The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 179 New Detective Case (1)
I am afraid that Mr. Holmes will become like some fashionable tenor who, after his retirement, gives frequent farewell performances.It was time for the end, and no matter whether he was a real person or a fictional character, it was time for Holmes to get out.Some thought it would be best to have a strange world dedicated to fictional characters--a fantastic, impossible place where Fielding's dandies could still ask Richardson's pretty girls Courtship, Scott's heroes can still flaunt, Dickens' jolly Cockneys can still gag, Thackeray's philistines can still run amok.Perhaps in some remote corner of such a world a shrewder detective with some less discerning partner reoccupied the detective scene in the place of Holmes and his companion, Dr. Watson.

It may be an exaggeration to say that Holmes's crime-solving activities have been going on for some time.If some old gentlemen come to me and say that their children's books are Sherlock Holmes detective stories, I will not get my reward.Because it certainly means that I am older.The fact is, however, that Holmes made his debut in A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of Four, two little books published between 39 and 56.A series of short stories followed, the first of which was "A Scandal in Bohemia," published in "The Shore Magazine" in [-].After the book was published, it was very popular and the demand increased day by day.So since then, there have been no fewer than [-] stories written intermittently in the past [-] years, compiled into "Adventure History", "Memoirs", "Return" and "Last Greetings".Among them, the last twelve articles published in recent years are now compiled as "New Detective Case".Holmes began his detective career in the middle of the late Victorian period, through the short Edwardian period.Even in that stormy and eventful year, he never interrupted his own career.So it is not too much to say that the young people who read these novels now see their grown children reading the same detective stories in the same magazines.This also shows the patience and loyalty of the British public to Sherlock Holmes.

After writing "Memoirs" I made up my mind to end Holmes' life because I felt I could not keep my literary career fully on a single track.This pale-cheeked, stern-looking, slouched-limbed figure almost took up all my imagination.So I ended him in this way, fortunately there was no coroner to examine his body, so that, after a long time, I was able to respond to the reader's request to dismiss my original rash behavior without too much trouble.I have no regrets about going back to my old career, and in fact I have found that writing Sherlock Holmes has not prevented me from exploring the various literary forms of history, poetry, historical fiction, psychology, and drama, and on the contrary have recognized the limitations of my talents.If Sherlock Holmes had never existed, I would not necessarily be able to achieve more, although his existence may somewhat prevent people from seeing my other serious literary works.

So, readers, let Holmes bid you farewell!I am infinitely grateful for the trust you have given me in the past, and hereby I hope that my works can repay you, because the fantasy of novels is a good way to escape from the world.

Sincerely, Arthur Conan Doyle
distinguished client
"There is no hindrance now," replied Mr. Sherlock Holmes.Ten years later, after dozens of pleadings, he finally agreed to publish the following story, which, so to speak, occupies an important place in my friend's career.

Holmes and I have a soft spot for Turkish baths.In the cozy, laid-back setting of the steamy dressing room, I always found him more chatty and human than anywhere else.It was September [-], [-].In a very quiet corner above the bathrooms in Northampton Street, Holmes and I lay side by side on two chaise longues, and my diary begins with us lying in this place. I asked him if he had been interested lately. case.He didn't answer, but suddenly stretched out his slender and sensitive arms from the quilt that wrapped his body, and took out an envelope from the inner pocket of his jacket hanging beside him.

"Maybe it's a self-important fuss, but maybe it's a matter of life and death," he said, handing me the letter. "That's all I know."

The letter had been sent from the Carlton Club the night before.It says:
Sir James Damory presents his best regards to Mr. Sherlock Holmes: I am scheduled to call on you tomorrow afternoon at half-past four, and I implore you to use your wisdom to help me in a very difficult matter.If you have time to meet, please call the Carlton Club to let us know.

"I have agreed and made an appointment with him, Watson," said Holmes, as I handed back the letter. "Do you know anything about the man Demeray?"

"All I know is that it's a name well known in society."

"Well, then I can tell you a little more. He has always had a reputation for dealing with difficult issues that should not be published in the newspapers. You probably remember his negotiations with Sir Lewis in the Hammerford Will case. He A man of the world and diplomacy. So, I daresay he's got a real problem this time and needs our help."

"You mean us?"

"Yes, Watson, will you help him with me?"

"Of course, I'm honored."

"Then remember that the appointment time is 04:30 tomorrow afternoon. Until then, let's not talk about this case."

At that time I was living in the apartment in Ann's Back Street, and before the appointed time, I rushed to Baker Street, where Holmes lived.At 04:30 in the afternoon, Sir James arrived on time.There is probably no need to describe him too much, because many people remember him. He had a cheerful and straightforward personality, a broad forehead, a beard that was always clean-shaven, and a mellow and light voice when he spoke.There was sincerity and frankness in his gray Irish eyes.His expressive smiling lips contain a witty sense of humor.His shiny top hat, his dark frock coat, the beaded brooch on his black satin tie, the lavender spats on his shiny leather shoes, in short, everything about him showed his aristocratic and dignified status. .

"Well, Dr. Watson happens to be here too," he said, bowing politely. "It may be necessary to cooperate with him, Mr. Holmes. This time our opponent is a bold and violent man." man. I daresay he is the most dangerous man in all Europe."

"Several of my rivals in the past have held that title," said Holmes, smiling. "You don't smoke? Allow me to light my pipe. If you mean a man who is older than the late Professor Moriarty , or more dangerous than Colonel Sebastian Moran, who is still alive, it is worth meeting him for a while. May I ask his name?"

"Have you ever heard of Baron Gruner?"

"You mean the Austrian murderer?"

Sir Daimery raised his hands in sheepskin gloves and laughed loudly. "You really are, Mr. Holmes! You know everything. So you have established him as a murderer?"

"It is my interest and duty to keep an eye out for crimes of all kinds. Anyone who has read coverage of the events in Prague will assume so. But sadly he was able to escape thanks to a purely technical legal clause and the unexplained death of a witness Legal punishment! When I heard about the so-called 'accident' in Sprogan Canyon, I knew he had killed his wife. I also knew he had come to England and had a hunch that sooner or later he would find me a job. .So, what's the matter with Baron Gruner now? I don't think it's going to be a repeat of the old tricks this time?"

"No, this time is more serious. Although it is important to punish crimes, it is even more important to prevent them before they occur. Mr. Holmes, seeing someone brewing a cruel and terrible thing, he clearly knows that it will lead to murderous consequences, but he is powerless to do it. Stop it, it is terrible. Is there anything worse for a living person than to be in such a position?"

"Yes."

"Then you will sympathize with the client. I am here on his behalf."

"Oh, I didn't realize you were just an intermediary. Who is the client?"

Sir Daimery seemed a little embarrassed, he paused and said: "Mr. Holmes, I'm sorry, but I can't reveal his identity. Please believe that his motives are absolutely noble and pure, and he will not let you do things that violate Legal and moral matters. Of course, your reward is absolutely not a problem."

"I am sorry," said Holmes, "but I am used to cases with enigmas at one end, and it would be too vague if they were enigmas at both ends. I beg your pardon, Sir James, for not taking up this case."

The guests panicked.His bright, sensitive face darkened with disappointment.

"Mr. Holmes, please don't make a light decision," said he, "for I will not disclose his identity without a promise, and it is too embarrassing for me to do so. If I tell you the truth, I am sure , you will be obliged to take over. Well, let me tell you what I can tell you."

"Ok."

"You must have heard of General de Melville, who has made great military exploits. He has a daughter named Violet de Melville. She is young, beautiful and versatile. It can be said that she is an extremely rare Unfortunately, she has become obsessed with the demon Gruner, and now our top priority is to try to rescue this lovely and innocent girl from the clutches of her."

"Oh, so Gruner has complete control over her?"

"It's a domination of love. This fellow, you may have heard, is extremely handsome, with charming manners, a soft voice, and that romantic and mysterious air that women love. Women are said to be willing to be at his mercy, and he also Take full advantage of that."

"But how can a man like him meet someone as prestigious as Miss Violet?"

"It happened during a yacht trip in the Mediterranean Sea. Obviously, the organizer had restrictions on tourists, but everyone traveled at their own expense, which gave Gruner a chance to take advantage of the devil. It is estimated that the organizer is unknown. It was too late to learn of the Baron's virtues. It was on this trip that the scoundrel paid the lady so much attention, and the result was that he completely and absolutely won her heart. Miss Violet Completely fascinated by the other party, infatuated with him, regarded him as God; she turned a deaf ear to the dissuasion of her family. Now, the terrible thing is, she plans to marry him next month. Since she has reached the legal age and has a firm attitude Tough, we really don't know how to stop her."

"Hasn't she heard of the Austrian incident?"

"This cunning devil has told her all the social scandals that have connected him in the past, but always presents himself as an innocent victim. For this reason, she is so convinced that she doesn't listen to others. "

"My God! Have you accidentally revealed the name of the client? This client must be General Melville."

"No, absolutely not!" Jazz was obviously a little nervous, "My client is an old friend who has known the general for many years. He cared for the general's daughter like a father in her childhood. He can't just see this Tragedy happened, and Miss Melville's life was ruined; I don't want to see General Melville's collapse and affect his performance on the battlefield, so I entrust you to take over this matter. As I said just now Yes, the only condition he made was that he should not be implicated in the case. Once again, Mr. Holmes, I beg you not to pursue the name of your client."

"I can assure you," said Holmes, smiling. "I can also tell you that your case has interested me and I have decided to take up the investigation. But how can I keep in touch with you?"

"I can be found at the Carlton Club. If there is an emergency, you can find me at this secret number."

Holmes wrote down the number in the address book, and then asked with a smile, "Do you know the baron's current address?"

"He lives at Ferno Mansion, near Kingston. The fellow has made a fortune in some kind of speculation, which naturally makes him a more dangerous adversary."

"Is he currently living at home?"

"Yes."

"Other than that, can you provide some other information about this man?"

"He has a few hobbies. He likes horses. He used to play polo in Herlingham for a time, and then he had to leave because of the scandal in Prague. He also collected books and pictures. The man had a great love of art. As far as I know, he also has a lot of research on Chinese ceramics, and he has published a book on this topic."

"It seems to be quite versatile," said Holmes. "It is possessed by well-known criminals, and I have dealt with them many times. Well, Sir James, please inform your client that I will proceed. Study Baron Gruner. That's all I can say for now. I have some sources of information myself, and I'm sure we'll find some way to open things up."

After James had left, Holmes sat there for a long time lost in thought, as if he had forgotten my existence.After a long time, he turned around.

"Well, Watson, what do you think?"

"I think you'd better go and see the lady herself."

"I said, my dear Watson, if you think about it, even her old father can't impress her. How can I be a stranger? Of course, if there is no other way, this suggestion is worth a try. But I Think, we've got to start from another angle. Remember Shinwell Johnson? I think he might help us a little bit."

Shinwell Johnson became Holmes' right-hand man at the beginning of this century.He has been in prison twice and is a well-known villain.Later, he repented, joined Holmes, and acted as Sherlock Holmes' eyes and ears in the London underworld. The information he provided often proved to be extremely important.If Johnson had been a "spy" for the police, he would have been exposed long ago, but the cases he participated in never went directly to court, so his activities have never been discovered by his accomplices.Thanks to his two-convicted reputation, he was free to visit every nightclub, tavern and casino in London.Coupled with his keen observation and flexible mind, he has become a rare intelligence-gathering agent.It was he who Holmes was looking for now.

As I had my own urgent business to attend to, it was impossible for me to keep abreast of the steps my friend Holmes was taking.But one night when he asked me to meet at Singer's restaurant, he told me about some recent situations.

"Johnson is on the prowl," he said. "Maybe he'll find something in the shadowy corners of the underworld, because that's the only place we can get Baron Gruner's secrets."

"However, since this lady doesn't even believe the existing facts, even if you have a new discovery, how can you guarantee that she will change her mind?"

"Who dares to say, Watson? Women's hearts are like needles in the bottom of the sea. They are unpredictable. They may condone a murder, but they will be irritated by a trifle. Lord Gruner said to me--"

"He told you?!"

"Oh, by the way, I haven't told you my plan yet. Yes, Watson, I like to go head-to-head with my opponent. I like to see him face-to-face. Having given my instructions, I got into a carriage and drove straight to Kingston, where I met the amiable Baron."

"Did he recognize who you were?"

"It wasn't difficult because I handed him my business card. Honestly he's a great opponent, cool as ice, soft-spoken, gentle and submissive in demeanor, but actually as sinister as a cobra. He's educated , but a true crime aristocrat, well-mannered on the outside, but ghastly under his skin. Ah, I'm sure glad I've been called upon to deal with Baron Gruner."

"You said just now that he is easy-going and talkative?"

"Like a cat that has caught a mouse and mews triumphantly. The affability and talkativeness of some people is far more terrifying than the simple cruelty. His pleasantries were peculiar, and he said straight to the point: 'Mr. Holmes, I expected to see you sooner or later." He said: "You must have been invited by General Melville to prevent me from marrying his daughter, have you not?"

"I didn't deny it.

"'Sir,' said he, 'by doing so you will ruin your reputation, which is well-deserved, but you have no hope of success in this case. You will be wasting your time, and you will even be in danger. I I advise you to withdraw as soon as possible."

"'Coincidentally,' said I, 'that is exactly the advice I intended to give you. My respect for your intelligence, Monsieur Baron, has not diminished in the fact that I have seen you in person today. Permit me not to Let's put it mildly. No one wants to make you uncomfortable by shaking things up about your past. Let the past go, you're doing well now, but if you stick with this marriage, you're going to make a lot of enemies , They will never let it go, maybe they will deport you from the UK, do you think it is worth it? 36 It is the best policy to go, break up with that lady. If you really let your past things get to her ears, that won't do you any good.'

"The baron had two little black beards under his nose, which resembled the antennae of an insect. As he listened to the above words, the two antennae quivered amusingly, and finally he laughed softly. up.

"'Excuse my laughter, Mr. Holmes,' said he, 'but it is amusing to see you play money when you have no cards in your hand. I know no one better than you, and the result is the same. , are all pitiful. To tell the truth, Mr. Holmes, you have not even a flower card in your hand, but only small and small ones.'

"'You think so?'

(End of this chapter)