Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 46 Adventure History (24)
"Here it is!" exclaimed Hatherley excitedly. "Look at the gravel road, and over there is the rosebush where I lay. I jumped out of the second window!"

"Then your revenge has been avenged," said Holmes. "Your oil lamp was crushed and burned the plank wall. They were chasing you at the time, so they didn't see you. Now take a serious look to see if you saw you last night in the crowd." But I reckon they've run at least a hundred miles by now."

Holmes was right.No one knows where the pretty woman and the sinister German, and the queer Englishman, went?That morning, a farmer saw a carriage carrying several people and several heavy boxes, driving rapidly towards Redding.These desperadoes disappeared there, and even the clever Sherlock Holmes could not deduce their whereabouts.

This peculiar house is very troublesome for the firefighters, and a severed thumb found on a window sill on the third floor makes them even more frightened.The fire was finally put out as the sun went down, but the roof had completely collapsed and the scene was in ruins.Except for the bent cylinders and iron pipes, no trace remains of the machine that cost our unfortunate friend dearly.In the outhouse of a side house, the police found many nickel and tin ingots, but no coins.This may explain exactly what was in the large boxes they carried when they fled for their lives.

How the Engineer was carried from the garden to the place where he awoke may never have been a mystery were it not for the clear footprints left on the soft soil.He had apparently been carried away by two men: one with very small footprints, the other with very large footprints.It seemed that although the Englishman was silent, his heart was not as cruel as that of his accomplice, and it was he who helped the woman carry the unconscious engineer to a safe place.

On the train ride back to London, the engineer said despondently: "This has been the worst of luck for me. I've lost a thumb and fifty guineas, and nothing else."

Holmes said: "No, you have gained experience, which is an indirect value. I believe this matter will soon be widely known, and I think your firm will soon have a prosperous business." The green jade on the crown

"Look, Holmes, a lunatic is coming this way. It's a pity that he has no family to take care of him, and he runs around like this alone." One morning, I stood in front of the window and looked at the street scene downstairs and said to Holmes. .

My friend lolled to his feet, with his hands in his jacket pockets, and leaned over behind me to look.It was a clear morning, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of yesterday's snow, which glistened in the winter sun.The snow in the center of the Baker Street road has been rolled into gray bands by passing vehicles, but the snow on both sides of the sidewalk is still as white as when it first fell.The sidewalks have been cleaned but are still slippery so there are very few people on the road.In fact, this gentleman was the only one walking the road, and his erratic behavior caught my attention.

The man was about fifty years old, tall, broad-faced, imposing, and extraordinary in appearance.Although his clothes were dull in color, they looked very luxurious and fashionable.A black frock coat, a shiny hat, a pair of novelty brown high boots with leggings, and very well-cut brown-gray trousers, he looked really unusual.But his behavior was extremely disproportionate to his appearance, even a little ridiculous.Because he was running, he occasionally swung a few times, as if a very tired person was deliberately relaxing himself to relieve the burden on his feet.As he ran, he kept waving his hands up and down, shaking his head from side to side, and his face convulsed in an ugly way.

"What's wrong with him?" I couldn't help asking, "Looks like he's looking at the house numbers of these houses?"

"I am sure he is coming to us," said Holmes.

"come here?"

"Yes, it must be another person coming to consult and ask for help, I can feel it. Ha! You see I said it." At this time, the person rushed to our door and rang the doorbell.

After a while he came into our room, panting and gesticulating, with eyes full of sadness and disappointment.When we saw this, we immediately put away our smiles and were quite surprised.He couldn't speak for a while, his body trembled, and he pulled his hair, as if losing his mind.Suddenly, he ran over and banged his head against the wall.The two of us were terrified, and quickly grabbed him and dragged him back to the center of the room.Holmes pushed him into an easy-chair, patted his hand beside him, and tried to talk to him in soothing, relaxed tones.

"You came here to tell me about your business, right? You are tired from running, so take a rest and tell me when you feel better. I will be happy to help you."

The man sat for a while, his chest heaving violently. He tried to stabilize his emotions, then took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. He closed his lips and faced us.

"Do you think I'm crazy?" he asked sharply.

"I think you must be in trouble," said Holmes.

"God knows what happened to me! . . . It came so suddenly and so dreadfully that it drove me out of my wits. I would be openly insulted by it, though my character had always been flawless. Everyone has their troubles, which It was doomed. But these two things have befallen me in such dreadful fashion that I am at my wits' end. Worse still, I am not alone in this matter, and if it is not done, the noblest man in our country People may also be implicated."

Holmes said: "Sir, calm down first, and tell me who you are and what has happened?"

"My name may be familiar to you," said the guest. "I am Needlework Street Holder—Alexander Holder of Stevenson's Bank."

We do know the name, he is the principal partner of the second largest private bank in London, what happened to bring this first-class citizen of London to such a miserable state?We wait curiously for him to pull himself together and say everything.

He said: "I was short on time. When the inspector of the police department suggested that you help me, I rushed here. I took the subway and came here on foot, because the carriage was too slow on the snow. I usually almost I don't exercise, so I was out of breath just now, and I'm much better now. Let me tell you the general situation of the matter.

"As you all know, a successful bank is usually good at finding reliable investment channels for its funds, while at the same time growing its business and depositors. Our most profitable investment method is to put money in loans under reliable guarantees. In the past few years, we have done many such transactions, and many famous families have loaned us large sums of money with their collections of famous paintings, books or gold and silver tableware as collateral.

"I was sitting in the bank's office yesterday morning when the clerk handed me a business card and I was taken aback by the name on it, who was none other than the most respectable man in Britain known to the whole world. I was flattered by his arrival, and when I was about to express some words of gratitude, such as the kindness of knowing you, he cut straight to the point, as if he wanted to finish something unpleasant right away.

"'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'you are said to be in the money-loan business?'

"'We do, indeed, if the security is valuable,' I replied.

"He said: 'I need fifty thousand pounds urgently, and of course I can easily borrow ten times that from some places, but I'd rather do it in a formal way, as a private matter of my own. You know, in my With such a status, one cannot casually accept favors from others."

"'Can you tell me how long you need it?' I asked.

"'I have a large sum due next Monday, which I will pay back in full, plus such interest as you see fit. The most important thing to me now is to get the money immediately.'

"I said: 'If it were not too great a sum, I would be willing to lend you my own money, and that would not be used for further negotiations. But now I have to do this for you in the name of the bank, so it is only To be able to do business, even if it is for you, I am afraid that you will need a guarantee."

"'I'd love to do it,' he said, pulling out a black square Moroccan leather case. 'You've heard of an emerald crown, haven't you?'

"I said: 'That is one of the most precious possessions of our empire.'

"'That's right,' he said as he opened the box. The dazzling treasure was set off on the soft flesh-colored velvet.' There are 39 large emeralds on it, and the carved gold carvings on it alone can't estimate the number of them. The crown is estimated to be worth at least twice the money I want to borrow, and I intend to pledge it as collateral.'

"Holding this precious treasure box in my hand, I looked at my client in a state of bewilderment.

"'You doubt its value, don't you?' said he.

"'No, I'm just not sure...'

"'As for my suitability to place it here, you may rest assured. I certainly would not have done so if I could not promise to redeem it within four days. It is only a formality. Is it security enough? ?'

"'Enough is enough.'

"'You should know, Mr. Holder, that I am doing this to demonstrate that I have the utmost confidence in you. Not only do I ask you to be careful, but to avoid any gossip that may arise from it. Above all, take every step Keep it, or the slightest mishap will cause a scandal. Any damage is as good as total loss, because it is unique and there is no second. Now, I give it to you with confidence, I'll pick it up myself on Monday morning.'

"Seeing that he was leaving in a hurry, I didn't dare to say anything more. I immediately called the cashier and gave him fifty checks worth one thousand pounds. After returning to the office alone, looking at the things on the table, I suddenly felt It is very disturbing. Because the responsibility to bear is too great, it is a precious national treasure, and no matter what happens to it, it will inevitably cause public outrage. I began to regret why I agreed to keep it. But it was too late, so I had to put it away Put it in my personal safe, and get on with business.

"At night, I don't think it's appropriate to put such a valuable treasure in the office. The bank's safe has been pryed before. If my safe is pryed, wouldn't it be over? I could carry this box with me at all times, and never let it leave me for a second. Then I hired a carriage and took the crown home. When I got home, I took it upstairs and locked it in the living room. in the cupboard.

"Mr. Holmes, I will give you some more information about my house to help you judge. My groom and footman live outside the house, and these two people can be ignored for the time being. There are also three maids who have been with me for many years. All to be believed. There is also a lady-in-waiting named Lucy Parr, who has only been here a few months, but I think she is of good character. She is very pretty, and has many admirers, and people often stop at my house for her Don't walk around. That's the only fault I found in her. But in any case, we think she is a good girl.

"That's the case with the servants. My family is so simple that I don't need to waste time going into details. I'm a widower with a son called Arthur. I'm sorry to mention him, he's such a disappointment. It's all my fault, probably. I spoiled him. After my wife died, I loved him too much, even if he was a little bit unhappy, I would be unhappy. I followed him in everything. Thinking about it now, if I had strictly demanded him, then It's good for both of us now. But everything I do is because I love him.

"I want him to take over from me in the future, but he's too dissolute and willful to be a man of enterprise. To be honest, I don't believe he's capable of handling business. Although he's young, he's already a member of an aristocratic club There, he spent his days in dissolute life, and soon became a close friend of a group of extravagant and wasteful rich children. He gambled, squandered money at the racetrack, and often came to me to advance his allowance to pay his gambling debts. I once Tried to get him out of the gang, but was drawn back again and again because of his friend Sir George Painwell.

"It does not surprise me that a man like Sir George Painville could influence him. My son often brings him home, and I myself cannot help being dazzled by his good manners. He is cynical, older than Arthur, and is said to have been In many places, he has seen the big world, can speak well, and looks handsome.

"But when I put aside the charm of his appearance and calmly think about his personality, I always feel that his eyes and sneering conversation make people feel untrustworthy, even my little Mary thinks so. She is born with a Sensitivity and deep insight unique to women.

"That leaves nothing but Mary. She is my niece. My brother died five years ago and she was left alone. I adopted her and treated her like my own daughter.

"She is gentle, lovely, and beautiful. She is good at housework. She is also very elegant, quiet, and docile. She is the sunshine of our family and my right-hand man. I really dare not think about what I should do without her. But there is one thing she doesn't know." To my heart's content, my son proposed to her twice and really loved her, but she refused. I think if anyone can lead my son to the right path, it must be her. I hope he Life after marriage will change. But now, alas, it is too late, and it will never be undone.

"Now that all the circumstances of my family have been explained, Mr. Holmes, I shall continue with the unfortunate incident.

"When I got home that day, I told Arthur and Mary about it, and told them that the treasure was in my room, but I didn't name the client. I'm sure Lucy Parr put the coffee She brought it and went away, but I don't know if she closed the door when she went out. Mary and Arthur were very interested, and wanted to see the crown. But I think it's better not to leave it.

"Arthur asked me: 'Where did you hide it?'

"'In my closet.'

"'Oh, I hope no one thinks about it in the night,' he said.

"'I locked it up,' I said.

"'But that cupboard will work with any old key. I used the kitchen pantry key when I was a kid.'

"He's always talking casually, so I didn't pay attention. But then he followed me into the bedroom again, looking serious.

"'Dad, can you give me another two hundred pounds?' he said with drooping eyelids.

"'No!' I said gravely, 'I indulged you too much money-wise!'

"'You have been merciful,' said he, 'and I must get the money, or I will never have the face of going to that club again in my life!'

"'That would be great!' I said.

"'Yes, but you shouldn't let me go in disgrace, and I don't want to be ashamed. I must get the money, and if you don't, I'll do my best.'

"I was so angry, it was the third time this month that he asked me for money. 'You're not going to get a dime from me,' I said loudly. He bowed and walked out of the room.

"After he was gone, I opened the cupboard to check on the treasure, found it safe, and carefully locked it again. Then I started to look at the house, which was normally Mary's job, but that night I I decided to go myself. As I went downstairs, I saw Mary standing alone by the window in the hall, and when I approached her she hastily closed and latched the window.

"'Dad, did you give Lucy permission to go out tonight?' she asked. She looked flustered.

"'No!'

"'She came in by the back door. I think she must have met someone by the side door. I don't think it's safe. You'll have to stop her.'

"'You can talk to her in the morning, or I can. Are you sure you've got everything locked up?'

"'Yes, Dad.'

"'Good night!' I kissed her and went back to the bedroom, where I soon fell asleep.

"Mr. Holmes, everything is as it is. Some of it is relevant to this case. If there is anything unclear, feel free to ask."

"It's very clear."

"Now I'm going to get to the key plot point. I didn't sleep very well that night, and I was very alert because I was worried about the baby. About two o'clock in the morning, I was awakened by a sound in the house, but the sound didn't stop before I was fully awake. It seemed that a certain window had been gently closed, and I hurriedly leaned over to listen carefully. Suddenly, I heard clear and careful footsteps from the next room. I was terrified, but I still got out of bed quietly, Looking out through the crack of the living room door.

"'Arthur, you beast, thief! How can you touch that crown?' I screamed.

"The gas lamp I put there was still half lit, and I saw my son standing by the lamp in only his shirt and trousers, holding the crown in his hand. He seemed to be turning it hard, and when he heard my cry, he let go of the crown. It fell to the ground. His face was pale. I quickly picked it up and saw that there were three pieces of green jade missing from a gold corner.

"'Bastard!' I yelled angrily. 'You broke it! You'll make me lose my life! Where did you hide the jewel you stole?'

"'Steal?!' he exclaimed.

"'Yes! You thief!' I shook him hard by the shoulder.

"I didn't steal! I wouldn't steal!" he said.

"'Three pieces of green jade are missing here, you must know its whereabouts, and you still want to quibble, I clearly saw that you wanted to pull down another piece of jade!'

"'Have you finished cursing?' said he. 'I've had enough! You should insult me ​​like this, and I have nothing more to say, and I'll leave this house in the morning, and go my own way!'

"'The cops are going to get you,' I pissed off, 'There's no end to this with you!'

"'You don't want to know anything from me!' he said, 'if you like the police, tell them to search!'

"The whole house was alarmed by my angry noise. Mary was the first to run into my room, and as soon as she saw the crown and Arthur's face she understood what had happened, and fell unconscious with a scream. I immediately Send servants to call the police, hope they come to investigate. When an inspector came in with a policeman, Arthur still stood there with his arms folded, and asked me if I wanted to charge him with theft. I said this The damaged crown is state property, so it is no longer a private matter but a public matter, and I must deal with it in accordance with legal procedures.

"'Whatever you want,' said he, 'but you can't call it an arrest, can you? If you'll get me out of this room for five minutes, I promise you all will be better off.'

(End of this chapter)