The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 51 Four Signatures (35)
In an outhouse we found a large quantity of nickel and tin ingots, but no coins.This also explains why the getaway wagon has a lot of bulky boxes on it.

How the hydraulic engineer was transported from the garden to the place where he reawakened might never have been known had it not been for the clear footprints still left in the soil.Apparently he was carried over by two men, one with very small feet and the other with very large feet.Herein lies the possibility that the quiet Englishman, unlike his accomplice, was less bold and less cruel.He and the lady were the ones who lifted the unconscious engineer out of danger.

When we boarded the return train, the engineer said to us in a dejected voice: "Oh, this is too bad. I lost my thumb, and my fifty guinea pay, and what have I got?"

"Experience!" laughed Holmes. "You know, it may be valuable from another point of view. As long as it is known to others, then in your future working life, your firm will enjoy Very prestigious."

The Case of the Noble Bachelor
The marriage of Lord Saint-Simon, and its unusual outcome, had long ceased to interest the high-society people with whom it had been associated.It has been overshadowed by the new scandal, the more dramatic details and circumstances that push what happened four years ago into the background.However, as I am reasonably sure that all the truths of the case have not been exposed to the public, and to which my friend Sherlock Holmes has done so much, I think that if this strange business is not done His track record would not be complete without a succinct account.

At that time I was living with Holmes in Baker Street, and one day, a few weeks before my marriage, Holmes went for a walk at noon, and I saw a letter from him lying on the table.It was raining that day, and the autumn wind was strong, and my arms started to hurt again. I had left a rifle bullet in my body as a souvenir from the Afghan campaign.I lay in an easy chair, crossed my legs over another chair, and read the pile of newspapers around me, until my head was full of news, and then I left the pile of newspapers.I lay idly, looking at the huge chapter and monogram on the letter on the table, and I guessed which nobleman might have written him a letter.

When he came back, I said, "Here's a nice new letter, addressed to you. It's not like the ones this morning. They're supposed to be from a fishmonger and a customs clerk."

"Yes, there is always something colorful and attractive about my letters," he said with a smile, "but the more ordinary people write the more interesting the letter. But this one looks like a disgusting social style letter." You will either be bored with the subpoena, or you will be lying again."

He opened the letter and read it.

"Oh, come and see, it might be an interesting thing!"

I said, "Not social?"

"No, obviously business."

"Is the client you sent from a nobleman?"

"One of the highest-ranking nobles in England."

"My friend, congratulations."

"Honestly, Watson, I am sure that the social status of my client is not important to me. It is the case that excites me. However, in this new case, his social status and background may necessarily be involved. You You often read newspapers carefully these days, don’t you?”

"It seems to be." I pointed to a pile of newspapers in the corner and said dejectedly, "I have nothing to do."

"It's good luck that you can give me some up-to-date information. I don't read anything but crime news and missing persons. If you pay attention to recent events, have you noticed Lord San Simeon and News of his wedding?"

"Oh, yes. I have developed a strong reading interest in it."

"Well, this letter is from Lord St. Simon. I'll read it to you while you look through the papers and see what information you can give me. He wrote:

Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes:

I believe what Lord Buckwater said, and absolutely trust your powers of analysis and reasoning.So I'm going to come in and ask something about the accident that happened at my wedding, and it's heart-wrenching.Mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard, who took up the case before, has stated that we should work with you in this matter and that you will be of great help to us.I will be at the door at [-]pm, if you have an appointment I hope you will still find time to see me later as this is extremely important.

your faithful san simon

"The letter is from Grosvenor House, written with a quill pen. A drop of ink has been inadvertently applied to the outside of the little finger of his right hand by the lord," said Holmes, folding the letter.

"He said it was four o'clock, and it's three o'clock, and he'll be here in an hour."

"Then, with your help, I still have time to clarify this matter. Look up these newspapers and put the useful information for us in chronological order. First, let's understand the background of this client." He said Pulling out a book with a red cover from a row of books by the fireplace, "Here." He sat down and put the book on his knees, "Lord Robert San Simeon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral. Born in 41, he is [-] years old this year, and he has reached the mature age of marriage. In the previous government, he served as Under-Secretary for Colonial Affairs. His father, the Duke, was Minister of Foreign Affairs. They are the Anjou Dynasty The bloodline is its direct descendant. The maternal lineage is the Tudor royal family. This is of no real significance. Watson, it seems that you need to provide some more practical information."

I said: "It's not difficult for me to find these news, because the incident happened not long ago, and I was very impressed. But I didn't dare to tell you before, because you were dealing with a case at the time, and you didn't like being interrupted." thing."

"Oh, you mean the little thing about the Grosvenor Square furniture van. It's cleared up now--in fact it's been cleared up from the beginning. Please give me the information in the paper."

"Here's the first one I found, in the notice section of the Morning Post. Dated, oh, a few weeks ago. It says: Robert San-Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, allegedly Preparations are complete, Lord, for the marriage to Miss Hatty Dolan, the only daughter of Mr. Aloysius Dolan, San Francisco, California, USA. If the information is true, the wedding will take place in the near future."

"Plain and simple," said Holmes.He stretched his long, thin legs toward the fire.

"Also in that week, a society paper had a more detailed account of the matter. Ah, here it is: 'There will be calls for protection in the near future in the sphere of marriage, because the present The terms of free-trade marriages seem to be very unfavorable to our fellow Britons. Great British families are gradually falling into the hands of female relatives from across the Atlantic. Last week, these voluptuous invaders were on the list of spoils they took, Add another heavyweight. Lord San Simeon, who has not been in love for more than 20 years, is suddenly announcing his marriage to California millionaire beau Hartie Dolan, an only child. Her graceful figure and stunning appearance attracted great attention from the people at the banquet at Westbury Palace. According to recent reports, her dowry will far exceed six figures and is expected to increase. Because Balmer It was an open secret that the Duke of La had to sell his collection of pictures, and Lord San Simeon had nothing but his meager estate on Birchmoor Heath. So the California heiress, could Through this marriage, she has easily elevated herself from a female republican to the status of a British lady, and it is obvious that she has more than one advantage in this respect.'”

"Is there anything else?" Holmes yawned.

"Yes, there are many more." A text message on the "Morning Post" said: The wedding will be kept simple and will be held at St. George's Cathedral in Hanover Square. At that time, only close relatives and close friends will be invited to attend. Relatives, friends, etc. will return to the furnished lodgings rented by Mr. Aloysius Dolan at Lancaster Gate. Two days later, last Wednesday, another brief announcement was made that the wedding has taken place. The couple will be at Honeymoon at Lord Buckwater Cottage, near Petersfield. These are all the news of the bride before she disappeared."

"Before what?" asked Holmes in surprise.

"Before the lady disappeared."

"Then when did she disappear?"

"At breakfast after the wedding."

"Indeed, it was much more interesting than expected. In fact, it was quite a dramatic scene."

"Yes, it is because of its unusualness that it attracts me."

"They usually disappear before the ceremony, or a few disappear during the honeymoon. But I really can't remember a time like this. Please tell me all the details."

"First of all, this material is not very complete."

"Maybe we can integrate them."

"Well, I'll read to you a report in yesterday's morning paper that was fairly well written. It was entitled "Uncanny Events at a High Society Wedding." Lord Robert San-Simon's family was terrified because Strange and unfortunate events took place at his wedding. As reported yesterday, the wedding took place the morning before, but until today it has not been possible to confirm the strange rumors that keep going around. Although the people at the wedding tried their best to conceal , but the matter has become a popular talking point. So it is useless to ignore what everyone is talking about. The wedding took place in St. George's Cathedral in Hanover Square. The ceremony was simple and low-key. Except for the bride's father , Mr Aloysius Dolan, Duchess of Balmoral, Lord Buckwater, Lord Eustace and Miss Clara St Simon (brother and sister of the groom) and Lady Alicia Whitington No one else was present. After the wedding, they came to Mr. Aloysius Dolan's lodgings at Lancaster Gate. Breakfast was already prepared there. At that time, it seems that a woman made some small Interlude. Her name is not known at present. She followed the bride and her relatives and wanted to break in. She said it was her right to ask Lord St. Simon to do things for her. After a long struggle, the steward and servants finally Chase her away. Thanks to the bride who had been in the house before this dispute, and had breakfast with everyone, but she said that she suddenly felt unwell, and went back to her bedroom. She was away for a long time, and everyone At first she was a little worried, and her father immediately went to look for her. But according to her servant, she returned to the bedroom, took a long coat and a bonnet, and hurried downstairs. Another male waiter also said that he saw Mrs. Aloysius Dolan, who had dressed like this, left the apartment, but he had no idea that it was his mistress. Mr. Aloysius Dolan called the police with the groom as soon as he was sure that his daughter was missing, and the investigation is now underway. Presumably not How long will the truth of this bizarre incident surface. However, until last night, there is still no news of the missing lady. There are many rumors that the bride has been killed. It is reported that the police have arrested the woman who caused the dispute at first. If it is For jealousy or other reasons, the police suspect that she may have a strong connection with the disappearance of the bride."

"Any more?"

"A small piece of news in the other morning paper, but of great value."

"Tell me."

"The woman who caused the trouble was Miss Flora Miller, who was indeed arrested. She seems to have been a ballerina in Allegro. She and the groom have known each other for years. There is no other More details. So far as the newspapers are concerned, you have the whole case."

"It does appear to be very interesting. I shall not miss the case under any circumstances. Listen, Watson, the doorbell has rung. It is just after four o'clock. I think our esteemed client must be here. Don't try to leave, Watson." Health, because I am very eager to have a witness, even if it is just to test my memory."

"Lord Robert San Simeon is here!" announced the footman, opening the door.

Then in came a gentleman with an affable countenance and a well-bred look.He has a high nose bridge, a pale complexion, and a sullen look on the corner of his mouth. It can be seen from his calm and wide-open eyes that he belongs to the type of people who are born to give orders.He is quick in his demeanor, but his appearance does not seem to be befitting his age.When he walked, he was slightly hunched and his knees were slightly bent.The same with the hair, and when he took off the high-brimmed hat he saw a fringe of gray hair around his head and a little thinning on top.When it came to his clothes, they were so elegant that they were almost luxurious: a stiff collar, a black dress, a white vest, yellow gloves, patent leather shoes and light-colored leggings.He walked in steadily, his eyes scanning the room, the chain of the gold-rimmed glasses was dangling in his right hand.

Holmes stood up, bowed and said: "Good day, Lord St. Simon. Please sit down in this wicker chair. This is my friend and companion, Dr. Watson. Let us come closer to the fire and talk together. Let's talk about it."

"You will easily guess, Mr. Holmes, that this has been an extremely painful matter for me. I know that you have dealt with similar cases before, sir, but I think that the clients in those cases I am afraid that your identity and social status cannot be compared with mine."

"However, it seems to me that the client's social status is declining."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The last client in a similar case was a king."

"Oh, really? I didn't expect that! Which king is it?"

"King of Bohemia."

"Ah? Is his wife missing too?"

Holmes said: "You know it, just as I promised you to keep it secret, I can't say more about other clients."

"Of course, yes, yes! I beg your pardon. I will tell you everything I can about my case to assist your investigation."

"Thank you. I've seen all the reports in the papers, but only so much. I think they can be considered true—like this one about the bride's disappearance."

Lord San Simeon looked at it and said: "Yes, it is absolutely true."

"But anyone still needs a lot of supplementary information before expressing his opinion. I want to get what I want to know from you by asking questions."

"Please ask."

"When did you and Miss Hatty Doran meet?"

"A year ago, in San Francisco."

"Were you traveling at the time?"

"Yes."

"Were you engaged then?"

"No."

"But your association must be very pleasant."

"Yes, I am really happy to meet her."

"Was her father rich?"

"I heard from others that he is the richest man on the other side of the Pacific Ocean."

"How did he accumulate wealth?"

"Mining. A few years ago he was penniless. One day, he dug up gold, so he invested money in mining, and soon he became rich."

"Then tell me what you think of your wife's character."

The aristocratic client stared at the fireplace, and the rhythm of the chains on his spectacles quickened.He said: "You know, Mr. Holmes, my wife was twenty years old before her father became a rich man. During that time, she was free and wandering around all day, so her education came from nature. She is very naughty, as we British people say. Her character is fierce, rough, and unrestrained. She is not restrained. Even if I make a major decision, I don’t care about any consequences. Besides, if I don’t consider that she is still a noble woman.” He coughed seriously, “I will never let her enjoy my life. The noble reputation she has. I think she is capable of making sacrifices, and she has always hated everything that hurt her reputation."

"Do you have a picture of her?"

"Yes, I have it with me." He opened the locket on the fob chain, and we saw the face of a very beautiful woman.It wasn't really a photograph, but a miniature.The artists used their imaginations to bring out the appeal of the glossy black hair, big eyes, and cherry mouth.Holmes looked at it for a long time, and he looked at it very carefully.He then closed the box and returned it to Lord San Simeon.

"It was after this young and beautiful lady came to London that you reconnected with each other?"

"Yes, she came to London with her father for a social event at the end of the year. I met her several times and got engaged. We are now married."

"I heard that she brought a very generous dowry?"

"The dowry is very rich, not much different from our family's."

"Since the marriage has been concluded, the dowry should belong to you as a matter of course?"

"I didn't ask about it."

"It's normal not to ask. Did you meet Miss Doran the day before the wedding?"

"I have seen."

"Is she in a good mood?"

"It couldn't be better, she kept talking to me about what our lives would be like in the future."

"Yeah, that's interesting. And the morning of the wedding?"

"She was all smiles and couldn't be happier, at least until after the wedding."

"After that, did you notice any changes in her?"

"Oh, to be honest, I saw signs that I hadn't seen before. Her temper was indeed a little too hasty, but those were trivial things, not worth mentioning."

"Nevertheless, I hope you can talk about it."

(End of this chapter)