Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 150 The Last Greeting (12)
I walked towards him again, but he was obviously angry and stopped me loudly: "If you don't stop, I have nothing to say, please go away."

It's not that I don't respect his noble qualities, I have always listened to him, although sometimes I didn't understand.I was greatly motivated by professional instincts, and I was able to let him dictate other matters, but I was in charge of this ward.

"Holmes, you are very ill. You should obey the doctor like a child. I have to examine you. Whether you agree or not, I must find out your illness and prescribe the right medicine."

He glared at me viciously.

"If a doctor is really needed, it should be someone I trust at the very least," he said.

"So, you don't believe me?"

"I believe in your friendship very much. However, you are actually just an ordinary doctor with little experience and qualifications. I don't want to say this. You forced me to do this."

My self-esteem did take a hit.

"It doesn't suit you to say something like that, it shows what state of mind you're in. I won't force you to believe me, I can go to Sir Gasbeauty Miquoll or Penrose Fersh , or any other best doctor in London, anyway, you need a doctor, and if you think I can save you without calling other doctors, then you are underestimating me."

"Watson, I understand your good intentions," the patient's voice sounded like a moan or a whimper, "Do you insist on asking me to point out your poverty? Let me ask you, Dabanuliliri fever and Formosa Do you know what's going on with black sepsis?"

"I've never heard of either."

"Watson, there are many strange diseases appearing in the East," he said feebly. "Recently, I have studied some cases of medical crimes and learned a lot. This is how I got my disease. You How can it be healed?"

"Well, I just happen to know that Dr. Einsderry is in London right now. He is an authoritative expert on tropical diseases. Don't refuse again, Holmes. I will send for him right away."

Without hesitation, I turned and walked towards the door.To my astonishment, he sprang from the bed like a tiger and stopped me, only to hear the key click in the lock, and the patient swayed back onto the bed.After this excitement and anger, he wasted a lot of energy and lay on the bed panting.

"Shouldn't you snatch the key from me? My friend, I've kept you, so don't leave me. I'll make you happy."

At this time, he had to inhale for a while after each sentence.

"I understand very well that you do think about me, and that you will be free. But I must be given time to recover my strength. Not yet, Watson. It is only four o'clock. In two hours, I will let you you go."

"Holmes, are you not mad?"

"Wait another two hours, I will let you go at six o'clock, okay?"

"I can only agree now."

"Yes, that's all I can do. Thank you, Watson. I don't need your help in tidying the bedding. You should stay away from me. In addition, I have another request, Watson. You can invite others, but you must choose someone from me." Look inside, not the ones you mentioned."

"can."

"Since you came in, this is the most reasonable sentence you have said. There are books over there, you can read it yourself. I don't know what effect the electricity of a set of batteries will have when it is input into a non-conductor. We will talk at six o'clock. Now I I have no strength."

However, before six o'clock the conversation resumed, and I was as surprised this time as when he jumped up and closed the door.I stood there for a while, and he lay motionless on the bed, his face was almost completely covered by the quilt, as if he was asleep.I don't have the mood to read a book. I paced back and forth in the room, looking at the pictures of famous criminals on the wall.At last I stood in front of the fireplace, and on the table there were pipes, tobacco pouches, syringes, knives, bullets, and other things in a mess. Among them was a black and white ivory box with a removable lid. Look, he suddenly roared, so loud that even the people in the street could hear him.I was petrified, and when I turned around, I saw his eyes wide open, his face twitching non-stop, and I stood there holding the box.

"Put it down! Put it down quickly! Watson—I tell you to put it down!" After I put the box back, he lay back on the pillow and let out a long sigh of relief, "Watson, you should know that I hate Other people touch my things, you doctor is too much to bear, sit down, friend, don't let me not be able to rest."

This unexpected event made me quite uncomfortable.At first he was domineering, rude and unreasonably excited, but now he speaks so rudely again, he is completely different from the previous him.This shows that his brain is quite chaotic, and it is a pity that his clever brain is destroyed.I was very disappointed and kept silent, hoping that the time he set would come soon.He seemed to be the same as me, looking at his watch all the time, and when it was six o'clock, he started talking again, as angry as before.

"Have you any change now, Watson?" he asked.

"Have."

"What about silver coins?"

"There are many."

"How much is half a crown?"

"Five."

"Too little, what a coincidence, Watson! You put it in the fob-pocket, though that is all, and the rest in your left trouser pocket. Thank you, it will give you some balance."

What nonsense.He began to shake and made a sound that was neither whimper nor cough. "Now, Watson, light the gas lamp, but be careful, it is only half lit. Watson, you don't draw up the shutters, and you just put the letters and papers and newspapers on the table where I can get them, and then Get something from the mantelpiece again, yes, there's a clip on it, use it to hold that little ivory box, and put it in the newspaper over here. Yes, you can go to 13 Chapel Street and get Coverton now Smith."

To tell the truth, I did not want to go, poor Holmes was in such a state of confusion that I feared he would be in danger if I left, but he begged me as eagerly as he had stopped me just now to call for the man he had spoken of. "I've never heard of this man."

"Good Watson, you may indeed have never heard of it, and you may be surprised if I tell you. The specialist in this disease is not a doctor, but a planter, Mr. Coverton Smith, a well-known Sumatra, who is now London visit. There was a blight on his plantation, and since there was no medical help he had to research it himself, with great success. He was very organized, as you couldn't find him in his study before six o'clock, so I won't let you go. If you can invite him to come and use his unique method to help me cure my illness. Don't worry, he will definitely come, he likes to investigate this disease. "

Although he finished speaking, I don't want to describe how he was interrupted by gasps, and his hands were scratching and pinching to endure the pain.During the time I stayed with him, his condition became more and more serious, the fever spots became more prominent, the eyes shot more menacingly from the deep-set black eye sockets, and the cold sweat covered his forehead, but he still maintained That kind of relaxed demeanor may still be the one who gave orders when he died.

"Tell him what I was like when you left," he said, "and you have to say what you have in mind - dying - dead, unconscious, really, I can't imagine why there was no It will be a bountiful oyster. Oh, foolish me! Strange, brains control brains! Watson, what did I say?"

"You sent me to fetch Mr. Coverton Smith."

"Well, yes, I remember, he alone can save me. Beg him, Watson, I don't like him with him, he has a nephew, Watson—that boy died a terrible death, I once Suspected that there was a mean thing in it. Because I saw it, he hated me. You must try to impress him, Watson, and let him come by himself, and then you must come back first. No matter what excuse you use, anyway, you Can't come with him. Watson, please remember, you don't let me down, you never let me down. There must be a natural enemy to control the reproduction of creatures, Watson, we have done our best. This world will Not to be drowned by overpopulated oysters? No, no, it's terrible! You must say what's on your mind."

He babbled like a fool, and I had to go with him, and he handed me the key, which I gladly took, or he would have locked himself in.In the corridor, where Mrs. Hudson was waiting weeping, I could still hear Holmes' high-pitched nonsense voice as I passed the flat.After going downstairs, when I was calling for a carriage, a man stepped out of the fog.

"How is Mr. Holmes, sir?" he asked.

It turned out to be an acquaintance, Inspector Morton of Scotland Yard, in tweed plain clothes.

I said, "He's very sick." He looked at me with a strange expression, not because I thought it was malicious, but under the headlights, I really found that his face was full of joy.

"I've heard rumors about his illness," he said.After the carriage started, we parted.

It turned out that Chapel Street was at the junction of Kensington and Nottingshire.The houses in this place are nice, but the boundaries are not clear, and the carriage is parked in front of a house.Old-fashioned railings and double doors, with shiny brass, add stateliness.At the door, a serious steward appeared, and the light red light shot out from behind him, all of which seemed very harmonious with him.

"Dr. Watson! Mr. Coverton Smith is inside. Yes, I'll give him your card."

I don't think I can attract the attention of Mr. Coverton Smith.From the half-open door came a gruff voice.

"Who is he? Ah, what does he want? Stabel, I told you I don't take anyone in while I'm researching."

The steward explained in a low voice for a long time.

"Well, I don't see him, Stabel. My work cannot be interrupted, and you tell him I'm away. If it's absolutely necessary, tell him to come back to-morrow."

Thinking of my poor friend's suffering in his sickbed, I could not care less, and went myself into Mr. Smith's room before the steward called me.

With a shriek of rage, I saw a man rise from a chair by the fire, with a slender face, a large double chin, and dark gray eyes staring at me beside a bald forehead. A velvet smoking cap perched on top of her curly red hair.He has a big head, and what surprised me is that his body is weak, and his shoulders and back are bent like a bow, as if he suffered from rickets when he was a child.

"What's going on? Why are you barging in? Don't I ask you to come back tomorrow?" He shouted loudly.

"I am very sorry," said I, "but we cannot wait any longer, Mr. Holmes—"

Hearing this, his attitude changed, he was no longer angry, and became tense.

"You come from Holmes?" he asked me.

"Yes."

"How is he?"

"He's dying, and that's what I'm here for."

After pointing me to a chair, he sat down too, and I saw his face in a mirror on the wall. I must have had a malicious smile gliding across his face, but then I thought it might be because Hallucinations from my nervousness.Soon he turned around, sincere eyes full of concern.

"I'm sorry to hear that," he said. "I met him through several transactions. I admire his talent and character. He studied criminology in his spare time, and I studied pathology in his spare time. He caught bad guys. I kill germs. This is my prison." He pointed to the bottles and jars on the table. "Among the colloids grown here, some of the world's most vicious criminals are serving their sentences."

"It is because of your profound knowledge that Holmes is eager to see you. He thinks you are the only one who can help him in London."

This startled him, and the hat fell off his head.

"Why? Holmes thinks I can save him?" he asked.

"Because of your knowledge of Eastern diseases."

"How can he be sure he has that disease?"

"Because he worked with Chinese sailors on the pier during the investigation."

Mr. Smith picked up his hat and smiled.

"Oh, yes, I don't think it's as bad as you say. How many days has he been ill?"

"About three days."

"Sane?"

"Sometimes in a coma."

"Ah, that's serious. It would be inhuman not to see him. Although I don't want to interrupt my work, this is an exception. I'll go with you right away."

Thinking of Holmes' instructions, I said, "I have other things to do."

"Okay, I'll go alone, I know where he lives, don't worry! I'll be there in half an hour."

I went back to my friend's house uneasily, afraid that something would happen to him while I was away, but he was much better, no more delirious, but his face was still pale and his voice was weak, but he was much more awake than usual.

"Watson, have you seen him?"

"See you, he'll be here soon."

"Well, Watson, you are the best messenger."

"He wanted to come with me."

"That is impossible, Watson. Did he ask me what was wrong with me?"

"I told him it was an Eastern disease."

"Okay, Watson, you are wonderful, you go backstage now."

"Holmes, but I want to see how he treats you."

"Yes, but he will be more honest if he thinks he and I are alone here. There is a place just behind my head of the bed, Watson."

"Dear Holmes!"

"I don't think there is any other better way. Although it's not suitable for hiding, it's not too noticeable. Just hide there. I think it's okay."

He sat up suddenly with a serious face. "Hear the wheels? Come on, Watson! Come on, if you're my good friend, don't move, and at any rate don't make a sound, remember! Just listen."

In a blink of an eye, his explosive energy was gone, and his expression became dull again.

I hid in immediately, and then heard the sound of going upstairs and the opening and closing of the bedroom door. There was no movement for a long time, and the guest was observing the patient.

"Holmes! Holmes!" he cried softly, as if calling to someone in sleep. "Did you hear me, Holmes?" There was a rustle shaking the patient's shoulders.

"Is it Mr. Smith?" Holmes said in a weak voice, "I didn't expect you to come."

The man smiled.

"I don't think so," said he. "Have I not come here? It's called doing good for bad, Holmes—good for bad!"

"You are great! I appreciate your special knowledge."

The visitor laughed: "Do you really admire it? What a blessing, you are the only person in London who speaks of my admiration. Do you know what disease you have?"

"Of course," said Holmes.

"Do you recognize the symptoms?"

"very familiar."

"It is not surprising that poor Victor died on the fourth day of his illness—he was a strong, lively young man, Holmes, and I should not be surprised that you have the same disease. But it is so, you The future is not looking good. As you say, he is suffering from this Asian disease in London, which is very strange. Coincidentally, I have done research on this disease, Holmes, you have noticed this, you are very good, But it also has to be pointed out that there is a causal relationship.”

"I know you did it."

"Really? But you have no evidence. You spread rumors and slandered me, but now you come to beg me instead. What do you think? What kind of tricks are you playing?"

"Pass me the water," said the patient, panting.

"You can't die, but you have to wait until you finish talking with me before you die, so I'll give you water, please hold it up and don't spill it. Do you know what I mean?"

Holmes groaned bitterly.

"Come and save me, and let the past go," he whispered. "I swear I will forget what I said before, and I will be cured. I am sure it will be forgotten."

"You forget it or remember it as you please. I don't think you will be seen on the witness stand. Mr. Holmes, you know how my nephew died, but what does it matter to me? It is your death we are talking about." not him."

"Exactly, but you admit that you were responsible for your nephew's death, don't you?"

"The person who was looking for me—I have long forgotten his name, said that your disease was transmitted to you by those Eastern sailors."

"I guess that's the only way."

"You think you are clever, I am sorry, Mr. Holmes, but you think you are capable, don't you? This time you have met someone more capable than yourself. Come to think of it, Mr. Holmes, there is no other reason why you should be so capable." Sick?"

"I can't think. My mind's in a mess right now, for God's sake, help me!"

"Yes, I will save you. I must understand where you are and why. On your deathbed, I must make it clear to you."

"Get me something to ease my pain."

"Painful, isn't it? Coolies howl like that when they're dying, maybe you're having cramp too?"

"Yes, more than a spasm."

"Oh, but you can still understand what I mean. Let me ask you now, do you remember any unusual things you encountered when you first got this disease?"

"No, absolutely not."

"Think again."

"I was so sick I couldn't really remember anything."

"Oh, let me help you think about it, have you received anything?"

"mail?"

"Ever received a little box?"

"I have a headache, I'm afraid I'm really going to die."

"Listen, Holmes—" There was a loud noise, as if shaking a dying patient, and I hid inside and did not dare to make a sound. "You must listen to me. You must remember the ivory box, don't you? It was delivered on Wednesday. Did you open it?"

"Yes, I opened it, and there is still a very pointed spring inside, are you kidding me!"

"You were fooled, that's not a joke. You asked for trouble, who let you mess with me? If you don't fight me, how can I hurt you. "

"I remember," panted Holmes, "that it was the thing that was bleeding. The box was on the table."

"Yes, that's it, I put it in my pocket, and you have no evidence at all. Now you know, Mr. Holmes, it was I who killed you. You really know the fate of Victor Savage, I therefore want you to experience it for yourself. You are dying, Holmes, and I will wait here for your death."

Holmes's small voice was almost inaudible.

"What are you talking about?" Smith asked. "Brighten the lights, isn't it? It's going to be dark, isn't it? Great, and I can see you more clearly." He came over and suddenly turned on the lights very brightly. "Is there anything else I can do for you, my friend?"

"Matches and cigarettes."

I was pleasantly surprised and almost shouted.His voice returned to its original form, but it was still a little weak.After a long silence, I sensed the silence and astonishment of Coverton Smith.

"What's going on here?" he finally spoke, anxious and nervous.

"The best way to get into a role is to play the role fully yourself," said Holmes. "I tell you, I have not eaten or drunk for three days. It is thanks to your kindness to give me a glass of water. Still no tobacco. Great, here are the cigarettes."

(End of this chapter)