His Last Bow

“His Last Bow” is a short story by Arthur Conan Doyle and is part of an anthology of short stories, His Last Bow: Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes (1917). It’s the final work in Conan Doyle’s classic mystery series about the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes. The collection was well received by fans and critical reviewers alike. There is a statue of Sherlock Holmes in Picardy Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, close to where Conan Doyle was born. Sherlock Holmes has inspired many tribute novels and TV series.

Unusual for a Sherlock Holmes story, “His Last Bow” is a short spy story as opposed to a detective-centered mystery. It is also told in the third person, as opposed to the first. No one is entirely sure why. However, it’s said that the story could have been designed to boost public morale during the First World War, because of its portrayal of British and German spies.

The story opens with two German spies, Von Bork and Baron von Herling, discussing the British government and the intelligence they’ve gathered. They’re saying that the British are deceiving because they appear soft and docile when, in fact, they’re very tricky to deal with. The British are very good at laying traps for diplomats and spies to walk into unawares.

Von Bork has spent four years gathering intelligence in England, and he’s about to return to Germany with his findings. It’s the eve of the First World War, and he believes his notes will help Germany secure victory. Von Herling tells Von Bork that he can expect a heroic welcome back in Berlin because he’s exceeded their expectations. The military secrets he’s uncovered are sure to destroy Britain.

Von Herling asks him why he hasn’t left for Berlin yet, and Von Bork explains he’s waiting on a final crucial piece of intelligence, without which he won’t be satisfied. An informant is bringing him British naval signals, so the Germans will be able to anticipate British strategy and take out their ships. Von Herling, impressed with Von Bork’s dedication, wishes him well. He then leaves on his own business.

Von Herling seems surprised when he leaves at how ill-prepared Britain is for the war. Von Bork, however, knows this is not the case; the British are far too clever for that. He knows the Germans can’t take anything for granted, and he must take care to make it out of the country with all his papers intact.

The informant, Altamont, appears with a copy of the signals. He’s concerned by how unsecured Von Bork’s book of files seems to be, but Von Bork explains there’s a code; he even tells him what it is—August 1918. Altamont asks him what he’ll do about his staff once he heads back to Germany. Von Bork hasn’t thought about them, and that upsets Altamont, too.

Altamont reveals that one of Von Bork’s favored informants has been caught; there’s no telling what he’ll admit to the British. For his safety, Altamont wants Von Bork to get him out of the country immediately. Von Bork tells him to make for Rotterdam, where he’ll get safe passage to New York. Now, it’s time to inspect Altamont’s documents.

Before Von Bork opens them, Altamont knocks him out with a chloroform rag. It turns out that he’s Sherlock Holmes in disguise. Holmes keeps an eye on Von Bork’s rumored informants, ensuring they get caught once they have proven to be spies. He also now has the passcode to Von Bork’s briefcase, so he can take all this evidence to the British police.

Von Bork is, as expected, furious. He swears he’ll get revenge; he’s even angrier once he realizes he’s dealing with the infamous Sherlock Holmes. He knows he’s ruined, now, and can never return to Germany without facing the consequences. Holmes pities him, because he knows they’re both only doing what’s best for their countries.

Von Bork doesn’t want pity. He wants justice. He can’t believe Holmes thinks he can simply arrest him. He reminds Holmes that his leaders will see this treatment of a German as an act of war, and there will be bloodshed. Holmes, of course, isn’t concerned by Von Bork’s ranting. What he has shown is that, while the British may appear docile and have a friendly, patient manner, they aren’t weak; Von Bork walked into the trap.

Holmes and Watson take Von Bork to Scotland Yard, where they will also bring in Baron von Herling for questioning. At this point, Holmes and Watson retire for a private chat. They discuss their concerns about the looming conflict. Holmes tells Watson not to worry. There will be a storm, and a grave one, but Britain will be stronger for it; all will be right in the end.