Peril at the Edge of the World
An epic race around the globe has ended in tragedy, as murder has brought one hopeful competitor’s journey to a very final end. Driven by the prospect of winning a substantial monetary prize, Colonel Henry Byrd of the British Army murdered his own sister, Vera Byrd, on board the passenger ship RMS Alexandria.
The race started on Boxing Day 1929 and included five participants, all nephews and nieces of the contest’s instigator, Nellie Bly. The intrepid explorer Ms Bly pitted the family members against each other by setting them a formidable challenge, in her will, of racing around the globe.
Unbeknownst to each other, the fated siblings Henry and Vera Byrd boarded the RMS Alexandria in Singapore, bound for the famous Panama Canal Port. Once on board, the astute Miss Byrd asked the Captain to book her an aeroplane ticket from Panama City to New York. This was the final ticket available for the day in question, which she believed would secure her a commanding lead and transport her swiftly to her final destination.
Realising his sister was onboard and eavesdropping on her conversation with the captain, Henry Byrd hatched a dastardly plot to murder his own sibling. As the ship sailed through Hong Kong, Colonel Byrd found the opportune moment to stab his sister to death, using a knife procured by his accomplice and lover, Miss Meredith Hall.
Fearing discovery, the Colonel quickly stashed the body away in an empty steamer trunk in this ship’s storage room, which was only discovered after the ship arrived at the Panama Canal Port.
The extraordinary story continued as Col. Byrd stole his sister’s plane ticket, travelling onwards to New York City on 1st March. Believing he had won the race, he registered his arrival with the authorities, ready to claim his prize. However, he was shocked to discover that he was mistaken, as he had been beaten to the finish line by his cousin, Portuguese citizen, Alicia Almeida.
Although Miss Almeida had been estranged from her family due to illegitimacy of birth, her Aunt Nellie Bly had always maintained contact with her, and stipulated in a codicil to her will that Alicia would be eligible to partake in the race around the world, alongside her British and American cousins. Besting her rivals by almost two days, it is clear that Miss Almeida has inherited her Aunt’s indomitable spirit.
The New York City Police Department believe they may have averted yet another murder planned by Colonel Byrd, who appeared to be searching for Miss Almeida’s whereabouts when he was apprehended.
It is believed that Miss Almeida will be returning to her home country of Portugal, and intends to share her winnings with her mother.
My dearest Mother,
It’s over! It’s all over – at long last.
It’s been quite the adventure since I last wrote from the Taj Mahal. I journeyed on through Asia, tasting mouth-wateringly divine food, seeing more wondrous sights (you would never believe how large elephants are!), and meeting some incredibly kind people along the way.
On the advice of new friends I made in the Kingdom of Siam, I decided to make my way towards the port of Singapore. There, I negotiated an affordable fare onboard a cargo ship, sailing eastwards to San Francisco. I know, a cargo ship isn’t the most obvious choice! But it was well within my budget, and I knew it would shave several days off a Pacific crossing, as compared to a passenger ship.
It wasn’t a comfortable journey, and we faced some terribly rough and frightening seas. But I felt sure that none of the others would even consider the possibility. It was as if Aunt Nell’s trailblazing spirit was coursing through me, urging me to take the route less travelled!
After endless days and seasick nights, my ship sailed into San Francisco, from where I took a rapid train across the country to New York, registering with the authorities upon my arrival.
And so, my darling Mother, we can now put our worries far behind us. With Aunt Nell’s generous fortune, we’ll work with the best doctors to restore you to full and radiant health. After all, my loving Mother – you who have given me the world – it was always all for you.
I’ll see you very soon.
Your Devoted Daughter,
Alicia