dognovel Chapter 195 Detective 2
Chapter 195 Detective 2
In the quiet and contemplative room, Lu Murphy's fingers gently slid across the finely carved and time-marked cane, his eyes flashing with wisdom and insight. He slowly turned to Olik, and his voice carried a fascinating magic, as if to lead the listener into a fantasy world of logical reasoning.
"Let us boldly run wild in the realm of imagination, and based on the emotions and stories carried by this cane, imagine the most reasonable scenario: when and where can the deep affection of this 'gift' be gathered into a tide and surge out?"
"There is no doubt that it must have happened at the turning point when Dr. James decided to break free from the shackles of the bustling city and resolutely embark on a journey of independent medical practice in pursuit of spiritual peace and freedom. That moment was not only an important milestone in his life, but also the moment when friendship and blessings converged into a river, turning into this walking stick, becoming the most solid backing for him on his way forward."
Upon hearing this, Olik frowned slightly, then nodded slightly, with a hint of recognition and admiration in his eyes.
He knew that every word of Lu Murphy contained thoughtful logic and keen observation.
"Through further speculation, it is not difficult to find that Dr. James's position in the London medical community has not reached the pinnacle of prominence.
Those attending physicians who hold high positions and have great reputations are often tightly bound by the lights and glory of the city. Few are willing to give up all of this and go to the countryside to find the indifference and tranquility. "
"Therefore, we can reasonably infer that he is not standing at the top of the medical hall, but is quietly working in the vast world of medicine with a more humble and indifferent attitude."
Speaking of this, Lu Mofei's eyes became deeper, as if he could penetrate the mist of time and look directly into the past.
“So, what position does he occupy in the complex ecosystem of the hospital?
He is neither a famous chief physician nor a fledgling medical student. He is most likely a resident surgeon or internist who has made some achievements in the medical field but maintains a casual and free-spirited style.
"Their role is like an important screw in the huge machine of the hospital, inconspicuous but indispensable.
Five years ago, it was he who embarked on a journey to the countryside with this walking stick, loaded with the blessings and expectations of his friends.
That date, like a brand, was deeply engraved on the cane and also engraved in his heart. "
As Olik listened to Lu Murphy's analysis, an expression of confusion and smile appeared on his face, as if he was impressed by this series of exquisite reasoning, and seemed to be thinking about the unfinished meaning in it.
Seeing this, Lu Mofei curled up a faint smile at the corner of his mouth and leaned back leisurely. His whole body seemed to blend into the bench, and he looked particularly relaxed and comfortable.
He exhaled a puff of smoke, which rose slowly in the air, curling and swirling like his thoughts, swirling and interweaving in the room, as if silently narrating the various possibilities of this mysterious case.
"While I cannot verify your claim that the owner of the cane is a young man," Orlick continued, "it is not difficult to extract a few characteristics about his age and professional background."
As he spoke, Orlick pulled out a medical manual from the small medical reference book on the bookshelf and quickly turned to the index page of names.
Among the many James surnames, only one closely matched the visitor. So, Orlick read out the record clearly:
"James, Class of 1882, of the Royal College of Surgeons, was originally from Grimping, Dartmoor, Devon.
From 1882 to 1884, he served as resident surgeon at the Chernin Cross Hospital.
His paper "Does disease skip generations?" won the Jackson Comparative Pathology Prize and he became a corresponding member of the Swedish Pathology Association. In addition, he also wrote a book "Several Malformations Inherited from Generation to Generation." During his career, he served as medical officer in several parishes, including "Grimping", "Sawsley" and "Takazuka Village."
"Ollick, we didn't mention the local hunter association, did we?" Lu Murphy said with a hint of sarcasm, "As you observed, he is just a rural healer.
I became more and more convinced that my inference was correct. As for the character description, I remember saying "affable, easy-going and informal".
In my experience, only those who treat others with warmth receive souvenirs;
Only those who are indifferent to fame and fortune would abandon the prosperity of London and retire to the countryside;
Only a careless person would wait for an hour at your house and not only not leave a business card, but also leave a cane. "
"So, what about the dog?" Orlick asked.
“The dog used to follow his master with this stick in his mouth.
As the cane was heavy, the dog had to bite hard at its center, leaving clear teeth marks.
Judging from the distance between the teeth marks, I guess the width of the dog's jaw is between that of a raccoon and a mastiff. It could be... yes, it must be a spaniel with curly hair and long drooping ears."
Lu Mofei stood up and paced around the room while talking, finally stopping in front of the window sill that protruded outside.
His tone was full of confidence, which attracted me
Orlick looked up involuntarily and stared at him in surprise.
"Lu Murphy, how are you so sure?" Olik asked curiously.
"The reason is simple, because I can see the dog squatting on our front steps.
The sound of its owner ringing the bell can also be clearly heard.
Olick, please stay where you are.
He is your colleague, and your presence may be able to help me."
Lu Murphy smiled slightly.
"This is the most dramatic moment in your life, Aulick. You can hear the footsteps approaching on the stairs. He is walking into your life step by step, but you don't know whether it will be a blessing or a curse.
So, why did Dr. James come to seek advice from Sherlock Rumphy, the authority on criminology? "
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the old door.
He smiled smugly: "Come in!"
Then the door opened.
Aulick was very surprised by the appearance of this visitor. He had originally imagined a typical rural doctor, but the man in front of him was tall and thin, with a slender nose like an eagle's beak, which was particularly conspicuous between two gray and sharp eyes. The distance between the eyes was close, and he wore a pair of exquisite gold-rimmed glasses on his nose. The eyes behind the lenses flashed with wisdom. Although the clothes he wore were common for such people, they revealed that he was a bit unkempt. The stains on his coat and the wear marks on his pants were clearly visible. Although he was still a young man, Aulick was keenly aware that his back was slightly hunched, and his head unconsciously leaned forward when he walked. This posture did not make him look old, but instead added a bit of gentleness and aristocratic kindness.
As soon as he entered the room, his eyes were immediately attracted by the cane in Lumurphy's hand. He shouted excitedly and walked forward quickly. "That's great!" he said happily, "I was not sure whether I left it here or in the shipping company. If I have to choose between the whole world and this cane, I will keep this cane without hesitation."
"I guess this is a precious gift," Lu Murfei responded.
"Indeed, sir."
"Is it a wedding present from our friends at Cheriin Cross Hospital?"
"Yes, they were given to me by my two best friends at my wedding."
"Oh, this is really unexpected!" Lu Mofei shook his head slightly, with a hint of regret in his tone.
Dr. James looked through the lenses, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he blinked.
"Why do you think it's a bad thing?" he asked curiously.
"Because of your words, we have to reconsider some of our small assumptions.
You mentioned that this was earned when you got married, right?" Lu Murphy explained.
"Please call me Sir. I am just a humble student of the Royal College of Surgeons."
"And you are obviously a thoughtful person."
"I am only a shell picker on the ocean of science, Mr. Rumourfield. I am talking to Mr. Sherlock Rumourfield, not to ..."
"No, this is my friend Dr. Olick," Lu Murphy interrupted.
"Nice to meet you, sir. I have often heard you mentioned in the same breath as your friend. Mr. Rumphy, I am very curious about you. I never thought I would see such a unique head with deep eye sockets. I believe you would not mind if I could touch the top of your skull with my fingers? Before I can see your skull with my own eyes, I can make a skull model for you based on my imagination. It will definitely be a highlight in an anthropological museum. I mean no offense, but your skull is indeed enviable."
Sherlock Rumerfield motioned our strange visitor to sit down, and said: "Sir, I perceive that you are as passionate about your profession as I am about my work. 'The devil is in the details,' and I gather from your index finger that you are in the habit of rolling your own cigarettes. Please feel free to light one."
The man then took out cigarette paper and tobacco and rolled one with skillful technique.
His long fingers moved as nimbly and delicately as insect antennae.
Lu Murphy remained calm, and Olik could tell from his constantly moving eyes that he had developed a strong interest in this unusual visitor.
"I think, Mr. Rumourfield," he finally broke the silence, "that your visit last night and again today is not just to discuss the structure of my head?"
"Not at all, sir. Although I have a keen interest in human anatomy, and particularly in the structure of the skull, that is not the purpose of my visit.
Mr. Lu Murphy, I came to you because I was suddenly faced with an extremely serious and complex problem, and I lack practical experience in this area.
I know that you enjoy a high reputation in the European detective world and are ranked among the top experts..."
"Oh, then may I ask, in your mind, who is the detective who tops the list?" Lu Murphy asked with a hint of sarcasm.
“Mr. Desius’s approach to the case is truly impressive in terms of the rigor of his scientific reasoning.”
"In that case, why not ask him for help directly?"
“Mr. Lumurphy, I mean that Mr. Desius is undoubtedly very outstanding in scientific thinking.
But when it comes to practical experience and unique insights into cases, you are undoubtedly second to none. I believe that I did not mean to..."
"It's just a little off topic," Lu Murphy interrupted. "Dr. James, I think we should get to the point as soon as possible. Please elaborate on the specific issues that require my assistance."
"I have a manuscript in my pocket," said Dr. James slowly.
"I noticed it as soon as you walked in." Lu Mofei smiled slightly, his eyes revealing sharpness.
"It is an ancient manuscript," the doctor added.
"It should be a product of the early eighteenth century, otherwise it is a forgery," Lu Murphy asserted.
"You are very observant, Mr. Lumurphy. But how did you know that?" the doctor asked curiously.
"While you were talking, a corner of the manuscript came out. A detective who cannot estimate the age of a document to within ten years is not a good detective. Perhaps you have read my short article on the dating of documents? In my opinion, the year of this manuscript is about 1730."
"In fact, the exact year is 1742," said Dr. James, taking out the manuscript from his breast pocket. "This is a family relic entrusted to me by Sir Charles Baskerville before his death. His unfortunate death in Devonshire three months ago caused a great sensation. As his friend and doctor, I know him to be a tenacious, quick-witted and practical man. He attached great importance to this document and even expected that his fate would be closely related to it. However, fate is really so cruel."
Lu Mofei took the manuscript, gently unfolded it and placed it on his knees.
"Ollick, look here. The conversion between long s and short s is the key for me to judge the age of this manuscript." He pointed to the handwriting on the manuscript and motioned for Ollick to observe carefully.
Orlick took a closer look. The handwriting on the yellowed paper had faded slightly. "Baskerville Manor" was clearly written at the top, and the number "1742" was scribbled below.
"This seems to be a record of a legend." Olik guessed.
"Yes, it is an old legend passed down by the Baskerville family." Dr. James confirmed.
"But I think you came to me for something more urgent, right?" Lu Mofei changed the subject and seemed quite direct.
"Yes, it is an urgent matter that requires a decision within twenty-four hours. However, although this manuscript is short, it is closely related to my purpose. If you don't mind, I would like to read it to you."
Lu Mofei leaned comfortably on the back of the chair, lightly touched his fingertips together, closed his eyes, and seemed not to be in a hurry to know what he was about to hear, but his concentration and calmness could not be ignored.