【探案集】The Blue Diamond 25

Sherlock Holmes: The Blue Diamond 【原文】Chapter Six --- One or Two Questions 02 I gave Ryder a drink. He sat down and drank it quickly and looked at Holmes. I saw he was afraid. "You don't need to tell me much," said Holmes, "I know nearly everything about the case. But I have one or two questions to ask. How did you hear of the Countess of Morcar's blue diamond?" "Catherine Cusack, her maid, told me," said Ryder. "I see," Holmes went on. "So you and Cusack wanted to get the diamond and sell it for lots of money. You asked John Horner to come and repair the window in the room because you knew of his time in prison. When he left, you took the diamond from the Countess's jewel box. Then you called the police. They came at once. Because of Horner's time in prison they believe he was the thief. It was all very easy. Then ..." "Oh, please, please!" cried Ryder, now on the floor at Holmes's feet. "Think of my father! Think of my mother! I never did anything wrong before. I'm never going to do it again. Please don't tell the police. I don't want to go to prison." "Sit down in your chair!" said Holmes coldly. "You're crying now, but did you feel sorry for young Horner? He knew nothing of this crime. But the police believed he was a diamond thief, and so he went to court and he is now going to prison - all because of you." "I can leave the country, Mr Holmes. Then, when I don't go to court. Horner can leave prison."