After spending a whole morning together, Zhang Heng was certain that Mr. Vuillard was indeed an avid fan of Sherlock Holmes.
His words and the look he looked at Holmes all confirmed this fact.
On the other hand, although Holmes didn't say it, it was clear that he actually enjoyed this kind of admiration in his heart. Even the most lonely and aloof artist also hopes that his works can be accepted by the world. Although Holmes is not an artist in the traditional sense, But his attainments in criminal investigation can indeed be called a Victorian artist.
Of course, Holmes focused more on the case mentioned by Viard.
It was obvious that he was also interested in this honorary thief.
In the carriage, he asked the red-haired young man, "How much information do you have about him now?"
A look of shame appeared on Vuillard's face after hearing this, "I tried my best to investigate, but I didn't get much information. The main reason is that it is not easy to find the victims, and most people don't want to mention what happened back then. That guy... how should I put it, is quite a gentleman in a sense. As long as you pay the ransom, he will keep his promise to return your things to you and will not harass you again, so most people Just pay the money and settle the matter."
"Okay, a big thief can actually manage his own reputation." Holmes praised, "It seems that our friend regards this business as his lifelong career. How can we not meet such an interesting person?" Yes."
Vuillard was in high spirits, rubbed his palms and said excitedly, "So you are planning to take action. That's great. As long as you are willing to take action, the thief will probably end up here this time. He must not know that you are in London." , otherwise I definitely wouldn’t have come here.”
"My friend, you are too flattering to me." Holmes smiled. "Let's talk about the case first."
"Don't worry, I know it's inconvenient for you to go to France. I've almost surveyed the scene and collected all the seemingly useful and useless information for your reference."
As Viard spoke, he took out a small notebook from the suitcase.
Zhang Heng took a look and saw that almost every page on it was filled with dense notes and even carefully drawn pictures. Even Holmes was full of praise after receiving it, "Just for this level of care, Vuillard You have surpassed most of your peers.”
"Hehe, it's nothing, I just believe that hard work can make up for weakness." Vuillard scratched his head and said, his face was so happy to be praised by his idol.
Holmes quickly flipped through the notebook, then spent another half an hour reading it from beginning to end, and handed it to Zhang Heng, "You should read it too, it's quite interesting."
Zhang Heng took the notebook and roughly read the contents.
Mr. Viscount's oil painting by Canaletto was thrown away half a month ago. Because of the special nature of this painting, he did not put the oil painting in the collection room like other collections, but looked for it specifically. They stored it in an inconspicuous little room, and also stored a large, exquisite porcelain vase from China. In comparison, the large porcelain vase was more valuable, but the other party did not move it at all, and only took away the oil painting. Obviously, he had taken away the oil painting beforehand. Did a lot of homework.
"What do you think?" Holmes asked Zhang Heng.
The latter thought for a moment and said, "There are a few questions. First, even if this painting is lost, no one can prove that it ever fell into the hands of Mr. Viscount."
"Oh, it's like this. Mr. Viscount has a little quirk. He likes to sign the back of the oil paintings he collects. Although he knows that the origin of this painting is a bit dirty, he can't help but sign his name on it," Wei Al said helplessly, "Otherwise, I wouldn't have to chase him all the way from Paris to London."
"Second question, who knew that he secretly traded this oil painting?"
"Your question is on point," Holmes nodded. "The most interesting part of this case is here. You said before that Mr. Viscount completed the transaction secretly through an intermediary. What happened to the honorary thief?" Knowing this matter after so many years, there are other victims in the same way. Since he specializes in focusing on the most unbearable secret in a person's heart that he doesn't want others to know, he first needs to dig up this secret himself. come out."
"This is what confuses me the most," Viard said. "I have no clue about this. Just imagine that even if he learns one person's secret by chance, there is no reason for him to know other people's secrets, otherwise this People are a bit too magical. Does he have some black magic that can directly see what a person is thinking through his eyes? Then our opponent this time is too scary."
"I don't believe in those witch doctors' theories about black magic," Holmes sneered. "From the many cases I have handled, all things that seem mysterious and counterintuitive on the surface can eventually be solved as long as you are willing to study patiently. Get a common-sense explanation, eliminate the impossible answers, and what’s left is the truth.”
"You are right, I have learned a lesson." Vuillard said humbly and sternly. He looked like a primary school student listening carefully in class, which made Holmes dumbfounded. He could only say to Zhang Heng, "Keep talking. Come on, my oriental friend."
"Third, it involves the issue of the modus operandi," Zhang Heng said. "Mr. Viscount went to see the oil painting the night before, and then the maid who was cleaning the house early the next morning discovered that the oil painting was missing. In other words, the crime was committed during this period, but the Viscount's mansion was well guarded and had several hounds. The hounds made no sound that night. The notes said that no other visitors came to visit during this period, and the house There was a small garden behind. There had been a light rain in the morning. The soil was loose and there were no footprints on it. The front door faced the housekeeper's room. He didn't hear any unusual noises at night. So how did the honorary thief enter Mr. Viscount? Mansion, who took this painting out before dawn again?"
Vuillard also said distressedly, "Yes, this guy is really powerful. He comes and goes without a trace. When the maid cleaned up in the morning, she found that the frame was still there, but the oil painting inside was missing. The guy was still there." I left a letter signed by Mr. M on the ground, and he proudly commented on the decoration of the Viscount's Mansion, as if he regarded it as his own backyard, which is really irritating."
