Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
due to depart on the 24th October and Holmes was absolutely
determined to be on it. When he discovered that Barton was so
dangerously ill he realised that he would be unable to access
money owed to him that was locked in Barton's 'box'. He
telegraphed Tasker, who was still in Mosuril, and asked him to
send the money, but Tasker refused to open the box without
Barton's permission. Holmes needed the money to pay the
di¬erence between the two boat fares and the ticketing o~ce
would not issue him with a ticket on trust in case Memba
Minerals refused to pay the di¬erence.
A couple of days later, with the
Palamaotta
now docked in the
harbour, Barton was over the worst and Holmes was allowed to
visit him:
'Saw Barton this morning - he wondered very much
how he got there! He gave me permission to have his box
opened for my money. Telegraphed this to Tasker but he still
refuses to open the box. Difficulties in my getting away from
Mozambique seem to bristle at every point.'
In the end he
appealed to the British Consul, Mr Tothill, who suggested that
he write a declaration making himself responsible for the
di¬erence in the fares, should the company directors demand
it. This he presented to the ticket o~ce who finally issued him
with a ticket and allowed him to board. At the last moment
before the ship left the eccentric Tasker arrived and thrust twenty
volumes of Dickens into his hand for the journey. Holmes does
not record whether he was grateful for this or not. In fact the
only event he does record during the whole trip home was a
severe bout of constipation which, on advice from the doctor,
was embarrassingly relieved by a large dose of castor oil!
Having been away exactly nine months, he finally arrived at
Southampton:
'Had early breakfast and telegraphed home.
Left the docks at 9. Had lunch in London and did shopping.
Arrived home at 8 p.m. Mother and all Lawsons at station.
After arranging about luggage went round by shop to see
father and had supper afterwards at Lawsons.'
So Holmes was safely back home in the loving arms of his
