ARTHUR CONAN KRANZ
HOLMES MADE HIS WAY to the harbour at Thursday Island to see what vessel Watson had managed to engage for their trip to New Guinea.
Holmes – “Watson, what is this waterlogged heap of old debris you have acquired for us? It looks like a toy!"
Watson - "Funny you should say that Holmes. It's a lakatoi, and has been plying these waters for thousands of years."
So they embarked on the next stage of their adventure - across the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Papua to Port Moresby.
The winds held true, the crew caught fish and a turtle, and after five days the coast of Papua was
sighted.
Watson – “I am in need of dry land. I can't stand this continuous rocking and rolling."
Holmes – “Get accustomed to it, Watson. I believe it will be fashionable one day."
And so at last they stepped ashore in Fairfax harbour, and made for the Governor's
residence.
Watson - "Holmes, let’s desist! It's too hot to continue!"
Holmes - "Watson, pull yourself together man. Remember we are British. And besides Government House is just around the corner and up this hill."
Watson - "I'm, shit scared that I'll never make it!"
Some hill. Some Britishers. Some Australians.
Eventually they got there.
"G'day mates!” said the guard. “Where have you bloody Poms come from? Swum from blighty? Looks like it."
So came the greeting from the private on duty, who proved to be Antipodean. "Got a bloody good meal for you blokes in the outhouse of steak and kidney pud, but it'll cost youse."
Watson - "Holmes - I want to go home!"
Holmes - "Hang on Watson, we're nearly there!"
And so, perspiring voluminously, they arrived at Government House and were ushered into the Governor's presence.
Governor - "I have special information for your, Mr Holmes. Foreign Office. It's signed 'C', so I expect you know it's significance.”Holmes - "Old Mansfield himself, eh!"
After reading the message, Holmes said urgently: "Watson, we have to depart. Governor, how can we travel the quickest to the north coast?"
"You'll have to cross the mountains,” replied the Governor. “There's a track, little used and hard going. I'll provide some local guides."
And so Holmes and Watson met Inspector Kwai Motu Vex of the Papuan Constabulary.
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