Chapter 36 Chapter 35 You're Done

No hinges, no loops, room for a doubt! But alas, Iago! Oh, Iago, what a pity, Iago. Mr. Gritz left a word before leaving for R Town, asking me to prepare for his next step. "The clue to the murder is in the confession. Find out whose desk or folder this paper came from, and you can find the murderer of the two people," he said. When I went to his house the next morning, I was surprised to see a writing desk for women with a stack of papers on it, and the owner of the writing desk was Eleanor. "What?" I said. "Do you still have any doubts about her innocence?"

"Of course not, but always try to be complete. If the investigation is incomplete, the conclusions obtained are not necessarily worthwhile," he cried, casting a contented glance at the poker. "I have traced Mr. Claflin, although The evidence in the confession shows that it cannot be written by him. However, it is not enough to look for evidence where it may be found. Sometimes you have to look where you can't imagine." He pulled the writing desk to In front of him, "I don't expect to find any criminal evidence here, but maybe I can find it. For police detectives, this is enough."

"Did you see Miss Leavenworth this morning?" I asked.At this time, in order to search for evidence, he dumped all the contents of the writing desk on the table. "I see. I didn't see her, and I couldn't get the desk. She handed it to me very gracefully, without a word of objection. Of course she didn't know exactly what I was looking for. , I just want to make sure that the letter can't be found here. In fact, even if she did know the truth, it wouldn't make much difference. There is nothing we want in this writing desk." "Is she okay? Did she know about Hannah's sudden death?" I asked, with uncontrollable anxiety.

"Yes, and sad, just as you expected. But let's see what's here first," he said, pushing the writing desk aside, and pulling the stack of papers I just mentioned in front of him, "I found this pile of papers, as you have seen, from the drawer of the library table at Miss Mary Leavenworth's house in Fifth Street. If I am not mistaken, we will be found in it." Wanted clues." "but--" "However, these papers are square, and the shape and size of the confession is similar to business letter paper? I know, but, you remember that the paper of the confession is cut. Let's compare the quality first."

He took out the confession book from his pocket, took out a sheet from the pile of papers in front of him, compared them carefully, and handed it to me.I can tell at a glance that the two are similar in color. "Take it to the light and look at it," he said. I took it to the lights and both looked identical. "Now let's compare the upper scale." He placed the two on the table, bringing the edges together.The line in one of them matches the other, and the question is thus answered. He is even more proud. "I expected it," he said. "From the moment I opened the drawer and saw this big stack of papers, I knew it would work out."

"But," retorted my disputable nature, "is there no room for doubt? It's the most common paper. Probably every house in this neighborhood has the same kind of paper in their study." "No," he said, "you mean letter-sized paper, which has long since been used up. If it wasn't for Mr. Leavenworth's manuscripts, it might not be found in the library. If you still doubt If so, let’s think about what we can do,” he jumped up, took the confession book to the window and looked around, and finally found what he was looking for, then came back and pointed out one of the lines in front of me, obviously It is thicker and darker than the other lines, which are so light that they are almost invisible. "A defect like this usually appears on several sheets in a row," he said. "If we can find half a stack of the same paper, this kind of evidence can probably dispel all your doubts," he said, taking out the top one and counting the number quickly.There were only eight, "probably from the stack," he said.But after he looked at the scale carefully, he found that it didn't match at all. "Hmph... no!" he said.

There are about a dozen or half stacks of paper left, and none of them seem to have been touched.Mr. Gritz tapped his fingers on the table and frowned. "It would be great to find it!" he exclaimed, in a tone of anticipation.Suddenly he picked up the other half of the stack, "Count how many there are." As he spoke, he pushed the paper in front of me, and picked up the other half of the stack himself. I counted them as he ordered. "Twelve." He also counted his own half-pack. "Keep counting," he said aloud. I then counted another stack, also twelve.He counted another stack, too, and paused.

"Eleven!" "Count again." I suggested. He counted again, then quietly put the stack aside. "Wrong count," he said. He wasn't discouraged, however.He fetched another half stack and continued to count, but there was still no result.At last he sighed impatiently, dropped the paper heavily on the table, and looked up. "Ah!" he exclaimed, "what's the matter?" "There are only eleven sheets in this stack," I said, placing the papers in his hand. He immediately showed excitement, and I was infected by him.As much as I tried to suppress it, I couldn't resist his eagerness.

"Oh, it's perfect!" he exclaimed, "Oh, it's perfect! Look! It's light on the inside, deep on the outside, and the position exactly matches Hannah's picture. What do you think now? Do you need further proof? " "Anyone with the weakest faith will surely believe it," I said. He seemed to be deliberately ignoring my emotions, turning his head and pretending not to see. "I have to congratulate myself on this major discovery," he said. "It's perfect, it's perfect, it's all over. I'll admit, I'm in awe of the complete crime.” This woman is amazing!" He suddenly said loudly, with a tone of extreme admiration. "She's so clever! So shrewd! So clever! What a pity to arrest such a brilliant lady—take a sheet from the bottom of a stack, cut it into another shape, and return I remember that the maid couldn't write, so I printed the rude and awkward characters in print, just like Hannah's. It's wonderful! If it were any other detective, this case would be impossible to solve." He was beaming with joy, his eyes Looking at the chandelier above his head, it seems that the chandelier is a symbol of his own wisdom.

I fell into despair and let him continue his ecstasy. "Could she have done better than this case?" he asked. "Can she have done better than this in full view and with all the constraints? I don't think so. Hannah was leaving Learning to write later is the fatal wound of this case, and she has nothing to do with such an unexpected thing." "Mr. Gritz," I interrupted, because I could bear it no longer, "did you see Miss Mary Leavenworth this morning?" "No," he said, "I don't need to see her just now. I doubt very much if she even knows I've been in her house. Sad maid, most valuable assistant to the detective. With Molly by my side." , I don't need to salute her at all."

"Mr. Gritz," I tried my best to control my emotions after he congratulated me, and asked, "what do you propose to do now? You have traced the clues to the end and are satisfied. With these evidences, It should be time to start taking action." "Hmm...well then," he responded, walking back to the private desk to take out the box.He hadn't had a chance to look at the papers in this tin box while he was in R. "Let's have a look at these papers first, and see if what's in them can help us." He pulled out about a dozen sheets Eleanor tore out. diary, turn the paper over. While he was busy, I took the opportunity to check the contents of the tin box.I found the contents exactly as Mrs Belden had disclosed to me, a marriage certificate of Mary and Mr Claflin, and six or seven letters.As I was looking at the marriage certificate, I was a little surprised by Mr. Gritz's short sigh, so I looked up. "What's the matter?" I said. He thrust Eleanor's diary into my hand. "Look for yourselves," he said. "Most of them repeat Mrs. Belden's account, but from a different angle. One of them, if I read correctly, may offer an alternative explanation for the murder that we hadn't thought of. Start from the beginning. It won't be boring." boring!How could Eleanor's feelings and thoughts be boring during that anxious hour! I tried to stay calm and spread out the diary in order to read. "R, the sixth of July—" "Two days after they got there, you know," Mr. Gritz explained. A gentleman introduced himself to us in the cloister today, and I can't help but mention it.Firstly because he was really good looking with all the masculine features, and secondly because Mary, who normally talks about gentlemen, couldn't tell when I asked him in our own room. He could not answer what effect his appearance and speech had on her.This may have something to do with him being British.My uncle had a deep dislike for everyone who came from England, she and I knew that very well.However, I am not satisfied with this explanation.As she had had an affair with Charlie Somerville, this aroused my suspicions.That happened last summer, and the lead actor is also British.What if history repeats itself?I wouldn't allow myself to contemplate such a possibility, though.Uncle will be back in a few days, and no matter how good Mary's impression of him is, we must cut off all ties, otherwise it will be difficult for our family to be united.I probably would not have thought of it if Mr. Claflin and Mary had not shown a strong and unbridled admiration when they first met. July 8th.History is about to repeat itself.Mary not only responded to Mr. Claflin's affection for her, but also actively attracted his attention.Today she sat at the piano and sang to him her favorite songs for two hours, and this evening—I am not going to write down the details of my observations.I won't be so obscene, but she will hurt many people I love by doing so, how can I sit idly by? July eleventh.Mr. Claflin was close to, if not completely in love with Mary.He is very handsome in appearance and honest, it is a pity for people to play with him like this. July thirteenth.Mary's glamor is like a rose, blooming with moving brilliance.She was dressed in a red and silver dress this evening, which made her fascinated by all beings.I have never seen her smile so sweetly, and I am sure Mr. Claflin agrees with that.He didn't take his eyes off her for a moment tonight.However, it is not easy to see through her heart.Yes, she seemed to care about his good looks, his breadth of knowledge, his wholehearted affection, but hadn't she also tricked us into believing she was in love with Charlie Somerville?As far as she was concerned, smiling and blushing probably meant nothing.It might seem unwise to make such a judgment in this situation, but let's hope so. July seventeenth.Oh my goodness!Mary came to my room this evening and suddenly fell down next to me, forcing her face into my lap. 'Oh, Eleanor, Eleanor! ' she murmured to herself, with what seemed to be a sob of great joy in her trembling voice.But when I took her head to my chest, she slipped out of my arms again, returned to her usual reserved and arrogant attitude, raised her hand as if asking others not to speak, and then left the room arrogantly.There is only one explanation for this.From the first time she blushed with the desperate joy that Mr. Claflin had professed his love for her, she had deliberately ignored the insurmountable chasm.When will uncle come back? July eighteenth.As I write this in my diary, I have no idea that my uncle has returned to the hotel.He came back unexpectedly on the last train, and I had just put the diary away when he came into my room.He looked a little tired, took me in his arms, and asked where Mary was.I lowered my head and faltered and replied that she was in my room.He was a little alert immediately, and quickly let me go to her room.I learned later that when he entered Mary's room, she was sitting in a daze at the dressing table, with Mr. Claflin's family ring on her finger.I don't know what happened next.It must have been an unpleasant scene, for Mary was not well this morning, and my uncle looked sad and serious. afternoon.The atmosphere in our family is very gloomy!Not only did the uncle refuse to give even the slightest thought to Mary's marriage to Mr. Claflin, he even demanded that the engagement be broken off immediately.I got this news in the saddest way possible.I knew what was going on, but secretly wanted to fight against such prejudices, so I went to my uncle this morning after breakfast to intercede for them.But he immediately shut me up, saying: "Eleanor, of all men, you should least approve of this marriage." Trembling with apprehension, I asked him why. "Because if you approve of their marriage, it's in your own interest." Growing uneasy, I begged him to explain. "I mean," he said, "if Mary marries this Englishman against my will, I will disown her and change Mary's name in my will to yours, and I will love you I changed my partner to you." For a moment, I felt dizzy. "Don't make it difficult for me!" I begged him. "As long as Mary insists on her own way, I will make you the heir." He announced this, and then left the room with a stern expression without saying anything more.What else can I do but get down on my knees and pray?In this miserable family, I am in the most pitiful position.replace her!However, my uncle will not let me take her place as heir.Mary would give up Mr. Claflin. "Wait," Mr. Gritz yelled, "what do you think? Isn't it very clear to write here? Mary has enough motives to commit murder? But you continue to read, let us hear what happened next .” My heart kept sinking, so I had no choice but to continue to read.The next date is July 19th. I was not mistaken.After struggling with her uncle's unshakable will, Mary finally agrees to break off her engagement to Mr. Claflin.I was in the room when she was making a decision, and my uncle held her tightly in his arms, calling her sweetheart.I'll never forget the look on his face when his self-esteem was satisfied.He obviously cared a lot about it, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that it ended perfectly.But what about Mary?Her attitude kind of puts me off, why on earth?I can't tell.I just know that when she turned to me and asked me if I was satisfied now, I felt a strong retreat.However, I suppressed the feeling and held out my hand.But she didn't shake my hand. July twenty-sixth.The days are endless!Our recent problems still bother me.I can't shake the shadow of the problem.Wherever I went, I seemed to see Mr. Claflin's face of despair.Why is Mary still in a happy mood?Even if you don't love him, you should at least keep a low profile and show respect for his disappointment. Uncle is going on a long journey again.No matter what I say, I can't keep him. July twenty-eighth.I see.Mary had only parted ways with Mr. Claflin in name, though she still held on to the hope of marrying him one day.The way in which I learned this information will not be repeated here, but Mary later confirmed it. "I adore this man," she declared, "and I don't intend to give him up." "In that case, why don't you just make it clear to your uncle?" I asked.She used sarcasm and a short sentence as the only answer: "Leave it to you." July 30th.midnight.Exhausting, but better write this before my blood cools.Mary is married.I just saw her hold out her hand to Henry Claflin.My whole soul was filled with anger and excitement, but it was strange that my writing hand did not tremble.And let me state the facts.I left the room for a few minutes this morning and came back to find a note from Mary lying on the dresser informing me that she was taking Mrs. Belden for a drive and would not be back in a few hours.I had every reason to believe she was going to see Mr. Claflin, so I put my hat on! The diary ends here. "She was interrupted by Mary probably at this time," Mr. Gritz explained, "we got the information we wanted to know anyway. Mr. Leavenworth threatened Mary that if she insisted on marrying against his will, Eleanor will take the place of heir. Mary is married, and to avoid the consequences of marriage, she—” "Stop talking," I told him.This time I was really convinced, "It's too obvious." Mr. Gritz got up. "However, the owner of the diary was saved because of this," I continued, trying to grasp the only consolation after the truth came out. "After reading the diary, no one will think that she has the ability to commit crimes." "Of course not. The diary proves her innocence." I try to maintain my demeanor and not think about other things.I am only happy that she can clear up her grievances, and forget about other things.However, I still can't do it. "However, the cousin who loves her as a sister is going to be in bad luck." I said to myself. Mr. Gritz put his hands in his pockets, and for the first time showed signs of uneasiness. "Yes, I'm afraid she's going to be in trouble. I'm afraid she's really going to be in trouble." He paused, and I felt a little hope at that moment, "She's going to be suspicious, too. What a pity, quite a pity Now that the case is over, I'm starting to feel a little sad that we're done. It feels weird but unreal. If only there was a loophole," he murmured. It's a pity that there is not a single loophole, and the whole case is clear.He got up suddenly and began to pace the room thoughtfully, glancing eastward and westward now, without looking at me, but I believe now, as I believed then, that he had been watching my face all along. expression. "Mr. Raymond, would you be very sorry if Miss Mary Leavenworth were arrested for murder?" he asked. He stopped in front of a fish tank and watched two or three fish swimming listlessly around. "Yes," I said, "I'll be sad, very sad." "However, she must be brought to justice." However, his expression was different, lacking the usual firm expression, "I am business-like, honest and honest, and have the responsibility to report the murderer who killed Mr. Leavenworth to the relevant agencies .” Affected by his weird behavior, that inexplicable touch rose again in my heart. "And my reputation as a police detective, of course I have to take it into consideration. Solving this case can bring me glory and wealth, so why am I not willing to report it? Even though she is beautiful, I still have to report it." Even when he said this, his expression was thoughtful. He stared down at the muddy water tank with an extremely serious attitude, which made me think that the fish in it would be hypnotized and would jump out of the water and come back later. stare at him.What is he planning in his mind? After a while, he looked back, and the indecision on his face had completely disappeared. "Mr. Raymond, come back at three o'clock. By that time, I should have written the report and am going to submit it to the magistrate. I want you to see it first, so please come." There was an inexplicable depression in his expression, and I couldn't help but ask, "Have you made up your mind?" "That's right." He replied, but his tone was weird and his expression was also weird. "Will you make the arrests you just mentioned?" "Come here at three o'clock in the afternoon!"