Search for the Sunlight

Basil’s skilfully told story, washed down with two good strong mugs of Silver Leaf, did the trick and now Sherlock was beginning to see things from a more compassionate perspective. At one point, he even found himself apologising to Basil for the arrogant attitude he had adopted towards his elderly grandfather.

“I’m sorry,” he said, bowing his head humbly, “but when I met him I had no idea who he was, or of the importance of his journey. You see, as officer in charge of forestry safety and security it was my job to arrest him. For his own good you understand?”

Without asking for permission, the officer sat up and poured himself a third mug of tea.

“Your grandfather,” he continued, dribbling tea down the front of his tunic, “was a nimble old Treewood. He was very light on his feet for a man of his age and more than a little experienced in the art of camouflage. Did you know that he was able to stand next to a tree or a shrub of any species you care to name, and instantly become invisible?”

“No, I didn’t,” Basil replied, “but it doesn’t surprise me.”

“Well, let me tell you, not many can perform a trick like that these days,” the officer said, nodding his head in respect of Charles’ skilful undercover abilities.

“In fact, he knew just about every trick in the book and, well, in short, he got clean away.”

“Why didn’t you stop him?” Basil asked impatiently.

“Believe me I tried,” the officer replied, “but he was like the wind. One minute he was there, the next he was gone! Naturally I gave chase, but I was no match for his enviable athletic capabilities. In the end, all I could do was watch helplessly as he vaulted all thirty feet of the perimeter fence and disappeared into the desert beyond.”

Sherlock removed his helmet, wiped the moisture from his brow with his handkerchief, and turned solemnly to face Basil.

“I’m sorry,” he said lowering his voice to a whisper, “but that was the last I saw of him.”

A grim silence descended on the party as all four contemplated the fate of Charles S. Treewood.