact him immediately. You have Cap-
tain Wren's assurance that he will be well-treated, but I must
know where he is." Pick a number and add your Communi-
cation bonus:
• 1/2-7, turn to 314.
• If 8-12, turn to 145.
366
Sherlock Holmes remains silent for a moment, then turns to
Dr. Watson and says, "What do you think, Watson? Why was
the guard attacked?"
· "Very well, Holmes, I shall rise to your bait I am in
complete agreement with Richard on one issue. I do not
believe robbery was the motive for the attack. The fact that
McNeal is an Irish name and that he belongs to the Irish
Guards suggests nothing in itself, but when viewed in the
larger context, might suggest the activities of one of the Irish
gangs of terrorists. I believe it is somehow connected to them.
Perhaps they attacked him because he was unwilling to give
into their demands."
"Well said, Watson," applauds Holmes. "However, I be-
lieve your conclusion is incorrect"
"How so?" demands Dr. Watson, a trifle indignant
"This case may involve the Dynamiters, but I believe it
revolves around blackmail. Money is central to the crime.
McNeal was blackmailing someone, I contend, in all likeli-
hood someone at Buckingham Palace. His demands evidently
became more than his victim could bear, and McNeal may die
for it."
"Then what is your advice, Mr. Holmes?" you ask. "I must
confess that the thought of blackmail did enter my inind, but
I dismissed it because of other aspects of the case."
"I believe you have exhausted the possibilities within the
guard detail for the present," comments Holmes, standing to
pace as he is wont to do when deep in thought. "Perhaps you
should go now to the other end of this puzzle and identify those
with.opportunity," he continues.
"Buckingham Palace is well-guarded inside and out. No
one can move about without being noticed. Check the com-
ings and goings at that hour. Who had ~ccess to the guards?
Who might have been a candidate for blackmail?"
"I see," you reply. "That presents me with a whole new
avenue of investigation: I shall pursue it immediately. May I
come to you again?"
"Of course, Richard," Holmes agrees, "but I shall be
leaving soon myself. No, no, Doctor, do not trouble yourself."
Holmes raises a hand to quell Dr. Watson's gathering protest.
"I know what I am doing. This last month has been a sort of
purification process, not unlike the ceremonies some Ameri-
can Indians undergo before going into battle. I shall certainly
need all of my faculties for this game of wits. It will take a
superior hound to run this fox to earth."
"What in Heaven's Name are you talking about, Holmes?"
demands Dr. Watson indignantly. "And what is all this about
purification?"
"You may deplore my methods, Poctor," Holmes chides,
"but you must admit they have been effective. I face the
greatest test of my life. You shall know all about it in due
course." Then he straightens and turns back to you. "But we
are delaying Richard from his duties, Doctor. Do not let us
. . keep you, Richard."
You rise from your chair and, thanking them both, take
your leave. Pick a number and add your Observation bonus:
• If 2-6, turn to 248.
•If 7-12, turn to 185.
367
"Sally Barnes! And why would a fine man like yerself be
wantin' to find Sally?" You start to answer, but she cuts you
off. "No matter," she says. "Sure and I-don~t want to know.
She's trouble, that one.. Told Teddy that all along. Told them
all." She tails off into am utter and then]erks her eyes back to
you as if she had forgotten you were there. "Sally's upstairs,
fer all the good it'll do ye. Over there." She nods toward the
stairs at the end of the room. "First door on yerrightat the top."
You climb the stairs, find the door and knock.
"Helen?" calls a voice from behind the door. "Is that you?"
It is a rich and melodious voice; you begin to wonder what
Sally looks like.
"It is not Helen," you say. "I am Richard Huntington, and
I must speak with you regarding a confidential matter, Miss
Barnes. Could you open the door and come out for a mo-
ment?"
The door opens. You see a woman's figure standing silhou-
etted in' the light from the open window at the other end of the
room. Then your eyes adjust, and you see her face. She is a
young woman, no more than twenty with rather plain features
- except for her hair, which is gold and worn in heavy coils
upon her head. She looks piercingly at you for a moment and
then opens the door wide. "Come in, Mr. Huntington,"· she
says. "You will not take offensv if I leave the door open, will
your .
"Not at all/' you reply with what you hope is a disarming
smile. Then you allow your manner to become more serious.
"I am here on a very delicate matter, Miss Barnes. I would like
to ask you some questions about a gentleman of your acquain-
tance. A soldier named Thomas McNeal."
"A gentleman," she says with a small laugh, shaking her
head. "I doubt he has been called that before! But I do know
him. Go on. Is he in some sort 'of trouble?"
"I do not believe he is accused of anything, Miss Barnes,"
you temporize. "I would like to know something of the man.
Does he have friends? What are his habits? Where does he go
when he is not in the barracks?"
"Are you with the police, Mr. Huntington?" she asks.
"No," you reply. "I am not, Miss Barnes. But it would not
surprise me if the police come to ask the same questions in a
day or two." .
"Can you not tell me why you are asking these questions?"
Listening to her you begin to wonder what a woman of such
obvious breeding is doing in these squalid surroundings. "I am
sorry, Miss Barnes," you say, "but I an not permitted to tell you
at the moment Will you answer my questions?"
She shrugs. "I suppose it can do no harm. What do you wish
to know?"
"Did he bebave strangely of late?"
"Funny you should ask," she says thoughtfully. "He said
another week would see his fortune made." She looks defi-
antly ·at you. "He wanted to marry me, you see."
You nod understandingly. "Did he say where he intended
to get the money?"
"No, he did not, Mr. Huntington. And since I did not think
he was serious, I did not ask him."
You continue to ask questions, but it is obvious that the
woman will be of little assistance. 'She deserves better than
this,' you think.
"Do not think I am here in Spitalfields by some unfortunate
incidel).t, Mr. Huntington,'' she continues. "I belong here. I am
one of them, no matter how much you may believe otherwise,"
she declares, a steely tone creeping into her voice. "This is my
. lot. I have chosen it, and it has chosen me. We are a match, you
see. Now please leave."
You find that the small hairs on the back of your neck have
risen and are only too glad to obey. You have the uncomfort-
able feeling that the old woman behind the bar was right.
Check Clue E. Pick a number:
• 1/2-10, turn to 481.
•If 11-12, turn to 254.
368
You are certain that there is more to this than ·McGill wants
you to believe. He knows something - something important!
Check Deduction 1. Turn to 152.
[ill
369
"Well," you shoot back. "It matters not; he has been
arrested for treason and murder."
At first she had weathered the storm like the actress she is,
but your statement finishes her! She starts; her hand goes to her
mouth in fright. Then she turns and makes a quick exit. To the
black looks of every other man in the group, you follow,
knowing that if you can just get her alone for a moment, you
may get all the answers you need.
She runs up the stairs and you attempt to follow, but you are
intercepted. Blocking you from the stairs is a man. "May I help
you, Mr. Huntington? I am Otto Mueller, Second Secretary
and the lady's husband," he says coldly without a trace of an
accent. He is of medium height with blond hair turning white
at the temples. You put his age at about forty. His pale blue ·
eyes are·those of a killer, belying his diplomatic profession.
Underlining the contradiction is the dueling scar on his cheek,
thin and white, jagged like a lightning bolt.
. "I must see your wife, Mr. Mueller," you say, knowing it is
hopeless. "She has information I need."
"You are only the latest in a long line of men who wish to
pay their respects to my wife, Mr. Huntington. Nearly all of
them wish to·see her alone too. Please leave." There is nothing
else you can accomplish here, standing on German soil, so you
leave. Check Clue Z. Turn to 371 .
. 370
You enter the room, addressing the remaining soldiers.
"Men," you begin. "I have been appointed by the Chamberlain
to investigate last night's incident and want to ask you a few
questions. Do any of you know anything about Thomas
McNeal' s private life?" Pick a number and add your Commu-
nication bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 320.
•If 7-12, turn to 272.
371
'I)lis line of investigation seems to have run into a dead end.
You decide to go back to Baker Street and seek Sherlock
Holmes' counsel. You walk out the door and into the night,
deciding to hail a cab. Hearing a clatter you turn around to find
a heavy growler bearing down on you, the driver whipping up
histeamfora1Iheisworth. Youdivefor,gafety.Pickanumber
and add your Athletics bonus:
• lf2-5, turn to'454.
•If 6-12, turn to 394.
372
As much as you would like to watch th~ ceremony, you do
not have the time. There are questions you would like to ask
the Chamberlain. Unfortunately, you find he has left his office
for the morning, so you decide that you may as well accept
Captain Treadwell's invitation and watch the ceremony. It
only takes you a few minutes to find a good viewing spot
· Check Decision 10. Turn to 329.
373
You decide to search McNeal' s bunk. Although }Jis officers
have already gone through this personal effects and found
nothing, it occurs to you that he may have hidden something
' near his bunk. Perhaps you will find some evidence ofblack-
mailleading to the person who attacked him, if indeed that was
the motivation for the assault.
You walk over to his area, a corner in the barracks.
Normally, the bunks would have been stacked two or three
high, but royal guard-duty carries with it a few privileges.
McNeal's bunk is placed in the comer. A round-topped truck
lies at the foot of the bed, and a tall narrow wardrobe stand
against the wall between McNeal' s bunk and the next one.
Check Decision 17. Pick a number and add your Observation
bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 159.
•If 7~12, turn to 311.
374
After another thirty minutes of _searching, you give up.
There must have been some other reason the-baker fled. Turn
to289.
375 -
He looks startled for a moment but shakes his head in
disagreement "You could be correct, though I disagree. It is
a novel idea. Allow me to tell you who I believe is the intended
recipient of the spoils of the blackmailer's art." Turn to 443.
376
"Yes, I believe I can. ,The evidence would suggest it is
Private Murphy. After all, the plans were of such importance
to the Separatists that he could have been instructed to watch
PrivateMcNeal. Since he is arnemberofthe guard, though not
on duty tlratevening, he could have gained access to the palace
grounds without being recorded in -the logs. He probably
secured the plans and ~eft" Turn to 266. ,
377
You have exhausted the possibilities here. It is time to call
upon Sherlock Holmes. You leave the barracks after thanking
Captain Wren and, once on the street, hire a hansom to take
you to 221 Baker Street. Turn to 390.
- -- - u
. 378
No one steps forward. Either you have not asked the right
questions or they do not know anything. ,
•If you have not checked Decision 17 and wish to search
McNeal' s bunk, turn to 373.
• /fyou seek out Captain Treadwell, turn to 227.
379
"And Mr. Eagleton, MY Lord?,,
"Mr. Eagletonr He looks puzzled.
"Your companion from last evening, My Lord."
"I do not know ... ,,, he begins firmly and then stops, a light
dawning in his eyes. "Ah yes, Mr. Eagleton. Wbatdoyou wiSh
toknowr
"Is Mr. Eagleton ·with you now, My Lord?"
"No,,, he answers evasively. "Mr. Eagleton is not with me.
He must be in his own suite. Or perhaps he has gone home."
"He has done neither, My Lord. I must speak with him."
"Well, he is not here. Do you wish to search the apart-
mentr
"No, My Lord. If you say he is not here, then he is not here.
Do you know where he is, My Lord?"
"Of course not. It is not my responsibility to keep track of
all the comings and goings in the palace.,, Pick a number and
add your Intuition bonus:
•If 2-6, turn_to 121.
•If 7-12, turn to 125.
[!]
380
"I am investigating an incident which took place early this
morning at Buckingham Palace, at about the time you were
making a delivery. What can you tell me about that?"
"Nothing. I pulled my wagon in alongside the baker,
Holston' s. Now there is a dishonest man. You should be
talking to him, not me."
"I intend to/you say. "Please go on."
"He and Bill Turpin almost came to blows. The guard had
to separate them."
"What else?" you say persistently.
"Nothing," he says flatly. "After I unloaded my wagon, I
left."
"Why did you say the baker was a dishonest man?" you ask.
"He got his contract with Buckingham Palace by bribing
one of the staff, that's why."
"Is he a violent man?"
''No, not really. He's too soft to be violent. Eats too much
of that bread of his."
You ask more questions but }{WO nothing more. Finally
you dismiss the butcher and leav~. Turn to 289.
381
You are about to stir .the embers when you notice a partially
burned sheet of parchment in the dying fire. The soot is too
heavy and the light too poor for you to see the color, but it has
a triangular-shaped comer missing. Then the embers catch.
The parchment goes up in flames before you can retrieve it.
Resignedly, you add kindling and in moments, the fire roars.
You return to your seat just as Admiral Weathersley hands you
a snifter. You notice he has a strained look on his face. You sip
your brandy slowly, considering the implications. Check Clue
P.
• If you question the Admiral about the parchment,
turn to 393. ·
•If you say nothing, turn to 195.
382
"He gave me no other information useful to the
invesrigation." turn to 142.
383
You follow him on foot from Wellington Barracks north to
Marble Arch. By now it is late, and there is little pedestrian
traffic. You have to move carefully between the gas street
· lamps so as not to alert your quarry. He looks behind him from
time to time, but appears to be unaware of your presence.
Then you move into the darkness of Speaker's Corner,
trying to keep him in sight For a moment you lose him and
hurry to close the gap. ·Then he suddenly steps from a pool of
darkness, his hand holding a small pistol which he aimsat you.
You dive to the ground as you see a flame spurt from the
barrel. Pick a number and add your Athletics bonus:
•If 2-5, turn to 432.
• If 6-12, turn to 399.
384
You catch Holston just as he is about to enter the warren of
GoventGarden. "Thegameisup,Mr.Holston,"yousay. "You
may as well confess. I have you now." Pick a number and add
your Intuition bonus:
• lf 2-5, turn to 176.
· •If 6-12, turn to 160.
385
"I am sorry, sir," he replies stiffly. "lam afraid I cannot help
you. I am under strict orders not to discuss the matter. You
must speak to the Captain."
386
You try to just leave it at that and walk out, but find you·
cannot. You walk to the secretary, s desk and look down at
him. "You knew all along he was not in there!,,
"Sir, I did not. H~ has a private entrance. Hence, I only
know if he is leaving if he informs me.,, It may even be true,
but you know he enjoyed every minute of your discomfort.
"Then I apologize for what I implied,,, you say, still fuming.
"Bye the bye, I believe that column adds to 368, not 38~,, you
say, pointing to one of the columns of figures on the page.
"Which column?,, fie says with interest
"That-one," you ~Y placing your finger on the offending
number and managing to knock over his inkwell at the same
time. "Drat!" you declare in mock horror. "I am not ~ormally
so clumsy; it must be the chair. Frigh~fully sorry.,, You leave
with the secretary dashing around the desk:, trying to mop up
the spreading pool of ink. - -
You walk back down The Mall and enter Buckingham
Palace. As you eoiet, you are metby a footman informing you
that the Chamberlain would like to see you. Turn to 278.
387
With determination, you rise from the chair. Pick a num-
ber:
• 1/2-4, turn to 169.
•If 5-12, turn to 422.
388
You twist the-candlestick out of his hand and return it to the
table from which he took it, noJ_icing as you do that the bottom
bears the legend: Reginald Ware,.Silversmiths of Piccadilly.
Lord Sumpter slumps back-against the table and passes his
hand shakily through his hair. "I may as well tell you, my dear
fellow. You shall discover the truth soon enough anyway. Mr.
Eagleton is no gentlem~. but if you want to find him, you
-must ask Lord Befford." Turn to
- . 473.
389
''The victim, McNeal, seems ti> be a fine, upstanding
soldier. One of the more remarkable things I learned was that
he was engaged in some confidential undertaking, something
he believed was of great service to his_country."
Holmes says nothing but looks thoughtful and strokes his
chin. Turn to 478.
390
On the way, you become aware of someone's eyes upon
- you. You check the crowded sidewalks, but your hansom has
picked up speed, and you are unable to determine the source
of your uneasiness. Turn to 206.
391
"I stopped him and learned he was the sentry opposite
McNeal atthe time of the assault. He Claims to have seen and
heard nothing, but seemed to be quite nervous. I suspect he
knows more than he is saying. I shall question him again."
'·'Very good, Richard," says Holmes. Turn to 141.
392
The establishment of Reginald Ware, Silversmiths of
Piccadilly, is very elegant. The black enameled facade with
white framed windows facing Piccadilly Street is a model of
understated refinement You enter the store and stand for a
moment shaking the light dusting of snow from your coat
Almost instantly a young man materializes at your side.·
"May I help you, sir?" he inquires unctuously.
''Why yes," you reply., "I am here to see one of your
employees, a William Turpin."
His manner cools noticeably. "Mr. Twpiil is one of our
artisans. He is away at the moment. May I be of assistance?"
"Possibly," you say. "Are·you responsible for the fellow's
conduct at Buckingham Palace this morning?"
"Ah," the man hesitates, sensing the waters are rising above
his head. "May I ask why you wish to see Mr. Turpin?"
"My name is Richard Huntington. I have been appointed by
the Lord High Chamberlain to investigate a matter which
occurred this morning at the palace,. Your man may have been
involved."
The apprehension you see in his eyes turns to true fear. "I
believe I just heard Mr._Turpin return, Mr. Huntingion," he
says hastily. "If you will just wait here." He dashes into the
back of the store. A moment later another man comes through
the swinging doors. He is taller than you and slender, with
thinning brown hair, a hook nose, and hands with the longest
fingers you have ever seen.
"You want to see me?" he asks tentatively. "Mr. Smoller
says yer 'ere beCause of somethin' I did up to the palace this
mornin'. I done nothin' wrong, sir. I swear I didn't."
"I did not say that you did anything wrong, Mr Turpin. I
only want to ask you some questions about this morning. Will
you answer?" Check Decision 13. Pick a number and add
your Communication bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 257.
• 1/7-12, turn to 440.
393
"I believe you know what I found in the fire, Admiral."
"What do you mean, Mr. Huntington?"
"It was a piece of the Queen's personal stationery."
"What of it? She often sends me requests for infonnation.
Would you like to see one?" He gets up from _his chair and
walks over to his desk, opening the center drawer to withdraw
several additional sheets of the same paper. He hands them to
you.
One is a request for infonnation from the Admiralty about
the status of discipline and morale in the fleet since the.demise
of flogging. Another is a request for an accounting of a
nautical accident involving a collision between British and
American warships. You remember seeing an account in the
newspapers some.time ago. You hand them back to him.
•If you press him about the piece with the corner
missing, turn to 421.
•If you thank him and take your leave, turn to 239.
394
You just manage to dive out of the path of the runaway cab.
Was this an accident, you wonder. Picking yourself up, you
brush ·off the dirt and continue to Balcer Street. Turn to 413.
395
You decide to question the Prince of Wales' friends. You
have discovered that both Lord Befford and Lord Sumpter
spent the night in separate state apartments on the ground floor
. of Buckingham Palace. Although there is no record of him,
you surmise the man Private McGill identified as Mr. Eagle-
ton must have stayed with one of them, for it unlikely that the
Prince ofWales' friends would attack a common soldier for no
reason.
•If you question Lord Befford, turn to 473.
•If you question Lord Sumpter, turn to 360.
396
You decide to question the guard officers, who will be off-
duty soon, as you do not want to walk over to the barracks to
find them later. ·
•If you question the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, turn to 143.
• If you question the Officer-of-the-Guard, turn to 485.
397
"Not for two days, sir. I was askin' him to switch guard
tours with me for last night. I was after findin, out what Molly
McGee does with her time when her darlin, Murphy's on
guard duty. Thomas din't mind. Said he had something to do
tonight anyway, he did." Grim and silent, he will say nothing.
more.
You release him to his superiors and return to the palace.
Check Clue G and Result G.
•If you have checked Decision 4, turn to 235.
Turn to485.
398
Something does not ring true about McGill's attitude. His
defiance seems calculated. He undoubtedly knows more than
he is telling. Check Result C. Pick a number and add your
Intuition bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 308.
•If 7-12, turn to 368.
399
You hear the whine of the bullet as it goes by your ear.
McGill then throws the pistol in your direction and spfints into
the darkness. You climb !O your feet and race after him. Pick
a number and add your Athletics bonus:
•If 2-5, turn to 403.
• If 6-12, turn to 407.
400 \
"Soldier! Hold on there," you say in your best parade
ground voice.
The man stops. "Yes,_ sir," he says somewhat sullenly.
"I want to ask you about last night," you continue. "Where
was your guard post, and what shift were you on?"
"C watch, sir," he says hesitantly and then continues almost
defiantly. "I was the guard in the sentry box opposite Private
McNeal."
"What can you tell me about last night, Private?" you ask.
"Nothing to tell, Sir. Cold it was, and wet. When the
sergeant came round with the relief, they found poor Thomas
near dead in his box."
"And you heard nothing? A ·man was terribly beaten and
stabbed not a hundred feet from you, and you heard nothing?"
''That's right, sir!" he snaps. "I heard nothing! lknow you
don't believe me, and neither does the Captain, but you
waren 't out there in the wind and sleet last night. l was."
"What is your name, Private}" you demand.
"Private Joseph McGill," he says.
"American, are you?"
"Canadian, sir."
Pick a number and add your Intuition bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 163.
•If 7-12, turn to 398. _
401
Too much time has already passed; you cannot afford to
waste any more awaiting Admiral Weathersley' s return. You
have just a little under thirty hours remaining to solve the case
before the Chamberlain summons the police, assuming that
McNeal does not die in the meantime.
You leave the palace and walk down The Mall toward the
Admiralty in the darkness. The rain has almost stopped, and
the rising temperatures give promise to heavy fog later in the
evening. The streetlamps seem to be enclosed in globes of
golden light. Your footsteps on the lightly graveled path seem
to echo within the mist. Then you hear a noise off to one side.
Listening, you hear the sound of stealthy footsteps; someone
is pacing you just out of sight. He may be just another evening
stroller, but the fact that he seems to stay in step with you
indicates that he is not. You stop and tum to face him.
You see nothing, and now the sound is gone as well. You
walk a few paces back the way you came, but see and hear
nothing. Passing under a street lamp, you note the shadows
thrown up by your own footprints in the damp earth. You bend
down and examine one. It is partially covered by another
footprint. You look intently down your backtrail but still see
nothing. After a moment's hesitation, you turn and set off for
the Admiralty.
You enter and ask for Admiral Weathersley's office. A
clerk gives you directions, and you walk up the three flights of
stairs to the room.
You open the door and enter the office. A man sits at a
cluttered desk. While you have never met Admiral Weather-
sley, you are certain that this fellow is not he. Deciding that
this must be his secretary, you approach the desk.
"Yes?" the secretary says without looking up from the
papers he is reading.
"I am Mr. Richard Huntington," you say. "I have urgent
business with Admiral Weathersley."
"And what business would that be?" asks the secretary in
an officious tone. Inwardly, you curse: another guardian at the
gate.
"I am afraid that is confidential," you say. "Itis most urgent,
however." Pick a number and add your Communication
bonus:
•If 2-7, turn to 466.
•If 8-12, turn to 156.
402
You have lost Private Mmphy. The East End is like a rabbit
warren, and h~ knows it far better than you. You will never
find him. Hailing a cab, you tell the driver to take you to 221
Baker Street. Turn to 419.
403
In the darkness you lose him. After combing the park for
more than an hour, you must accept that he has slipped out of
your grasp. Turn to 497.
404
In a few minutes, you hear footsteps coming down the hall
and see the doorknob turn. Admiral Weathersley comes into
the room and does not see you at first. He runs his hand through
his hair nervously, then reaches for the rum bottle on a side
table. As he is picking up the bottle he catches sight of you and
starts violently.
"Good afternoon, Admiral," you say evenly. "I hope I did
not startle you."
"What are you doing here?" he snarls angrily. "Confound
you anyway, Huntington! This is not a public room. Get out!"
"Why are you so agitated, Admiral Weathersley? Has
something happened? Let me guess; Private ·McNeal died and
now you are officially a murderer."
"I have no idea what you are talking about," he says,
pouring himself a shot of rum with shaking hands.
"Surely, you did not want him to live, Admiral," you
continue. "He would only have identified you, after all. Or
would he? Perhaps.he would have hesitated to name you. After
all, you had done him quite a service, had you not?"
"What do you mean?" A horrified fascination fills his eyes
now.
"I know all about it, Admiral Weathersley,"you say, taking
the folded letter from your pocket and showing it to him. Pick
a number:
• I/2-6, turn to 215.
•If 7-12, turn to 1~8.
405
"How do I know he is in his office?"
"He just went in, sir."
"Please check," you request in a tone which leaves no room
for argument -
With an air to suggest he suffers fools only with the greatest
reluctance, the man stands and walks to Admiral
Weathersley' s office. He opens the door and leans inside.
Then he shuts the door and turns to you with a puzzled look.
''The Admiral is not in his office," he admits in a scandalized
tone. "He must have left for the palace. The figures will never
be ready by tomorrow!"
You thank him and leave. Turn to 422.
·-
0
---
406
Lord Befford' s face is suffused with blood as the insult you
have dealt him sinks in. "Damn your eyes, Harrington! There
is a woman in there. I disguised her as a man and slipped her
into the palace. 'Twas foolhardy, I know, but the deed is
done."
This reckless idiot brought a woman into Buckingham
Palace, and in all likelihood, an adventuress of the most
common sort! If this incident becomes public knowledge, the
scandal could forever tarnish the Prince of Wales' image. No
one would believe that he had nothing to do with it.
The British people have been tolerant of his antics for the
past thirty years because he had always been careful not to
diminish the prestige of the Queen.But this is too close to heart
of the monarchy. Lord Befford has given the newspapers the
means to destroy the Prince of Wales and damage Queen
Victoria.
out of the palace immediately. I should not mention this to
anyone." Turn to 265.
407
You barely manage to keep him in sight. When he slows,
you throw yourself behind a tree thinking he might have
another pistol. But McGill is only checking behind him, and
after several minutes of looking, he appears satisfied and
strides off down the path. You decide to follow even though
you know he is wary now. Pick a number and add your
Artifice bonus: '
•If 2-6, turn to 420.
•If 7-12, turn to 426.
408
When you have finished, Detective Gregson sits back in his
chair and thinks. Finally, he looks back to you. "You certain
you have no clue to the identity of the mystery woman, Mr.
Huntington? You have not made a bargain with them urderer,
have you?" ·
"Of course not! I should like to know her identity as much
as you."
"Very well, Mr. Huntington. It appears that you have done
quite well - for an amateur. I believe, however, we would
have completed the investigation sooner and with fewer
unanswered questions." -
"What do you mean, Detective Gregson?" you ask.
"Does it make sense to you. that McNeal would want plans
. to a modem battleship?"
•If it makes sense, turn to 166.
409
He reaches out to move some papers from one stack to
another. The gesture appears to be unnecessary to you, possi-
bly arising from nervousness. As he draws his hand back, you
see a nasty cut on across two knuckles - and it looks recent.
Check Clue M. Turn to 468.
410
"Private Murphy, do you expect me to believe that you no
longer belong to that organization?" You are groping in the
dark.
He sags in defeat. "No, sir. You have caught me out, true
enough. But 'tis true what I said about Thomas McNeal. He
fell away from us years ago. I did try to bring him back, that
I did. But he didna like the violence, he said." He looks
apprehensively at Captain Wren. Hoping to forestall what is
sure to come, he adds, "I was just a messenger, sir. I didna ever
kill anyone."
''Precious lot of good it will do you, Murphy," Captain
Wren snaps. Then he turns to you. "Are you finished with him,
sir?"
"Not yet, Captain, if you please." Check Result F. Turn to
423.
411
Something about the ceremony you witnessed bothers you
-an elusive memory of something your Uncle Gerald, an old
campaigner, once told you. You stop for a moment to allow the
memory to rise to the surface. It has to do with the way Captain
Treadwell carried his saber in the ceremony. Then you recall
it! The only regiment whose officers carry their sabers in that
manner is the Irish Guards! You wonder if that fact might be
significant. Chee~ Clue H. Turn to 235.
412
You leave Baker Street for Buckingham Palace, still smart-
ing under Holmes' criticism.
Once you arrive, you go immediately to Admiral
Weathersley's rooms and -knock on the door. There is no
answer. You knock again. Then a passing chambermaid
informs you that the Admiral was called away more than an
hour ago. . ·
"Called away?" you a~k. "Do you know who sent for him?"
"No, sir," she replies. "The Admiral received a message
this momin'. Upset 'im, -fr did. 'e left 'ere in quite a 'urry.
Didn't say when 'e would be back."
•If you try to get into hi.s rooms, turn to 119.
•If you await his return; turn to 102. .
413
You find Sherlock Holmes at home when you arrive. He is
deep in thought and does not seem to be happy to see you. Then
he dispels that notion with his first words. "Come in, Richard,
come in. I shall be happy to think ahout something other than
my own case, which I must admit has led to nothing. This-fox
is very sly. Tell me what you have learned."
You tell him everything you nave foamed since the last time
you met, remembering to include .as much detail as you can
while avoiding unnecessary words. He becomes very inter-
ested when you describe your meeting with Otto Mueller.
"Describe this man Mueller, Richard," he says.
"He is about five feet ·e ight inches, Mr. Holmes, with fair
hair and skin and ice-blue eyes. They are the coldest eyes I
have ever seen. He has a dueling scar on his right cheek."
"Richard, think hard. Is the scar cr90ked and shaped like
the tines of a fork?"
"Well, I would have described it as a lightning bolt, but yes,
I suppose so. Why? Does it make a difference_?"
"All the difference in the world, Richard. The man you just ·
described is Count Helmut von Steincastle, Prince Bismark's
spymaster and more than once, his trusted assassin. It explains
much."
"Bismark? But he has retired," you say.
''The man has obviously found a new master, probably the
young Kaiser. Richard, this man is very dangerous. Seek the
assistance of the police in this matter. Do not attempt to
capture him yourself. Count von Steincastle has been respon-
sible for the deaths of more than a dozen men that I know of
- and probably many I do not. He is a ruthless killer. It is even
rumored that he killed his own king."
"His king?" you ask, intrigued. "Which one?"
"He is Bavarian by birth, though he moved to Prussia soon
after leaving home. I have uncovered evidence that early in his
career and at the behest of Prince Bismark, it was Count von
Steincastle who assassinated mad King Ludwig of Bavaria.
The assassination was made to resemble an accident, but I
know better. The deed brought the independent kingdom of
Bavaria ·under Prussia's control, and is in ·some measure
responsible for the preeminent position of the Kaiser in
Germany today."
''Then what part do you believe he plays in this affair?"
"I wotild not be surprised to find that he manipulated this
whole business. The woman is probably not his wife, and it
was probably he who guided the liaison with Admiral Weath-
ersley. The Separatists were undoubtedly brought in to act as
intermediaries, though neither they nor Admiral Weathersley
ever suspected that the Irish extremists were not in control of
the situation. It was von Steincastle from the beginning. You
can be sure of it." Pick a number and add your Intuition
bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 416.
•If 7-12, turn to 418.
414
You find you are not far from thepub. It is almost noon, so
you go there. It does not escape your nQtice that all conversa-
tion ceases the moment you walk in the door. You look like
what you are: an English gentleman. You will fool no one
here, and any attempt to draw out the barkeep is only likely to
get you a knife between the ribs. Still, it is interesting to know
that McNeal was not acting on his own. Pick a number:
•If 2-9, turn to 104.
• If 10-12, turn to 234.
415
You think that you have struck a chord within this man. He
is agitated about something - and it could be the very crime
you are charged wiih investigating. It appears that he strokes
that watch of his the way a village shaman would a talisman.
Turn to453.
-
416
"What do you sugges-t, Mr Holmes? In addition to alerting
the police, I mean.''
"The salient point here is that von Steincastle is not yet in
possession of the plans. There has been no opportunity for him
to get them as his contact, Private McGill, has been confined
to barracks until today. He will probably arrange to meet the
man tonight and then slip quietly out of the country."
•If you swnmon the police as Holmes suggests,
turn to 49i. -
• Otherwise, turn to 435. ·
417
You decide that the merchants are a likely possibility.
Royal contracts are very lucrative; McNeal could have been
blackmailing one of them.
•If you question James Holston of Holston & Sons,
turn to242. ·
•If you question William Turpin ofReginald Ware,
Silversmiths, turn to 392.
! If you question Andrew Larson of Larson & Trembley,
turn to352.
418
It has just occurred to you that Count von Steincastle does
not yet have the ship plans. He would have already left the
c.ountry ifhe had managed to secure them:His contact, Private
McGill, has been delayed by your own investigation! The man
will be free now that the police have Admiral Weathersley, but
the meeting has not yet taken place. You turn your attention
back to Holmes. Check £!.eduction 6. ·
•If you summon the police as Holmes suggests,
turn to 492.
~ 419"'"
You arrive at 221 Baker Street just after noon. Schoolboys_
in unifonn cross the street in front of you. Theri you must move
aside for a chimney sweep and his ladder.You walk across the
street toward Holmes' residence only to be accosted by an old
·b eggar, crippled and blind in one eye.
"Pity, good sir," he cries; _peering -blearily up at you, his
head cocked to one sic.je,-two liver-spqtted hands clutching at
your sleeve. "Blind I am·. A pox on 'im what 'as no pity for
them less fortunate than themselves." He waves IJis cup in
front of yoiir face. You try to sidestep him, but feeble as he is,
he anticipates you. "Kind sir~" he wails-, drawing the attention
of another flock of schoolchildren marching past. "A farthing,
a
no more. Can ye not spare farthing for an old man?" He
reaches out with grime-encrusted _hands to pluck your sleeve .
again. You jerk your arm away and turn to walk away.
"Why, Richard. Do you not have even a farthing for an old
beggar?" says a familiar voice behind you. _
"Mr. Holmes, good God!" you exclaim. You turn to greet
him, but Sherlock Holmes is nowhere in sight. Pedestrian
traffic crowds the street. They steer wide berth around you and
the old beggar, but Holmes is gone. Confused, you look at the
old man - only to see him grinning at you.
Sherlock Holmes straightens up and laughs at your conster-
nation. "Well met, Richard," he declares.
"Mr. Holmes, you g(lve me :such a fright! What on earth are
you doing?"
"I shall tel~ you, Richard," he replies with excitement. "A
beggar can go anywhere an.Ci be invisible, a truly singular
experience. People simply do not want to see you! The game
is up, and I have the scent. This is the challenge of my life, my
destiny." You have never seen _Holmes so bursting with
energy. His eyes sparkle as he paces back and forth, talking.
His voice is alive with excitement.
"Mr. Holmes," you say. "I hope I am not intruding on your
work, but I must speak with you."
"Certainly, Richard," Holmes agrees, "let us adjourn to my
sitting room." The two of you enter the house and walk
upstairs, passing a very disapproving Mrs. Hudson along the
way.
Once in the study, Holmes tells you to begin while he goes
about removing his disguise. You describe what you have
discovered in as much detail as you can remember. When you
finish describing what you have learned from Admiral Weath-
ersley, Holme~ stops you.
•If you checked Result H, turn to 132.
•If you checked Result I , turn to 300.
420
He spots you again and sprints off into the darkness,
changing direction. You are so far behind him that he is able
to duck out of sight. In minutes he is swallowed up in the
enormous dark expanse of Hyde Park.
You think you hear movement in a small copse of oaks and
you creep over there to investigate, but find nothing. You
straighten up, hearing the rustle of cloth, when something very
hard crashes against the back of your head. Everything goes
black.
Gradually the white mists clear and you wake to find Nurse
Jones holding your hand. "You are much better today, Mr.
_ Huntington," she says. "The swelling is nearly gone, and the
doctor thinks you are out-of danger."
"Where am I?" you ask, reaching up to feel the bandages on
your head.
"St. Thomas Hospital," she replies, standing and looking
just a little flustered. "Now that you are conscious, I must fetch
the doctor."
"Have you been here all along?" you ask.
"No, of course not.Just the odd moment." Then she leaves,
but you have the distinct impression she is not telling the truth.
You have a vague recollection of someone calling your name
over and over through the mists. Turn to 497.
421
''That is all very well," you say, noticing that the Admiral
seems to have regained his composure, "but why would she
have asked you, an Admiral, to fetch her information on the
African Crown Colonies?"
The Admiral starts, as if your question has suddenly turned
into a hot coal and burned him. "How would you know that?"
he says in confusion.
"Because there is a treatise on the subject in that file box."
You indicate the paper you had seen while walking back from
the fireplace. ''The one under the wall lamp."
"Oh," he says nonplussed. "She sometimes asks for special
favors, probably because I live here in the palace." You have
no way of knowing whether his answer makes sense, but you
view it with skepticism. In your estimation, his reaction to
your question indicates you have scored another hit Now if
you just knew why.
You ask a few more questions, but it is obvious that
Admiral Weathersley has had quite enough and is barely civil.
You decide to take your leave for the moment. Turn to 239•.
422
You walk down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. As you
enter the gate, you ask the guard if Admiral Weathersley has
returned. He informs you that the Admiral returned less than
five minutes before. Had it been light, you would have
undoubtedly seen him. Turn to 22_6.
423
''Tell me, Private Murphy," you say. "Have you spoken
with Private McNeal recently?" Check Decision 8. Pick a
number and add your Intuition bonus: · ·
• If2-6, turn to 267.
•If 7-12, turn to 397.
424
The inside of the sentry box is dark, poorly lit by the
overcast sky, and smells musty. You poke around inside but
find nothing. Turn to 494.
425
. "I wilf tell you whatever you wish to know, Mr. Hunting-
ton," he replies, spreading his hands i~ surrender. "I have
never thought myself a muderer; it was the fitst time I have
ever killed anyone. The deed weighs heavily upon my con-
science."
"What was he using a~ evidence?" .
tell you whatever you want to know about my own actions.,
Mr. Huntington, but I will not drag an innocent woman's name
matter. She would be in grave danger, should certain informa-
tion be revealed."
moment anyway," you reply, adding the last as you remember
from you?" Turn to 476.
[I]
426
Suddenly, there he is, standing under a streetlamp. You
sink back into the shadows and wait. Ten minutes go by and
you see McGill grow restive. He seems nervous and indeci-
sive, ready to abandon the rendezvous, but then he turns to
meet another man striding toward him.
The two men converse in low tones and move out of the
pool of light cast by the gas lamp. Then, moving closer, you
see McGill hand over a pa~ket. The other man appears to
examine it, then nods and hand over a paper-wrapped pack-
age. He shakes hands with McGill, who turns to leave.
Without warning, a gleam of light flashes off the blade of
a knife, and the stranger throws himself on McGill. He places
one hand over McGill's mouth and, with a practiced motion,
slides his blade in to its hilt between the Irishman's shoulder
blades. McGill crumples without a sound. The stranger then
retrieves the wrapped package and turns to leave.
You have just watched a cold-blooded murder, _practiced
by a man who has undoubteqly done it many times before.
You know this man is the key to your entire case. You gage his
direction and then race off into the darkness, hoping to get
ahead of him. After a good ten minutes, you come upon the
path again and look for a tree to hide behind.
"' You wait, your heart thumping in your chest both from the
exertion and in anticipation of what is to come. Then you hear
the crunch of cinders as the man approaches your hiding place.
You allow him to draw even with you and then launch yourself
at him . .You know you will have to make this quick. Your
opponent is a skilled fighter. Pick a number and add your
Athletics bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 439.
•If 7-12, turn to 442.
427
"Certainly," you say. "I am quite prepared to wait." You
settle in the chair with what you hope is a determined look on
your face. The secretary favors you with a knowing smile in
return.
After an hour, you begin to think the chair in which you are
sitting is even more uncomfortable than it looks. "Excuse
me," you say to the secretary. "Will you at least tell the
Admµ-al I am waiting to see him?"
"I cannot enter until he comes to the door, sir," the secretary
replies with a grimace vaguely resembling a smile. "He was
quite specific about it."
•If you continue to wait, turn to 184.
•If you leave and return to Buckingham Pa/ace, turn to 387.
428
You decide to talk with the other soldiers in the barracks.
Perhaps one of them has remembered something-of impor-
tance. You ask them to gather at one end of the large down-.
stairs room and begin questioning them. Check Decision 18.
•If 2-6, turn to 378.
•If 7-12, turn to 447.
429
"I looked over the scene very carefully, Mr. Holmes," you
say, "but I found nothing." Turn to 150.
430
The EastEnd is a long way. Even this early you will run into
traffic as you must cross the busiest part of London to get
there. You debate whether to take a cab or try to put up with
the smoke of the Underground. There is a subway stop nearby.
The nearest station is Charing Cross. You set out from
Wellington Barracks and by chance, find an empty cab.
Dismounting at Charing Cross, you find your way to the
Underground station and purchase a ticket Then you walk
down to the platform and await the train. ·
The station is one of the older ones in London and shows the
grime from the coal burners which used to pull the cars on this
line. Electric trains have been in service for nearly five years
now, but the stain from the coal dust remains.
You do not look forward to changing to a coal burner near
the Tower of London to carry you to your destination. Briefly
you consider walking to the canal from the Tower, but you
know that such a trek would be unrealistic. You must put up
with the dust
You also examine your fellow passengers and look around
for unattended packages. The Dynamiters are on the loose,
and several Underground stations have been hit recently. Eve-
rything looks normal, so you relax. Then your train pulls into
the station, and you get on.
The train is uncrowded at this time of the day, unlike early
in the morning and late in the afternoon. You find a seat and
look over your fellow passengers. Most of them are business-
men. The passengers too will change when you change trains
and head north.
Then you come to your intermediate station and prepare to
get off. Once again, you feel the back of your neck prickle.
You are being watched. Casually, you tum around to look, but
the train stops, and people rush off. You are unable to deter-
mine the source of the attention you were receiving. You step
off the train and onto the platform .
•
Making your way to the proper level to catch the north-
bound line you watch your backtrail, even pausing in a Riosk
along the way to purchase a newspaper. No one is following
you.
Later, you dismount from the coal-burner, your eyes smart-
ing, make your way up to street-level and set off for the canal.
-Turn to 292. ·
431
"!_believe it is the United States," you say. "The United
States has long been an enemy of Britain, regardless that they
enjoy general favor with the British public. We have already
fought . two wars against them. Only the Prince Consort
prevented a war thirty years ago, and we could very easily be
in another soon over the Trinidad affair." Pick a number and
add your Communication bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 214.
•If 7-12, turn to 375. l
432
You feel the impact of the bullet as it hits your chest. Your
legs collapse. Then everything goes dark for a very long time.
Gradually the white mists clear, and you wake to find Nurse
Huntington," she says. "The wound is nearly healed and the
doctor thinks you are out of danger."
"Where am I?'' you ask, reaching up.to feel the bandages on
your head.
"St. Thomas Hospital," she replies, standing and looking .
the doctor."
"No, of course not.Just the odd moment." Then she leaves,
. but you have the distinct impression she is not_teHing the truth.
433
"No, she did not, and I left,'~ you reply.
"Did you speak with the guard officer, Richard?" asks
Holmes.
434
You would like to pursue this lead, but the East End is just
too far when you have less than a day to solve the crime. You
take your leave and hail a cab, telling the driver to take you to
221 Baker Street. Turn to 419.
435
"If you can get this information to the police quickly
enough," Holmes continues, "they should be able to arrest him
and recover the plans.,,
"They will not be abie to arrest the Count, Mr. Holmes. His
position at the embassy would grant him diplomatic immu-
nity."
"I would very much doubt it, Richard. There probably is a
Second Secretary named Otto Mueller somewhere, and he
will appear should Count von Steincastle be caught,,
You thank him and leave, thinking to yourself that you may
not have the·time to take this information to the police. Count
von Steincastle has undoubtedly set the meeting to take place
tonight. You might just have time to get back to the embassy
and try to follow him to the meeting.
Guests are still leaving when you arrive. Instead of dis-
mounting, you tell your driver to pass the embassy, turn
around, and then pull over to the curb. There, you tell him to
wait, get out and walk down the street to a good vantage point.
A short time later, a heavily-cloaked figure emerges from
a building down the street and steps into a waiting carriage.
You would never have noticed him but for the flash of a scar
on his cheek as he passed under a gas lamp. It is the Count! You
race back down the street and tell your driver to follow.
Count von Steincastle pulls up at Lancaster Gate on
Bayswarer, dismounts and sends his carriage off then walks
quickly into Kensington Gardens. You follow, trying to keep.
out of sight. Pick a number and add your Artifice bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 462.
•If 7-12, turn to 459. ·
436
You believe him, and while you are convinced that he is
hiding something, whatever it is must be harmless. There is no
evil intent in this man.
•Otherwise, turn to 26_5.
437
No one answers your knock. They have apparently seen
you and fled. You had best see Sherlock Holmes. You take
your leave and hail a cab, telling the driver to take you to 221
- Baker Street. Turn to 419.
438
"No,. I am afraid that I learned riothing else," you admit.
"And what o,f the Officer-of-the-Guard?" asks Holmes.
•If you checked Decision 9, turn to208. :
439
He reacts more quickJy than you could possibly have
anticipated. The knife suddenly appears in his hand and sinks
deeply into your ~hes(. You hear him race away but you are too
weak to -pursue. In fact,· you find it_increasingly difficult to
breathe. You sink to the ground as you feel the darkness
closing in around you.
Gradually the white mists Clear, and you wake to find Nurse
Jones holding your hand: "Y011 are much better today, Mr.
Huntington," she _says. "'.The wound is nearly healed and the
doctor thinks..you are out of danger.",_
"Where am I?" you ask, reaching up to foel the bandages on
your head. - · -
· "St. Thomas Hospital," she replies, looking a little flus-
tered. "Now that you are conscious, I must fetch the doctor."
"No, of course not. Just the ocHmoment." Then she leaves,
·but you have the distinct impression she is not telling the truth .
. You have a vague recollection of someone calling your name
440
"Yes, sir. Course I will. I'll tell it ye just like it 'appened."
"Good. Now then, when did you arrive at Buckingham
Palace?"
"Twas near dawn, sir. I 'aven't a watch but we'd a-passed
Big Ben ten minutes before, and it was near five-thirty then."
"Good. You said we. You had someone with you?"
"That's true, sir. My son, Jack. 'erode with me. I 'ad 'im
sit under the tarpaulin since it was a-rainin' and all."
"l understand there was an altercation this morning."
"Guess you could call it that. I pulled up behind Jimmy
'olston and 'ad my boy run inside with them two candlesticks
for Lord Nevy. Jimmy came out then and ordered me to leave
so's 'e could back up. Ordered me! Like 'e was some county
squire or somethin'! Jimmy's bigger than me but I ain't a-
feared of 'im. We'da-squaredoffjustwhen the guard showed
up. By then m,y boy com€ back and 'e got in the wagon, and
we left. And that's all there is to tel1, sir." Turn to 135.
441
There is something out of the ordinary about the bags of
flour lining the cellar. The bags are lettered in French, al-
though that is not particularly unusual. Then you realize what
has been eluding you. There are no tax stamps on the bags.
Holston is using smuggled flour! That is why he ran! You
shake your head in disgust and leave.
•If you call the police, turn to 355.
442
You grapple with your all but unseen opponent, trying to
keep him off-balance. Then you see him twist his arm in a
peculiar motion and remember him doing the same thing just
before the knife appeared in his hand and he stabbed McGill.
Nothing happens! He tries again. It is stuck! You have only
one chance and lash out with all the strength in your young
body. Your fist connects with his jaw, his head snaps, and his
knees buckle. You hit him again and again, and then he lies on
the ground. ·
You truss him with his own belt and fetch a policeman,
holding your throbbing knuckles with your good hand .
.Another day finds you in audience with the Queen! Turn to
471.
m
443
"I believe it is Germany," he says.
"Germany? Why Germany?"
"Because Germany would profit from both the ship plans
and the information about the African colonies;"
"How so?" you ask.
"Germany would very much like to build battleships the
equal of our own, but they lack the nautical experience we
possess. Second, the Kaiser has been busy with his own
schemes after forcing Prince Bismark into retirement. He
would like to expand the German colonies in Africa from the
Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, in a band across the continent
The information McNeal attempted to get would be invalu-
able in that regard."
"I never thought of that," you say, "but how do you account
for these schemes against Britain when Queen Victoria is
Kaiser Wilhelm's grandmother? His own mother is English,
after all."
"And a precious lot of good it has done either us or her,"
Gregson snaps. "The Empress has suffered mightily under
both Bismark and her son."
"Yes, they are a vicious lot, those two. Perhaps things will
be better now that the old man is gone - if he stays in
retirement. Of course, there is also something to be said for the
old saying about better the enemy you knqw' ." Turn to 482.
444
"I also learned that McNeal had a boyhood friend in the
unit, one Michael Murphy, also a private. I asked to see him."
"Go on," says Holmes.
~ 445
"He told me that he had requested McNeal to exchange
guard tours with him. Private Murphy wanted to check on an
errant ladyfriend. The interesting thing about it is that McNeal
agreed because he wanted to be free the next night- tonight.
I wonder why." Turn to 127.
446
Lord Sumpter passes his hand through his hair and caves in.
"I might as well tell you, my dear follow. You shall discover
the truth s0on enough anyway. Mr. Eagleton is no gentleman,
but if you want to _find him, you must ask Lord Befford." Turn
to473.
447
One of the soldiers begins to say something, but then thinks
better of fr and shakes his head. Either you have not asked the
right questions or they do not know -anything.
• If you have not checked Decision 17 and wish to search
McNeal' s bunk, turn to 373.
-448
"And does it make sense that McNeal and his Irish com-
rades would want information on British Crown Colonies in
Africa?" asks Gregson.
• If it makes sense, turn to 250.. .
449
The baker blinks in surprise and looks suddenly apprehen-
sive. Then he asks, "What crime?"
"That information is confidential," you reply. "Can you tell
me if you saw anything unusual at Buckingham Palace this
morning?"
"Unusual? What do you mean unusual? I have never made
a delivery there before. My driver was sick, and I had to make
the delivery myself, so I }VOuld not know whether anything
was unusual or not."
"I understand that there was an altercation," you say.
"Not much of one," he replies. "That idiot Turpin pulled his
wagon in behind mine, so I could not leave. Then he refused
to move it.''
"Why did he do that?"
"He said he was in a hurry and was just stopping long
enough to deliver two silver candlesticks to replace a set
which had become tarnished. Said he would not move. I
threatened to bend those precious candlesticks over his head
if he did not move, and he called out the guard. They stayed
there until we both left."
"Was anyone else there making delivery?"
"Yes, a man named Larson. He was delivering meat, I
believe. Now that I think of it, there was something strange
about Turpin's wagon."
"What do you mean?" you ask, your interest piqued.
"Someone crawled out of the back of his wagon. He was
hidden by a tarpaulin and slipped out the-back as I came out to
get back in my own wagon."
"Did you not inform the guard?"
"I was quite sure they saw him. It was raining and cold, and
I only wanted to leave," he retorts, apparently having lost his
fear of you. Turn to 289. [!ill
450
You decide to see the Prince of Wales, hoping that he might
shed some light on the investigation. You make your way to
the Chamberlain's office and locate Sir Henry Lowe, his
Second Secretary. You explain what you have learned and ask
him to arrange an audience with Edward Albert, the Prince of
Wales. Pick a number and add your Communication bonus:
•If 2-6, turn to 340.
• /f 7-12, turn to 282.
451
A gentleman would never ask another gentleman about an
illicit liaison, so you make no comment about it. The Admiral
looks absolutely stricken as he puts away the watch.
"I do hope it is not broken," you comment sympathetically~
"It seems a fine watch. A gift from your father, you say?"
Check Result H. Turn to 335.
452
Deciding to examine the scene of the crime, you walk back
out into the courtyard and approach one of the guards. Fortu-
nately, it is still early morning and there are few people about.
"Are you pennitted to speak?" you ask him.
"Yus, sir," the man replies.
"I have been appointed to investigate the incident of last
night," you say. "I must examine the sentry box where Private
McNeal was standing. Which one was it?"
'Twas the one behind me."
"Can you march about while I examine it?" you continue.
"Aye, that I can do," says the soldier. The guards begin a
stately march back and forth along the walls of the courtyard
while you peer at the sentry box. It is a narrow wooden box
without a door and topped by a peaked roof. You look inside.
• lf2-4, turn to 424.
•If5-7, turn to 129.
•If 8-9, turn to 299.
• If 10-12, ~urn to 284.
- 453
"Very well, Mr. Huntington," he says. "What is it you wish
to know?"
·"I would like to know what time you returned to the palace
last night, Admiral," you declare.
"I should think it was just after midnight" He continues to
fondle the watch case, as if totally unaware of it
"When you returned, through which gate did you enter?"
"The main entrance, Mr. Huntington. It was beginning to
rain, so I took a cab from the Ad111iralty .-"'
"Did you see both sentries when you entered the courtyardr.'
"Yes, they were in their boxes."
"Did you know either manr'
"I did not have the window down because of the rain," he
answers firmly. You notice that he is stroking the watch even
more briskly now. Then he sees you watching him and looks
down at the watch in his hand, as if noticing it for the first time.
He pulls the watch fob from his other pocket and bundling the
chain with the watch, places it on the top of his desk near his
right hand.
"I have a habit of stroking the watc;h," he smiles apologeti-
cally. "It was my father's. I am afraid I may have permanently
weakened the top. Sorry, what was your question?"
"Did you know either of the guards?"
''No, I did not. They change so often, it would be impos-
sible." .
"Did you go directly to your rooms, Admiral Weather-
sley?"
"No, not directly," he says looking thoughtful. "I wandered
down to the kitchen about an hour later. I had forgotten about
eating. There had been no time with all the scurrying about to
justify the Navy's expenditures to Mr. Gladstone."
"Is he not in favor of the Navy?" you ask.
"Well, yes, he is. But it is a matter of direction," he replies,
obviously feeling more relaxed. "He will not favor the new
steel battleships now planned for construction unless he is
convinced that they can be built without sacrificing his do-
mestic programs."
"I see. Butl was led to believe you worked exclusively with -
the House of Lords."
"Normally, yes, but not when matters of such importance
to the Navy hang in the balance ... " He is getting more relaxed
by the minute. You need to change the subject.
"Admiral, you would have no reason to attack one of the
sentries, would you?"
"What! How dare you!" he explodes, slamming his hand
down on the top of the desk. The watch he so carefully placed
there only moments before slides off the top and crashes to the
hardwood floor. Pick a number and add your Observation
bonus:
• 1/2-5, turn to 194.
• lf 6-12, turn to 465.
454
There is a terrible crash as the cab knocks you from your
feet Then everything goes dark for a very long time.
Huntington," she says. "The swelling is nearly gone, and the
doctor thinks you are out of danger."
"Where am I?" you ask, reaching up to feel the bandages on
your head.
the doctor."
"No, of course not. Just the odd moment." Then she leaves,
455
It is dark outside when you awaken inside Lord Sumpter' s
room. Lord Sumpter is gone, of course, and all you have to
show for your pains is a beastly headache. You pick up the
silver candlestick and read the legend: Reginald Ware, Silver-
smiths of Piccadilly. You replace the candlestick on the table .
and stagger from the room.
In the hall, you walk toward the front door. A foounan
approaches and tells you that the Chamberlain has requested
to see you. Dutifully, you turn toward his office. Turn to 304.
456
"I was unable to see the Captain at the palace as he was
involved in the changing of the guard. Perhaps I shall have a
chance to see him later. At the moment I decided the best thing
I could do would be to come here.
''There you have it, Mr. Holmes," you conclude. "What do
you think?" Turn to 245.
457
You decide to wait for Admiral Weathersley to return. You
have no intention of trying to chase him down in that warren
called the Admiralty. Besides, you need the rest. A footman
shows you to a room and assures you that he will notify you
the moment Admiral Weathersley returns. You close your
eyes. Turn to 287.
458
"And I must refuse, Mr. Huntington! Really, sir, you are
beginning to bore me. Leave now or I will throw you out!"
You unfold the parchment and hand it to him. "My Lord, as
I said, I am on the Queen's business. She has a personal
interest in this investigation. If you do not answer my ques-
tions, you will be disobeying her direct wishes. And I shall
report your actions."
"Why did you not tell me you had a royal writ, you dolt!"
he says in exasperation.
· "I was asked to keep the writ in confidence," -YOU reply. "I
trust you will do so." Turn to 323 . .
459
You manage to avoid being spotted by von Steincastle. He
moves through the park with the assurance of a panther
stalking his prey. Then, standing under a streetlamp is McGill.
The Count walks up to him and shakes his hand.
The two men converse quietly and move out of the pool of
light cast by the gas lamp. Then, moving closer, you see
McGill hand over a packet. The Count appears to examine it,
nods and hands over a paper-wrapped package. He shakes
hands again with McGill, and the Irishman turns to leave.
Without warning, the gleam of light flashes off the blade of
a knife, and von Steincastle throws himself on McGill. He
places one hand over the Irishman's mouth and, with a
practiced motion, slides his blade in to its hilt between the .
soldier's shoulder blades. McGill crumples without a sound.
The Count looks around, retrieves the wrapped package, and
turns to leave.
You have just witnessed a cold-blooded murder. You know
now that von Steincastle man is the key to your entire case.
Yo~ gage his direction and then race off into the darkness,
hoping to get ahead of him. After a good ten minutes, you ·
_come upon the path again and look for a tree to hide behind.
You wait, your heart thumping in your chest both from the
exertion and in anticipation of what is to come. Then you hear
the crunch of cinders as he approaches your hiding place. You
allow him to draw even with you and then launch yourself.
You must make this quick. Von Steincastle is a skilled fighter.
Pick a number and add your Athletics bonus:
• l/2-7, turn to 487.
•If 8-12, turn to 486.
460
"I will tell you whatever you wish to know, Mr. Hunting-
ton," he replies, spreading his hands in surrender. "I have
ever killed anyone. The deed weighs heavily upon my con- .
science."
"What was he using as evidence?"
tell ·you whatever you want to know about my own actions,
Mr. Huntington, but I will not drag an innocent woman's name
matter. She would be in grave danger, should certain informa-
tion be revealed, as you should know from reading my mail."
moment anyway," you reply, adding the last as you remember
from you?" Turn to 476.
-~--- -· u
461
"Private Murphy," you begin. "I should like you to tell me
all you know of Private McNeal' s background. His life in
Ireland, his family, anything at all. He has taken ill, and we
must get word to his family." Check Decision 7. Pick a
• 1/2-6, turn to 484.
• 1/7-12, turn to 231.
462
Unfortunately, he sees you and races off into the darkness
of the pruk. You search the·grounds, berating yourself for not
following Sherlock Holmes' advice, but you know it is use-
less. Finally, you give up and leave. Turn to 495.
463
You pause for a moment, sure you-heard a sound outside the
door. You stand and walk quickly over to the door, trying not
to make any undue noise. In spite of your decisive action Lord
Befford stands there before you, barring it. You find it discon-
certing that a man of his size can move so quickly.
"Where are you going, Mr. Huntington?" he demands in a
loud harsh voice.
"I am certain that someone was listening at the door, My
Lord. I wanted to discover the identity of the eavesdropper."
He opens the door and looks. "There is no one there," he
says. "I believe you are imagining things." Turn to 212.
464
You decide to find Private Joseph McGill, the opposite gate
guard. You want to make certain you have the names of all the
visitors who entered by the front door. You make your way to
the barracks and ask for McGill. ---
When he is brought before you, he seems nervous.
"Private McGill," you begin. "Do you remember who came
and went at the front gate of the palace last night?"
"Yes, sir," he replies. "It should all be in the log."
"I should like for you to tell me, all the same," you say.
"It was a bad night, sir. There were not many," he says
somewhat defensively. "Just the Prince ofWales and his party
about one o'clock and a bit later Admiral Weathersley return-
ing from the Admiralty."
"Do you know the names of the Prince of Wales' friends?"
"Yes, sir. There was Lord Befford and Lord Sumpter and
another I did not know, a Mr. Eagleton."
"And when did they depart, Private?''
"I don't know, sir. They were still there when I went off-
duty."
"You mean they spent the night in the palace?"
"Yes, sir."
"Does that happen often?"
"Not often, sir. Maybe once a month."
"Did they all come in together?"
"No, sir. The Prince arrived first and his coachman said his
friends were following along directly."
"How long after that did they arrive?"
''No more than fifteen minutes, sir." You notice that the
man's nervousness has aba~d. Perhaps he had thought earlier
that you were here to investigate his duty performance. You
thank him and take your leave. Now you feel you have some
of the pieces of the puzzle. It is time to see which ones fit
together. Check Clue I.
•If you question the merchants, turn to 417. ·
•If you question the Prince of Wales, turn to 450.
• If you question Admiral Weathersley, turn to 265.
•If you question the Prince of Wales' friends, turn to 395.
465
You look at the watch, fearirig it is damaged. You see it
lying on the floor, its case open and the broken glass of the
watch bezel strewn across the room. You bend down to
retrieve it. As you pick it up, another lid cleverly concealed
within the first springs open, and you-look inside what could
only be a secret compartment.
Inside the compartment is the picture of a woman, a
beautiful dark-haired woman. Admiral Weathersley snatches
the watch from your hand with a horror-struck look. But what
you have seen may be significant. The woman whose picture
you saw is not the same woman as the ·one in the portrait,
although there are striking similarities between them.
If the portrait is the Admiral's dead wife, this photograph
is of someone else, for the portrait depicted a woman_of more
mature years. Also the photograph was unfaded and appeared
new, while the portrait might be several years old. Check Clue
N. Pick a number and add your Scholarship bonus:
•If 2-7, turn to 477.
•If 8-12, turn to 474.
466
"If you would be so good as to have a seat, sir," the secretary
says primly, indicating the most uncomfortable-looking chair
you have ever seen. ''The Admiral left word not to admit
anyone until he has completed the budgetary proposal due for
review by the House ofLords tomorrow. He will see you when
he has finished, if you care to wait" Pick a number and add
your Intuition bonus:
• If2-6, turn to 427.
•If 7-12, turn to 405.
467
"It means that the papers have not been recovered, Detec-
tive Gregson. We must find them. If the wind did not get them,
it is possible a ragpicker or even a street sweeper found them.
We must question everyone who might have been in the
vicinity that morning." Turn to 285.
468
"I am sorry, Admiral, but I am not permitted to say for the
moment. It must be held in highest confidence. I can assure
you, however, that it is very serious and involves an act of
violence.,, You notice that he has removed a watch from his
pocket and strokes the back of the case. It appears to be a
nervous habit, and from the smoothness of the watch case, one
he has practiced for years. Pick a number and add your
Observation bonus:
• l/2-6, turn to 147.
•If 7-12, turn to 415.
469
You decide that nothing will be gained here and decide to
consult with Sherlock Holmes. You take your leave and hail
a cab to 221 Baker Street. Turn to 419.
470
"I did not pursue it, Mr. Holmes. I doubt that McNears
private life would reveal a motive for the attack. I only have
forty-eight hours to solve the case. I could not afford the time.,,
"Probably a wise decision,,, remarks Holmes." And you did
have to make a choice. I cannot gainsay you at this juncture.,,
•If you checked Result E, -turn to 444.
471
"Mr. Huntington, We wish to express our sincerest thanks
for the manner in which you conducted a most difficult task.
You have succeeded beyond Our expectations and still man-
aged not to alert the newspapers," comments Queen Victoria,
her manner gracious yet regal. "We had no doubt you would
discover the identity of the murderer. Our ministers spoke
very highly of your skills."
''Thank you, Your Majesty," you stammer, more than a
little nervous.
"We must admit We were SlJ!Prised to learn the identity of
the murderer," she CO!ltinues. "Admiral Weathersley has been
a member of Our household and a friend for many years. His
wifeElizabethwasverydeartoUs. Wesuspectherdeathmust
have unhinged him somewhat."
''That could be, Your Majesty," you rely thoughtfully.
"Love sometimes has a way of putting us in difficult situ-
ations."
"It does not excuse his actions."
"No, Your Majesty, it does not."
"Mr. Huntington, We should like to confer upon you some
signal honor for the service you have rendered Us. We have
discussed the matter with Our Lord Chamberlain, and you
shall hear from him in due course. For the present, suffice it to
say that your father will not be the only one in your family
elevated to the peerage."
''Thank you, Your Majesty!" you say fervently, your head
spinning.
"It is no more than you deserve, Mr. Huntington," she
declares. "Also, We rather suspect you will have little diffi-
culty securing royal grants with which to carry on your work
among the criminally insane."
''Thank you once more, Your Majesty."
"Not at all, Mr. Huntington. The work you do serves all of
us."
"Your Majesty," you say, summoning your courage. "I am
extremely grateful for everything, but I believe I would be
remiss if I failed to say I had substantial assistance in this
investigation. I could not have brought it to a successful
conclusion without the help of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr.
John Watson."
"Yes, Mr. Huntington. We are aware of both Mr. Holmes
and Dr. Watson. We have read of Mr. Holmes' successes as
portrayed by Dr. Watson and find them illuminating."
An hour later you leave the Palace. As you walk toward the
guards on duty inside the courtyard, they come to rigid
attention and then in unison to present arms, a signal honor in
view of the fact that you are a civilian. You realize they are
thanking you for avenging one of their own in the only way
they can. How will they feel when they discover that he was
a traitor? You smile at them and walk through the short tunnel
into the bright sunlight outside. "Sir Richard," you muse
quietly to yourself, a spring in your step. The End
472
"Regretfully, I do not agree. I am investigating a very
serious crime and can take nothing on faith." You walk
through the.open door across the room and open the door to the
bedroom. Pick a number and add your Observation bonus:
• 1/2-6, turn to 363.
•If 7-12, turn to 275.
473
You decide to question the Marquess of Befford. He is iri
the farthest of the state apartments, so you must walk a
considerable distance behind the Jootman to reach the door.
You knock. "Who is it?" asks a sharp voice from the other side.
"It is Mr. Richard Huntington, My Lord, and I am here on
the Queen's business."
After a moment the door opens. wide and you are con-
fronted by Lord Befford. He is massively built with flaming
red hair and ruddy cheeks. Befford is a good fifteen years
younger than the Prince of Wales and dean-shaven, although
his eyes are bloodshot and there is a long scratch on one cheek.
"Speak, then. What do you want?"
"I should like to as.k you a few questions concerning an
incident which took place at the palace late last night or very
early this morning," you say. Check Clue Land Decision 16.
• 1/2-6, turn to 334.
•If 7-12, turn to 323.
474
The woman's face revives a memory. You have seen her
face before. A woman as beautiful as this one is unique enough
to command your attention. A moment later, you have it.
In Berlin several years ago, you and your late wife attended
the theater, seeing a Wagnerian Opera as the guest of a friend.
You are not particularly fond of Wagner, but you had been
riveted by the young actress playing the lead. Though the
theater brochure had said she was not yet sixteen, you recall
being struck by her beauty. She had seemed so out of place in
that opera, so frail and vulnerable among the warriors and
valkyries.
' You cannot be sure it is she. You have only seen her the
once, and she would be in her early twenties now, a grown
woman.Still, you know if you heard her sing you would know.
The young girl that evening had seemed very out of place until
she had sung.
Then her voice had filled the opera house to overflowing,
rich and penetrating beyond her years, beyond her slender
body. From that moment on she had captured the stage and the
attention of the audience, transforming a dull and heavy opera
into a thing of wonder and beauty. Is it possible it is she? And
if so, what is her photograph doing in Admiral Weathersley' s
watch? Check Clue 0.
•If, being a gentleman, you do not ask about her, turn 451.
•If, being a cad at heart, you ask Admiral Weathersley about
her, turn to 172.
475
You take your foot from the door and dash down the stairs
three at a time, out the front door and down the stairs into the
street Unfortunately, the second stair from the top gives
slightly as you step on it, just enough for you to lose your
balance. You tumble down the short flight and bang against a
delivery wagon. By the time you regain your balance and your
breath and make your way to the back of the building, Private
Murphy is gone.
•If you return to question the brother, turn to 327.
•If you leave, turn to 402.
~
476
"It was money at first But later he demanded information."
"Information?" you ask, "What kind of information?
"There were-several items that most interested him. One in
particular was information concerning the British Crown
Colonies in Africa."
"Africa?" you say. "Whatever did he want that for?"
"I am sure I do not know, nor do I care," replies the Admiral.
"What did he want to know about the colonies?" you
persist. "For example, was he interested in diamond mines or
mineral deposits?"
"No, none of that. He wanted to know about plans to expand
the colonies. Which colonies, what direction, and when the
expansion was planned - that sort of rot."
"How very remarkable. A singular request, I must say."
"Yes, I suppose it was," he agrees without interest. "But
that was not all. He also wanted the plans for the new class of
steel battleship the Admiralty are seeking money to build."
"What?" you exclaim. 'vrha't is even more bizarre! What
would he do with the information?"
"Sell it, would be my guess. It would be worth quite a bit of
money to the right people."
"I believe you are correct, Admiral. Tell me, did you give
him the information he demanded?"
"At first, I refused. Oh, I was willing to give him money-
and I was even willing to give him what he wanted concerning
the African colonies. I cannot imagine anyone getting any use
from that anyway. But I had no intention of giving him the
plans for the ship, and since I had no access to the information
on the colonies, I refused and offered money instead. I have
little, but I was willing to give him what I had."
"What did he say to that?"
"He did not accept my refusal, as you can well imagine. He
threatened a friend with exposure, and the threat to her
convinced me to give him what he wanted. I could not bear to
see her hurt. What happens to me is unimportant. So I agreed
to do what he asked."
"Yiet you said you had no access to the information on the ·
African colonies," you comment. "If that was true, how did
you siocure it?"
"I could not secure it myself, but I could make it possible
for him to get it I obtained a sheet of the parchment the Queen
uses for her correspondence and wrote a request for the
infonmation. I have done that many times for legitimate
requests, for once she puts her seal upon it, the request
becomes official."
"Then you were the one who took the Queen's seal?"
"Of course. I am in her study quite often; no one would
think anything of it. I was not seen that night near the study,
and the guards in the halls are accustomed to seeing me
working late."
"When did you hand over the information, Admiral W eath-
ersfoy?"
"The assignation was planned for this evening under
Admiralty Arch at midnight. But I saw him on duty the night
before last and decided to bring the documents to him then. I
still had hopes of appealing to his conscience."
"Why did you have the seal with you?" you ask.
'"I had taken it earlier, but I could not get back into the study
untill morning, when I was to help prepare a response to the
lettier Mr.. Gladstone's messenger brought I had planned to
slip it back in its stand before anyone noticed. I took it with me
to the meeting because I dared not leave it behind."
"So you took the documents to him then?"
'"Yes, I slipped out into the courtyard when I saw the guard
officers were both involved in a dispute at the service en-
trance."
"And you met with him in front of his sentry box?"
"Yes, it was very dark, and the sound of the sleet falling
covered our voices. I brought with me the request for the
information he demanded on the African colonies. I had
attached the Queen's seal. I also brought with me the ship
plans. I gave him the former and then offered him a thousand
pounds instead of the latter. It was all the money I have in the
world."
"And what did he say?"
"He refused. I appealed to his sense of patriotism. I told him
that selling the ship plans would do irreparable damage to
Britain."
"What did he say to that?"
"'Whatever weakened the enslaver would strengthen his
victim,' he said. His loyalty was to a free Ireland, he said. It
was all because he is certain that the Lords will vote down the
Home Rule bill."
"And then what did you do?''
"I handed over the documents."
"But if you had already given him what he wanted, why did
you attack him?"
"He made rude comments about the woman I love."
"Just a moment, Admiral. Do you mean to tell me you were
willing to betray your country to McNeal and his comrades,
but you refused to permit him to insult your mistress?"
"Have a care, Mr. Huntington! Do not speak of her so. She
is not my mistress! We love each other, though we may never
be together."
You have a hard time crediting the Admiral's sense of
priorities. Still, there are a few things you must know. "What
did he say that caused you to attack him, Admiral Weather-
sley?"
The Admiral pauses for a momerit, a look of anguish on his
face. "Just as I was leaving, he said that he might have his way
with her. He said he wanted to know what it was about her that
could make an Admiral betray his country. He said she had not
paid him anything for his silence yet."
"So you attacked him."
"I would never permit him to lay his filthy hands on her."
"Especially," you remark dryly, "when you could not. Is
that it, Admiral? It sounds more like jealousy than love."
"Call it what you will, Mr. Huntington," he grates, clearly
irritated by your insight. "I attacked him with the seal as it was
at hand," he continues, the words tumbling out of him. "I used
it as a bludgeon. Then finally, he managed to tear it from my
grip, and ... " His voice sinks to a whisper. "LI bared my steel
[f]
and_stabbed him." At this he clasps his hands in front of him
in misery. "You must believe me, I did not think to kill him."
"Then what?" you ask persistently. You want to hear all of
it
"He fell back into his sentry box, barely conscious. I tried
to get the seal from him, but he had it in a death grip. I could
no( free it Our struggle tipped his rjfle, and it fell to the
pavement with a great clatter. I ran. I panicked and ran. I had
managed·to retrieve the Queen's parch_ment, tearing it where
he lay upon it I ran back into the palace, and no one saw me.
Now you know everything, Mr. Huntington. Do with me what
you will."
_ "I shall, Admiral Weathersley. By now there are detectives
from Scotland Yard here who will want to talk with you." You
find yourself with very little sympathy for the man. "Tell me
one more thing,Admiral. Do you still believe it was worth it?"
''Love is a very rare thing, Mr. Huntington."
' 'Love does not require that you betray your country,
Admiral Weathersley. That you decided to do on your own.
Your actions befoul the very love you sought to protect.
Perhaps you should think about that"
You take him bafk downstairs to the police. You give one
a
of ithe policemen, detective named Tobias Gregson, a sum-
mary of what you have learned. He requests that you adjourn
to 1he office which has been put aside for his use and complete
your discussions. Just then a footman approaches with word
that the Chamberlain requests your presence. Check Clues T,
· U, andV.
• If you stay where you are; turn to 310.
•If you see the Chamberlain,-turn to 358.
477
'The woman's face jogs a faint memory. She looksJike
someone you know qr someone you have seen before.
• IJ: being a gentleman, you do not asK about her,
turn to 451.
• 11: being a cad at heart, you ask Admiral Weathersley
about her, turn to 172.
478
"Did any of the other soldiers come forward with anything
useful?" Holmes asks.
•If you checked Result C_. turn to 348.
479
You decide to see if any others in the guard detail might
know something. As you enter the guard room, one of the
soldiers is leaving with his gear. He seems to be in a hurry.
• If you stop him, turn to 400.
•If you let hi.m go and concentrate on the others,
turn to 370.
480
After another hour, your patience and your temper have
worn very thin. You are uncertain whether you can stand.
"I must insist upon seeing the Admiral now," you say. "I
have duties to perform which are every bit as important as his.
Interrupt him. NOW!"
The secretary jumps to his feet and rushes to the Admiral's
door. Opening it, he leans inside and begins to tell the Admiral
you are here. Then he stops and straightens, closing the door
and turning to face you. "He has left," he says in triumph.
"Please call again tomorrow." With that he goes back to his
desk, sits down, and begins reading his stack of papers once
more. Pick a number:
• lf2-6, turn to 386.
•If 7-12, turn to 344.
481
You have exhausted all the possible sources of information
here and so decide to leave.
• If you wish to visit the scene of the crime and have not
checked Decision 1, turn to 452.
•Otherwise, you decide to visit Sherlock Holmes.
Turn to206.
482
"So," he concludes. "McNeal and his comrades settled
upon this blackmail scheme as a way to obtain foreign support
for their cause. They probably intended to sell the infonnation
to Gennany, but were foiled by their victim, albeit for all the
wrong reasons. That is how I see it. Do you not agree?"
•If you agree, turn to 205.
483 .
His explanation is not plausible. The photograph is recent.
A photograph of Admiral Weathersley's mother could have
been printed on modem photographic paper, but it would not
have pictured her in modem clothes. You will get no further
following the present line of questioning as he has already
resorted to lying.
''I do hope the watch is not broken," you comment sympa-
thetically. "It seems a fine one. A gift from your father, you
say?" Turn to 335.
484
''Thomas McNeal? Sick? He was never sick a day in his life,
I'm thinkin', sir. You wouldn't be tryin' to trick me, now
would you, sir? Me with my pur head a spinnin' and all.
" The man's speech is slurred. As difficult as it is for the
man to stand, his eyes look clear. You suspect that he may not
be inebriated at all. "Just tell me what you know, Private," you
say.
"Didna know him that well, sir. His house was down the
stre:et an' me father and his warn 't friends. Truth to tell, they
hated each other. Thomas and me, we left just as soon as we
cou1ld. It was either that or starve. We both hied off to join the
anny as soon as they'd take us. That's all I know.
,, If the man knows anything more, he is not about to divulge
it Reluctantly, you release him. Turn to 377.
0
485
You suspect the guard officer will not know McNeal as
well as his sergeant, but decide to question him anyway. It
takes you a good deal of time to locate him, as you seem to be
one step behind him wherever he goes. Unfortunately, by the
time you find him, he is engaged in the changing of the guard.
He introduces himself as Captain Jacob Treadwell and invites
you to observe the ceremony from inside the palace grounds.
Check Decision 4.
•If you watch the ceremony, turn to 329.
•If you see the Chamberlain instead, turn to 372.
486
He kicks at you while fumbling with something inside the
sleeve of his jacket, but his foot slips on the loose gravel and
he falls to the path. You have your chance and make the best
of it. As he tries to climb to his feet you lash out with all your
strength. You are not a skilled fighter, but you are a lucky one.
Your fist catches him on his jaw and he crashes over, his head
slamming against the trunk of a tree.
You truss him with his own belt and then fetch a policeman,
holding your throbbing knuckles with your good hand.
One more day finds you at Baker Street. Turn to 493.
487
Von Steincastle reacts very quickly. A knife suddenly
appears in his hand, and you feel it sink in your chest.You hear
him race away but are too weak to pursue. In fact, you find it
increasingly difficult to breathe. You sink to the ground as you
feel the darkness closing in around you.
Huntington," she says. "The internal bleeding has stopped,
and the doctor thinks you are out of danger."
"Where am I?" you ask, reaching to feel the bandages on
your chest.
the doctor."
"No, of course not. Just the odd moment." Then she leaves,
488
You watch the eagerness fade from Bracker' s face; you
rr'tni do ~omething to hold his attention. "I am commissioned
by tlte Lord High Chamberlain himself in this matter. The
police will be here in due course, and they will question you
too.': This statement has the effect you desired. "What can you
tell me about Thomas McNeal? I am given to understand you .
are friends."
"Not exactly friends, sir, but I know 'im better than most.
'ave you seen 'im, sir? Is 'e all right?"
"No, I have not. He is still under the doctor's care, I believe.
What do you know of him?"
"Heggin' your pardon, sir, but 'e is not an easy man to
know. All tight and bound up inside, 'e is. An Irishman but
loyall to the Queen, sir."
"Why do you say that, Bracker?"
"'e is always talkin' about doin' somethin' special, sir. 'e
was talkin' about it just yesterday. Said 'e was doin' a great
service for 'is country. 'e wouldn't tell me what, but 'e also
said 'e would make 'is fortune by it." Check Clue D.
•If you question other members of the guard detail,
tum to 479.
•If you have not checked Decision 4 and leave to seek out
the guard officer, turn to 317.
489
"I shall respect your wishes, My Lord," you say thought-
fully. "But you must convince me that the person in there was
not the one who committed the offense."
'~If by offense you mean an act of indelicacy and foolhar-
diness, then I am your man," he answers, all guile gone from
his voice.
You shake your head. "No. I refer to an act of violence."
"Violence?" he asks in surprise. "There was no violence."
"Your cheek, My Lord."
He reaches up to touch the scratch. 'This? This was a
wound of love, not of 'Y-iolence, Mr. Huntington." Pick a
number and add your Intuition bonils:
•If 2-6, turn to 180.
•If 7-12, turn to 101.
490
You believe he is hiding something. While he is not lying,
he is avoiding telling the entire truth. Turn to 379.
491
"My Lord, if you will but come to the door, we shall
undoubtedly clear the matter up at once. There is no need for
harsh measures.,, Pick a number and add your Communica-
tion bonus:
• lf2-6, turn to 271.
•If 7-12, turn to 324.
492
You decide to do as Holmes suggests and summon the
police. You wuuld like to handle this yourself, but the price
Britain will pay if you fail is too high. You take a cab to
Buckingham Palace where you seek out Detective Gregson
and tell him what ymrhave learned.
'Thank you, Mr. Huntington," Detective Gregson replies
wi~~out emotion when you are finished. "Since last we talked,
. I have spoken with the Lord High Chamberlain. Your royal
, writ is revoked. The Queen is perfectly willing to see Scotland
Yaid conclude the investigation, now that there is no chance
of a. scandal. Please give it to me." He holds out his hand, and
you have no choice but to give it to him. "Now go home, Mr.
Huntington. You have been invaluable, but you are not the
police and you are not Sherlock Holmes. You will riot interfere
in this investigation again or you will see the inside of the Old
Bailey. Do you understand?"
heairtened. -
Two days later at breakfast, you pick up the Daily
· Telegraph and open itto the front page. The headline screams:
"Spy Ring Smashed by Scotland Yard". The article rather
sketchily describes a dastardly attempt by a German Count to
secure critical naval secrets from the Admiralty. Fortunately,
the ring was smashed, and the spy captured by Detective
Gregson. The paper promises more details as they become
available.
So, you think, Gregson has managed to take tbe credit for
the work you did. You have the consolation of knowing that
you identified a murderer and helped to expose a spy ring, but
you cannot help feeling a little disappofoted that you were not
in it to the last. The End
493
"Congratulations again, Richard," says Dr. Watson, hoist-
ing his glass once more. "It was fine work!,'
"I could never have done it without your help and that of
Mr. Holmes," you reply modestly. "I still feel it unfair that I
roceive all the credit.,,
"I was involved only in a consulting capacity, Richard,"
doclares Holmes, uncurling from the sofa and reaching for the
port "You did all the work. It is not as -if you took all my
advice, after all."
"Yes, well, my independent thinking might have captured
the spymaster, but it almost got me killed into the bargain."
"I am not sure I comprehend it all yet," complains Dr.
Watson. "Holmes, you said this fellow Count von Steincastle
was behind the whole affair, but I cannot see how he could
have been. These Irish born bers do not kowtow to the Kaiser."
"You are right, of course," you reply. "But McNeal and his
friends were unaware they were doing the Count's bidding."
"Correct. Richard," interjocts Holmes, "though we may
never know just how the information was presented to the
Separatists. I rather suspect that von Steincastle and others
like him provide a certain amount of discreet assistance to
organized groups outside the law. There are occasions when
these groups would prove useful as cat's paws. I would not be
surprised to learn that some ofMcNeal' s friends owe their first
loyalty to the Kaiser. Private Murphy, for example.',
"Murphy!" you exclaim. "Not that dolt!"
"That dolt, as you call him, fooled you, Richard," remarks
Holmes coolly. "You suspected all along that Private McNeal
would be watched by another of the Irish gang. That proved to
be Private McGill. But there was another observer: Private
Murphy. But he did not work for the Irish; he was von
Steincastle's man. He saw to it that McNeal would be free for
his rendezvous with Admiral Weathersley and then later with
the Count by switching shifts with him."
"But the man was unreliable; he ran away."
"Only when you got too close to their scher:ne. I suspect it
was he who carried the word of your investigation to Count
von Steincastle. He was the reason you were watched and
later, nearly killed. He has disappeared, you know."
"What!" you exclaim.
"Yes, once Count von Steincastle was placed in police
custody, Private Murphy disappeared. The woman you knew
as Ludmilla Mueller has disappeared too. They probably left
the country together. I suspect that Murphy is German and was
placed here as a spy many years ago."
Gaping at Holmes, you shut your mouth, unable to think of
anything intelligent to say. The waters have risen well above
your head.
"You did not think to get all of them, did you, Richard?"
Holmes says with a sardonic smile. "Count von Steincastle
was the big fish. He is worth more than all the others."
"Is he talking to the police?" asks Watson.
"Not. a word about anything important, Doctor. You would
think he had forgotten English since his capwre. He will
answer only in German. But that is not the reason he is
valuable; it is because whilst we hold him the German espio-
nage apparatus will limp on inefficiently.Just by keeping him,
we cripple them."
"What will happen to Admiral Weathersley?" asks Dr.
Watson, turning to you.
"The~ rope, more likely than not," you reply. "He did betray
his country, after all."
"I w1derstand, but I do pity the man," he replies. "I believe
· Holmes told me you have been granted an audience with the
Queen tomorrow. Is that right?"
"It is quite right, Dr. Watson," you say, standing to leave.
"I had best leave now. I had forgotten I have an appointment
with my tailor in less than twenty minutes."
"Very well, Richard," says Dr. Watson as they both rise to
wish you farewell. "Do come back and tell us about it
sometime soon." ·
You agree to do so and leave. Turn to 471.
494
You pause to collect your wits.
•If you have checked Decision 2, you decide to visit Sherlock
Holmes. Turn to 206. .
495
Your investigation is a moderate success. You have caught
a murderer and exposed a spy ring before its members could
do any serious damage. Although the spymaster Count von
Steincastle has escaped to work his deadly magic elsewhere,
you are not realize the outcome of this bloody cat-and-mouse
game might have been much worse.
•If you begin again, turn to 452.
•If you want to read the solution, turn to 493.
496
You follow him, trying to keep to the shadows, hoping he
will not tum and see you. Just when you cross the dim pools
of light cast by the streetlamps, he turns but appears unaware
of your presence. Turn to 426.
497
Yow investigation is a moderate success. You have caught
a murderer and exposed a spy ring before.its members could
do serious damage. Although the mysterious spymaster him-
self has escaped, you know the outcome of this deadly cat-
and-mouse game might have been much worse.
•If you begin again, turn to 452.
• If you Just want to read the solution, turn to 493.
498
"He was inebriated when brought before me, but not so
much as he would have had me believe. A crafty rather than
cunning man. I decided to question him about McNeal's
background."
•If you checked Clue F, turn to 349.
• Othenvise, turn to 382.
499
"Cap1~ Treadwell," you ask, "has anything unusual
happened in the guard unit overnight?"
"No, nothing," he replies at once. "Oh, wait a moment
There was something at that. Over in Two Company, a man
was missing. This is such easy duty that an absence is unusual.
Probably a woman involved..."
"Do you know who the missing man is?"
"Why, yes. A private named Murphy, I believe."
•If you feave to see Holmes, turn to 469.
•If you question the other soldiers in Two Company,
turn to365.
500
"I cannot say precisely what it is that bothers me about the
affair; I just have a strong conviction that it is not yet finished."
Turn to 26i.
12]
501
"Is there anything else you can tell me, anything at all?" The
men are silent for a moment. Then one of them looks up and
says, "There is a man in the Second Company who may know
something, sir. He and Thomas are not friends, but he says
they grew up in the same town in Ireland."
"What is his name?" you ask.
"Private Michael Murphy," he answers.
You thank them all and leave to find Private Murphy. You
make your way to Wellington Barracks and ask to see the
company commander, Captain Lesley Wren. In a short time
you are shown into his office. He stands to greet you, offering
his hand.
"My clerk tells me you wish to see one of the men in my
command, Mr. Huntington. Can you tell me why?"
"I am afraid I cannot, Captain Wren," you reply. Then you
continue in an effort to make him understand. "I am here by the
authority of the Lord High Chamberlain on a most delicate
matter. I am not at liberty to discuss it. You may check if you
like."
"I do not believe I need to do that, Mr. Huntington,"
declares the Captain. "Your word is gocxl enough for me. Who
is it you wish to see?"
"Private Michael Mwphy."
"Private Mwphy? That one!" he exclaims. "The constables
just delivered him to us after keeping him locked up all night.
He was in a brawl last night-a big one from the looks of him!
Good Lord! Did he get in a fight with someone important? .I'll
have him flogged, so help me - even if it is illegal!"
"No, no, Captain," you say, trying to reassure him. "It is
nothing like that He may have some information I need."
"Oh," Captain Wren replies. ''Thank God! I shall have him
brought here immediately." He offers you a chair while he
sends someone to fetch Private Murphy. A short time later
Private Murphy arrives escorted by a burly corporal. Murphy
is a small, wiry man with the feral look of a criminal. He sports
a black eye and several cuts around his mouth. His lips are
swollen.
''This is Mr. Huntington, Murphy," Captain Wren begins.
"You are to give him every assistance. Do you understand?"
"Aye, sir," Murphy mumbles, "that I do."
"Private Murphy," you say, fearing the man might pass out
at any time. "I have some questions to ask you about Private
Thomas McNeal." Check Result E.
•If you ask him about McNeal's background, turn to 461.
•If you ask him about his recent contacts with McNeal,
tum to 423.
502
You are walking back to Wellington Barracks to question
the opposite courtyard guard when a man approaches you. He
identifies himself as a messenger from the Lord High Cham-
berlain and requests that you accompany him to the palace to
see his superior\ Turn to 278.
@]
503
"Are you STILL there?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"I will reward you handsomely if you depart."
"I shall not leave, My Lord," you say.
"Drat, I thought not. Well then, I shall have to get up and
thrash you soundly." You hear his feet hitting the floor and a
moment later another groan, this one quite miserable. "What
time is it?" he asks.
"Half six, My Lord."
"God! Is it still light?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Then I owe my brother a hundred pounds! And it is not
even a month yet. All because of you!"
"I am really quite sorry, My Lord," you say.
"Not as sorry as you will be when I have finally gotten these
besotted boots on." Turn to 162.
504
You decide you have caused enough trouble for the portly
baker today. Turn to 289.
505
When you finish Dr. Watson clears his throat and says,
"From what you have already told us, Richard, this woman
must be young and beautiful and German. I believe I saw
something in the Sentinel this evening that may have a bearing
on the case." He reaches into the pocket of his coat and extracts
a folded newspaper, opens it, and looks for the relevant article.
"Ah, here it is. It appears there will be a reception at the
German embassy tonight. Acting as hostess will be the cele-
brated beauty, Mrs. Ludmilla Mueller, who will also sing as a
part of the evening's entertainment. Does it strike a bell?"
"Yes!" you say excitedly. "I must secure an invitation."
"I believe I can be of some assistance there," comments
Holmes with a smile. "I shall have your invitation delivered to
your house in an hour.'!..
You thank them both and leave to prepare for the reception.
Turn to201.
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A GAME where YOU
play the detective!
THE ROYAL FLUSH TM
by Milt Creighton
A guard at Buckingham Palace is found murdered under
circumstances which implicate a member of the Royal Family.
Queen Victoria is worried that an official inquiry would result
in lurid newspaper articles . To avoid damaging the prestige of
the monarchy, she directs the Chamberlain to conduct a
preliminary investigation. He has 48 hours before Scotland
Yard intercedes.
The Chamberlain is in a quandary. He has no relevant
training, and the investigator must be of noble blood in order
to question the Queen's family. Perplexed, he turns to YOU!
. ls the Royal Family involved? If not, who committed the
murder? YOU are the detective in this exciting seventh book
of the SHERLOCK HOLMES SOLO MYSTERIES™!
In SHERLOCK HOLMES SOLO MYSTERIES™ you can
• Play a ready-to-go detective-hero
• Create your own detective-hero using the SHERLOCK
HOLME.S SOLO MYSTERIES™system
• Make.your own deductions and decisions
• Solve the mystery yourself!
Printed in U.S.A.
This gameboo k is an
1 O9 3 1 original work . It is not
0
II
71831 00295
ISBN 0-425-1Dc:
2
~jUllLJth~n:~r~~:l;,i~~~~~~:l
acknowledgement to
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11111111 1 1 1111123515304
I
Co nn O n
1 1 1 1 1 1 11111 1 \~II11111111 II~

.1..-..,_
T he Royal F lush
Copyright© 1988 IRON<..

Sherlock Holmes Solo Mysteries #07 - The Royal Flush

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Sherlock Holmes Solo Mysteries #07 - The Royal Flush

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111 early w

SHERLOCK HOLMES SOLO MYSTERIES™

"Sherlock Holmes was created by the late Sir Arthur Conan

"Grateful acknowle<Jgement is given tq Dame Jean Conan

© 1988 IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, P.O. Box 1605,

All Rights Reserved.

The "BSM" logo is a trademark belonging to Berkley

PRIN1ED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Distributed by Berkley Sales & Marketing, a division of

Content Editor: John David Ruemmler

Skill Bonus Equipment:

Good luck and good hunting!

CREATING YOUR OWN

Miss Sally Barnes: A woman living in the East End.

"Will he recover?" Queen Victoria asked.

"It should be perfectly obvious that none of what you have

The door swings open and you enter. Turn to 171.

Send all feedback replies to:

1 1 1 1 1 1 11111 1 \~II11111111 II~

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