Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 165: Investigating Strange Cases (7)
"If a woman's lifelong ambitions and dreams are all shattered at once, how would you feel? Of course I admit that Douglas is a likable young man. We had a good time too, but people can't control fate. What way? The person I planned is not him. He wants to marry me, marry! Mr. Detective, marrying a commoner who has no property and no official position, can you imagine? But he insisted on this, and it was beyond reason What can I do? He feels that I can only belong to himself, but he can't give me what I need. In order to make him realize the reality, I have to—”

"Send hooligans to beat him?"

"It wasn't my intention either. You seem to know a lot. Barney and his men beat him, which I admit was a bit excessive. But what did he do? His behavior was worse than what I did to him, and he He wanted to write a book against me! My life, everything about him and me, he wrote down completely, and wrote me as a devil incarnate, and he as a victim. Who would have thought that he would be like this? Although he didn't use his real name, the insider can understand it at a glance. How can his behavior be tolerated?"

"This is within the scope of his rights!"

"Rights? How cruel! He also sent me a book sample to torture me, and said he would publish another copy."

"You know the manuscript hasn't been sent to the publisher yet?"

"I know the businessman, he hasn't received the manuscript yet. Later I learned that Douglas had pneumonia and died-oh, poor thing, but the manuscript is still there, how can I feel at ease? It will threaten my interests. I know the relic must be It will be given to his mother, so I mobilized my strength and let Susan enter her house in the name of a maid first, and then——I really want to use a proper and legal way to buy the house and its contents at a high price without harm or harm. I was alarmed, but then Mrs. Maberley rejected me. Since the proper way doesn’t work, I can only use other ways. The only way is to let people steal that thing. Can you blame me? It’s still very important to determine my future. Time, what can I do otherwise? Could it be that the manuscript is released to the public? It doesn’t matter if I let the world laugh, but if my marriage fails, then my loss will be too great, right? "

After finishing these words, Isadora stared at Holmes.

"Oh," said Holmes with a smile, "well, there is no way to sue you. Then, as I have done in many cases, let us come to an indemnity agreement."

"What do you mean?"

"How much do you think traveling around the world alone costs by noble standards?"

"Five thousand pounds would be enough."

"Oh, that's enough. I think you should give Mrs. Maberley a check for five thousand pounds. That's not too much compensation. She wants to go abroad, and it's your duty to spend the money."

"Besides," he warned, holding out a finger, "be careful! Be careful! Playing with sharp knives won't hurt your slender hands forever." The blood-sucking wife

Several freshly delivered letters lay on Holmes' desk.I sat across from him and watched him seriously read the top letter.Apparently the letter was not long, and a few minutes later Holmes handed it to me with a smile and said:
"It's amazing. There are all kinds of whimsical ideas. I really haven't heard of such a weird thing. Is it real or just a fantasy? Watson, what do you think?"

I took the letter, which read:

Dear Mr. Holmes:
A customer of our shop, Mr. Robert Ferguson, president of the Ferguson Tea Sales Company on Meixin Avenue, recently wrote to ask about vampires.The main business of our store is valuation and auction, etc. The matter Ferguson asked is not within the scope of our store's business.Since I heard that you have successfully handled the Sumatran giant rat case, I introduced Ferguson to ask for advice.Hope to enlighten you.

Sincerely, Morrison Dorow & Co.

Dealer: ×××
I said, "It's really fantastic. Vampires? Like something out of a fairy tale."

"They still remember the giant rat case. But what does that have to do with vampires? That's not part of our business! But it's an interesting case. Go to a fairy tale and see what you feel."

"Don't you have an encyclopedia dictionary? Let's look it up."

"I think so too."

He took a large brick-thick book from the bookshelf, spread it on his knees, and flipped through it.There are all kinds of knowledge there, astronomy, geography, political anecdotes and heresy, everything is available.

He read a few sentences intermittently:

"Damn lizard? Can spray extremely poisonous gas, boa constrictor? Body as thick as a bucket. Oh, the special function of wizards, predicting the future? Ha, listen to the sorcery of this Hungarian vampire. In addition, the Transylvanian woman The case of being drained of blood."

With a "snap", he suddenly closed the book.

"How is this possible? This is simply nonsense. Who has seen a zombie crawling out of a coffin? Only a lunatic can believe it if he has seen a vampire."

I said, "That may not be the case."

"I've heard that some elderly people drink blood from young people to delay aging. It's not necessarily only the dead who drink blood."

"There is also such a legend in this book."

"But we live in a real world. That handler, Ferguson, the world we live in is already huge. What kind of world should we add? Can we believe what they say?" Speaking of which, He glimpsed another letter on the table.

"Oh? What a coincidence. This is a letter from Mr. Ferguson. Let's see what's going on."

As he spoke, he picked up another letter on the table and read it.At first he was smiling, but later, his face became more and more serious.After reading it, he leaned back on his chair and began to meditate.

It took a long time before he seemed to wake up.

"Do you know this place, Lamberley?"

"Yes, not far from Horsham, in Dodge Province."

"What about Cheeseman Park?"

"I know that area quite well. There are a lot of old houses there, all named after the original owners from centuries ago, such as Locke Hall, Audley Hall, etc., although some families no longer exist. But their last name has passed down the house. Cheeseman too. What's the matter? Is there a problem?" I asked.

Holmes didn't answer me directly. He lowered his head and thought about something before raising his head.

"I think we'll get to know Cheesman better soon, where Ferguson lives now. Look, he says he knows you, too."

"know me?"

"Yes."

I took the letter from him, and the address on the envelope was exactly the place he had just mentioned.

The content of the letter is:
Dear Mr. Holmes:
I ask for your help on behalf of my friend, hoping to relieve his troubles with the help of your wealth of knowledge and wisdom.

You were recommended to me by the Dorow Company, and I should have gone to you directly, because this is a sensitive and incomprehensible matter that only you can resolve.

Five years ago a gentleman friend of mine married a young lady from Peru.They knew each other through business.The young lady's father is a famous businessman in Peru, and she herself is a beautiful and gentle woman, and the relationship between the two of them is very good after marriage.However, after all, the two have different nationalities and religious beliefs, so it is inevitable that they will disagree on some matters. Of course, this does not affect their love for each other.He thought she was a very rare and good wife, she was impeccable in every aspect.

Look, am I being too wordy, let's get straight to the point.If possible, I would like to talk to you face to face, because it is impossible to give all the details in the letter.The following is the general process of this matter, please consider whether you are willing to crack this matter.

My friend had a conflict with his wife not long ago because he found some strange behaviors in her that he couldn't understand, let alone tolerate.He even thought their marriage was a mistake, and if it was true, it would not only be a mistake, but a tragedy.

Before marrying this lady, my friend was married once, and the ex-wife died leaving behind a son.This child is 15 years old this year. He is very cute and affectionate. He is a rare and sensible child at his age.But unfortunately, because he suffered from polio when he was a child, his legs and feet were not flexible.But his stepmother beat such a poor and lovely child several times, regardless of the reason, and once even beat the child's arm blue with a cane.

This lady's strange behavior is not only these, but what is even more unacceptable is that she actually - oh my god!How can you believe that she will do this?What did she do to her own little son who was less than one year old?About a month ago, the nanny left the baby to do something else. Within a few minutes, she heard the baby crying in pain. The nanny was stunned. Her mistress was putting her mouth on the baby's On the neck, it seems to be biting him!Taking a closer look, she saw a small wound on the child's neck bleeding from it.The nanny had no choice at the time, she wanted to find the host, but the hostess stopped her.Not only that, but she kept the nurse from revealing the matter, and paid her five pounds to keep it secret, but she did not explain how it happened.

It was impossible for the nanny not to have doubts about it.From then on, the nanny often paid attention to the actions of the hostess, and did not dare to take a step away from the child, because she also loved the cute little baby very much.But she found that the child's mother also paid close attention to the child, and when the nanny had to leave, she would run to the child immediately.It's so excruciating, it's really unbelievable, but it's true.

The host didn't know these things at first, but one day, the nanny couldn't bear it anymore, so she went to the host and explained the situation.But the male host just didn't believe it. He thought he knew his wife very well, and she must love him and her family.Although she beat the son left by her ex-wife, how could she hurt her own flesh and blood?Therefore, the male host scolded the nanny, saying that she must have slandered and slandered the hostess.But while they were talking, the cry of the baby was heard again from the nursery, and they ran in together.God!People never want to think of that scene again, his wife is standing up from the cradle, but the baby's white and tender neck is bleeding in the cradle, and the bed sheet is also stained with blood.Terrifyingly, facing the bright light, he could clearly see blood all around his wife's lips!

Hard as it may be to believe, Mr. Holmes, it is true that, though the master would not believe it, the tender and sweet wife is really sucking the blood of the baby!

This is the case.The wife now shuts herself in the house, seeing no one, explaining nothing; but the husband is about to collapse.We have only seen the words of vampires in books, and heard about blood-sucking in fairy tales.But I didn't expect that by our side, there would be——

Mr. Holmes, I am eager to ask for your help. I hope you can help me solve my doubts and fears.I will call on you tomorrow at ten o'clock, eager to interview you.With permission, please call Lamberley, Cheesman Hall.

Also, I know Watson is a good friend of yours, we were on the same football team in college and he probably remembers me.

Sincerely, Robert Ferguson
"The team, oh, come to think of it, I did know him. He was a striker and I was a centre-half," I said after reading the letter. "He is still so enthusiastic, and his friends' business is like his own business."

Holmes looked at me. "Do you really think it is his friend's business? That is very strange. Well, how about we draft a telegram saying 'willing to take your case'?"

"You mean—it's his business?"

"That is inevitable."

"Oh?!"

"If you can't even see that, I'm a very bad detective. Well, go and send a telegram."

In my memory, Ferguson is a tall, tall, quick-moving person who is good at seizing opportunities. He can always bypass the opponent well and score goals successfully.But the next morning, when Ferguson came to our room, his former style was gone, his tall figure had shrunk a lot, and his hair was not much. This is the trace left by time!I may have changed so dramatically in his eyes.

"Hello, Watson!" He greeted me warmly as soon as we met, which made me see the shadow of him back then.

"Ferguson, hello, we all look different from before, time really makes people grow old!"

"Yes! But I have been much weaker these days. You know, Mr. Holmes, that the matter is mine, and I will make no secret of it."

"It's easier to handle this case if you explain it clearly."

"I understand. But what can I do? That's my child's mother, my wife! I can't go to the police, I can't tell my friends, I have to keep it to myself and worry about it every day. Mr. Holmes, you must help me." ah!"

"I will try my best."

"I don't understand at all what it is? Is she mentally ill? Or hereditary? Have you ever heard of such a thing? Have you ever had a case like this?"

"Please calm down. I understand your feelings very well, and I sympathize with what happened to you. Mr. Ferguson, I must ask you a few questions now to understand this matter more fully. Believe me, I will definitely help you Solve the mystery."

"Please ask."

"Did you do anything about your wife's strange behavior? Is she still close to the children now?"

"I had a big fight with her at that time. She is a very affectionate and gentle person. Even if we quarreled, she didn't yell. After I told her a lot of reprimands and questions, she didn't say a word. He just looked at me sadly and desperately, and then ran back to his room, locked the door, and refused to see me."

"Is she missing anyone?"

"There is a maid named Doloren who she married as a dowry. She has served her for many years. They are very close. On the surface, they are servants, but they are actually friends. Every day, she brings her meals and keeps her company."

"What about the children?"

"The nanny said she must not leave the little one for a quarter of an hour. But I'm worried about Jack. She beat him twice."

"Are you hurt?"

"No. But she beats really hard. I can't imagine how she can bear to beat a physically disabled child, especially Jack." At this moment, his face showed a kind and gentle expression, "This child is so sensible, And loving."

"Mr. Ferguson, is there anyone else in your family?" Holmes asked as he picked up the letter again, examining it carefully.

"A groom and two handymen, me, my wife, Jack left by my ex-wife, the baby, Dolor Ryan, and Mrs. Mason, the nanny, that's all."

"Did your husband and wife know each other when they got married?"

"Of course. I think we know each other and love each other deeply, so we decided to live together. But now I seem to know her less and less. I don't know what she thinks in her heart—"

"How long has Doloreen served her?"

"It's been many years. They were master and servant before we got married."

"That is, she knows your wife better? Even better than you, doesn't she?"

"I think it should be."

Holmes took notes carefully.

He said: "I think we need to go to this case in person. Although you have made it clear, I still want to ask you two questions, which must be clarified."

"Please ask."

"So your wife was violent with both children, isn't it?"

"Forget it. I don't think blood sucking is inferior to violence, let alone a baby."

"Then she did it differently, beating Jack, didn't she?"

"Yes. Once with the hand, and once with the cane."

"Then she didn't explain her behavior either?"

"She didn't say anything specifically, she just kept talking about hating him, hating him."

"There are indeed many such stepmothers who are jealous of the children left by their ex-wives. It may be that the jealousy of the deceased is transferred to the children. Does she love jealousy?"

"I think it is. She has a tropical temperament. She must be jealous."

"And what about your son? He didn't tell you why the stepmother beat him?"

"No. He said there was no reason at all."

"How did he get along with his stepmother before he was beaten?"

Ferguson thought for a while and said, "Before that, it seemed that my wife was very good to Jack, but for some reason, I think they have not been in harmony."

"Isn't your son very sensible?"

"Yes. He is very considerate and has a deep affection for me. I am almost his life. He cares and cares about my behavior. He is simply the most loyal boy in the world."

Holmes wrote down what Ferguson said just now, and pondered for a while.

"Before you married your current wife, did you often spend time with your son?"

"Always together."

"Then he must have missed his dead mother very much?"

"He loves his mother very much, and no one can replace her in his heart."

Holmes said: "I am very interested in him. Another question, did your wife's beating Jack and the strange behavior of the baby happen at the same time?"

"The first time. I don't know what kind of evil she was. She took turns attacking the two children. The second time she only hit Jack. It didn't seem to do anything to the baby. The nanny didn't mention it."

"Oh? This is complicated."

"why?"

"It's just some assumptions, not sure. It's my habit, and your old friend Watson knows it. Well, I know a lot about the whole thing, and I'm sure I'll be able to solve it. Watson." , let's go to Lamberley."

It was an evening in November, overcast and snowing.Lamberley Station is not big, and few people get off here.Mr. Ferguson met us at the station and booked a hotel for us.After putting down our luggage, we came to Cheeseman Manor after a winding road.

The central part of the manor is very old and large, and the sides are obviously refurbished by latecomers.The manor has high steep slate tile roofs and long Tudor chimneys.The pillars of the porch are engraved with the still relatively clear portrait of the earliest old homeowner, with a majestic face, adding a solemn atmosphere to the whole house.

Mr. Ferguson led us to a bright and spacious living room.There is a large fireplace in the hall, engraved with the words "1670" and covered with an iron screen, and a strong fire is burning in the furnace.

Looking around, I see that the whole house has a mix of modern and classic, old and new, local and exotic.Half of the wainscoting was left by the original owner of the manor.A row of very modern watercolor paintings hangs on the lower part of the wall.On the upper part of the wall hung rows of small arms and devices that looked like they had come from South America, which the mistress must have brought from home.Holmes carefully observed every object in the room and kept thinking.

Suddenly he exclaimed: "Hey! You see."

I followed his gaze and saw a little poodle.Originally, this little thing was lying in a basket in the corner, but when it saw its owner, it crawled over immediately.But its movements are not very sensitive, its hind legs are dragging on the ground, and its tail is drooping.

"What's the matter with the puppy?" asked Holmes.

(End of this chapter)