The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 88 The Return (3)
"No, Lestrade. I have no intention of being involved in the matter at all. You are the credit of this splendid arrest, and you alone. I congratulate you, Lestrade! You have done so wisely and courageously." The performance of both has caught him."

"Have him! Who has he caught, Mr. Holmes?"

"It was this Colonel Moran whom all the police had been looking for but could not find. On the 427th of last month, he put a bullet in his air gun and fired at the window on the second floor of No. [-] Park Road. Dead Ronald Adair. Charge it on that charge, Lestrade. Now, Watson, if you can bear the cold wind blowing in through the broken window, you might as well smoke a cigar in my study, Stay for half an hour, it will give you some entertainment."

Our old rooms, thanks to the supervision of Mycroft and the immediate care of Mrs. Hudson, have not changed in any way.As soon as I came in, I noticed the rare cleanliness of the room, but everything was still the same: this corner was where the chemical experiments were done, and there was a pine table, which was stained with acid; A row of large scrapbooks and reference books are things that many Londoners want to burn and quickly.I looked around, the wall chart, the violin case, the pipe rack, and even the Persian slippers that held the tobacco were all the same as before.There were already two people in the room, Mrs. Hudson, who welcomed us in with a smile, and the impassive dummy who had played so much a part in our tonight's adventure.This beautifully made and painted wax figure of my friend, on a little stand, with an old pajamas draped over it, looks perfectly realistic when viewed from the street.

"Have you observed all precautions, Mrs. Hudson?"

"I did it on my knees, as you ordered, sir."

"Excellent. You did a very good job. Did you see where the bullet hit?"

"Yes, sir. I'm afraid the bullet has shattered that handsome bust of yours. It went right through the head and smashed against the wall. I found it on the rug. Here it is!"

Holmes held out his hand and handed me the bullet. "A lead-tipped revolver bullet. That's ingenious. Who would have discovered that such a thing came out of an air gun? Well, Mrs. Hudson, I am very grateful for your help. Now, Watson, please sit in the old In your seat, I want to discuss a few things with you."

He took off his old frock coat and put on the taupe pajamas he had taken off the wax figure, and he was Holmes again.

"This old hunter doesn't shake his hands or blur his eyes," he said with a smile as he inspected the broken forehead of the wax figure. "Aim at the back of the head and hit the brain just right. He used to be the best in India." Sagittarius, I think there are very few in London these days. Have you ever heard his name?"

"No."

"Look, that's called fame! But, if I remember correctly, you haven't heard the name James Moriarty before. He's one of the great men of this century. Please help me get that Take this biographical index off the shelf."

He sat in a chair, leaned back, puffed on his cigar, and lazily flipped through his notes.

"The stuff I've got in M ​​is good. Moriarty is a great man anywhere. Here's Morgan the drug addict, here's the notorious Meridius, and Matthews--he's in the Knocked out my left canine in the waiting room in Charing Cross Square. This last one is the friend we saw tonight."

He handed me the book, which read: Colonel Sebastian Moran, unprofessional, formerly of the 1881st Bangalore Engineer Regiment.Born in London in 1884, he was the son of Sir Augustus Moran, former British Minister to Persia.Educated at Eton College and Oxford University.Served in Chawaki, Afghanistan, Charasiab (dispatch), Shepur, Kabul.Books: Big Game in the Western Himalayas ([-]), March in the Jungle ([-]).Address: Pipeline Street.Clubs: Anglo-Indian Club, Tankville Club, Baggertell Card Club.

In the margin of the page there is a marginal note in Holmes' legible handwriting: LONDON'S SECOND DANGEROUS MAN.

"It's amazing," I said, handing him back the book, "that this man is a respectable soldier."

"Indeed," replied Holmes, "to a certain extent he has done well. He was always very daring, and there is a tale in India of how he climbed into a ditch after a wounded man-eating tiger. Walter Some trees, after reaching a certain height, will suddenly grow into ugly and weird shapes. You often see this in people. I have a theory that in development, an individual can reproduce the entire process of his ancestors' development , and suddenly for better or for worse like this, shows some kind of influence in his family, he seems to be the epitome of his family history."

"Your idea is a bit weird."

"Well, I don't insist. For whatever reason, Colonel Moran is beginning to degenerate. He hasn't had any public scandals in India, but he hasn't stayed. He's out of the army, and he's come to London, and he's notorious again. At this time, he was selected by Professor Moriarty, and he was once Moriarty's chief of staff. Moriarty paid him generously, but only took advantage of his doing one or two things that ordinary gangsters could not afford, Very complicated case. You may remember something about the murder of Mrs. Stewart at Lord in 5. Can't remember? I can conclude that Moran was the mastermind, but I can't find any evidence. The Colonel is very concealed. Clever, even when the Moriarty gang was caught, we couldn't charge him. Do you remember the day I went to see you at your apartment, and didn't I close the shutters for air gun protection? Probably when you Think I'm superfluous. I know exactly what I'm doing because I already know of such an unusual gun and know that it's being handled by a top marksman in the world. When we were in Switzerland, he Followed us with Moriarty. No doubt he was the one who got me through those unpleasant [-] minutes on the Reichenbach Cliff.

"You can imagine that when I was living in France I watched the papers for a chance of subduing him. As long as he's at large in London, I've got nothing to live for. His shadow haunts me day and night, and he's got his hands on me. Sooner or later, my chance will come. What can I do with him? I can't just shoot him as soon as I see him, and I will be sent to court myself, and there is no use asking the mayor for help. They can't rely on it. So I couldn't do anything. So I kept an eye out for the crime news in the papers, thinking I'd catch him sooner or later. Then I saw the news of the tragic death of Ronald Adair, and my chance came at last. From what I knew, it was obvious that Colonel Moran had done it? He played cards with the young man, then followed him all the way from the club to his house, and shot Adair through the open window. There is no doubt about that. That bullet alone would have sent him to the gallows. I was going back to London at once, but the watchman found me, and he would of course tell the Colonel that I had appeared in London again. The Colonel could not but Connecting my sudden return to his crimes, and being terrified. I guessed that he would immediately try to get rid of me, and that he would bring out the murder weapon again to achieve his goal. I was at the window Leaving him an obvious target, and forewarning that Scotland Yard might need their help--by the way, Watson, you saw them exactly in that doorway--and I found that which seemed to me to be safe. It never occurred to me that he would choose that place to attack me as well. My dear Watson, is there anything else for me to explain?"

"Yes," I said, "what motive Colonel Moran had for murdering Ronald Adair, you have not stated."

"Ah, my dear Watson, we can only speculate on this point, but in this respect even the most logical mind may err. Each one may make his own hypothesis on the basis of the evidence available, you and I. assumptions may be correct."

"So, you've made an assumption?"

"I would like to state that the facts of the case are not complicated. Colonel Moran and young Adair have won a large sum of money in partnership, as is known from the testimony. It goes without saying that Moran cheated--I have known him for a long time to cheat at cards." .I believe that on the day Adel was killed, Adel discovered that Moran was cheating. It is likely that he talked to Moran privately and threatened to expose Moran unless he voluntarily quit the club and promised never to play again. Logically That said, it's unlikely that a young man like Adair would immediately go out and expose Moran, who is somewhat famous and much older, and cause a scandal. Probably he did as I reckon. Yes. For Moran, who made his living by playing cards and cheating money, being expelled from the club was tantamount to destroying himself. So Moran killed Adel. Taking advantage of cheating to win money. He locked the door to prevent his mother and sister from suddenly coming in and asking him what he was doing with all those names and coins. Does that make sense?"

"I believe you have told the truth of the matter."

"It will be proved or disproved at the trial. In the meantime, whatever happens, Colonel Moran will never bother us again. Von Herder's wonderful air gun will grace the Scotland Yard Museum, and Mr. Holmes will again." may be dedicated to the investigation of the multitude of interesting little problems raised by the intricacies of life in London."

norwood architects

"From the point of view of criminal experts," said Mr. Holmes, "London has become a very dull city after Professor Moriarty's death."

"I don't believe there are many decent citizens who agree with you," I replied.

"Yes, yes, I shouldn't be selfish," he said, laughing, moving his chair from the table. "Of course the situation is good for society, because nobody loses, except the poor specialist." There is nothing else to do. You could read in the morning papers every morning a great deal of possibilities while the fellow was still active. And, Watson, often a tiny clue, a faintest sign, is enough for me. Find out where this wicked bandit leader is. Like the slightest quiver at the edge of a spider's web, you will think of the hideous spider lurking in the center of the web. For those who have clues, all small thefts, arbitrary violence Unexplained murders can all be connected into a whole. For a scholar who studies the upper-class underworld, the capitals of other European countries have never had the favorable conditions like London at that time. But, now..." He shrugged, Humorously expressing his dissatisfaction with the status quo that he has spent a lot of effort on.

At the time to which I am speaking, Holmes had been home for some months.I complied with his request, sold my small practice, and moved back to the old flat we had shared in Baker Street.I was surprised and delighted that a young doctor named Verner, who bought my small practice in Kensington, did not hesitate to pay the highest price I had ventured to ask.A few years later, I found out that Verner was a distant relative of Holmes, and Holmes actually raised the money, so I understood why.

During the few months we worked together, life was not as dull as he said.For I had skimmed through my notebooks and found in this period the astonishing case of the ex-President Murillo's papers and the Dutch steamer Friesland, which nearly cost us our lives.However, his calm and self-respecting personality has never liked any form of public praise for him.He bound me under the strictest rules not to say a word about himself, his methods, or his successes.As I explained, this ban has only now been lifted.

After the queer discussion was over, Holmes leaned back in his chair and was leisurely flipping through the morning papers, when a sudden ringing of the doorbell caught our attention, followed by a knocking sound like It was someone beating the door with their fists.The door opened and I heard footsteps rushing nervously down the hall and up the stairs.After a while, a young man burst into the room frantically. His face was pale, his hair was disheveled, his eyes were full of anger, and his whole body was trembling.His eyes fell back and forth on us.We looked at him questioningly and made him feel compelled to apologize for his rude intrusion.

"I am sorry, Mr. Holmes," he cried, "but please don't blame me. I am going mad. Mr. Holmes, I am that unfortunate John Hector MacFarlane."

He introduced himself in this way, and it seemed that by mentioning his name we could understand his visit and his method; but from the unresponsive face of my companion, I could see that the name was very important to him and me Nothing has been said yet.

"Have a cigarette, Mr. MacFarlane," he said, passing the pack. "I trust my friend Dr. Watson to prescribe you a sedative for your symptoms. The weather has been hot these last few days. Now if you feel calmer, please sit in that chair and tell us slowly who you are and what I can do to help you. You just said your first name, as if I should know you, but except you are a I really don't know a thing about you, except for the obvious facts of being a bachelor, a lawyer, a Masonic, an asthmatic."

Being acquainted with my friend's methods, I could easily follow his reasoning, and see that it was the young man's unshaven appearance, the bundle of papers he carried, the charm on his watch-chain, and the sound of his panting which caused Holmes to act. these speculations.But the young client was dumbfounded at his speculation.

"Yes, that is me you are talking about. Besides, I am the most unfortunate man in London at present. For heaven's sake, leave me alone, Mr. Holmes. If they come before I have finished speaking If you arrest me, please ask them to give me time, and I will tell you the whole truth. If I know that you are out on my behalf, I will be happy to go to prison."

"Arrest you?!" said Holmes. "This is indeed very... very interesting. And for what crime are you to be arrested?"

"Mr. Jonas Oldecke, murdered Norwood."

There was a kind of sympathy that seemed somewhat satisfied on my companion's expressive face.

"Ah," said he, "I told my friend, Dr. Watson, at breakfast just now, that all cases of public interest have disappeared from the papers."

With a trembling hand our visitor lifted up the Daily Telegraph which was lying on Holmes' lap.

"If you have read the paper, sir, you will see at a glance why I am looking for you today. It seems to me that everyone is talking about my name and my misfortune." He turned the paper over. Go to the page with the important news, "Here it is. I'll read it to you if you like. Listen to this, Mr. Holmes. Here's the headline: 'Norwood's Mysterious Case--Disappearance of Famous Architect--Suspect Murder arson - lead to the criminal', that's what they're after, Mr. Holmes. I knew it was bound to lead to me. I was followed as soon as I got off the train at London Bridge station, and they were just waiting. , I will be taken away once a warrant is issued for me. It will make my mother sad—it will make her sad!" He was terrified, twisting his hands violently, shaking repeatedly in his chair.

I took a good look at the man accused of killing: he had blond hair, a handsome face, but looked tired, blue eyes full of fright, clean-shaven, nervous lips that seemed indecisive.He was about 20 years old, dressed and behaved like a gentleman.From the pocket of his light summer coat peeped a roll of endorsed certificates stating his profession.

"We must make use of the time now," said Holmes. "Will you, Watson, take up the paper and read the passage just mentioned?"

Beneath the headline quoted by our client, I saw this suggestive narrative, and read it accordingly: "An accident occurred in Norwood late last night or early this morning. It may be a serious crime. Behavior. Mr. Jonas Oldeke is a well-known resident of the suburb, who has been engaged in construction for many years and has become rich because of it. Quirky, usually taciturn and unsociable, he has withdrawn from the construction industry in recent years, but the lumber yard behind the house is still there. Last night around twelve o’clock, the lumber yard sounded a fire alarm, and the fire engines rushed to the scene shortly thereafter. The fire was so violent that it could not be extinguished until the whole pile of wood was consumed. So far, the cause of the fire seems to be accidental, but there are other indications that it is very likely to be a serious crime. It is strange that the head of the house was not seen at the scene of the fire. After inquiry, it was found that the head of the household was missing. Checking the bedroom, no one had slept in the bed, and the safe door had been opened, and several important documents were scattered all over the floor. Finally, signs of fierce fighting were found in the room, and a small amount of blood and oak were found A cane, also stained with blood on the handle. It has been found that Mr. Oldecke received a visitor in the bedroom at that night. The cane was the property of the visitor. The late-night visitor was the young lawyer John Hector McFar Mr. Lan, a partner of Graham & McFarlane, 52 Gresham Building, Middle East. The police believe that they have strong evidence to explain the motive of the crime. In short, there is no doubt that the case has developed astonishingly.

(End of this chapter)