Chapter 11 chapter Ten

The Glendorfer district is very, very new, spread out in an irregular semicircle, with builders still working at the bottom.About halfway down the center there is a door with the name "Everest" on it. There was also a round figure growing bulbs at the side of the garden, which Inspector Li Jun immediately recognized as Mr. Sajolly Osborne.He opened the door and entered, and Mr. Osborne straightened up to see who had entered.After recognizing the person, his blushing face became even redder.Despite being in the country, Mr. Osborne looked much the same as when he opened his shop in London, with his sturdy country shoes and plain shirts, which did not detract from his clean and tidy appearance.A few shiny beads of sweat glistened on the top of his bald head, and he carefully wiped them off with a handkerchief before stepping forward to greet the visitor.

"Inspector Li Jun!" he exclaimed happily. "It's such an honor. I got your letter saying you got my letter, but I didn't expect to see you in person. Welcome to the humble house, welcome to Come on Everest. The name probably startled you? I've always been interested in the Himalayas: when Sir Edmund Hillery went to explore Mount Everest, I kept an eye on the newspapers every day. The report on the Internet is really amazing! It has won a lot of glory for our country! It’s great! I have never suffered from any discomfort, so I admire those who go to conquer the mountains or go to the polar regions to explore. By the way, please advance Come, let's have some home-cooked snacks."

Mr. Osborne led the way into the small bungalow, which, although not well furnished, was extremely tidy. "It's not quite finished," said Mr. Osborne. "Whenever I can, I go to the local auctions, where I can get good things for a quarter of what they cost in the shop. What? Sherry?" Beer? Or tea? The water can be boiled in no time." Li Jun said he likes to drink beer. "Here," came Mr. Osborne a moment later, holding two alloy goblets, "sit down and rest, Everest, ha! ha! The name of my house has a double meaning, because I always like Just kidding."

When the courtesies were over, Mr. Osborne leaned forward with eagerness, and said: "Is my message useful to you?" Li Jun replied in a gentle way as much as possible: "I'm afraid not as many as we'd like." "Well, I admit I'm a little disappointed. But I honestly don't think that just because a gentleman walked in the same direction as Father Gorman, he must be the murderer of Father Gorman. It's pretty wishful thinking. And, as far as I know, this Mr. Winable is rich and respected, and has been active in high society." "The problem is," Li Jun said, "it's impossible for the person you saw that night to be Mr. Wienerbo."

Mr. Osborne sat up quickly. "But it is true, I am 100% sure, and I have never remembered other people's faces wrong." "You must have made a mistake this time," Li Jun said softly, "Mr. Winner has suffered from polio. He has been paralyzed from the waist down for three years, and he can't walk at all." "Polio!" exclaimed Mr. Osborne. "Oh, dear, dear. . . there seems to be no hope. But—I'm sorry, Inspector Li Jun, please excuse my blunt question: really. Is that so? I mean, do you have a positive medical certificate?" "Yes, Mr. Osborne, we have proof. Mr. Winable's attending physician was Sir William Towdale, of Harley Street, a respectable physician."

"Of course! Of course! He's famous! Oh, God, I seem to have fallen hard, and I've been so sure of it, and you've wasted so much effort." "Don't say that," Inspector Li Jun immediately said: "Your information is still very useful. The fact is obvious. The person you saw must be very similar to Mr. Weinerbo. Since Mr. Weinerbo's appearance is very special, yes For us, we have very valuable information, because there must not be many people who meet that condition." "Yes, yes!" said Mr. Osborne cheerfully; "there must not be too many people who are suspected of a crime, and who look like Mr. Winable. In the records of the Scotland Yard—"

He looked at the inspector expectantly. "Maybe it's not that simple," Li Jun said slowly, "That person may have no criminal record. And as you said, we have no reason to believe that person is the one who attacked the priest." Mr. Osborne looked deflated again. "Forgive me, I'm so wishful thinking... I always wanted to testify in the murder case... They will never change me, I can guarantee it. Really, I will stick to my position!" Li Jun was silent, looking at his master thoughtfully. Mr Osborne said: "What's wrong?" "Mr. Osborne, why do you stand your ground, as you say?"

Mr. Osborne looked surprised. "Because I'm pretty sure—oh—oh—yes, I see what you mean, that person isn't 'the one,' so I have no reason to be sure, but I'm pretty sure." Li Jun leaned forward and said: "You may be wondering why I came to see you today. Now that I have a medical certificate and know that the person you saw is not Mr. Winnerb, why am I here?" "Yes, yes, Inspector Li Jun, why are you here?" "I'm here," Li Jun said, "because your firm and affirmative attitude left a deep impression on me. I want to know why you are so sure? Don't forget, it was very foggy that night, and I went to your shop Here, I also stood at the door where you witnessed it, observing the outside and the street. I think it seems impossible to observe people so far away on a foggy night, and even the shadows of people are difficult to see clearly."

"In one respect, of course, you're right. The fog was growing, it is true, but it came in bursts, and now and again it was clear for a while, as I did when I saw Father Gorman. This situation, so I can see him and the person who is following him clearly. Not only that, but when the person behind me passed by the door of my store, he lit his cigarette again with a lighter. At that time, his profile was very Clear—nose, chin, Adam's apple, I thought at the time, that man's facial features are very special. I've never seen him before, and if he ever comes to my store, I will definitely remember him. So, you know—"

He suddenly fell silent. "Yes, I understand." Li Jun said thoughtfully. "Brothers," Mr. Osborne said hopefully, "twins maybe? That's the end of the matter?" Inspector Li Jun shook his head with a smile and said: "Maybe there's such a thing in a novel, but in real life—you know, there's no such thing, there's really no such thing." "No... no, I don't think so. But perhaps just a common brother, or—" Mr. Osborne looked eagerly. "As far as we know," Li Jun said cautiously, "Mr. Winable has no brothers."

"As far as you know?" repeated Mr. Osborne. "Although he is a British citizen, he was born abroad. He returned to England with his parents when he was eleven years old." "So you don't know much about him either? I mean his family." "Yes," Li Junsi thought, "It's not easy to find information about Mr. Weinabo—unless we ask him personally, but we have no reason to do that." In fact, he said this on purpose. Of course, there is a way to find out the relevant information without asking Mr. Winner, but Inspector Li Jun has no intention of telling Mr. Osborne. "So, without a medical certificate," he said, standing up, "you still think your identification is 100 percent correct?" "Yeah," Mr. Osborne said, following his tone, "you know, I have a habit of remembering people's faces," he giggled. The customer said: "How is your asthma?" The customer is often surprised, so I tell her: "The last time you came, you came with Dr. Hargreave's prescription." The customer is even more surprised! My business is very helpful, because people are very happy to be remembered by others, but I don't remember names so well. I got into this habit when I was very young, I told myself: Sajoli Osborne! If others can do it, so can you! It will soon become a habit, and it will take no effort." Li Jun sighed. "I really hope you're a witness," he said. "Most people don't have a clear idea and often say: 'Oh, I think it's about full height, and the hair is fine-well, it's not very clear. Well, all right. Plain looking, eyes blue—no, gray—maybe coffee. Wearing a gray raincoat—maybe dark blue.'” Mr. Osborne laughed. "That won't do you any good." "Honestly, a witness like you is rare!" Mr. Osborne looked pleased. "It's talent," he said politely, "but you know, I've trained mine especially. There's a kid's game where you put a lot of stuff on a plate and give the kid a few minutes to write it down. I get full marks every time, which surprised many people and said that I am really great. This is skillful and requires a lot of practice.” He chuckled softly, “I also perform a lot of magic tricks, every Christmas I'll show my hands to amuse the children every day. Excuse me, Inspector, what's that in your breast pocket?" He leaned forward and took out a small ashtray. "Alas! Sir, it is a pity that you are still a policeman!" He smiled happily, and Li Jun laughed along with him.Then Mr. Osborne sighed. "It's a nice little place, sir. The neighbors are friendly and courteous. I've wished for it for years, but I admit, Mr. Li Jun, I do miss the fun of running a business. There's always people coming and going. , you know, there are many types of guests worth studying. I also wish I had a small garden, and I have many other interests, such as collecting butterflies and occasionally seeing birds. I didn't think I would miss my so-called human factor. "I wish I could go abroad, yes, I went to France for the weekend and it was nice, but I think - I really think England is too good for me. I don't like foreign food, I Think they don't even know how to make eggs and bacon." He sighed again. "You can see how human nature is, I've always wanted to retire, but you know what? I'm looking to invest in a pharmacy in Bournemouth now - just to keep the interest and not shut up in the shop all day, Just let yourself feel that you have something to do. I believe you will be the same in the future, you will have a lot of plans in advance, but then you will miss the current exciting life.” Li Jun smiled. "Police life is not as colorful and exciting as you think it is, Mr Osborne. Your view of crime is an amateurish one, and most of our routines are monotonous, not tracking Prisoners, or searching for mysterious clues, it's really not interesting." Mr. Osborne still had a look of disbelief. "Anyway, you know best," he said. "Good-bye, Mr. Li Jun, I'm sorry I can't help you. Anytime, if there's anything—" "I'll let you know." Li Jun assured him. "When I went to the garden party that day, I always thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Mr. Osborne said to himself sadly. "I know, but it's a pity that the doctor's certificate is very positive, and no one can change this, right?" "This—" Mr. Osborne's words hesitated on his lips. But Inspector Li Jun didn't pay attention, he walked away quickly with big strides.Mr. Osborne stood at the door, watching his back leave. "Doctor's proof!" he said. "I know those doctors so well! If only he knew half as much about doctors as I do! Ignorance—those doctors don't understand anything at all!"