Hi Sherlockians,

The other night I was reading "Problem of Thor Bridge" before going to bed .
It starts with a reminiscence of old cases and a mention of the tin-dispatch box
containing records of cases where Watson collaborated with Holmes.

"Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross,
there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatchbox with my name, John
H. Watson, M. D., Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid. It is
crammed with papers, nearly all of which are records of cases to
illustrate the curious problems which Mr. Sherlock Holmes had at
various times to examine. Some, and not the least interesting, were
complete failures, and as such will hardly bear narrating, since no
final explanation is forthcoming. A problem without a solution may
interest the student, but can hardly fail to annoy the casual reader.
Among these unfinished tales is that of Mr. James Phillimore, who,
stepping back into his own house to get his umbrella, was never more
seen in this world. No less remarkable is that of the cutter Alicia,
which sailed one spring morning into a small patch of mist from where
she never again emerged, nor was anything further ever heard of
herself and her crew. A third case worthy of note is that of Isadora
Persano, the well-known journalist and duellist, who was found stark
staring mad with a match box in front of him which contained a
remarkable worm said to be unknown to science. Apart from these
unfathomed cases, there are some which involve the secrets of private
families to an extent which would mean consternation in many exalted
quarters if it were thought possible that they might find their way
into print. I need not say that such a breach of confidence is
unthinkable, and that these records will be separated and destroyed
now that my friend has time to turn his energies to the matter...."

This led me to think... What if the tin-dispatch box was ever stolen
from the bank ?
Which families it might implicate ? Since Holmes was entrusted with
secrets (sometimes
classified state secrets as in cases of "Second Stain" etc), the box
might have been
an object of attraction for political burglars/spies employed by enemy
states since
it could have been used as a weapon for blackmail or to extract
political mileage
or even for espionage.

I wonder why A.C.D never thought about writing a story where the box or select
papers contained within it was stolen under high drama ? Won't it have made for
some excellent reading ? Just imagine details of cases like "Second Stain" or
"Illustrious Client" or "Scandal in Bohemia" coming out before they
were intended
to be published ?

Has any of the pastiche authors written any story with this theme ? I could not
help thinking that if written, this would be perhaps result in a
brilliant Sherlockian
pastiche.

Anyone for it :) ?

Regards

--Anand