Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 24 Adventure History (2)
"Well, I'm here to find answers, not to express an opinion. I've told you all the facts. But since you asked, I'll say it's all right, and I think it might be quite an irritant to her. The mutation has left her delirious."

"You mean she's suddenly lost her mind?"

"Well, that's right, when I think of her abandoning—I don't mean abandoning myself, I mean abandoning so many social positions that women dream of—I think she must be crazy, otherwise I can't explain it."

"Of course, this is also a possibility." Holmes laughed. "Lord San Simeon, I think I have basically mastered all the materials. By the way, can you see the situation outside the window at the table where you were eating?"

"You can see across the road, Hyde Park."

"Okay, I think there is no need to delay your time anymore, we will contact you later."

"I hope you can resolve this matter smoothly." The client stood up as he said.

"I've solved it."

"What? How do you say it?"

"I mean, I'm done with the case."

"Where is she?"

"You'll soon find out."

Lord San Simeon shook his head, "I'm afraid it's not that simple. I'm afraid I need a brain smarter than the two of us." Saying this, he made a solemn and serious old-fashioned bow, then turned and left.

"It is an honor to be honored by Lord St. Simon for comparing me with his head," said Holmes, laughing. "After questioning and answering for a long time, it's really time to have a glass of soda whiskey and cigars. Actually, before the client entered the house, I had already reached the conclusion of the case."

"Dude, you are amazing!"

"I compared several similar cases and was able to draw conclusions quickly. But never before. So far, all the factual results I have can support my speculation. Circumstantial evidence is sometimes very convincing. .As Thoreau said: "Milk with trout, clear. "

"But I heard everything you heard."

"But you don't have any references to similar cases. I just drew my conclusions based on similar cases that happened before. A few years ago, a similar thing happened in Abertin. A year after the Franco-Prussian War, there was also a case in Munich. Currently This one we have is almost exactly like them. Hi, Lethred! Good afternoon! Lethred! There's a tall wine glass on the sideboard, and cigars in the box."

The detective looked like an old sailor in a sailor's duffel coat and an old-fashioned tie.Carrying a black canvas bag, he sat down and lit a cigar after exchanging greetings.

"I'm getting sick of it. There's not a single clue to the ill-fated case of Lord San Simeon."

"Really? It's incredible."

"Who has heard of such a complicated and bizarre thing? There is not a single valuable clue, and it took me a lot of time."

"You are very soaked," said Holmes, putting his hand up the sleeve of his duffel coat.

"Yes, I've fished all over Setine Loch in Hyde Park."

"My God, what are you fishing for?"

"The body of Madame Saint-Simon."

Holmes collapsed in his chair laughing.

"Why don't you fish from the fountain in Trafalgar Square?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Because both places have the same search opportunities."

Lethred cast an angry look at my friend and shouted, "You know it all!"

"Well, I just found out what happened, but I have already made a judgment."

"Really? You don't think it has anything to do with Lake Setine?"

"I think absolutely nothing."

"But how do I explain that I did find these things there?" he said, opening the bag and pouring out a moiré silk wedding dress, a pair of white satin shoes, a bridal crown and veil.The things were covered with water and the color was lost. "And," said he, and placing a brand-new wedding ring on top of these, "that is a difficult question for you, Mr. Holmes."

"Oh really?" my friend said, blowing a blue smoke ring into the air. "Did you catch these in Lake Setine?"

"No, it was found by a gardener by the lake. After identification, these clothes belonged to her. I think the body should be nearby."

"So everyone's dead body should be not far from the clothes? What conclusion do you want to draw from this?"

"Acquiring evidence of Flora Miller's involvement in the disappearance."

"I'm afraid it will be very difficult to do."

"At this point, do you still think so?" Lesred was angry, "Mr. Holmes, your deduction and reasoning may not be practical. You have made two mistakes within 2 minutes. Miss Flora Miller."

"why?"

"There's a card case in my pocket, and I found a note in it, and it's this." He threw the note on the table, and see what it says!
See me when everything is ready, please come right away.

F·H·M
"I have always believed that Mrs. St. Simon was deceived by Flora Miller, and that Flora and her accomplices were responsible for the case. This note is signed with her initials. There is no doubt that she was in the Sneaked a note at the door to Madame Saint-Simon, and got hold of her."

"Excellent, Lethreid," laughed Holmes. "You are not simple. Let me see." He picked up the note absently, but was immediately attracted, and exclaimed excitedly: "It's really important!"

"Oh, you finally admitted it."

"Very important, and I congratulate you."

Lesred stood up and looked down again, "What's going on? You're seeing it the wrong way!" He couldn't help but yelled.

"No, that's the positive."

"Front? Are you crazy? The note was written on this side with a pencil!"

"Well, here's a hotel bill. I'm interested."

"It doesn't matter, I've seen it," said Lesred.

On October 10, room 4 shillings, breakfast 8 shillings 2p, cocktail 6 shilling, lunch 1 shillings 2p, wine 6p.

"I don't think it says anything."

"Perhaps you didn't see it, but it is important. Of course, so is the note. At least these initials are important, so I congratulate you again."

"I've wasted a lot of time," Lesred said, standing up. "I only believe in hard work. Let's see who gets to the bottom of the case first." He stuffed his clothes into his bag and walked away. go out.

"Before you go, I would like to give you a hint," cried Holmes. "I will say that Mrs. Saint-Simon is a mystery. There is no such person, and there has never been such a person before." "

Lethred cast a cold glance at my companion, then back at me, tapped his forehead three times, turned and walked away.

He closed the door with his front foot, and Holmes stood up on his back foot and put on his coat. "What this guy said about working outdoors is also reasonable. Watson, read the newspaper for a while, and I will go out for a while."

Holmes left at five o'clock, and I had nothing to do after that.Because in less than an hour, two snack shop guys delivered a large flat-bottomed food box.They opened the box for me, and in an instant our humble apartment table was filled with a sumptuous meal: two pairs of woodcocks, a pheasant, a foie gras pie and bottles of vintage wine.After the two uninvited guests set up these delicacies, they suddenly disappeared like elves in the Arabian Nights.They said the items had been paid for and delivered as ordered.

It was almost nine o'clock when Holmes returned with brisk steps.His expression was serious, his eyes glowed, and I thought he had confirmed his conclusion.

He rubbed his hands together and said, "Okay, dinner is ready."

"You seem to have guests, and they set out five servings."

"Yes, I'm sure there must be a visitor," said he. "It's strange that Lord San Simeon hasn't arrived yet. Aha, here he is, on the stairs."

It was indeed the one who came this morning.He walked in quickly, shaking his glasses vigorously, and there was a trace of uneasiness on his aristocratic face.

"It appears that my messenger has been to you?" asked Holmes.

"Yes, I was extremely shocked by your letter. Do you have enough evidence to confirm your statement?"

"of course."

Lord Saint-Simon sat down in his chair and put his hand on his forehead.

"What the duke would feel. How disgraced his family would be!" he muttered softly.

"It's purely a misunderstanding and I don't think it's an insult."

"Oh? You may be looking at it from another angle."

"I don't see anyone to blame. The lady had to do it. But it's disappointing, she handled it so abruptly. In the situation, and the mother is not around, there is no one to advise her."

"It's hard for me to forgive her, she's just playing tricks on me. I'm so pissed off!"

"The doorbell seems to have rung," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps on the stairs. If I cannot convince you of this, Lord St. Simon, I have also engaged a fellow of my opinion who may More competent." He opened the door and let in a gentleman and a lady. "Allow me to introduce you, Lord St. Simon, to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. I think you know the lady."

As soon as the client saw the person coming, he jumped up from the chair and stood there blankly, with his eyelids drooping, and one hand touching his chest, with a look that greatly hurt his dignity.The lady immediately stepped forward and held out her hand to him.But he was indifferent, although her earnest expression was so irresistible.

She said, "You're angry, Robert. Yes, you have every reason to be angry."

"Don't apologize to me," said Lord San Simeon coldly.

"Oh yes, I know I'm so sorry. I should have told you before I left, but I was really embarrassed. I don't know what I've said since I met Fran again here, What did you do. It's a wonder I didn't fall over the altar and pass out."

"Mrs. Moulton, do you need us both to back away while you explain?"

"May I say a few words?" said the strange gentleman, "We used to be a little too secretive, but now I want to let people all over Europe and the United States know the truth." , handsome, quick-moving.

"Well, let me tell you how it happened," said the lady. "Francis and I met at McGuire's Camp near the Rocky Mountains in 1884. My father was running a mine at that time, and Francis and I Lang Ke was engaged. Later, one day, his father discovered a rich mine and made a fortune from then on. But Franco’s mine veins gradually dried up and finally went bankrupt. Father became rich, but Franco became poor, so his father objected We continued to communicate. He took me to San Francisco, and Franco also chased there, and came to see me without telling my father. We didn’t dare to let him know, but we negotiated on our own. Francis will go to earn money first, and we will be like my father Then come back and marry me when you have money. I also swear to wait for him for the rest of his life, as long as he is still alive. Ask others to recognize me as your husband.'

"So, after it was agreed, he hired a priest, and we were married. After the wedding, Francis left me to go out into the world, and I went back to my father.

"I didn't hear from him until he got to Montana. Soon after he went prospecting in Arizona and then New Mexico. Then there was a long story in the papers that the Indians had raided a miner's camp. , Francis was on the list of dead. I passed out on the spot, and was bedridden afterwards. My father thought I had consumption, and searched all the famous doctors in San Francisco to treat me. For a year, I really believed that Francis was dead. Then I met My father was very happy to marry Lord St. Simon and got engaged. But I have already given my heart to Francis, and there is no other man in the world who can replace him.

"Nevertheless, I decided to marry Lord San Simeon and fulfill my obligations. Although love cannot be forced, action can be forced. I walked towards the altar with the desire to be his wife as best I could. But when I passed the altar railing , I turned my head instinctively, and found that Francis was standing in the first row of seats and looking at me. I thought his soul had appeared, but when I looked again, he was still there, his eyes seemed to ask me if I was happy or not. Sad. It's strange that I didn't pass out, but it was dizzy. The pastor's words were buzzing in my ears like bees. I was at a loss as to what to do. Should I interrupt the service in the church and create a disturbance I looked at him again, and he seemed to know what I was thinking, because he put his finger to his lips and motioned me to keep quiet. Then I saw him scribbled something on a piece of paper, which must be I was writing a note to me. So I deliberately let the bouquet of flowers fall in front of him when I passed the row of seats, and he slipped the note to me while picking up the flowers. There was only one line on it, asking me to follow him when he gave the signal There is no doubt that I am responsible to him, so I am determined to do as he asks.

"When I got home, I told the maid about it. We met in California and got along very well. I told her to be quiet, pack up, and get my long coat ready. I knew I should tell Lord San Simeon, but I Unable to speak in front of everyone, I had no choice but to leave without saying goodbye, and I was going to explain later. I sat at the dining table for less than a minute and saw Francis standing on the other side of the road waving to me, so I left with an excuse and sneaked out to follow him. At this time A woman came up to me with a lot of gossip about Lord St. Simon--something private before his marriage. I managed to get rid of her, overtook Francis, and drove in a carriage to his place in Gordon Square. rented apartment. After a long wait, we finally got married.

"It turned out that Francis was imprisoned by the Indians, and he escaped and escaped to regain his freedom. He traveled a long way back to San Francisco, and learned that I mistakenly believed that he was dead and went to England, so he chased here, and at the wedding ceremony found me."

"I saw it in a newspaper," said the American, "there are only churches and names in the newspaper, but no address of the woman."

"Then we discussed how it would end. Francis said it should be outright. But I felt so guilty that I just wanted to disappear and never see them again—maybe leave a note to my father and tell him I was alive. I was deeply disturbed by the gentlemen and ladies who waited at the table for my return.

"Francis, so as not to be found again, bundled my dress and other things into a bundle, and threw it where no one could find it. If the good Mr. Holmes had not come to see us tonight, we had planned to do so tomorrow." to Paris. I don't know how he found us, but his kindness and persuasion made us realize our mistake. He knew that we were afraid of seeing too many people, so he offered such an opportunity to speak alone with Lord Saint-Simon We came as soon as we found out. Well, Robert, you know everything now, and I'm really sorry if I've caused you pain, but I hope you don't think too mean of me."

Lord San Simeon did not relax his stiff posture at all, frowning, closing his mouth, listening quietly.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not used to speaking publicly about personal matters like this," he said.

"So, you won't forgive me? Before I go, can I shake hands?"

"Oh, if it makes you happy, of course." He reached out and shook her hand indifferently.

"I should have expected you to dine with us," said Holmes.

"I don't think so," said the lord. "I may bear the reality in silence, but don't expect me to be indifferent. If I can, I wish you good night now." He bowed and saluted, then held his head high. gone.

"You should do me that, I suppose?" said Holmes. "It is a pleasure to make friends with an American, Mr. Moulton. Many people, myself included, believe that the death of a king many years ago Stupid behavior and the fault of a minister will never affect the descendants of the same clan to become citizens of the same world power one day in the future, and the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes may fly together."

After the guest left, Holmes said: "This case is so interesting. It can clearly show a truth. Many seemingly inexplicable things have very simple reasons. The lady's account has basically explained the problem, but for some others People, such as Mr. Les Reid of Scotland Yard, may not be able to find a clear idea so far."

"Didn't you take a detour yourself?"

"At least two things have always been clear to me. One was that the lady was happy before the wedding, and two, that she suddenly went back on her feet soon after she got home. Obviously something happened in between that prompted her to change her mind. Will What happened? With the groom coming and going all the way, she couldn't have had a chance to talk to anyone. That might have been something to see. And she just came from America, and she couldn't possibly know anyone here who had such an influence on her. That is to say, nine times out of ten she sees an American—did you find out? We've been using the process of elimination. So what kind of American is it supposed to be? Why does one look make her change her mind? I think it should Either a lover or an ex-husband. According to the lord, her family background was average when she was a girl, and she even grew up in a difficult situation. There is also a detail, that is, there was a man in the front row of the church who helped the bride pick up flowers, and the bride's attitude changed drastically after that There are also some clues. For example, when she talked with the maid, she said some meaningful code words, such as "occupying other people's land"-this is a term used by miners, and it is often used to refer to seizing other people's minerals or mining rights. ——In this way, the truth is not clear enough? She ran away with a man, and this person is either her old lover or her ex-husband. The latter is more likely. "

"Then how on earth did you find them?"

"It was difficult, but Les Reid had the most valuable information, but turned a blind eye. Those initials are very important, but it is more important to know who has checked out at this top hotel in London within a week .”

"How do you know it's a top hotel?"

(End of this chapter)