The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 185 New Detective Case (7)
"I said, Earl, if you understand, we can make a deal. Otherwise, it will be bad for you."

The count threw back his head and looked at the ceiling. "Don't lie!" he said.

Holmes watched him intently, like a chess player contemplating a crucial move.Then he opened the drawer and took out a thick diary.

"Do you know what is written in it?"

"I don't know, sir."

"It's you!"

"I?!"

"It's you! All your history--every sinful adventure."

"Nonsense," cried the count, with blazing eyes. "Holmes! My patience has a limit!"

"Here lies all your crimes, Count. Like the truth about the death of old Mrs. Harold, who left you the Bremer estate, and you immediately gambled away."

"You are talking in your sleep!"

"And about Miss Valentine, you don't know about it, you made her miserable."

"Hmph! You can find nothing in this matter!"

"There is more. Here is the record of the robbery in the first-class train on the Riviera on February thirteenth, [-]. And the forged checks at the Lyon bank that same year."

"You are wrong about this."

"So everything else is true! Hey, Earl, you are a card player. When the opponent has all the trump cards, it is the most time-saving to hand over your cards."

"What do you say these have to do with the gems you just talked about?"

"Slow down, Count. Take it easy! Let me get my words across in my simple, commonplace way. I have the circumstances against you, but on top of all this, I have complete control over you and your thug. In the case of the Crown Jewels."

"The devil believes it!"

"Really? Then you listen. I have the coachman who took you to Buckingham Palace, and the coachman who took you away at the end. I have the porter who saw you at the place where it happened. I have Archie Sanders In this case, he refused to break the gem for you. Ai Qi has surrendered himself. The scandal you did has long been exposed."

Hearing this, the earl's veins popped out.His big hairy hands twisted together nervously.I wanted to speak, but couldn't utter a word.

"Here are the cards in my hand," said Holmes. "And now I have them all laid out. I am short of one card, the King of Diamonds, and that is where the jewels are."

"You won't know."

"No, don't say that. Earl, understand, you weigh the weight. You will be imprisoned for 20 years. Think about it, what a long time 20 years is, so what's the use of you asking for gems? It's useless. Your subordinate Sam will also end up in the same way. And if you hand over the gem, I can give you immunity from prosecution, and even all kinds of deeds you have committed before can not be held accountable. How about it, my task is to recover Gems, not to catch you. I want gems, you understand?"

"What if I don't agree?"

"In that case, unfortunately, the only way to catch you is to give up the jewel." With that, Holmes stretched out his hand and rang the bell.

Billy heard the bell ring and entered.

"Count, I think it's better to bring your friend Sam together to discuss it. Anyway, it's his interests, and I think he should have a say. Billy, call that big, black-faced gentleman outside the gate. Please come upstairs."

"And if he doesn't come, sir?"

"He will come. All you have to do is tell him that Count Sylvias is looking for him."

"What on earth do you want?" asked the Count as soon as Billy had left.

"My friend Watson was here just now. I told him I caught a shark and a fish in my net; and now I'll draw the net in, and they'll float together."

The count stood up and stretched his hand behind his back as if to draw a gun.And Holmes also took hold of something bulging in the pocket of his pajamas.

"You will not be rewarded, Holmes."

"I've often had the same idea. What does it matter. In truth, Count, you're more likely to end up lying down than standing up. But don't worry about the future. Why don't you let yourself enjoy yourself?" What about now?"

Suddenly, from the fierce black eyes of the criminal master there was a brilliance like a bestial light.Holmes seemed even bigger as he became tense and defensive. "It is useless to use a gun, my friend," said Holmes calmly. "You know it yourself, and if I had given you time to get it, you would not dare to use it. A pistol is a very noisy thing, my count. Better to use the air gun. Oh, here I hear your venerable partner's footsteps. Hello, Mr. Moulton. It's boring to be in the street all the time!"

The boxer was a well-built lad with a stupid, stubborn look.He stood unnaturally in the doorway, looking around in bewilderment.This cheerful geniality of Holmes was new to him, and though he was vaguely aware of its hostility, he did not know how to deal with it.So he turned to his more cunning companion for help.

"I said Earl, which song is this? What is this guy trying to do? What's the matter?" His voice was low and hoarse.

The count shrugged his shoulders, but it was Holmes who answered.

"Mr. Moulton, if I may be allowed to sum up the situation in one sentence, it would be full disclosure."

"What exposure? I'm not in the mood for joking." Boxer still addressed his accomplice. "Count, what is this fellow talking about?"

"I don't mean to be joking," said Holmes, "and my time is limited. Well, let me see you two have a talk, and especially explain the situation to your partner. I will go to my room to practice my violin. Play a "Venice Gondolier". I'll be back here in 5 minutes for your final answer. I think you understand what I said about the final choice? Do we get you or the gem?"

After saying this, Holmes turned and left, taking the violin from the corner.After a while, a sad tune came from the bedroom with the door closed.

"What's the matter?" asked Moulton anxiously before his friend had time to speak. "Does he know all about the gems?"

"He's got a damn lot of it. I'm not sure he knows it all."

"My God!" The boxer's sallow face grew paler.

"Eich sold us out."

"Really? Really? I have to kill him, I'm going all out!"

"That's no good. We'll have to decide what to do quickly."

"Wait a minute," Boxer looked suspiciously towards the bedroom, "this kid is a shrewd person, we have to guard against him, is he eavesdropping?"

"He's playing the violin, how can he eavesdrop?"

"That's true. But maybe someone is hiding behind the curtain and eavesdropping. There are really many hanging curtains in this room." He looked around as he spoke.At this time, he discovered the wax figure of Holmes for the first time, and he stretched out his hand to point at it in amazement, unable to speak.

"Well, that's a wax figure!" said the count.

"Fake? My dear fellow, I'm frightened to death. No one can tell it's fake. Just like him, and in his pajamas. But, count, look at these curtains!"

"Never mind curtains or curtains! We can't waste any more time. He'll probably have us tied up about the gems in a minute."

"Fucking kid!"

"But as long as we tell him where the gem is hidden, he will let us go."

"What?! Hand over the gems?! Hand over one hundred thousand pounds?"

"Choose one of two paths."

Moulton scratched his short-haired head with his hands.

"He's here alone. Let's kill him. If the guy closes his eyes, we'll have nothing to fear."

The Count shook his head.

"He's got a gun and ready. If we shoot him, it's hard to get away in such a busy place. Besides, the police probably already know the evidence he has. Hey! What's that noise?"

There seemed to be an indistinct sound coming from the window.The two turned around immediately, but there was nothing.The room was empty except for the grotesque sitting there.

"It's the noise in the street," said Moulton. "I say, sir, you've got a good brain. Of course you can figure it out. If force won't work, I'll let you do it."

"I have deceived men cunning than he," replied the earl, "and the jewel is in my dark pocket. I cannot risk it being mislaid elsewhere. It can be sent out of England to-night, before Sunday." Cut it into four pieces in Amsterdam. He didn't know about Van Sedel."

"I thought Sedar was leaving next week."

"It was. But now he must go at once. One of you and I must slip down to Lime Street with the jewel and tell him."

"But the fake base isn't ready yet."

"I can't care so much, so I have no choice but to give up the base. I can't delay any longer, so I have to take the risk." He looked hard at the window again, like an athlete when he instinctively feels danger.Yes, the noise just now did come from the street.

"As for Holmes," he went on, "it's easy to trick him. You see, this fool promised not to arrest us if he could get the jewel. Well, then, let's pretend we promise him the jewel. Let's tell him the wrong lead, etc. He found out that we were in Holland at the time."

"Great idea!" Moulton exclaimed, grinning.

"You go to Sedar with the jewel, and I'll stay here with the fool, and pretend to check. I'll say where the jewel is in Liverpool. Damn, the music is so annoying! When he finds out that the jewel isn't in Liverpool, The gem has been cut into four pieces, and we are also on the sea. Come here, and get out of the keyhole in the door. Here is the gem."

"How dare you carry it with you."

"Isn't this the safest place? If we can take it out of Buckingham Palace, someone else can take it out of my place."

"Let me appreciate it carefully."

The count cast a disapproving glance at his companion, ignoring the outstretched dirty hand.

"What? Do you think I'm going to rob you? Sir, I can't stand you coming with me!"

"Come on, come on, don't get mad, Sam. We mustn't quarrel just now. Come to this window to see clearly. Hold it to the light, here you are!"

"Thank you!"

Holmes jumped up from the wax chair and snatched the gem.He clutched the jewel in one hand, and with the other held the pistol to the count's head.The two hooligans were completely at a loss, and took a few steps back in surprise.They were still in shock, and Holmes had already rang the bell.

"No violence, gentlemen, I beg you, for the sake of a room full of furniture! You should know that resistance is not right for you. The police are downstairs."

The count was angry and annoyed, but more confused.

"Where are you from—" he said breathlessly.

"Your surprise is understandable. You didn't notice that there is a door in my bedroom that goes right behind this curtain. I thought you must have heard the noise when I removed the wax figure, but I'm lucky you didn't care ...and thus afford me the opportunity to listen to your lively conversation, which would not have been so natural if you had been aware of my presence."

The count made a desperate and helpless expression.

"It is you, Holmes. I believe you are Satan himself."

"Probably." Holmes smiled modestly.

It took Sam Moulton's dull mind a long time to figure out what was the matter.He didn't speak until he heard heavy footsteps on the stairs.

"Nothing!" he said, "but what's the matter with the sound of playing the violin? It's still ringing!"

"Yes," replied Holmes, "you are quite right. Let it go on! The record player is indeed a marvelous new invention these days."

At this time, the police swarmed in, and after a clatter of handcuffs, they escorted the prisoner to the carriage outside the door.

Watson stayed and congratulated Holmes for adding another glorious page to his detective history.While talking, the calm Billy came in again with a tray of famous cards.

"Lord Cantlemere is here."

"Bring him up, Billy. This is the nobleman of the highest order," said Holmes. "He is a fine and faithful man, but somewhat pedantic. Would you like to play him a little trick? Take the liberty of driving him a little." How about a joke? Logically speaking, he should not know what happened just now."

The door opened, and in came a lean, dignified man, with a glossy black mid-Victorian mustache hanging from his thin face, which seemed out of proportion to his slender gait.Holmes stepped forward enthusiastically to shake the indifferent and unresponsive hand.

"Lord Cantlemere, hello! It's cold enough this year, but it's hot enough in the house. May I help you take off your coat?"

"No, thank you."

But Holmes insisted on grabbing his sleeve and said, "You're welcome, let me take it off for you! My friend Dr. Watson can assure you that the change in temperature is very harmful to your health."

The lord impatiently wrenched his hand away.

"I'm so comfortable, sir! I can't sit still. I just came in to see how the case you volunteered for is getting on."

"Very tricky...very tricky."

"I've known that for a long time." There was a distinct sarcasm in the old minister's tone. "Everyone has his limitations, Mr. Holmes, but this has the advantage of curing our The smug thing."

"Yes, yes, I'm really in a hurry."

"Of course."

"Especially about one point. Maybe you can help me a little."

"It's a little too late for you to ask me for help. I thought you were quite sure. Still, I'd like to help."

"Speaking of which, we can certainly prosecute the actual thieves."

"That's after you catch them."

"Of course. But the question is -- how do we prosecute the recipients?"

"Isn't it a little premature for you to ask that question?"

"Be well-planned. So what, in your opinion, is convincing evidence of action against the receiver?"

"Practically possessing gems."

"Are you going to arrest him for that?"

"no doubt."

Holmes never laughed out loud, but this was the one time his old friend Watson remembered coming close to laughing.

"Then, sir, I shall have to recommend your arrest."

Lord Cantlemere was very angry.His pale cheeks were suddenly flushed with anger.

"You are too presumptuous, Mr. Holmes. I have never seen anything like it in my fifty years of public service. I am a man of great duties and responsibilities, sir, and I have neither the time nor the taste for such nonsense." I can tell you frankly that I never believed in your ability. I always thought it was much safer to leave this case to the regular police. Your behavior just confirmed my judgment. Sir, goodbye."

Holmes turned at once and stood at the door.

"Wait a minute, sir," said he, "it will be a more serious offense to take the jewel away than to possess it temporarily."

"This is outrageous! Let me pass!"

"Please touch the right pocket of your coat."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Don't worry, don't worry, do as I say."

A few seconds later the astonished lord stood there, dumbfounded, with the huge yellowish gem resting in his trembling palm.

"Ho! Ho! What is the matter, Mr. Holmes?"

"I am sorry, my lord, I am sorry!" cried Holmes. "This old friend of mine can tell you that I am a man of mischief. Besides, I am fond of dramatic effects. I venture... Very presumptuously . . . put the jewel in your pocket when you first came in."

The old lord looked from the jewel to the smiling face of Holmes.

"I am indeed puzzled, sir. But—it is the crown jewel. We are very grateful to you, Mr. Holmes. Your sense of humor, as you say, is indeed a little eccentric, and it comes at a particularly inopportune moment." , but anyway I take back what I just said about your professionalism. But how the hell did you-"

"The case is only halfway through, so I won't talk about the details for now. Lord Cantlemere, you can go back and report the good news now, which will make up for my prank a little bit. Billy, see off. And, tell Hudson Madam, get food for two as soon as possible."

Gables

Of all the quests I have had with Holmes, none has been more sudden and dramatic than this one.Before that, I hadn't seen him for a while, and had no idea what he was up to lately.He had been quite chatty that morning, and had just sat me down on the old sofa by the side of the fireplace, and he sat across from him with a pipe in his mouth, and as soon as we had settled down someone came.Perhaps it would have been more telling if I had said a mad bull.

With a bang, the door was knocked open, and a huge black man broke in.He would have looked comical had it not been for his grim face, and he was dressed in a bright gray checked suit with an orange-red tie on his chest.His broad face and flat nose were stretched forward, and his dark, sullen eyes, burning with uncontrollable anger, looked at us in turn.

"Which of you is Holmes?" he asked.

Holmes lifted his pipe lazily.

"Ah, so that's you?" said the visitor, pacing round the table with unpleasant furtiveness. "Listen, Mr. Holmes, please mind your own business and mind your own. Yes. Do you understand?"

"Very interesting," said Holmes. "Go on."

"You think it's funny, don't you?" growled the brute, "you won't find it funny until I've dealt with you. I've dealt with people like you, and they're honest after I've dealt with you. Look at this, Mr Holmes!"

He shook one of his monstrous fists under Holmes' nose.Holmes studied his fist with interest. "Were you born this way?" he asked, "or did you just develop it?"

Whether it was my friend's icy composure, or my picking up the poker, the visitor's manner and tone softened a little.

"Anyway, I warned you," he said, "I have a friend who's interested in things at Harrow. You know what I mean, and he doesn't need your meddling. Do you understand? Don't you The law, and I am not the law, if you meddle in your business, I will not be polite. Just remember."

"I've longed to see you," said Holmes. "I won't give you my seat because I don't like the way you smell. Aren't you Steve Dixie, the boxer?"

"This is exactly my name. If you speak rudely, I will punish you."

(End of this chapter)