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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（17）
This is indeed an unexpected development, said my friend when we had regained the cab. I wonder if the death was natural, or whether the poor old fellow killed himself! If the latter, may it be taken as some sign of self-reproach for duty neglected?
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（18）
Yes, she said at last, I had a feeling that there was something on his mind. For long? Only for the last week or so. He was thoughtful and worried. Once I pressed him about it. He admitted that there was something, and that it was concerned with his
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（19）
He gave an exclamation; that was all. I waited but he never returned. Then I walked home. Next morning, after the office opened, they came to inquire. About twelve o'clock we heard the terrible news. Oh, Mr. Holmes, if you could only, only save his h
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（20）
I can see no other way out of it. And yet I would have trusted him as I trust myself. At what hour was the office closed on Monday? At five. Did you close it? I am always the last man out. Where were the plans? In that safe. I put them there myself.
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（21）
Then West, if he is the culprit, must have had a duplicate. And yet none was found upon his body. One other point: if a clerk in this office desired to sell the plans, would it not be simply to copy the plans for himself than to take the originals, a
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（22）
Undoubtedly. I think, with your permission, I will now take a stroll round the premises. I do not recall any other question which I desired to ask. He examined the lock of the safe, the door of the room, and finally the iron shutters of the window. I
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（23）
Let us reconstruct, Watson, said Holmes after half an hour of silence. I am not aware that in all our joint researches we have ever had a case which was more difficult to get at. Every fresh advance which we make only reveals a fresh ridge beyond. An
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（24）
Then we come into difficulties. One would imagine that under such circumstances the first act of young Cadogan West would be to seize the villain and raise the alarm. Why did he not do so? Could it have been an official superior who took the papers?
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（25）
I'm afraid, said Holmes, smiling, that all the queen's horses and all the queen's men cannot avail in this matter. He had spread out his big map of London and leaned eagerly over it. Well, well, said he presently with an exclamation of satisfaction,
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（26）
It was a nice equipment for a respectable citizen to carry through the dim, fog-draped streets. I stowed them all discreetly away in my overcoat and drove straight to the address given. There sat my friend at a little round table near the door of the
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（27）
We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. Here all other contingencies have failed. When I found that the leading international agent, who had just left Londo
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（28）
Could we not get a warrant and legalize it? Hardly on the evidence. What can we hope to do? We cannot tell what correspondence may be there. I don't like it, Holmes. My dear fellow, you shall keep watch in the street. I'll do the criminal part. It's
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（29）
This is a serious proposition, said he. It is certainly bolted as well as locked. We would do better in the area. There is an excellent archway down yonder in case a too zealous policeman should intrude. Give me a hand, Watson, and I'll do the same f
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（30）
We had not long to wait. The very next train roared from the tunnel as before, but slowed in the open, and then, with a creaking of brakes, pulled up immediately beneath us. It was not four feet from the window-ledge to the roof of the carriages. Hol
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布鲁斯—帕廷顿计划（31）
The cunning dog has covered his tracks, said he. He has left nothing to incriminate him. His dangerous correspondence has been destroyed or removed. This is our last chance. It was a small tin cash-box which stood upon the writing-desk. Holmes pried
