The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 186 New Detective Case (8)
"Then you needn't," said Holmes, gazing closely at his visitor's hideous mouth. "But you murdered young Perkins outside the Holborn's . . . what? Why are you leaving?" ? I'm not done yet!"

The visitor's arrogance could no longer be seen, and he backed away with a livid face. "Stop talking to me like that," he said. "What have I to do with Perkins? I was training in the Birmingham bullring when the boy got into trouble."

"Yes, perhaps the judge will take you at your word, Steve," said Holmes. "I have been following your dealings with Barney Stockdale—"

"My God! Mr. Holmes—"

"Okay. Let's forget about it. I'll talk about it when I need you."

"Good-bye, Mr. Holmes. I hope you will not mind my rash behavior today."

"Then unless you tell me who sent you here."

"Then why do you ask, Mr. Holmes? It is the man you were talking about."

"Then who ordered him?"

"God, I don't know, Mr. Holmes. He just said to me: 'Steve, you go to Mr. Holmes and tell him his life is in danger if he goes to Harrow.' That's all it is, it's all true. "Without waiting to ask him anything else, the guest ran out in a hurry, just as fast as when he came.Holmes smiled to himself as he knocked the ashes from his pipe.

"Watson, I saw you picking up the poker. Fortunately, you didn't beat him. Actually, there is nothing to worry about this guy. Although he has grown up big, he is a typical person with a simple mind and well-developed limbs. It's easy to keep him down, as he was just now. He's a member of the Spencer John gang, and he's been involved in some dastardly business lately, and I'll deal with them when I'm free. His boss, Barney, is a sinister Cunning, tough guys. They specialize in attacks, threats, and the like. I want to find out who is behind them in this incident."

"But why are they threatening you?"

"It's the Harrow Forest case. Their presence has made me determined to investigate this case. Since there are so many people making such a fuss, there must be something behind it."

"what 's the truth?"

"I was just about to tell you about it when this farce ensued. It's a letter from Mrs. Maberley. If you'll go with me, we'll send her a telegram and start at once."

What I read on the letter is:
Dear Mr. Holmes:
I recently encountered a series of strange things, all related to my house, I hope to get your help.If you come tomorrow, I will be at home all day.My home is near Harrow Station.Also, my late husband Mortimer McBerry was one of your early customers.

Sincerely, Mary McBerry

The address reads: Gabled Gables, Harrow Forest.

"You see, that's the way it is," said Holmes. "If you have time, we may be on our way."

We arrived at the house after a short train and carriage journey.This is a brick and wood villa surrounded by an acre of natural grassland.There are three small stacks of pointed gables above the upper windows, which is the origin of the name "Gabled Villa".There is a cluster of half-sized lush pine trees behind the house, adding a kind of eerie atmosphere to the house out of thin air.But the furniture in the room is very elegant, and we are received by a very elegant elderly lady, whose manners and conversations all show her education and culture.

"I am still very impressed with your husband," said Holmes, "though it was only a small thing I did for him many years ago."

"Perhaps you are more familiar with the name of my son Douglas."

Holmes watched her with great interest.

"What? Are you the mother of Douglas Maberley? I knew him once. No one in London knows him, of course. He was a handsome man in those days! Where is he now?"

"Dead, Mr. Holmes, dead! He was Counselor in Rome, and died of pneumonia in Rome last month."

"What a pity. A man like him would never be associated with death. I've never seen a man of such vigor. His life force is tenacious, really tenacious!"

"Who says no? Mr. Holmes, maybe it's because he's too good and strong that ruined him. In your impression, he was always handsome and suave, but you haven't seen him turn into a depressed and reticent person. He My heart is broken. In literally one month I have seen my graceful and enthusiastic child turn into a languid cynic."

"Because of a broken relationship—for a woman?"

"A devil, rather. Well, I did not ask you to talk about my son, Mr. Holmes."

"Watson and I are both at your service, please tell me."

"Some extremely strange things have happened recently. I have moved into this house for more than a year, and because I want to close the door and live a quiet life, I have not had much contact with my neighbors. Three days ago, a man who claimed to be a property owner A visitor from the broker, who said the house had been spotted by one of his clients, and that if I would sell it, the price would not be an issue. I found it odd, as several properties in the same condition were for sale nearby, but naturally I was He was still interested in his proposal. So I made an offer, which was five hundred pounds more than what I paid for the house. The thing was done right away, but he said his client was also going to buy the furniture, and asked if I could No, make a price too. Here is some furniture I brought from home, and you can see that it is of the highest quality, so I asked for a very good price. He agreed immediately. I was going to Going abroad for a while, and this transaction has made a lot of money, it seems that I will be quite rich in the future, and it will not be a problem.

"Yesterday this man brought the written contract. Fortunately I showed it to my solicitor, Mr. Sutro, who also lives in Harrow. He said to me: 'This is a very odd contract.' Did you notice that if you signed it, you have no legal right to take anything from the house - including your personal items.' I pointed this out when the man came that night and I told him I only sell furniture.

"'No, not the furniture, but everything,' he said.

"'What about my clothes, my jewelry?'

"'Of course, your personal things will be taken care of. But nothing can be taken out of the house without inspection. My client is a very generous man, but he has his hobbies and special habits. To him, Either buy it all, or don't buy it.'

"'If that's the case, then don't buy it,' I said. So the matter was dropped. But it's such a strange thing, I'm afraid--"

Speaking of which, an unexpected disturbance occurred.

Holmes raised his hand to stop the conversation, and then he rushed to the door, flung it open, and pulled out a tall, thin woman, whom he clutched by the shoulders.The woman struggled desperately and was dragged into the house, screaming like a chicken being caught out of the coop.

"Let go of me! What are you doing?" she screamed.

"It's Susan, what's the matter with you?"

"Ma'am, I was about to come in and ask the guests if they would stay for dinner, when this man jumped on me."

"I've heard her hiding outside the door for five minutes, but I didn't interrupt your interesting narrative. Susan, you have asthma, and you are not very suitable for eavesdropping?"

Susan turned to her captor angrily, and asked, "Who are you? What right do you have to grab me like this?"

"I just wanted to ask a question in your presence. Mrs. Maberley, did you tell anyone to write to me and ask me for help?"

"No, Mr. Holmes."

"Who sent the letter?"

"Susan."

"That's it, Susan. To whom did you write or send word that your mistress is looking for me?"

"You're talking nonsense. I didn't report it."

"Susan, people who are asthmatic may die short, and there is no good end to lying. Who did you tell it to?"

"Susan!" cried her mistress, "I see you as a sly woman. I remember you were talking to a man at the hedge."

"That's my private matter, there's no need to tell you." Susan replied angrily.

"What if I told you that the man you were talking to was Barney, right?"

"Since you know, why ask?"

"I wasn't sure, but now I am. Well, Susan, I'll give you ten pounds if you tell me who's behind Barney."

"That's a man who always pays you ten for a thousand."

"So, a rich man? No, you laughed, it must be a rich woman. So far we know so much, you might as well name it and earn the ten pounds in front of you."

"I'd rather see you go to hell first!"

"What words! Susan!" cried Mrs. Maberley.

"I'm done. I've had enough of you guys. I'll have my suitcase picked up tomorrow." She went straight out the door.

"Good-bye, Susan. Don't forget to use camphor opiates. . . . Then," said Holmes, who had passed from joking to serious as soon as the door had closed, "this group is serious about a case. You see the urgency with which they act. You The letter to me was postmarked at ten o'clock in the morning. Susan reported to Barney immediately. Barney went to his master for instructions without delay; and he, or she—I prefer the mistress, because just now Su Shan laughed when I thought I was wrong--planned action. Negro Steve was brought in, and by eleven o'clock the next morning I was warned. You see, it was a swift action."

"But what is their purpose?"

"That's exactly what needs to be solved. Who lived in this house before you?"

"A retired naval captain named Ferguson."

"Is there anything special about this man?"

"I haven't heard of it."

"At first I wondered if he buried something. Of course, people bury gold in postal banks nowadays, but there are always some crazy weirdos in the world. Wouldn't the world be too dull if there were no such people? huh? At first I did imagine the possibility of burying treasures, but if that's the case, what would they want your furniture for? You don't have some original Raphael or Shakespeare first folio and don't know it ?”

"No, there is no more valuable treasure than a royal Derby tea set."

"This kind of tea set is not worth their fuss. Also, why don't they publicly state what they want? If they want your tea set, they can just pay a high price for the tea set. Why buy all your things, even pots and pans No, the way I see it, you have something in your house that you don't know about, and if you knew, you would never let it go."

"That's what I thought too," I said.

"Watson agrees, so it must be done."

"Then, Mr. Holmes, what is it?"

"Come on, let's see if we can narrow it down to a minimum by logical analysis. You have lived here for a year."

"It's been almost two years."

"That's better. You haven't been asked for anything for such a long time. Suddenly, within three or four days, you've come across someone in desperate need. What do you think that means?"

"That just means," I said, "that whatever it is that is wanted is just coming into the house."

"That's right," said Holmes. "Then, Mrs. Maberley, has anything been added to the house lately?"

"No, I didn't buy anything new this year."

"Really? That's really strange. Well, I think it's better to watch the further developments of the matter in order to get enough information. Is your lawyer a competent person?"

"Mr. Sutro is very capable."

"Do you have another maid? Is Susan the only maid who slammed the door just now?"

"I also have a young maid."

"You need Sutro to stay at the house for a night or two. You may need protection."

"Where does the danger come from?"

"Who dares to say. The case is really unclear. Since I can't figure out what they want, I must start from the other side and find the mastermind. Has this man who said he was a real estate broker left an address?"

"Just business card and occupation. Haynes Johnson, auctioneer and valuer."

"It looks like he can't be found in the phone book. A normal businessman never hides the address of his business. Well, if something new happens, please let me know. I've taken your case and I'll make sure it's done." success."

As we passed the hall, Holmes' omniscient glance fell on a few boxes piled in a corner.The customs stickers on them are colorful.

"'Milan', 'Lucerne', that's from Italy."

"It's all about my poor son Douglas."

"Have you unpacked it yet? How long has it been there?"

"Thoughtful last week."

"But you just said—well, this might be a clue. Who knows if there's anything precious in it!"

"Impossible, Mr. Holmes. Poor Douglas has nothing but his wages and a small annuity. What can he have of value?"

Holmes fell into thought.

"Quickly, Mrs. Maberley," he said at last, "have these taken to your bedroom at once. Check the box as soon as possible to see what's in it. I'll hear the results of your examination to-morrow."

Gables was evidently closely watched, for as we turned the high fence at the corner we saw the Negro Boxer standing there.We met him suddenly, and his hideous and menacing appearance was even more evident in this remote place.Holmes felt in his pocket.

"Are you drawing a pistol, Mr. Holmes?"

"No, touch the snuffbox, Steve."

"You are very funny, Mr. Holmes."

"You won't be amusing me if I follow you. I had a word for you this morning."

"Well, Mr. Holmes, I have considered what you said this morning, and I don't want the Perkins affair to be mentioned again. If I can be of service to you, you may speak."

"Then, tell me who is behind this case."

"My goodness! I'm telling you the truth, Mr. Holmes. I don't know. Barney, my superior, gave me orders, and that's all."

"Well, you remember, Steve, the wife in this house, and everything in the house, are under my protection. Don't forget."

"Well, Mr. Holmes, I remember."

"It seems to me, Watson, that he's trying to save his own life," said Holmes, as we walked on. "If he really knew who was behind the scenes, I think he would betray him." .Fortunately, I have a little knowledge of John's group, of which Steve is a member. Watson, it seems that this case needs Langdale Parker. Be clearer."

I never saw Holmes again after that, but I can imagine how he spent the whole day.Langdale Pike made a living by collecting information on all aspects of society and contributing to tabloids, and his income was said to be in the four figures.In the muddy waters of London society, as long as there is a slight turbulence, it will be automatically and accurately recorded by this human relationship recorder.Holmes is always careful to help Langdale acquire knowledge, and sometimes accepts his help.

When I went to Holmes' room early next morning, I knew from his manner that things were going well, but there was a surprise waiting for us, and that was the following telegram:

Please come now.Home stolen.The police are present.Sutro
Holmes whistled. "The drama is reaching its climax, and sooner than I expected. I should not be surprised, Watson, that there is a powerful force behind the case, for I heard something yesterday. This Sutro is her lawyer, of course. I made a mistake in not asking you to stay on guard yesterday. It seems that this Sutro is a soft bone. There is nothing you can do, let's go to Harrow."

Returning to the Gable Wall Villa, the scene is quite different from what I saw yesterday.A few spectators stood at the garden gate, and two policemen inspected the windows and the geranium beds.Entering the house, we met a gray-haired old gentleman who claimed to be a lawyer, and beside him was a red-faced police officer who was busy chattering, and immediately dealt with Holmes as an old acquaintance. "Hey, Mr. Holmes, you have nothing to do with it this time. It's just an ordinary theft. The ordinary police can handle it. I'm afraid you, an expert, don't need to intervene."

"Of course, the case is in the hands of competent policemen," said Holmes. "A mere ordinary theft, you mean?"

"That's right. We already know who's doing it and where to find them. That Barney's group, and that black person—someone's seen them around."

"Very clever! May I ask what they stole?"

"Well, it looks like they didn't quite get it right. Mrs. Maberley was anesthetized and the house was—well, here comes the mistress."

The hostess who received us yesterday, looking pale and very weak, was helped in by a little maid.

"You gave me sound advice yesterday, Mr. Holmes," she said, with a wry smile. "Damn it, I didn't follow it. I didn't want to trouble Mr. Sutro, and that's what happened."

"I just heard about it this morning," said the lawyer.

"Yesterday, Mr. Holmes advised me to ask someone to stay on guard. I didn't take it seriously, and I suffered a loss."

"You seem very feeble," said Holmes. "I wonder if you will be able to go on with the story."

"Isn't the incident obvious?" said the officer, pointing to his notebook.

"However, if Madam's physical strength allows—"

"Actually, the process is not very complicated. I think that nasty Susan has been in collusion with them for a long time. They must be very familiar with this house. Suddenly someone covered my mouth with gauze soaked in chloroform anesthetic, and I Immediately I lost consciousness. I don’t know how long it took. When I woke up, I saw a person standing by the bed, and another person was just standing up from my son’s luggage pile with a roll of paper in his hand. Part of it opened and there was stuff all over the floor. I jumped up and grabbed him before he could get away."

"You're taking too much risk," said the officer.

(End of this chapter)