The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 184 New Detective Case (6)
"First of all, the theory of a crime cannot be established. There is no report of an unsolved crime in this area, and I know that very well. If it is a crime that has not been exposed, then in terms of family interests, it should be to get him away or send him out. Abroad, not hiding at home. So, this possibility can be ruled out.

"The second possibility, that of insanity, is more likely. The second person in the hut may have been the caretaker. He came out and locked the door behind him, which strengthens the possibility of the above hypothesis, suggesting that it may be forced confinement. .But on the other hand, the coercion cannot be very strict, otherwise the young man would not come out to have a look at his friend. Mr. Dodd, you remember that I explored the arguments, such as asking you what Mr. Kent read Newspapers. If it was The Lancet or BMJ, that would help me establish the situation. But as long as a doctor is with you and you report it to the authorities, it is permissible to keep a madman at home, there is no need Keeping the secret so desperately. Therefore, the idea of ​​insanity cannot be established.

"The third possibility that remains, although it may seem outlandish, is entirely plausible. Leprosy is common in South Africa. By exceptional chance, the young man may have been infected. His family is thus in a very difficult position. Difficult because they did not want to hand him over to a leprosy ward. In order not to be exposed and interfered with by the authorities, secrecy had to be kept strictly. It would not be difficult to find a faithful doctor to take care of the patient if he was properly paid. Of course, the patient Movements at night may not be so restricted. Paleness of the complexion is a common symptom of the disease. The evidence for this hypothesis is so sufficient that I resolve to act as if it were proven. When I When I first arrived here, I found that Ralph, who delivered food to the hut, was wearing gloves soaked in disinfectant. At this time, I even eliminated the last doubt. Sir, I just wrote two words, and I will tell you that the secret is gone. Being discovered, I wrote without speaking, to prove to you that my prudence can be trusted."

While I was talking, the door opened and the solemn, famous dermatologist was ushered in.But as an exception, a smile appeared on his usually serious face, and he strode up to the colonel to shake his hand.

"I tend to give people bad news," he said, "but today's news is not so bad. It's not leprosy."

"What?" Everyone was taken aback.

"He has the classic leprosy, or ichthyosis. It is a scaly skin disease. It is disfiguring, very stubborn, but curable and not contagious. Yes, Mr. Holmes, indeed. It is very coincidental. But can it be said to be a complete coincidence? Are there no unknown factors at work? Perhaps the fear of this young man after contacting the patient produced a physiological effect, simulating what he feared? No matter what Well, I can vouch for it on the honor of my profession--ho! Mrs. is in shock! I propose that Mr. Kent nurse her until she recovers from this surprise shock."

crown jewel case

Dr. Watson was delighted to be back in the rambling second-floor room in Baker Street from which many famous investigations had begun.He looked around the room and saw scientific charts on the wall, shelves of medicines burned by strong acid, a violin case in the corner, and pipes and tobacco still on the table.At last his eyes fell on Billy's smiling and cheerful face.The presence of Billy, a pageboy, clever and sensible despite his youth, counteracts a little the sense of isolation and isolation caused by the sullen shadow of the famous detective.

"It's the same, Billy. You haven't changed. He's the same, isn't he?"

Billy glanced at the closed bedroom door and said worriedly, "I think he's gone to bed."

It was seven o'clock in the afternoon on a bright summer day.Sleeping at this time can only explain one problem, that is, Holmes is working on a rather difficult case. Whenever this happens, he always works hard, so there is no regularity in his work and rest.

"That is to say, a case is currently being investigated?"

"Yes, sir. He has been working very hard. I am very worried about his health. He is growing pale and thin, and cannot eat. Mrs. Hudson always asks him: 'What time are you, Mr. Holmes? Zhong Yongfan?' And he always said: '07:30 the day after tomorrow.' You know that when he concentrates on handling the case, he doesn't care about anything else."

"Yes, Billy, I know that very well."

"He's staring at someone right now. Yesterday he was disguised as a laborer looking for a job, and today he's dressed up as an old lady. I almost didn't recognize him, but I should be familiar with his habits now." Already." Billy smiled and pointed to a wrinkled parasol standing on the sofa, "This is one of the props for dressing up as an old woman."

"What's all this for?"

Billy lowered his voice, as if talking about national affairs, "It's okay to tell you, but it can't be spread. It's about the Crown Jewel case."

"What—is that the one hundred thousand pound theft?"

"Yes, sir. They were determined to get it back. Do you know that the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary came in person that day, and sat on that sofa. Mr. Holmes was very kind to them, and he reassured them with a few words." Yes, he promised to do his best. But that Lord Cantlemere--"

"Oh, him!"

"It's him, sir. You see how it is. He's a living corpse, if I say so. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary are more amiable and polite. But I can't stand this lord." Mr. Holmes can't stand him either. You see, he doesn't trust Mr. Holmes at all, and he is against asking him to handle the case. He's just wishing he wouldn't solve it."

"Does Mr. Holmes know this?"

"Of course Mr. Holmes knows everything."

"Then let's wish him success in his case, and Lord Cantlemere to hell. Why, Billy, what's that curtain over the window for?"

"Mr. Holmes asked me to hang it up three days ago, and there's a funny thing behind it."

Billy went over and drew the curtain over the recess of the oriel window.

Dr. Watson could not help but let out an exclamation.It was a wax figure of his friend, in pajamas and everything else, with half of his face leaning toward the window, his head drooping slightly, as if reading a book, and his body sunk deeply in the easy chair.Billy took his head off and held it up in the air.

"We put our heads at various angles to make it more real. I wouldn't dare touch it if it wasn't for the curtains. Open the curtains and you can see it from across the road."

"On a previous occasion, Sherlock Holmes and I also used wax figures."

"I ain't here yet," Billy said.He opened the curtain casually and looked into the street, "Someone is watching us over there. I can see a guy at the window over there right now. Come and have a look."

Watson had just taken a step when the bedroom door opened suddenly, revealing Holmes' tall, thin figure. He was pale and tense, but his steps and posture were as vigorous as ever.He leaped to the window with one lunge, and immediately drew the curtains.

"Stop fiddling, Billy," he said. "You were in danger just now, and I need you just now. It is good to see you again, Watson, at the same place. You have come at just the right time, I I need your help."

"I'm honored to hear you say that."

"Billy, you go about your business. Watson, the boy is a nuisance. It's not fair to put him at risk."

"What danger, Holmes?"

"Life is in danger. I expect something will happen tonight."

"what's up?"

"Assassinated, Watson."

"Stop joking, Holmes!"

"I've never had a sense of humour, and I wouldn't make jokes like that. But anyway, let's enjoy it first, can't we? Can you drink? The gas stove and cigars are in the same place. I reckon you'd better go back to your seat." The old easy chair. You don't hate my pipe and my lousy tobacco, do you? They've taken my meals lately."

"Why don't you eat?"

"Because hunger improves the functioning of the body. As a physician you will of course admit that digestion requires exactly the same blood supply as the brain. And I am only the brain, Watson. Otherwise my body is a Attachment. So, I should first consider the needs of the brain."

"However, what kind of danger is it facing?"

"By the way, you'd better remember the murderer's name and address before anything happens. You can give it to Scotland Yard with my greetings and dying wishes to them. The murderer's name is Searle Vias—Count Negreto Silvias. Write it down, man, write it down! The address is 13V, rue de Mersey Gardens. Remember?"

Watson's honest face trembled with anxiety.Only then did he realize that this case had put Holmes in danger, and he knew that his friend had never been a person who liked to exaggerate.Watson, always a man of action, made a quick decision.

"I can't let you take risks alone, Holmes. I have nothing to do these two days. Tell me, what can I do for you?"

"I said, Watson, your personality has not improved, but now you have the problem of lying. You are obviously a busy doctor, and people come to see you every hour."

"That's not a serious symptom. You already know who the killer is, so why don't you have the guy arrested?"

"I can do it. That's what makes him anxious."

"Then why don't you do it?"

"Because I don't yet know where the gem is hidden."

"By the way! Billy told me—it's the crown jewel."

"That's right, it's that huge yellow sapphire. I've already cast the net and caught the fish, but I haven't got the gem. What's the use of catching them like that? Although it can save the society Harm, but that's not my purpose. My purpose is to find the gem and return it to the royal family."

"Is this Earl Silvias the criminal you want to catch?"

"Yes, he's a shark-like figure. The other is Sam Moulton, the boxer, and he's not a bad fellow, but he's been used by the Earl. Sam's not a shark. He's a big one with a big head. stupid fish. But he's flopping in my net too."

"Have you met Count Sylvias?"

"I've been with him all morning. You've seen me disguised as an old woman before, Watson. But today is the best. He actually picked up my parasol for me once. 'Excuse me, ma'am,' said he. .He's half-Italian, with a touch of Southern politeness when he's happy, but the devil incarnate when he's angry. Life's full of wonders, Watson."

"Life can be a tragedy."

"Yes, maybe. I followed him all the way to the old Straubenzi's in Minoris. They make air guns, and they're pretty dainty, and I see one of them facing our window right now." .Did you see the wax figure? Of course, Billy showed it to you. A bullet could go through the head of the wax figure at any moment. What's the matter, Billy?"

The page was holding in his hand a tray with a business card on it.Holmes glanced at it and raised his eyebrows, with a playful smile on his face.

"Here comes the fellow. I did not expect this move. Watson, pull the net! This fellow is a man of guts. You have probably heard of his reputation as a big-game shooter. If he can put the I'm also on top of his successful athletic record, and that's a triumphant end. It just means he senses I'm closing in."

"call police!"

"I'm afraid, but not at once. Watson, would you take a look at the window to see if there is a man strolling about in the street?"

Watson watched cautiously over the edge of the curtain.

"That's right, there's a burly man hanging around the door."

"That's Moulton, faithful but foolish. Billy, where's the visiting gentleman?"

"In the reception room."

"You'll bring him up as soon as I ring the bell."

"Yes, sir."

"If I'm not in the house, you let him in alone."

"Yes, sir."

Watson waited for Billy to go out and close the door, and immediately said to Holmes solemnly: "I say, Holmes, this is not acceptable. This man is a desperado, a reckless man, and he may be here to murder you."

"I'm not surprised."

"I won't go, I'll be with you."

"You will only get in the way if you stay."

"What's in his way?"

"No, my partner, it's in my way."

"Then I can't leave you either."

"Watson, it doesn't matter that you go, you will go, because you have never let me down. I believe you will do this to the end. Although this man came to achieve his own purpose, he can serve mine. Service." He took out his diary and hurriedly wrote a few lines, "You send this to Scotland Yard and hand it over to Yugel of the Investigation Department. Then you come with the police. Then this guy can be arrested. "

"I'll gladly do so."

"I just had time to retrieve the gem before you come." And he rang the bell. "We'd better go out through the bedroom door. This side door is very useful. I want to see my old shark on the side, you know I have a special way."

So, a minute later, Billy brought Count Sylvias into the empty room.The famous hunter, sportsman, and dandy was a large, swarthy man, with a mighty black beard covering thin, murderous lips, and a long, curved nose like the beak of an aquiline.His attire was elegant, but there was something flashy about the floral bow ties and sparkling pins and rings.When the door closed behind him, he looked about him with fierce and startled eyes, as if he feared a trap at every step.He was taken aback when he suddenly spotted the head and nightgown collar above the easy chair in front of the window.At first his expression was one of pure wonder, then a gleam of terrible hope flashed in his murderous black eyes.He looked around and saw that no one was there to testify, so he raised his thick cane and walked on tiptoe towards the silent figure.

Just as he was curling up to spring for the blow, a calm, sarcastic voice said to him from the bedroom door: "Don't break it, Count! Please have mercy!"

The murderer flinched quickly, his convulsed face full of horror.For an instant he half-raised his leaded cane again, as though about to strike real men again, but Holmes' calm gray eyes and ironic smile made him drop his hand again.

"It's a nice thing," said Holmes, pacing towards the figure. "It was made by the French sculptor Tavernier. He is as skilled at making wax figures as your friend Straubenzi is at making air guns."

"What air gun?! What are you talking about?"

"Put your hat and cane on the end table, please. Good! Sit down, please. Would you like to take off your pistol? Well, it's up to you if you want to sit with it. You came just in time, and I would have liked to have a chat with you." chat."

The Count frowned.

"It was precisely because I wanted to talk to you that I came to visit, Holmes. I do not deny that I really wanted to beat you up just now."

Holmes moved his leg which was leaning against the table.

"I see you have that in mind," he said. "But why should you be interested in me?"

"Because you are specifically against me. Because you sent your minions to follow me."

"What? My minion? No such thing!"

"Don't pretend! I sent someone to follow them. You can do it and I can do it, Holmes."

"It's nothing, Earl Silvias, but please address me when you call me. You should know that in my line of work, only rascals call me by my first name like an acquaintance. I believe you will too." Agree, etiquette is the most basic principle of communication."

"Well, Mr. Holmes then."

"Very good! I assure you, I have no one following you."

The Count smiled contemptuously.

"Others stalk like you. Yesterday there was an idle old man. Today an old woman. They've been watching me all day."

"Honestly, sir, you are flattering me. Yesterday, old Baron Dawson bet that I, the law, was a great loss to the theatrical world. Why are you flattering my little masquerade today?" technology?"

"Then, is it you yourself?"

Holmes shrugged. "Look at the parasol in the corner. You kindly picked it up for me in Minori before you suspected that 'old lady'."

"If you knew it was you, you wouldn't have planned to—"

"Go back to this humble house again. I understand this very well. You and I regret that we missed a good opportunity. Fortunately, you didn't know it was me at the time, so we can get together here."

The earl frowned even tighter, "It's even more serious when you say that. It's not your spies, but you are following me in disguise. Why are you looking for trouble? Then tell me, why are you following me?"

"Well, count, you hunted lions in Algeria before."

"so what?"

"Why hunt?"

"Why? For fun, for excitement, for adventure."

"Is it also to eliminate harm for the country?"

"Exactly."

"That's why I followed you!"

The count jumped up, and his hands involuntarily fumbled for the back pockets of his trousers.

"Sit down, sir, sit down! There is a more practical reason, and that is that I want the yellow gem."

The count leaned back in his chair with a ferocious smile on his face.

"That's right!" he said.

"You know that I am staring at you for this. The purpose of your coming tonight is to touch my bottom, see how much I know, and decide whether to kill me. Okay. Let me tell you, from you It is absolutely necessary from my point of view, because I know everything, but there is only one thing you need to tell me yourself."

"Okay! So, what is it that you don't know?"

"Where is the gem now?"

The Count gave him a wary look. "So you want to know that. But how can I tell you where it is?"

"You can, you will."

"Why?"

"You can't fool me, Count." Holmes fixed his eyes on him, which grew brighter and brighter, like two deadly steel balls. "You are like a piece of glass. I can see through your every move."

"Then of course you can see where the gem is."

Holmes clapped his hands happily, and then pointed out a finger mockingly: "So you do know, and you have admitted it."

"I admit nothing."

(End of this chapter)