[Comprehensive Classics] Detective Mary

Cultivation of adults?

Priest Johnson's words were unbelievable, and Mary didn't react at all for a while.However, Sherlock Holmes still maintained a calm posture. After the words of the priest in black fell to the ground, he said sharply: "For the last meeting, it seems that Blackwood is planning to blow up the altar again."

"Impossible to blow up," the priest in black retorted without thinking, "His house is right up there, and it's still connected to... the place where he appeared!"

"Where does it appear?" demanded Holmes.

"Yes……"

Joel Johnson reacted suddenly.

He stared at Sherlock Holmes angrily, and struggled hard: "You are deceiving me, damn Holmes, you will die!"

The detective sneered.

He took a step back and watched the priest in black struggling in vain, trying to break free from the rope and attack him like a fish on a chopping board.

"Now," said Holmes calmly, "I think we shall take the man to Scotland Yard and hand him over to Inspector Lestrade."

Privately selling hallucinogen drug powder, and two attempted murders, whether they are Illuminati or not, these two crimes are enough for Inspector Lestrade to detain them for a while.

Most importantly, Mr. Holmes easily extracted useful information: the meeting of the Illuminati on the [-]rd next month will be held in the sewer of Sir Blackwood's mansion.

In other words, there is an altar there.And listen to Reverend Johnson...seems to be more than just an altar.

In addition to the Illuminati, the problem of trafficking hallucinogens has also gained some clues.This does not involve any religious secrets, so handing over the two to the police is the most appropriate choice.Holmes decided to go to Scotland Yard with the Irish workers, while Mary and Miss Morstan returned to Serpentine Avenue under the escort of Dr. Watson.

Things have come to this point, the situation has become extremely clear.

Sir Blackwood was indeed plotting shady things.No matter what kind of religious rituals he was using the devil's heels to accomplish, or what gods or monsters he tried to summon that only existed in cults, just selling drug powder in the slums was enough to attract the attention of the police.

As for what exactly he was summoning... Mary didn't think that mattered.

To be reasonable, she has been in this world for 20 years, and she has never seen any supernatural beings.People in the nineteenth century were on the eve of the explosive development of science and technology, and their theories were often inseparable from superstitions—chemistry came from alchemy, and biology came from religious experiments.

Lord Blackwood is again a decidedly agnostic.He believed in ghosts, but Mary didn't.She knows that there are strange creatures that have not been discovered by humans in this world, but using the altar to summon the supreme existence that is not materialistic?What a joke, in Mary's worldview, the religious authority of metaphysics is nothing more than the superstructure shackles put on by the ruling class for the masses of the people.

"So, Blackwood's research on the devil's heel drug was for his own religious purposes."

Back on Serpentine Avenue, after listening to Mary and Miss Morstan's report, Irene showed a very worried expression.

Mary: "It'll be fine, Erin."

Irene shook her head. She was not as optimistic as Mary: "You have read a lot, Mary, and you know that once a case involves religion, no matter what religion it is, things will become extremely dangerous and complicated."

Mary was silent.Because Erin was right.

"The more this is the case, the closer we are to the truth, and the more we need to—"

"Miss Irene."

In the middle of Mary's words, Irene's maid hurried into the living room, her expression a little nervous: "Did you have an appointment today? There is a carriage parked in front of the door, but you said that as long as Miss Mary is present, you I will not meet with guests."

"guest?"

Irene frowned, her beautiful face showing a bit of sternness.

Miss Morstan heard the words and went to the window, and she drew the curtains.Through the window, Mary recognized the coat of arms on the carriage at the door almost immediately.

"It's Blackwood!" She was very surprised.

"Oops."

Erin reacted quickly: "Blackwood cannot see Miss Morstan. And you, Mary."

She glanced at the clothes on Mary: "Come with me."

Speaking of which, Irene grabbed Mary's wrist and pulled her towards the upstairs bedroom.When climbing the stairs, he did not forget to tell the maid: "Please ask him to wait in the living room first."

The three ladies hurried upstairs, and Irene settled Mary and Miss Morstan in her bedroom.She looked weak, but her movements were exceptionally neat, so proficient that Mary felt that it was definitely not the first time that Ms. Irene Adler had hidden people she shouldn't meet in her room.

"Miss Morstan can rest in my room. As for you, Mary," Irene opened her closet, quickly rummaged through it, and finally grabbed a dress. "You change your clothes before going downstairs."

Also.

They had just come back from Whitechapel, and had caught the Illuminati.Even if Blackwood and Holmes are well aware of each other's positions, it's better not to make it obvious.

only……

Mary looked at the dress that Irene stuffed for her very speechlessly——Irene had already chosen the simplest dress for Mary, but this classic French pattern and design can be seen by anyone at a glance It came out that the dress wasn't Mary's at all.

She might as well stay in the bedroom with Miss Morstan.Anyway, even if Blackwood suspected it, it was impossible to break into the boudoir of a single soprano in broad daylight.

However, just as Mary was thinking this, Irene had already walked out of the bedroom, and she was standing on the edge of the railing on the second floor: "It's been a long time, sir."

Blackwood's voice came from the downstairs living room: "Do you have other guests, Miss Irene?"

Erin: "It's Mary. We're picking out clothes. She'll be ready in a minute."

Mary: "..."

Well, it does explain why Mary wears "Irene Adler style" dresses.Now that she had said all about herself, Mary reluctantly changed her clothes and walked out of the bedroom.

"Miss Mary."

Blackwood nodded politely: "I hope I didn't bother you."

Irene raised the corners of her mouth: "I'm afraid Miss Mary would like you to disturb us, Sir, she can't stand my dressing style."

Hearing this, Blackwood looked at Mary who had changed her dress seriously for a moment, and then complimented, "But it suits you very well."

Mary: "...Thank you."

In all fairness, Mary didn't think the dress was ugly either.

Irene Adler was much taller than her, with a beautiful face, but a slim figure.It was not without reason that she had to rummage through the box to find this dress. The skirt at the bottom of the box was just right for Mary, so it must not be suitable for Irene.

And Mary's reluctance complemented Irene's full smile.She looked at Mary with great interest, and was even more happy when she heard Blackwood's praise—although it was just a play, but Irene's happiness was so real that Mary couldn't help thinking that she probably wanted to do this a long time ago!

"I'm sorry to disturb the two ladies," Blackwood said with a smile on his profound face, "I won't stay long."

"What can you do, sir?" Irene asked.

"The famous Ms. Irene Adler came from afar and was not informed by anyone but you and my friend Judge Nolan," said Blackwood. "Many people regret your low profile, Miss Irene. But I think, since you have come to London, why don't you come out and meet your fans in England? I won't make it too big, it's just a private gathering."

This is a disguised invitation to Irene to attend a private concert.

For a famous soprano, it is not uncommon to receive such an invitation.If it were in Paris, if it wasn't for a highly respected and powerful role, I am afraid that the soprano of the Paris Opera House would not be hired.

Compared with the dignitaries and dignitaries that Irene usually met, Sir Blackwood might not be up to par.

But she didn't come to London to show off.

In particular, Blackwood directly mentioned the name of Judge Nolan. Whether it was his status as a member of the Illuminati or his relationship with "Irene's acquaintance", the lady from Paris could not directly evade it.

"Since it's Sir, you invite me out," Irene thought for a moment before agreeing, "Then I have to pay my respects."

"Thank you."

Speaking of which, Blackwood glanced at Mary with great interest: "Then, the two ladies can continue the discussion you interrupted."

Mary: "..."

forget it!

Picking clothes for Mary was just an excuse for Ms. Irene Adler, but looking at her expectant eyes with sparkling eyes, Mary felt that if she chose to stay, she might really be dressed up like a doll by Irene.

She's a girl too, and she likes pretty clothes, yes, but Marie isn't interested in being a free model!

Anyway, Miss Morstan is still there, isn't she, she is much prettier than herself, and has striking red hair.So Mary didn't wait for Irene to speak, and said urgently: "Let's call it a day, I'm going home too."

She looked at Jazz: "We can go out together."

After leaving Irene's villa, Mary let out a long sigh of relief.Her appearance of avoiding disaster brought Blackwood a look of uncontrollable laughter: "Should I take you back, Miss Mary?"

Mary turned to look at her apartment: "It's only thirty meters away from my house, Sir."

Blackwood: "I'll wait until you get home, and..."

"and?"

"I came here this time not just to invite Miss Irene," Blackwood said, "I originally planned to visit you after the visit, but I didn't expect the two of you to be together."

"Shall I listen to Irene's voice?"

"This is just one, the second invitation may be...more personal."

Mary said nothing.

Under the premise that the members of the Illuminati were arrested, Sir Blackwood came to visit.And it's no secret that Holmes is investigating the Devil's Heel, which makes Blackwood's intentions seem particularly ulterior.

Not long after Mary rejected his marriage proposal, it was very rare for the two of them to remain superficially polite and not embarrassed. Due to the situation and reason, Mary would not agree to any personal invitation he proposed.

"I'm sorry, sir," Mary said in as sincere a tone as possible, not tactful, "I don't think this is appropriate."

"...It was my words that caused the misunderstanding."

Seeing Mary's embarrassing expression, Sir raised his eyebrows, and then reacted, and seriously corrected: "I am not asking you to accompany me to do something shady, but...Damn it, forgive my presumptuousness, I will directly said."

"Please, there is nothing to hide between you and me."

"I know you are Philip Luther."

"........."

So, what's the use of her vest!

When Blackwood said these words, Mary's heart almost stopped.Mary didn't feel relieved until she saw that he still had an apologetic expression. At least this showed that even if Blackwood plotted something wrong, he didn't intend to make a big fuss about Philip Luther.

"You have a good relationship with Editor-in-Chief Hall," Blackwood explained. "It's no secret, Miss Mary. When I accidentally mentioned Luther's work at a party, it was Miss Bingley who told me that, in fact, Philip Luther was you. I was shocked at the time, but when you think about it, if you weren't a potential author, how could you be a friend of the editor-in-chief of The Shore Magazine?"

Miss Bingley for success and Miss Bingley for failure.

But Mary didn't blame her. After all, Miss Bingley didn't know what kind of person Sir Blackwood was. On the surface, everyone knew that it was Sherlock Holmes who competed with him for the right to accompany Mary Bennet at the banquet. I'm afraid Miss Bingley was only kind enough not to upset Sir Blackwood.

Moreover, even if there is no Miss Bingley, as long as Blackwood wants to find out, he can always find out who Philip Luther is by following the clue that Editor-in-Chief Hall has a good relationship with himself.

Given that he had already been eyeing her, Mary even suspected that the reason why she inadvertently learned the author's true identity through Miss Bingley was nothing more than a rhetoric—it was as if he pulled the trigger on Sykes, obviously to kill him himself. It's as if the underling who showed off his feet still swore to Mary that he was looking for little Oliver.

"Forgive me for investigating you privately," Blackwood said sincerely, "Philip Luther is so mysterious, and there are many speculations from the outside world, but none of them are worth believing. As his readers, I and those who try to speculate on Luther's true identity I'm the same as other journalists, I just want to know what kind of person he is."

"I don't think I fit your imagination, ser."

"Indeed, but the author I love is... a lady I admire," said Blackwood. "I am not only shocked, but delighted, Miss Mary. I take the liberty of offering you a personal invitation, simply in the hope that Can you accompany me to a seminar in the literary world, many of whom have also judged Luther's works. If you don't want to reveal your identity, then attend as my companion, meet the critics, and praise your , those who criticize you are present. This is the only thing I can do as your reader."

But for any other author, Sir Blackwood's invitation is an irresistible temptation.

O great men of literature!How many writers from Yeluzi hope that they can be compared with those writers who graduated from Cambridge and Oxford. If they receive a few words of appreciation from them in person, their worth will be doubled if they are released.

However, Blackwood's trick happened on Mary.

She has traveled here from the 21st century. How many contemporary literature professors, especially the "writers" who condescend to write literary reviews for the "Seashore Magazine" series, are left in history?At least Mary has never heard of the critics who have been chasing after Philip Luther since the beginning of "Serial Killer Chess Game".

If you haven't heard of it, what's the point?It's not that Mary feels that her works are shocking to the world and can be called masterpieces in later generations. On the contrary, she feels that she is just an author of popular novels at present.Everyone is unlikely to leave a name in later generations, and no one is more noble than another.

Not to mention, under the premise that Sherlock Holmes captured two members of the Illuminati, Blackwood invited himself out again, and Mary could smell the conspiracy by moving her toes.

He must have other plans, but...

Taking the initiative to come to the door means that they have pushed Blackwood to a dead end.Promising him will be very dangerous, but danger and opportunity are often good brothers who live together and die together.

"I need to think about it," Mary said after pondering for a moment, "I hope you can understand, Sir, if I were fearless, I would not choose a pseudonym to conceal my identity, and any action that exposes Philip Luther's real name would be harmful to me." It’s not a good thing.”

"I can understand."

Sir Blackwood did not force it.He nodded kindly: "If you have figured it out, Miss Mary, please inform me in time. The party will be at the beginning of next month, and you have a lot of time to think about it. I will wait for your good news."

Mary went to 221b the next day and told Holmes about it.

Sherlock Holmes sat on the sofa by the fire, as usual, while she told the story.The detective listened to Mary's narration calmly, and before he could speak, Watson stood up directly.

"You can't promise him, Miss Mary," the doctor said nervously. "The people from the Illuminati attacked me first, and after they failed, Blackwood immediately came to invite you. No matter how you think about it, there is a conspiracy in it, and he definitely won't." With good intentions!"

"I know."

Mary nodded: "It is absolutely impossible for Blackwood to invite me just for a party in the literary world."

Holmes: "But you want to promise her."

Mary said nothing.

The detective's firm tone made Watson a little anxious: "No, Miss Mary! You have been advising Holmes not to face the danger rashly and alone. Now that the same situation is happening to you, how can you bear to let us worry about you?"

"I……"

This is why Mary hesitated, if not for this, she would have agreed to Blackwood without thinking.

"Please calm down, Watson."

Compared with the anxious doctor, Holmes's reaction was too rational.

The detective sitting motionless on the sofa raised his head and looked at Mary with light-colored eyes: "You didn't respond to me directly, Miss Mary, which is enough to prove that you know that neither Watson nor I would approve of you acting alone, but you Really want to grant Blackwood's request."

"Yes."

"Can I know why?"

"Because it's an excellent entry point. Just like other members of the Illuminati attacked Watson, you got hold of the key figure, and the key figure leaked information about Blackwood's plan—whatever it was The plan is just around the corner, and he can't sit still anymore, so he wants to attack me. This also means that we have the most direct way to destroy his plan."

After Mary explained, she hurriedly added: "There is a breakthrough, and I am willing to take the risk."

Holmes pondered for a moment: "But in theory, I don't recommend you to do this. To this day, we are still unable to determine what exactly Blackwood is doing to innocent people through the devil's heel, and the information collected is not enough to determine what he is preparing. Where did the rituals and worshiped gods come from. More importantly, although I have identified the types of dehydrated reptiles collected from the altar, I still cannot pinpoint their birthplaces and names. Once you fall into Blackwood's hands, I Not sure what he would do to you."

"The party is at the beginning of next month," said Mary.

"Early next month?"

The meeting time of the Illuminati will be on the [-]rd of next month, and the time is so close that it will inevitably make people think too much.

"The worst thing is that he sacrifices me," Mary analyzed, "but the sacrifice needs to live, sir, and he must ensure that I live until the third of the next month, and you know where the altar is and when the assembly will be. "

"So, you decided to entrust your life and death to my hands."

"Can't I trust you?"

Holmes frowned quickly, but he did not smile.

"Think about it, Miss Mary," he said, "I will return to you the words you warned me in the past—even I can't predict all the situations 100%. I will try my best Protect your life as much as you can, but you will still face danger, the worst of which is death."

"My intelligence is not as good as yours," Mary said confidently, "but I am also confident that I can handle part of the crisis by myself."

"Have you made up your mind?"

"I figured it out."

"Then go."

Holmes withdrew his gaze: "Since this is your choice, Watson, I and others will do our best to cooperate with you."

Mary spread a huge smile.

She was not surprised that she would get an affirmative answer from Sherlock Holmes.Mary took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "Thank you, sir."

After Mary Bennet left, Watson said in an unbelievable tone: "I don't understand, Holmes. It was you who wanted to exclude her before and divert the topic, and now you are the one who allows her to take risks. Bai The underground sewers in the Cathedral Quarter are potentially dangerous at best, and Blackwood alone could kill her! What the hell are you thinking?"

The doctor's words were almost harsh, but Holmes remained calm.

"It was my mistake, Watson. It was Mary's reaction that made me realize it."

"what?"

"I can keep Mary Bennet safe the way a man protects a woman, and a detective protects the innocent; I can withhold information from her and keep her out of the loop. But I cannot stop a single person from pursuing the truth." , Watson. What she needs is not protection, but support."

"But……"

"No matter how severe the oppression, no amount of protection, it is impossible to seal the complete soul and personality in a 'safe' cage. Mary Bennet chose to face the truth, so danger is only the first step of all disasters. Unless I tore up all her hopes and broke her wings, otherwise no one would be able to stop her in the name of protection."

Speaking of this, Watson also understood what Holmes meant.

"But it's like I can't promise Mary that I'll never go out on my own again."

Holmes went on.

"I have to admit that I couldn't completely exclude her."

As he spoke, Sherlock Holmes folded his hands together, staring at the flames of the fireplace, lost in thought, and said nothing.

The author has something to say: I will translate Lao Fu's words for everyone, and he positively affirms the attractiveness of Mary's "independent soul".

In the original book, Lao Fu will pick up roses for praising a lady, and admit his mistakes for underestimating a lady.In this article, he sent flowers to admit his mistakes and gave Mary all kinds of concessions.If you want to say that the emotional drama was not clear before, I think I have worked very hard after writing this chapter!Besides, if I can't tell, I'll just roll around and cheat!You Jiang Hua scratch the head of the series for Lao Fu every day. To be reasonable, I really can’t imagine the way he loves Sherlock Holmes to death or life. Don’t force Jiang Hua qaq!