October, 1903. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson’s latest adventure takes them away from the glittering metropolis of London, and into the depths of the Cumberland countryside. On the arrival of a letter from Watson’s former Army colleague, Captain Harry Vaughan of the Border Regiment, they instantly stand to attention… A daringly bold theft has taken place. Someone has stolen the Border Regiment’s most prized possession – the Arroyo Drums. Someone has been negligent in protecting the drums and the regiment find themselves embarrassed and discomfited. The Regiment had captured the drums in a battle with the French during the Peninsular War in 1811. They have proudly paraded their prize on the 28th October ever since. Enlisting the help of Cornelius Armstrong, Carlisle Inspector for the local authorities, Holmes and Watson try to use their powers of reasoning to sift through what few clues they have. Then another crime is discovered. The Town Hall plaque has been stolen. Is there a connection between both break-ins? And why are the thieves targeting the Carlisle Regiment? In a series of high-octane twists and turns, Sherlock and Watson attack the mystery head on and begin to uncover more evidence that points them in a surprising direction… 'A treat for any Sherlock Holmes fan.' - Robert Foster, best-selling author of 'The Lunar Code'. Martin Daley currently works part time for the Local Authority and runs his own (employment-related) investigation service. He lives with his wife Wendy, near Carlisle. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.