The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 102 The Return (17)
Holmes said cheerfully: "Very well. You learn a lesson from a fall. Your lesson this time is not to ignore the second possibility when solving a case. Your attention is all focused on young Nergen, and you have no more energy at all." To think about Patrick Cairns, the man who actually murdered Peter Gary."

The seaman interrupted us hoarsely, saying: "Listen, sir, I don't complain about what you've done to me, but I want you to be precise. You say I murdered Peter Garry, I There's a big difference between saying I killed Peter Gary. Maybe you don't believe me, maybe you're thinking I'm making up a story for you."

"That is not the case," said Holmes. "Let us hear what you have to say."

"It'll be over soon, and it'll be true, I swear to God. I know Black Peter well, and when he draws the knife, I know he's dead or I'm dead, so I grab the fish Throw the fork at him, and that's how he died. Murder, you say. Either way, Black Peter's knife is in my heart, or the noose is around my neck, and I'm going to die just as much."

"How did you get here?" asked Holmes.

"I'm telling you from the beginning. Let me sit down and talk more easily. It happened in [-]—August of that year. Peter Garry was captain of the Unicorn of the Seas, and I am Back up spear harpooner. We are sailing back from the big ice fragments of the Arctic Ocean. After a week of fierce southerly winds, we rescued a small boat from the sea that was blown north by the southerly wind. There was only one person on board. , is a new sailor. The sailors on our ship thought the ship was sunk, and this man took this small boat to the coast of Norway. I guess all the other sailors on the ship are dead. In a word, we rescued this man on board, and he and we The chief of the crew talked for a long time in the cabin. The only luggage that this man salvaged afterwards was an iron box. The name of this man has never been mentioned, at least not to me, and the next night he was Gone, as if he had never been in a boat. Word came that the man either jumped into the sea himself, or the bad weather took him overboard. Only one person knew what happened to him, and that was me, Because I saw with my own eyes, on the second watch in the middle of the night, the captain tied his feet and threw him over the rail. Two days later we saw the Surtland lighthouse. I didn't tell anyone about it, wait What would happen. By the time we got to Scotland the matter had been suppressed and no one asked. A stranger died in an accident and no one needed to ask. After a while Gary stopped sailing and several I didn't know where he was until years later. I figured he killed that man for the contents of the iron box. I think he should give me some money now as hush money.

"A sailor met him in London, and through him I learned where he lived, and I immediately asked him for money. On the first night he was very understanding, and he was willing to give me a sum of money so that I would not have to go to sea again. We I agreed to finish it in two nights. When I went again, he was half drunk and very bad tempered. We sat down to drink and talked about the past. The more he drank, the more I felt his The face was wrong. I caught sight of the harpoon hanging on the wall, and thought I might need it before I was done. Then he got mad at me, cursing, with murderous eyes, holding a harpoon in his hand. Jackknife. My harpoon went through him before he could get it out of its sheath. My God! That scream! His face blurred before my eyes, and I stood there , was splashed with his blood. After waiting for a while, it was quiet all around, so I mustered up my courage again. I looked around the house, and the iron box was on the shelf. It should be said that Peter Gary and I have the right to Got the case, so I left the house with it, and stupidly, I left the tobacco pouch on the table.

"Now I'll tell you one of the strangest things. As soon as I came out of the house, I heard someone approaching. I immediately hid in the bushes and saw a man sneaking in. He came into the house and called out There was a sound, as if I saw a ghost, and I ran as fast as I could, and disappeared after a while. Who he was and what he was going to do, I don’t know. But I walked ten miles, got on the train at Dunbozhi Wilts, and came to London .

"As soon as I checked the box, I found no money in it, only some securities, which I dared not sell. I didn't have Black Peter in my hands, and now I'm broke and stuck in London. All I have is my Craftsmanship. I saw an ad for a harpooner for good pay, so I went to the shipping company and they sent me here. That's the whole truth, and I repeat, I killed black peter, and the law should thank me , because I saved them a piece of hemp rope."

Holmes stood up, lit his pipe, and said: "That's very clear. Hopkins, I think you should get this prisoner to a safe place as soon as possible. This room is not suitable for a cell, and Mr. Patrick Cairns is a big man in the house. It takes up a lot of space.”

"Mr. Holmes," said Hopkins, "I don't know how to thank you. Even now I don't understand how you make a prisoner fall into your trap."

"Just because I was lucky enough to catch the right clue from the beginning. If I had known about the notebook, my thoughts might have been led elsewhere, as your original thought. But what I heard All in one: prodigious strength, skill with a harpoon, rum, a sealskin pouch of coarse tobacco, all of which would suggest a seaman, and a whaler. I'm sure the pouch The initial 'PC' on it is a mere coincidence, not Peter Garry, as he rarely smoked and no pipe was found in the house. You remember I asked if there was whiskey and brandy in the house, and you said there was. How many people who don't go to sea drink rum when they have it? So I'm sure the murderer was a sailor."

"How did you find him?"

"My dear sir, the question couldn't be simpler. If it's a sailor, it's a sailor on the Unicorn of the Seas. As far as I know, Peter Gary has been on no other ship. I'm calling Dandy Telegraph, three days later I got the names of all the sailors on the Unicorn of the Seas in [-]. My investigation was over when I saw the name of Patrick Cairns in the spearfish's hand, and I presume he Possibly in London, and wanting to leave England for a while. So I went to the East End for a few days, set up an Arctic Ocean expedition, offered good terms for spearfishers, and worked under Captain Basil - you see, And that's it!"

Hopkins exclaimed, "Brilliant! Fabulous!"

Holmes said: "You must release Nergan as soon as possible. I want to say that you must apologize to him. The iron box must be returned to him. Of course, the securities sold by Peter Gary will not be returned. Hopkins, there are Carriage hire, and you take this man away. If you need me at trial, Watson and I have an address somewhere in Norway—I'll write you the details later."

Milverton
What I am speaking of happened many years ago, and even so I speak with some apprehension.Because after such a long time, no matter how cautious and restrained he was, he could not tell all the facts.Now that the person in question is no longer subject to human justice, the story can be told with reservations without fear of damaging anyone's reputation.This was the most singular case that ever passed through the lives of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and myself.I beg the reader to forgive me for omitting dates and other circumstances which would lead one back to the truth of the matter.

It was about six o'clock when Holmes and I went out for a walk one severe winter evening.Holmes switched on the lamp, which revealed a card on the table.He glanced at the business card, couldn't help snorting, and threw the business card on the floor.I picked it up and read:
Charles Augustus Milverton
Abeldota
Hampstead

Agent

I asked, "Who is this person?"

"The worst man in London," replied Holmes, before sitting down and stretching his legs before the fire. "Is there any writing on the back of the card?"

I flipped the card over and read: "Visiting at 06:30 - CAM"

"Well, he's coming soon. Watson, when you go to the zoo and stand in front of the snake, and look at this slithering, poisonous animal, with its terrifying eyes and evil flat face, you must have a kind of The feeling of disgust and wanting to run away as soon as possible? That's what Milverton gave me. I've dealt with almost fifty murderers, and even the worst of them didn't make me feel like he did. Disgusting. But because we have business contacts, I have to deal with him, and I actually asked him to come."

"What kind of person is he?"

"Don't worry, Watson, I'll tell you slowly. He's one of the best in the business of swindling. God help him, too, especially when women with anything intimate and honorable fall into Milwaukee." Don's hands are even worse. He has a smiling face like an angel and a heart of stone like a devil. He endlessly blackmails his victims until they are drained of their blood. This guy has a special ability, Prosperity was possible in more honorable trades. His method was to make it known that he was willing to pay a high price for the letters of the rich and powerful. He not only got them from unreliable servants and maids Stuff, and more often from high-society rascals who have already cheated women's affections and confidence. He does this kind of business very generously, and I happen to hear that he pays for a note with two lines. Seven hundred pounds for a servant, and the end result is the ruin of a noble family. Everything in the market goes to Milverton. There are hundreds of people in this great city who would be terrified at the mere mention of his name. No one knows when he will bring trouble to himself, because he has money and skills, he can do whatever he wants. He can keep a hole card for several years, and wait until he can win the biggest bet I said he was the worst man in London. What is a thug who beats his wife in a fit of temper compared to him? To keep stuffing money into his already full purse , he can torment the minds of others in an orderly and unhurried manner."

I rarely hear my friends speak outrageous words.

I said, "This man should be severely punished by the law."

"In theory, it is not too much to sentence him to death, but in practice it is impossible. For example, if you sue him and let him sit in prison for a few months, but you will also lose your reputation, what good is it for a woman? So, being sentenced Those he persecutes are afraid to use the law to protect themselves. If he blackmails an innocent person, we must arrest him, but he is as cunning as the devil. No, we must think of other ways to attack him."

"Why did you ask him to come to us?"

"Because a client has entrusted me with an unfortunate case she has encountered. This person is well-known, and she is the noble lady Eva Blackwell, the most beautiful lady who debuted in society last season. Two weeks later She was to be married to the Earl of Dwincow. The devil got the lady some frivolous letters--frivolous, Watson, that's all--written to a poor young squire. But they were enough Ruin this marriage. If Milverton is not given a large sum of money, he will send the letter to the earl. I am commissioned to see him, and to bargain as best as I can."

There was the sound of hoofs and wheels in the street.I looked out of the window and saw a magnificent double carriage parked in front of the building. The bright lights on the carriage illuminated the smooth haunches of two chestnut horses.A servant opened the door, and a small, strong man in a rough black curly sheepskin coat stepped out. 1 minute later he came to the house.

Charles Augustus Milverton was about 50 years old, with a large head, very intelligent, round and fat face, smooth skin, and always with a sneer, the two behind large gold-rimmed glasses The sly gray eyes gleamed, and there was something of Mr. Pickwick's kindness in the face, but with a smirk, and a sharp, impatient gleam from them.His voice, like his expression, is gentle and steady.He held out his small fat hand as he walked along, and murmured how sorry he was for not seeing us on his first visit.Holmes ignored the outstretched hand, and looked at him icily.Milverton grinned a little, shrugged his shoulders, took off his overcoat, put it on the back of a chair, carefully folded it, and sat down.

He pointed in the direction where I was sitting and said, "Who is this gentleman? Is it prudent to talk about important matters like this? Is it appropriate?"

"Dr. Watson is my friend and colleague."

"Very well, Mr. Holmes. I ask for the good of your client. It is a delicate matter—"

"Dr. Watson already knew about it."

"Then, let's get down to business. You say you can represent Ms. Eva. Has she already made you accept my terms?"

"What are your conditions?"

"Seven thousand pounds."

"Is this condition still negotiable?"

"My dear sir, I find haggling very unpleasant. Anyway, if the payment cannot be made on the [-]th, the wedding on the [-]th must not take place." He forced an unbearable smug smile on his face.

Holmes thought for a while, then said: "You seem to have made the matter so non-negotiable. I am fully aware of the contents of these letters. I will persuade my client to tell her future husband the whole story and obtain his forgiveness." .She will definitely follow my advice."

Milverton chuckled and said, "It's clear you don't know the Earl at all."

It was clear from Holmes' perplexed face that he really did not understand.

"What harm do these letters do?" he asked.

Milverton replied: "Very much, very much. The lady's letters are delightful. But I can assure you that the Earl of Dwincow would not have appreciated them. Since you see it differently , we need not dwell on it. It is but a business. It would be foolish to pay such a large sum of money to buy back these letters, if you do not think it is in the interest of your client to place them in the earl's hands. It's gone." He got up to get his black curly shearling coat.

"Wait a moment," said Holmes, pale with rage. "There is no need to go so soon. Of course we should try to avoid gossip on such a delicate matter."

Milverton sat back in his old chair, and he muttered, "I expected this problem to be the only way you can do it."

Holmes went on: "But Lady Eva is not rich. I testify that even two thousand pounds would have spent all her property, and the amount you say is beyond her reach. I therefore beg you to lower your demands and follow my advice. If you trade at the set price, I promise you won't be able to get more money."

The corners of Milverton's mouth were grinning a little, showing a half-smile, and blinking his eyes humorously.

He said, "I know what you're talking about about this lady's property. But you know, when a lady gets married it's the best time for her friends and relatives to work for her. Buy a decent wedding dress." They may be hesitant about presents. But buying these letters, I assure them, will give them more pleasure in this pile of letters than all the banquets in London."

"That is impossible," said Holmes.

Milverton produced a thick volume and exclaimed, "Oh, what a misfortune! Look at this! I can only think these ladies are very unwise if they don't make an effort." He held up a Note, family coat of arms stamped on the envelope, "It is - but the name should not be named until tomorrow morning. However, by then the letter had fallen into the hands of the lady's husband, simply because she refused to Exchanged her diamond jewels for banknotes and came up with a little money to buy it back. What a pity! Do you remember the anecdote about the engagement of Noble Lady Maltz and Lieutenant Dorking? Two days before the wedding, The Morning Post There was a short report that the wedding was cancelled. Why? It is unbelievable to say that the problem could have been easily solved by paying a small price of 1000 or [-] pounds. Isn't it a pity? I didn't think you were a It is unreasonable to haggle here at the expense of the future and honor of your client. Mr. Holmes, you have exceeded my expectations."

Holmes replied: "What I have said is the truth. She cannot get the money. It is no small sum of money to accept what I say, compared to the fact that ruining this woman's life will do you no good. Yes. Aren't you better?"

"Mr. Holmes, you are mistaken. If word of the matter spreads, it will indirectly do me great good. I have eight or nine such matters in my hands. It is time to deal with them. If word gets out among these people, I will be very sorry for Eva." Ladies charge high prices, and I think they'd all be more reasonable. Do you know what I mean?"

Holmes jumped up from his chair and cried, "Get behind him, Watson. Don't let him out! Now, sir, let us see what's in your book."

(End of this chapter)