Sherlock Holmes

Patrick's Day, I decided to tell you a story that took place in Ireland a few years before the turn of the century.

I imagine that you've heard of kissing the Blarney Stone, haven't you?

Well, let me explain it to you, because the ceremony plays a very important part in the story tonight.

Blarney Castle is an imposing 15th century ruin a few miles outside the town of Cork.

The castle is many stories high, and in the foremost tower, the famous Blarney Stone is situated.

What's supposed to be the point in kissing it, Doctor?

The stone is considered a powerful talisman, and the legend runs that whoever kisses it is endowed with eloquence for life.

I'm afraid I've never had quite enough courage.

Courage?

Why does it need courage, Doctor?

Because Blarney Stone is set in a most inaccessible position on the outside wall.

To kiss it, it is customary to lower the candidate for eloquence over the rampart, head foremost, with a friend hanging on to his heels.

From the top of a castle?

It does sound dangerous, Doctor.

It was, my boy, so much so that in recent years, a great row of iron spikes was put around the parapet to prevent an accident.

Of course, at the time tonight's story took place, there was no such guard.

And I have a feeling that an accident did take place, Doctor.

Now, now, now, now, Mr. Bartell, let me tell you the story from the beginning.

Sherlock Holmes and I were staying in the city of Cork, where the great manager solved the singular affair which the local press had referred to as the leprechaun murders.

A few days before our departure for England, we paid a visit to Blarney Castle.