Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 159: Investigating Strange Cases (1)
Blood was flowing from the baby's white and tender neck, and the woman standing beside the baby grinned, with blood dripping from her lips. Is that woman really a legendary vampire?In the middle of the night, the respected and highly reputed old professor bent down, crawled from the room to the base of the wall like an animal, and quickly climbed up the wall...

blocked wedding
After my numerous entreaties, Holmes finally agreed to let me publish the story.He did an excellent job in this case.

First of all, Holmes and I are very fond of Turkish baths, and, in this environment, he is more relaxed and talkative than on any occasion. On September 1902, 9, in a quiet corner above the bathroom in Northampton Street, Holmes and I lay side by side on a chair. I asked him, "Has there been any more exciting cases lately?"

"Yes." He said, suddenly stretched his arm out of the quilt, and took out the envelope from the pocket of the coat hanging beside him.

While writing to me, he said, "You may be interested in this thing, but I don't know if it's a big deal, or the other party is making too much fuss? I also read the content just now."

The letter looks like this:
Dear Mr. Holmes:
Hello!Tomorrow at 04:30 pm, I will visit you, I hope you will use your wisdom to solve a very troublesome but very important matter for me.Call me if you agree.

Yours sincerely, Sir James Demery
Holmes watched me finish the letter.

He said: "Indeed, as you may imagine, I have told Sir Sir that I would be of service to him."

"Sir Demery's contacts are very wide!"

"Yes, indeed. I probably know better than you. He is best at dealing with troublesome matters that cannot be brought to light, as he did in the Hammerford Will case. He has a wealth of experience and He has a lot of diplomatic skills, so he shouldn't be a person who is easy to make a fuss. He may have encountered a very difficult thing." He continued, "Watson, would you like to help him with me?"

"Yes, I am very happy."

"Okay. Then at 04:30, let's wait for his arrival at home."

I was at four o'clock from Ann's Back Street to Holmes' Baker Street.Sir James arrived on time at 04:30.This well-known gentleman is probably still remembered by many people for his cheerful personality, broad forehead, clean shaven, and mellow voice.With his frank gray eyes and the frequent smile on his mouth, he was a man of quick wit.His dress indicated his status and elegance, with a shiny top hat, a very well-made dress, a beautiful pin decoration on the tie, and light purple shoe covers covering the leather shoes.In short, he had added a great deal of splendor to the little room.

"Ah, Dr. Watson is here." He saluted deeply.Then he said to my friend: "Mr. Holmes, I hope you will pay attention to this matter. Because the opponent is a fellow who is inhuman and so bold that he has no scruples. In my opinion, he is also the same in the whole of Europe." most dangerous."

Holmes smiled and lit his pipe. He said, "I'm very interested in this. Can you tell me his name?"

"Have you ever heard of the name Baron Gruner?"

"Oh, you mean the Austrian murderer?"

Sir James burst out laughing, and raising his sheepskin-gloved hands, said: "I admire you! You know everything, my dear Holmes! Are you sure he is a murderer?"

"It's my job and my hobby to keep an eye out for cases of all kinds. I think anyone who hears about the Prague case must think he's a criminal. But he got away with it for a number of reasons. Also, the Grand Canyon Who else could have killed his wife in this case? That's for sure. What is he doing now that he's in England? Gruner, it looks like I need to deal with him."

"What about his deed? This time what he intends to do may lead to more terrible and intolerable results. You will certainly sympathize with my client."

"The client? Are you just representing him? Who is the real client?"

Sir James seemed perplexed. He paused and said, "Mr. Holmes, I am sorry that I cannot reveal his identity. But please be assured that we will never let you do anything that is not in line with the law and morality, and we can ask you Provide a richer reward."

Holmes said: "It is by no means a matter of remuneration. If I cannot know who the real client is, please forgive me for not taking this case."

"However, I have promised him not to reveal my identity. Aren't you embarrassing someone? Please believe that this case is definitely worth your while. If you know the details of the matter, I am sure you will take over immediately."

"Then what are the details?"

"Very well. Let me first tell you that it can be said."

"I'm willing to listen."

"You must have heard of General de Melville, have you not? He fought in many battles. His daughter Violet Melville is in trouble now. She is madly infatuated with that devil Gru Na, oh, what a poor girl! She's so beautiful, kind, and beloved. We can't see her jumping into the fire."

"I've also heard that Baron Gruner is very attractive to women. Many young girls are attracted by him, but Miss Violet is so noble, how can she get involved with him?"

"It's a long story. On a yacht trip to the Mediterranean, as long as the tourist can afford the exorbitant fare, he can board without regard to noble blood. This gives the devil a chance, on this trip , he courted Violet, and that was it. He completely captivated Miss Violet. She had only him in her eyes, and he was her god, and she would be ashamed of anyone who spoke of him in front of her. Lost tantrums. The dreadful thing is, now that this young lady is planning to marry this wretch next month, and is very determined, how can we avoid this misfortune?"

"Have you ever told her about the Austrian case?"

"Why don't we tell it, that cunning guy Gruner told her all the previous news in a different way. He told his own story, always telling himself that he was wronged, it seems that the whole society Misunderstand him. Miss Melville will feel more for him then, and I can't help it."

Holmes smiled and said: "It seems that General de Merville is your client?"

The jazz was obviously very nervous: "Absolutely not! He is an old friend of the general. He couldn't bear the fact that Miss Melville was cheated by that devil and ruined her life, and he didn't want to see General Melville affected by this matter on the battlefield. He is a man who does not want to be seen, so he does not want me to say his name. Mr. Holmes, don't ask me any more, will you?"

Holmes seemed to understand and said: "I understand, well, I accept this case, please leave your phone number, for the convenience of contact."

"XX31."

"Can you tell us about Baron Gruner's other situation?"

"Of course. Now, the baron lives in a luxurious villa, and no one knows where he got his money. But this guy is very good at art, has a collection of many rare books and famous paintings, and has research on Chinese ceramics , I heard that he also published a monograph on ceramics."

"Oh, I see. I will investigate him, and rest assured your client, I will settle the matter as soon as possible."

Sir James left, Holmes seemed to have forgotten my existence, and he sat in the big chair for a long time thinking.It was a long time before he turned to me and said, "Tell me your opinion, Watson."

I said you should get to know Violet first, that is, meet her first.But Holmes disagreed.

"No, think about it. Even her biological father can't change her. If we rush in, can we gain something? I think we should consider other aspects first. Do you remember John?"

John was of great help to Holmes' investigation in his later years.He had been to prison twice, and was an outlaw before.But later he was finally influenced by Holmes and was willing to do things for him.In the London underworld, John also occupies a place, and it turns out that the intelligence he collected is very accurate, and there is not a single mistake.It seems that he needs to work hard to find out the news again.

The next few days I was so busy with the business of my clinic that I did not quite understand how Holmes had started the matter.One night, he invited me to a small hotel and told me about the situation.

I was taken aback. "What? You met Gruner yourself?"

He said: "It's nothing surprising. Isn't it good to have direct contact with the opponent? I am willing to do so. Now, John is inquiring about the situation everywhere, but I have started dealing directly with the Baron."

I asked, "Does he know you?"

"I introduced myself to him at the beginning. Gruner is a difficult guy. He looks like a cultivated gentleman on the surface, but he is more poisonous than a viper. I like to take on this kind of opponent."

I asked, "Then what did he say to you?"

"He was very clever and direct. He said: 'My dear Mr. Holmes, if I am not mistaken, you are the one whom General Melville invited to prevent me from marrying her daughter?'

"I nodded.

"He said: 'Then you've come at the wrong place. I think you're going to come back for nothing. I know you're famous, but I'm sure you can't do anything about it,' and said bluntly, if you insist on meddling in this , I'm afraid you'll get into trouble too.'

"I said, 'Is that so? I don't think so. Now, Mr. Baron, I know you're doing well and doing well in England. I guess you don't want everyone to know about your past? What if Violet Miss is aware of your bad deeds, is she still willing to marry you? In addition, you should know the power of the Melville family. If you offend General Melville, can you still live in England? Therefore, I advise you to turn back as soon as possible For good.'"

"Hearing what I said, Gruner laughed, his beard twitched a few times, and said:

"'What can I do? Who made me fall in love with this beautiful lady? She knows everything about me, and I have told her. Maybe some people who don't know the truth or have malicious intentions will still be in her Say bad things about me in front of me, but no matter what you tell her, she won't listen, her heart is here. Maybe she will meet you at her father's request, but you can't change her mind at all. Even if her father , nor affect her marriage.'

"Afterwards, as I was about to take my leave, he said: 'Mr. Holmes, have you heard about that French policeman named Repo?'

"'It is said that he was beaten for life by a gang of rascals in the provinces, and crippled for life.'

"'Yes. But it is a coincidence that before the accident, he has investigated some of my circumstances. Mr. Holmes, I advise you to withdraw as soon as possible and not to be involved in this case. There are several people who are as busy as you are. You've stumbled, you'd better not get involved, or—'

"That is the case, Watson, and you understand it all."

"It seems that Gruner is really dangerous. Then can you just ignore this matter? After all, we have nothing to do with who the girl marries."

"Of course not. Since he can kill his ex-wife, how can he know that he won't kill Miss Violet next? And don't forget, who is our client. Well, let's not talk about this. Let's do it After a drink, let's go back together and listen to the news brought by John."

John was tall, strong, and rough-spoken, and beside him sat a young woman, small and short-tempered.The woman's face was pale and haggard, with a dejected and melancholy expression that did not match her age.John said she was Miss Kitty Wind.

Miss Kitty Wind spoke quickly: "I didn't want to come, but, damn it, I heard from John that you are going to take on that wretch who deserves to be damned to the eighteenth level of hell. Mr. Holmes, he has You should be punished!"

"Ah! what do you know?" said Holmes, smiling.

"That bastard! It's all his fault that I'm like this now!" Miss Kitty Wind's eyes were full of hatred, she stretched her hands into the air like a lunatic, and gritted her teeth.

"Can you make it clearer?"

"Okay! I won't talk about my business. I heard from John that another silly girl fell for him. You must stop him! Don't let that girl fall for him again!"

"However, she loves him like crazy and wants to marry him. She doesn't care about his past."

"Including the murder?"

"She knew it all, but she thought he was misunderstood."

"Then show her the evidence!"

"But where do I have evidence? Are you willing to help us?"

"If I could teach that scoundrel a lesson, I would go and tell her myself, and tell her everything about how Gruner treated me before!"

"That seems all right. But he has distorted the truth of his crimes by saying that someone else is slandering him, and that she has confidence in him. Do you think she will listen to you?"

"I know a lot about him! The murders are known, and he certainly won't tell her the rest. He killed more than a dozen people. Also, I saw one of his diaries, in which he recorded all his crimes."

"What kind of diary?"

"A yellow leather book with a lock. I only saw it when he was drunk that day. This scoundrel! He doesn't treat women as human beings, and recorded the photos, names and other details of the women he tricked, And vividly described his shameless and indecent bestiality. My God! He should be proud of it, only he would do such a thing."

"Where is this book?"

"I'm not sure. I left him for more than a year after all. But it used to be stored in a cabinet in the study. I hope he hasn't changed. He doesn't like changes very much."

"Well, Miss Kitty Wind," said Holmes, "to-morrow at five o'clock I would like you to meet our heroine. Besides, we are very grateful for your help, thank you!"

I saw Holmes again at dinner in the restaurant the next evening.I hurriedly asked him about the meeting of the two women.

"It was no trouble arranging the meeting," said Holmes. "In the marriage Miss Melville took her own course, and her guilt towards her father made her meek in matters which she did not consider very important. At 05:30 in the afternoon I and Miss Kitty Wind drove to the old general's house, a gray castle, and Miss Melville received us in the drawing-room.

"Watson, how can I describe her to you? She is as cold as ice, as beautiful as peaches and plums. Only angels in mythology have her pure, unflammable face. How can such a lovely person let that bad guy go? What about hurting her? It may be that two extreme opposites can attract each other. The best meets the ugliest and is dumped by him. Is there anything more regrettable than this?
"Although she was a little surprised to see Miss Kitty Wind, she was still very calm. She said: 'Mr. Holmes, I have known you for a long time, but I just want to meet you because I don't want to hurt my father any more. As for me and my fiancé, I hope Don't meddle, I won't change my mind no matter what you say.'

"I'm so sorry for her, Watson. You know I'm not easily emotional, but I reasoned with her from the bottom of my heart like a father to his daughter that day. I told her that if I married Gruner, Then there will be all kinds of humiliation and misfortune. After I revealed Gruner's true colors, she didn't respond, as if she didn't hear me at all. I wondered if she was hypnotized by that bastard. Her answer was very straightforward.

"She said: 'My dear Mr. Holmes, I have already told you that your words will not affect me at all. I know that many people have prejudiced and misunderstood my fiancé, and there will be many who will speak ill of him. , I hope you are the last one, thank you for your kindness. But anyway, I want you to be clear, I love him very much, he loves me as much, and I don't care about the rest. No matter what others say, it is impossible to stop I marry him!'

"She wanted to go on, but Miss Kitty Wind couldn't help it. Immediately she rose from her chair, and cried out angrily:
"'Married? Look at me first! I was his last mistress, one of a hundred women he seduced, abused, and thrown out like rubbish. If you followed him, The end will only be worse, maybe a coffin is waiting for you. Silly girl, he is a bastard who does all kinds of evil, at least he will make you sad and hopeless, at worst he can kill you, there is no other result. Of course, I have nothing to do with your life, I'm not just saying this for you, I hate Gruner and I want revenge, tell you, before long you'll believe every word I say!'

"Miss Melville's voice was frosty: 'I don't want to hear it any more. My fiancé said that some women have pestered him. I know it's not his fault.'

"Miss Kitty Wind screamed: 'My God! He's being pestered, you're a poor fool!'

"Miss Melville's voice grew colder, and she said: 'Mr. Holmes, I think our interview is over. I hate to hear this shouting.'

"'Before I could speak, Miss Kitty Wind jumped on her, swearing, but I held her by the arm, or she might have grabbed her by the hair. I managed to get Kitty Wind Miss Wende pulled out of the general's mansion and pulled into the carriage. This meeting was really unexpected. To be honest, I was also very angry with the woman we wanted to save, but she was still calm on the surface. Solution. The situation is like this, the first move is wrong, and we have to find another way. Well, I will talk to you here today, and I will contact you later to see if the other party has made some moves."

They really acted, to be precise, he acted, and the lady must not know the situation.Two days after my last meeting with Sherlock Holmes, I saw a shocking article in the newspaper column of Yizi Street. The headline read: "The Detective Assaulted".

The following content roughly states that the famous private detective was severely attacked one morning, etc.

I hastened into a carriage and drove straight to Baker Street, for it was reported that the detective himself was determined not to go to the hospital, but to be treated at home.

I first saw Sir Lanley, a famous surgeon, in Holmes' apartment. He said to me: "It is not life-threatening. There are two lacerations and several serious lumps on the head. I have stitched him up just now. It should be It's not a big problem anymore."

(End of this chapter)