Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Divided in Two
At seven o'clock in the morning, November 6th, Mr. Schultz arrived at Charing-Cross Station.At noon, he came to No. 93 Southampton Road and walked into a hall divided into two halves by wooden railings. On one side was the clerical office and on the other was the reception area. desk, lots of green paper folders, and an address book.Two young people were sitting at the table, quietly eating the traditional bread and cheese lunch of the judiciary from all over the world.
"Are Billows, Green, and Mr. Sharp there?" asked the professor in his voice as if he had ordered supper.
"Mr. Sharp is in his office . . . What's your name? What's the matter?"
"I'm Professor Schultz from Jena, and I'm here for the Longevre case."
The young clerk reported the matter into the microphone in a low voice, and then, with his ear pressed to the receiver that outsiders could not hear, he heard a reply, which may mean something like this:
"Go to hell, the Longevre case! Here comes another lunatic who thinks he's an aristocrat!"
The young clerk replied:
"The man looked like a 'respectable guy'. He had an unflattering air, but he didn't look like a fledgling."
Then came a mysterious exclamation:
"Then he's from Germany..."
"At least that's what he said."
A sigh came from the microphone:
"Let him come up."
"The third floor, the room facing the stairs." The young secretary pointed to a passage inside and said loudly.
The professor entered the passage, climbed two flights of stairs, and came to an upholstered door with Mr. Sharp's name engraved in bold letters on a brass plate.
Mr. Sharpe's office is modest, with a carpeted floor, leather chairs, and a large mahogany desk with folders spread out.He sat at the desk, bowed slightly, and then, according to the elegant habit of office people, flipped through the documents for another five minutes to show that he was busy.Finally, he turned to Professor Schultz, who was already sitting in front of him.
"Sir," he said, "please tell me briefly the purpose of your visit. My time is so limited that I can only give you a few minutes."
The professor seemed to smile, indicating that he did not mind the reception.
"When you know why I have come," said the professor, "you may think it best to give me a few more minutes."
"Go ahead, sir."
"It is about the succession of Jean-Jacques Langevour of Baléduque. I am a child of his sister Thérèse Langevour. She married my grandfather Martin Schuur in 1792." My grandfather, surgeon in the Brunswick garrison, died in 1814. I have kept three letters from my great-grandfather to his sister, and know a great deal about his passing by our house after the Battle of Jena. circumstances, and, besides, perfectly legal documents proving our kinship."
There is no need to repeat what Professor Schultz has said to Mr. Sharp.Uncharacteristically, he babbled almost endlessly.Indeed, it was the only thing he could go on talking about.For him, it was indeed necessary for American Sharpe to know that the Germanic nation was above all other nations.The reason why he wanted to get back this inheritance was above all because he wanted to wrest it from the French, who spent so much money on trifles! . . . He hated his opponent because he was a Frenchman! ... If the opponent had been a German, he would not have insisted so much.But the professor was furious at the thought that his opponent was a so-called scholar, a Frenchman, who might use this huge sum of money to serve the French claim.
At first glance, there is no obvious connection between this set of political digressions and the inheritance of large fortunes.Mr. Sharp, however, was tactful enough to see the unusual connection between the national aspirations of the entire Germanic people and Schulz's personal need for the Indian noblewoman's inheritance.In fact, the two are the same thing.
Besides, there can be no doubts.Although kinship with an inferior race is extremely disgraceful for a professor at the University of Jena, it is clear that the responsibility rests with the French female ancestors who bore this unique creature.However, this collateral relationship with Dr. Sarrazan only gave him a share of the inheritance due to the collateral relatives.At this time, Mr. Sharp saw the possibility of legal support for his interests, and, in this possibility, he vaguely saw another possibility that was completely beneficial to the firm of Billows Green Sharp, that is, Making the already well-run Longevity inheritance case better and better, it seems to be a new screenwriter for Dickens' "The Jandis Brothers Reading the Wall".Before the eyes of this legal professional were all kinds of sealed documents, contracts and materials.Or, better still, he thought of a compromise that he, Sharp, mediated, would benefit both parties, a solution that would bring him, Sharp, fame and fortune.
Therefore, he told Professor Schultz about Dr. Sarrazan's inheritance information, and showed the latter the supporting documents, and hinted to the latter that if he entrusted Billows Green Sharp to take charge of the transfer from him and Dr. Sarrazan If the professor is to be favored by the superficial rights conferred by his kinship--"Only superficial, my dear sir, I fear it will not stand up to legal action"--then, it may be believed, with all Germans possessed The extremely excellent judgment can enable the firm to present various and more powerful evidences, so that the legal rights of the professor can be recognized.
Professor Schultz is extremely smart, and he will not fail to understand the logic of the attorney's words.Although he didn't say anything clearly, at this point, he has been relieved.Mr. Sharp politely asked the professor to allow him some time to study his business, and then sent him out with great respect.The time he said before is limited, only a few minutes can be talked, but now it is greatly exceeded!
Mr. Schultz came out of the office, thinking that he was not qualified enough to inherit the inheritance of the Indian noble lady, but he firmly believed that in a struggle between the Saxons and the Latins, if he could adapt to the situation, the situation would turn out to be in the former's favor. Transformation, not to mention the battle is always worth it.
The important thing is to find out what Dr. Sarazan is thinking.An immediate telegram to Brighton summoned the French scholar to the law firm about five o'clock.
Mr. Sharp was greatly surprised by Dr. Sarrazan's calmness on hearing of the new development.When Mr. Sharp first mentioned the matter, he told him with the utmost honesty that he did recall hearing at home that he had such an aunt, who was brought up by a wealthy lady. , and then emigrated abroad with your lady, and may have married in Germany later.However, he did not know the name of the great-aunt and the exact relationship.
Mr. Sharp had prepared his separate folders beforehand, which he graciously showed the doctor.
Mr. Sharp makes no secret that there are grounds for litigation, and such litigation is likely to be protracted.In fact, there is no need to tell the other party the family legend that Dr. Sarrazin just told Mr. Sharp frankly... However, Mr. Schultz mentioned that Jean-Jacques Langevoor gave him Those letters from my sister were a presumption in favor of the other party.Of course, this presumption is weak and does not have any legal characteristics, but it is a presumption after all... It is very likely that some other evidence will be dug up from the dust of local archives.Even, although the other party can't find any official certificates, they may boldly fabricate some out of thin air.Beware of everything!Who can guarantee that there will not be something new to give this sudden Thérèse Langewall and his present representatives more power than Dr. Sarrazan? ...In any case, it is endless sophistry, endless verification, and an indefinite verdict! ...Since both parties have a high probability of winning the lawsuit, each party can easily form a joint-stock company to advance the litigation costs, and conduct activities to the extreme.There was once a similar famous case, which lasted eighty-three years in the court of the Ministry of Justice, and finally ended because the lawsuit could not be paid: the principal and interest of the inheritance were all paid up! ... There is no end to the time spent on interrogation and evidence collection, trusteeship, judicial investigation, and litigation procedures, etc.! . . . for the last ten years or so, there is still no conclusion, and the half a billion francs are still sleeping in the National Bank of England. . . .
Dr. Sarrazan listened to his babbling and wondered when he would stop.Although he didn't take what he heard to be true, a trace of disappointment still hit his heart.Like a traveler leaning over the bow of a ship looking forward, watching the port he thought he was sailing into is gradually moving away, becoming less and less visible, until it disappears. The wealth for which it was put to good use may well end up being wiped out!
"So, what to do?" he asked the attorney.
what to do? ……Ok! ...that's really tricky.Getting money is even more difficult.Still, things can work out.He, Sharp, was sure of that.English law is excellent.Perhaps a little unhurried, he admits... yeah, definitely a little unhurried,. ……Ok! ……Ok! ...But, more secure and reliable! ...In a few years, Dr. Sarrazan will definitely get this inheritance, as long as... um! ……Ok! ...he has enough evidence! ...
Dr. Sarrazan came out of his law office in Southampton Street greatly shaken by the belief that he was about to, or had to, engage in a protracted legal battle, or give up his dream.When he thought of his charity plan, he couldn't help feeling a little regretful.
At this time, Mr. Sharp wrote to him at the address that Professor Schultz had left him, saying that Dr. Sarazan said that he had never heard of a woman named Therese Longeval, and officially denied The family has a branch in Germany and refuses any deal.Therefore, if the professor believes that his rights are unquestionable, he can only "go to court".Mr. Sharp was absolutely disinterested in the matter, but only interested in it, so he certainly didn't want to dissuade him from litigation.A lawyer ad litem, besides fighting a lawsuit, one lawsuit, ten lawsuits, or thirty years of lawsuits, what other desires can he have?Are they born to litigate?Therefore, he, Sharp, himself is very happy about this matter.If he was not worried about arousing the suspicion of Professor Schultz, he would give full play to his selflessness, recommend one of his colleagues to the professor, and let him entrust his affairs to the latter... Of course, choosing a lawyer is very important!The profession of lawyers has become a real avenue! ...adventurers and bandits alike! ... When he saw this, a blush could not help but appear on his forehead! ...
"If the French doctor is willing to settle, how much will it cost?" Professor Schultz asked.
A wise man, the meaning of the words in the letter could not be hidden from him!Another practical person, straight to the point, without wasting precious time, straight to the point!Mr. Sharp was a little embarrassed by the other party's behavior.He told Mr Schultz: "It's not going to go that fast.It is impossible to foresee the outcome of what has just begun.In order for Dr. Sarrazan to agree to a settlement, there had to be a delay, lest he feel that he, Schultz, was ready for a settlement.
"Leave me in charge, sir," he said at last. "Leave the matter to me, and I will take full responsibility."
"That's what I mean," Schultz replied, "but I still want to know."
This time, however, he could not find out from Mr. Sharp how much the Saxons paid attorneys, so he had to leave it to him.
Dr. Sarrazan was invited by Mr. Sharp the next day.He asked quietly if Mr. Sharp had any important news for him.Mr. Sharp, disturbed by his calm demeanor, told him that, after serious study, he was convinced that it might be best to settle the matter once and for all, and to pay the new claimant Recommended for trading.Dr. Sarrazan believed that this was a completely disinterested suggestion, which few other lawyers in Mr. Sharp's position would have suggested!Moreover, he pledged to settle quickly the matter which he regarded as his own.
Dr. Sarrazan listened to these suggestions, and thought they were relatively sound.For some days now he had been so preoccupied with the immediate realization of his scientific dreams that he regarded everything else as secondary to this project.To wait ten years, or even just one year to implement his plan, for him now, that would make him heartbroken and pessimistic.Although he was unfamiliar with legal and financial matters, and he was not fooled by Mr. Sharpe's rhetoric, he would have sold his rights for a low price, as long as he was given a large sum of cash to make his theory come true.Therefore, he also let Sharpe take care of it, and then left the firm.
Litigation attorneys wish come true.Indeed, another man in his place might not have been tempted to initiate a suit, and drag it on in order to secure a large annuity for his own firm.Mr. Sharp, however, is not the type to speculate in the long run.He saw that he could easily get a huge harvest at once, so he decided to hold on to it.The next day he wrote to Dr. Sarrazan that it might be possible for Mr. Schultz to agree to any proposal for a settlement.Then he started visiting Dr. Sarrazan and Mr. Schultz, telling both of them in turn how the other had so strongly disagreed, how there was a third claimant who had smelled it, and so on. . . …
This trick worked for a week.Often everything goes well in the morning, but an unexpected change suddenly occurs at night, disrupting everything.The kind doctor seems to have fallen into a trap, unable to advance or retreat, vacillating.Mr. Sharp could not make up his mind to take up the pole all the time, because he was worried that the fish would struggle and break free from the hook at the last moment.However, in this case, such caution is superfluous.Dr. Sarrazan had said from the first day that what he was most afraid of was the trouble of litigation, so he was ready to resolve it peacefully.Finally, when Mr. Sharp thought that the famous "moment of psychological propriety" had arrived, or, in his less elegant term, the moment when his client was "ready to fire", he suddenly showed his cards, proposing Settle immediately.
A well-meaning man, the banker Stilbing, came on the scene. He proposed a method of splitting in two, paying two hundred and fifty million to each party, and taking only a fraction of five hundred million as commission, that is to say, two seventeen million.
Dr. Sarrazan wanted to embrace Mr. Sharp when he came to make the above proposal, because he thought it was a good idea anyway.He was quite ready to sign, he only wanted to sign, and if it was to give to Banker Stilbein, to Lawyer Sharpe, to erect statues of gold in front of the great banks and firms of the United Kingdom, he would approve of.
The certificate has been written, the witnesses have been called, and the franking machine is ready.Here comes Mr. Schultz.He put that Sharp aside, he was sure that if the opponent he met was not as easy-going as Dr. Sarrazan, he would definitely suffer a big loss, and he was a little afraid of it.The formalities were quickly completed.The two heirs formally submitted the documents of entrustment and agreement to split equally. After the legal procedures were completed, each of them received a check of 100,000 pounds that was cashed immediately, and negotiated a deterministic payment method in the future.
Thus ended this astonishing case of inheritance, in honor of the high honor of the good Anglo-Saxons.
It is affirmed that, when Mr. Sharp dined with his friend Stilbyn at the Goberden Club that evening, he toasted the health of Dr. Sarrazan and toasted Schultz. After the Professor's health drank a glass and drained the bottle of champagne, he could not help uttering the following imprudent exclamation:
"Oh!...British rules!...We are the only ones who have the final say!..."
In fact, Banker Stilbing thought his host was a wretch who lost fifty million in business for twenty-seven million, and, in fact, Professor Schultz thought the same of Mr. Sharp, Because he, Mr. Schultz, really felt that he was forced to accept any kind of settlement!What's so difficult about a man like Dr. Sarrazan!He's a, insignificant, independent, and certainly a dreamer!
The professor had heard of his opponent's plans to build a French town, a city of sanitation of mind and body, conducive to the development of the natural faculties of man, and to the breeding of a strong and courageous offspring.He thought it foolish to do so, and he thought it doomed to fail, because it was contrary to the laws of progress which had led the Latin races to decay, to be enslaved by the Saxon races, and to disappear entirely from the face of the earth.If Dr. Sarrazan's plan starts to be realized, and there is further hope of success, then the law of evolution may not be established.It is therefore the duty of every Saxon, for the good of the whole, and in obedience to an inevitable law, to make as far as possible this so insane plan go to waste.In the present circumstances, it is evident that he, Dr. Schulz, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Nana, is famous for his many comparative treatises on the various peoples of mankind, by which he proved that the Germanic peoples should Dominate all other nations.In conclusion, it is evident that he was specially appointed by the great power of nature, which is continually creating and destroying, to exterminate any inferior human being who stands against this great power.It had been divinely ordained that Thérèse Langerwall would marry Martin Schulz, and that, one day, the two nations would be represented by a French doctor and a German professor, the latter overpowering the former.Now, half of the doctor's wealth is in his hands.This is an important tool he needs.
Besides, Dr. Sarrazan's plans seemed to Mr. Schulz a trivial one, a small part of those he had worked out on a much larger scale.His vast plans were to exterminate all those nations which opposed their assimilation into the Germanic nation, and their return to the "fatherland."Yet, wanting to understand the nature of Dr. Sarrazan's plans--if there could be any such--of what he considered his enemy's plans--he managed to attend the International Sanitary Assemblies, and every meeting must be turn up.
It was at the adjournment of one of the congresses that several delegates, including Dr. Sarazan, heard Professor Schulz's statement that at the same time as the City of France a strong city would be built which would make the City of France This grotesque anthill capsizes.
"I hope," he added, "that our experience in building this city will be emulated all over the world!"
Good Dr. Sarrazan, although he is full of love for human beings, he knows very well that not every one of his kind is worthy of the good name of kindness.He took his opponent's words to heart carefully, thinking, as a man of reason, that no threat should be taken lightly.After a few days he wrote to Marcel, asking him to help him with this feat, and, telling him this little episode, described Mr. Schulz to him.The young Alsatian thought to himself that the good doctor would have a formidable opponent.The doctor added in his letter:
"We're going to need strong men, we're going to need active scholars, not just for building, but for self-defense."
In response, Marcel wrote back to Dr. Sarrazan saying:
"If I can't help you build your city right away, rest assured that I'll be there when you need me. I won't forget you and the man so detailed here Mr. Schulz. As an Alsatian, I have the right to follow his every move. I am loyal to you whether I am near you or far away from you. If you have a few Don't worry if you don't hear from me for months, or even years. Whether far away or by your side, I have only one thought: to work for you, and therefore for France."
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