Chapter 22 Chapter Twenty Two

The Inspector-General was standing in the study hall of Weavern Abbey. George Lomax sat at a desk covered with papers.He was frowning haughtily. The Combat Inspector-General gave a short and orderly report first.When he had finished, it was all George's words.The inspector-general responded briefly to his questions, often in one-syllable words. In front of George, on the desk was the package of letters that Anthony had found on the dresser. I don't understand anything about it," said George irritably, picking up the packet of letters. "You mean they're written in ciphers? "

"Exactly, Mr. Lomax." "Where does he say he found it?—on his dresser?" Fighting repeated to him word for word what Anthony had told him about how he got those letters. "Then he brought you the letter right away? It was just right--just right. But who's going to put it in his room?" Battle shook his head. "That's something you should know," George complained. "It sounds suspicious—it is. Anyway, what do we know about this man, Cade? He appeared so mysteriously—under extremely suspicious circumstances—and , we don't know anything about him. I can tell you that I personally don't like his attitude at all. I suppose you've looked into his case?"

The chief inspector forced a patient smile. "We telegraphed to South Africa at once to check. Every point of what he said was confirmed to be true. He was in Bulawayo with Mr. McGrath at the very time he said. He was employed by Fort Tourism before they met. company." "It's exactly what I expected," said George. "He's got that lowly self-assured attitude about being successful in a career. But, about these letters—we've got to act now—right now—" The big man was panting, looking very remarkable. The Inspector was about to speak, but George said first:

"No delay. The letters must be deciphered without delay. Let me see, who is that man? There is a man—connected with the British Museum. He knows all about the cipher. We run the department. Where Miss Oscar is, she'll know, tell her what's the name of the—Win what—" "Professor Winwood," Battle said. "Exactly. I fully remember it now, and we shall telegraph him at once." "I've called, Mr. Romax, an hour ago, and he's scheduled to arrive at ten past twelve." "Oh, very well, very well. I am relieved, thank God. I must go to London today. I think you can manage without my help?"

"I think so, sir." "Okay, do your best, fight, do your best, I'm busy right now." "I think so, sir." "By the way, why didn't Mr Eversley come with you?" "He's still asleep, sir. We haven't slept all night. I've told you that." "Ah, yes. I get up almost all night myself. Thirty-six hours of work in twenty-four hours. That's my regular job. Call Mr. Eversley when you get back." Come right now, okay, fight?" "I'll tell him what you say, sir." "Thank you, Fight. I quite understand that you had to trust him quite a bit. But don't you think you had to trust my cousin, Mrs. Redford, too?"

"Mr. Lomax, I think so, too, judging by the signatures on those letters." "What an insolence indeed," said George loudly, his face darkening as he glanced at the letter. "I remember the late king of Herzoslav. He was a lovely man, but a little weak, pitifully weak. He was taken advantage of by an unscrupulous queen. How could it ever come back to Mr. Cade ,What's your opinion?" "I thought," said the Inspector General. "The average person if they can't get something one way—they'll try another." "I don't quite understand what you mean," said George.

"The thief, King Victor. He now knows that the Chamber is guarded. So, he returned the letter to us, let us decipher the code, let us find the place where the treasure was hidden.And then—we're in trouble!However, Lemon and I will secretly keep an eye on this matter. " "You already have a plan, don't you?" "I can't say I have a plan yet. But I have an idea. An idea can be useful sometimes." After the Inspector finished speaking, he left immediately. He wasn't going to reveal any more secrets to George. On the way home, he met Anthony on the road and stopped the car.

"Are you going to give me a ride back to the mansion?" Anthony asked. "great." "Where have you been, Mr. Cade?" "Go to the station and find out the time of the train." Fighting raised his eyebrows. "Do you want to leave us again?" he asked. "Not yet," Anthony laughed. "By the way, what troubled Ershastein so much? I was leaving the station when he arrived. He looked as though something had alarmed him." "Mr. Ershastein?" "correct." "I don't know, really. I'd expect something big to startle him."

"I think so too," Anthony agreed. "He was a marvelous figure among those silent yellow-skinned financiers." Fighting suddenly leaned forward and patted the driver on the shoulder. "Stop, okay? Wait for me here." He jumped out of the car, much to Anthony's surprise.But, after a minute or two, Anthony saw Lemon approaching the English detective.Therefore, he speculated that maybe it was a signal he sent that attracted the attention of the battle. They chatted briefly, and then the Inspector came back, jumped into the car, and told the driver to move on.

His expression changed drastically. "They found the pistol," he said suddenly and curtly. "what?" Anthony looked at him in astonishment. "where?" "In Ershastein's suitcase." "Ah, impossible!" "There is nothing impossible in the world," Fighting said. "I should have remembered." He sat there motionless, tapping his hands on his knees. "Who found it?" Battle suddenly turned his head and said: "Lemon. Smart guy. The French Security Service can't say enough about him." "But, doesn't this overthrow all your ideas?"

"No," said the Inspector-General slowly, "I don't think so. I admit that the incident surprised me at first. But it fits my idea very well." "What is your idea?" But the Inspector-General diverted the conversation to a very different subject. "I wonder if you can find Mr. Eversley for me, sir? Mr. Lomax has a message for me to come to the Abbey at once." "Okay," Anthony said.At this time, the car just stopped at the gate of the building. "Maybe he's still seeing Duke Zhou." "No," said the detective. "If you look there, you can see him walking under that tree with Mrs. Redford." "You've got great eyesight, don't you? Fight?" Anthony said as he got out of the car to do some errands for him. He relayed the words to Bill, who was annoyed. "Damn it!" Bill whined to himself as he swung back to the mansion. "Why won't he let me go? Why don't these bloody American colonists stay in the colony? What are they here for? And picking off the best girls? I'm so sick of it all." "Did you hear about the pistol?" Virginia asked breathlessly after Bill left. "The fight said it to me. Kind of surprising, isn't it? He was anxious to leave yesterday, but I thought it was just nerves. He's probably the only one I've picked out of the group that wasn't suspect." Man. Can you see his motive in wanting to get rid of Prince Michael?" "This matter really doesn't match my idea." Virginia said thoughtfully. "It doesn't match what I thought," said Anthony dissatisfied. "First of all, I used to imagine myself as an amateur detective. So far, all I have done is try to prove the personality of a French governess." How. Spend some money and go through a lot of trouble." "Is this what you came to France for?".Virginia asked. "Yes, I went to Dina to interview the Countess de Bradoulier. I was so flattered that she would tell me that she had never heard of Mademoiselle Prynne. In the end, she told me that the lady I was talking about had depended on her for the last seven years to help with the housework.So, unless the countess is also a thief, my clever idea will be broken. " Virginia shook her head. "The Countess de Bretourie is beyond doubt. I know her well, and I think I have met Mademoiselle Prynne at the Count's Castle, and I do recognize her face—as we saw Other people's governesses and housekeepers always feel vaguely familiar, as do people sitting across from us on the train. It's bad, but I've never seen them for what they really are. You Is it this way?" "Unless they're exceptionally beautiful." Anthony admitted that he was, too. "So, for that matter—" She broke off abruptly, and then asked, "What's the matter?" Anthony was watching someone intently.The man was outside a bush, standing stiffly in an upright posture.It turned out to be the Hezoslav servant—Boris. "I'm sorry," Anthony said to Virginia. "I have to have a word with my 'dog'." He walked over to where Boris was standing. "What's the matter? What are you doing?" "Master." Boris bowed to him. "Yeah, that's fine, but, you can't keep following me around like this. It looks weird." Boris did not say a word, but produced a stained piece of paper, evidently torn from a letter, and handed it to Antony. "What's this?" Anthony said. An address was scrawled on it, but nothing else. "He dropped this," Boris said. "I'll take it to the master." "Who fell?" "That foreign gentleman." "Why did you give it to me?" Boris looked at his master reproachfully. "Well, anyway, you go away now," Anthony said, "I'm busy right now." Boris saluted him, then turned sharply and started walking away.Anthony went back to Virginia, stuffing the paper in his pocket. "What is he going to do?" she asked curiously. "Why do you call him your 'dog'?" "Because he acts like a dog." Anthony answered her last question first. "He must have been born by a hound. He just handed me a piece of paper which he said fell off the shelves of the foreign gentleman. I think he meant Lemon." "Probably so," said Virginia acquiescingly. "He was always following me," Anthony continued. "Like a dog. Hardly saying a word, just looking at me with his big round eyes. I don't know what kind of man he is." "Perhaps it was Eshastan he was referring to," Virginia suggested. "Eshastan looks foreign enough, God knows who he's referring to?" "Eshastan," Anthony said impatiently, "what does he have to do with this?" "Do you feel sorry for being involved in all this?" Virginia asked suddenly. "Regret? Geez, no. You know what? I've spent most of my life asking for trouble. Maybe this time, it's going to cost me more than I expected." "You're pretty much out of danger now, though," said Virginia, wondering at the unusual seriousness of his tone. "Not quite out of danger yet." They walked on for a while in silence. "There are some," said Anthony, breaking the silence. "They don't follow the signals. A normal, skilled locomotive driver would slow down, or stop, at a red light. Maybe I was born colorblind. When I see a red signal -- I can't help but go Go ahead. At the end of the day, you know it, and you get into trouble. That's for sure. You deserve it. Generally speaking, things like that are bad for traffic." He still said seriously. "I suppose," said Virginia, "that you've taken many risks in your life?" "Nearly every kind of danger goes through—except marriage." "It's cynical to say that." "I didn't mean it that way. Marriage, the kind I'm referring to, is probably the greatest adventure of all." "I like it when you say that," said Virginia eagerly, flushed. "There's only one kind of woman I want to marry—and that's a woman whose life is so different from mine. What shall we do? In life, is she leading me? Or am I leading the way?" she?" "If she loves you—" "That's sentimental, Mrs. Redford. Love isn't a potion, you know, that makes you blind -- you can make it that way, but it's a pity -- Love can mean more than that. After a year or two of marriage between a king and a beggar, what do you think they think about married life?Will she regret the barefoot, worn clothes, and carefree life in the past?We're pretty sure she will.What good would he do if he gave up the throne for her. where?Not at all. "I believe he would make a very poor beggar, and no woman would respect a man who did such a poor job." "Mr. Cade, have you ever fallen in love with a beggar woman?" Virginia asked softly. "My situation is the opposite, but the principle is the same." "Isn't there a solution?" Virginia said. "There's a solution," Anthony said despondently. "I have a principle that a man will always get what he wants if he is willing to pay the price. Do you know what that price nine out of ten is?is a 'compromise'. 'Compromise', that's a nasty thing.When a person approaches middle age, he unconsciously resorts to this method of solving problems.Now, unconsciously, I adopt this method. To get the woman I need - I've even taken a regular job. " Virginia laughed. "You know? I was educated for a profession," continued Anthony. "Then you gave up?" "Yes" "Why?" "It's a matter of principle." "Oh!" "You are an unusual woman," said Anthony suddenly, turning to look at her. "why?" "You can refrain from asking questions." "You mean I didn't ask what your occupation is?" "Exactly that." They walked on in silence again, and now they were almost at the mansion, passing near the fragrant rose garden. "I dare say you understand well enough," said Anthony, breaking the silence. "You know when a man's in love with you, and I suppose you don't like me at all—or anyone else—but, oh! I'm trying to make you like me." "You think you can do it?" Virginia said, her voice low. "Maybe not, but I will try my best." "Do you regret knowing me?" she asked suddenly. "Oh, no! It's another red signal. That day in Pang Deyan—when I first saw you, I knew I was facing something that would never hurt me. It was your face that made me feel this way." This feeling—it is because of your face. You have magic from head to toe—some women are like that, but, I have never met a man with your magic. You will marry a noble, Prosperous man, and I'm going back to my less respectable circle of life, but before I go, I'll kiss you—I swear I will." "You can't do that now," Virginia said softly. "The Inspector is watching us from the library window." Anthony looked at her. "You are indeed a witch, Virginia," he said calmly. "However, she is indeed a lovely person." Then he raised his hand comfortably to the Chief Inspector of Combat. "Caught the criminal this morning? Combat?" "Not yet, Mr. Cade." "Your words sound promising." The battle jumped out of the library window, and it was surprising that a man who had never been excited could suddenly move so quickly. "I have invited Professor Winwood here," he announced to him in a low voice. "Just arrived, and now he is deciphering the cipher on the letter. Do you want to see him decipher?" His tone is reminiscent of a man who hosts an exhibition talking about his favorite exhibition.Obtaining permission, he took them to the window and told them to peep in. Working at the desk was a short, red-haired, middle-aged man.The letters were spread out before him, and he was writing quickly on a large sheet of paper.He was talking to himself while writing, grunting impatiently, and from time to time he touched his nose vigorously until it was as red as his hair. Presently he looked up. "Is that you? Fight? Why do you want me to come here and decipher this stupid thing? A baby in his arms can do it, a two-year-old can do it with ease. Do you call this deciphering codes?" ? Dude, it's obvious!" "Professor, I'm happy with this." Fighting said gently. "But we're not all as bright as you, you know." "It doesn't take much cleverness," snapped the professor. "It's a mechanical job. Do you want me to dig out this packet of letters? It's a long time to do. You know? It takes hard work and close attention, but absolutely no wits are needed. I I have already finished reading the letter written by Chimney Building. Since you said that one is the most important, I think I should give the rest to my assistant to read. Dropped a really hard file to come here, and now I'm going back to work." His eyes shone slightly. "All right, professor," Battle agreed. "I'm sorry we are such useless little people. I explained to Mr. Romax that it was this letter we were anxious to know. I think the Marquess of Judham is expecting you to dine." "I never have lunch," said the professor. "Lunch, it's a bad habit. A banana and a cracker are all a man of sound mind and body needs at noon." He picked up the coat that was slung over the back of a chair and walked away, leading him to the gate. A few minutes later, Anthony and Virginia heard the sound of a car driving away. Battle came back to them, holding in his hand the half-sheet the professor had given him. "He's always like this," said Battle, referring to the professor who had just left. "Always in a hurry. A very clever man, though. Now, that's the gist of Her Majesty's letter. Want to see it?" Virginia reached out to take it, and Anthony held it across her shoulder.He remembered it as a long letter, but the genius of Professor Winwood translated it into a mostly official letter.He therefore exhibited an air of eagerness mingled with disappointment. The work went smoothly, but was fooled by S. Quye moved the gemstone from the hiding place. He was not in the room. After searching, he found the following numbers, which may refer to this object: Richmond seven straight eight left three right. "S?" Anthony said. "Of course, it means Steptitch, the cunning old dog, who has changed his hiding place." "Richmond," said Virginia. "I wonder, is that diamond hidden somewhere in Richmond?" "That's where the royal family likes to go." Anthony agreed with her. Battle shook his head. "I still think it refers to something in this building." "I know," Virginia exclaimed suddenly. Both turned to look at her. "That portrait of Holbain in the Chamber. They were knocking on the wall under that painting that night, and that was the Count of Richmond." "You guessed it," Battle said, patting his leg. He was excited when he spoke, which was the next rare phenomenon. "That was the starting point: the portrait, and the thieves, like us, don't know what the numbers refer to. The two figures in armor stand just below the portrait. Their initial thought was that the diamond was hidden in the two figures. Like in one of them. The number might be inches, and after a failed search, their second thought was that there was a secret passage, or a staircase, or a panel that could be pulled away. Mrs. Redford, do you know of such a thing? ?” Virginia shook her head. "There's a priest's cottage, and at least one secret passage, I know of," she said. "I remember they took me there once. But, I can't remember now. When Bundo comes, she'll know." Bundo walked quickly across the corridor towards them. "I'm going to drive this Pancad up to London after lunch," she said. "Anyone want a ride? Mr. Cade, you want to come? We'll be back by dinnertime at the latest." "No, thank you," Anthony said. "Oh, it's nice to be here, and it's busy." "This man is afraid of me," she said. "It's not that I'm afraid of my poor driving skills, or that I'm afraid of my fatal charm. Which one is it?" "The latter," Anthony said. "It's like that every time I see you." "Bond, my dear," said Virginia. "Is there a secret passage here that can lead to the chamber?" "Of course there is. But it's a musty place, and it was supposed to lead from the council hall to Weavern Abbey, very early on. It's all blocked now, and now we can only go from this end to About a hundred yards or so away on that end, the one upstairs in the White Gallery is much more interesting, and the priest's cottage is not bad, either." "We don't look at those places from an artistic point of view," Virginia explained. "This is working, how do we get into the secret passage in the meeting hall?" "There's a hinged panel, I'll show you after lunch." "Thank you," said the Inspector-General. "How about two-thirty?" Bando was very surprised, raised his eyebrows, and looked at him. "Is it about thieves?" she asked. At this time, Zhuo Dewei appeared in the corridor and announced: "Miss, it's lunch time."