It was 9 o'clock in the evening on August 2nd - it was the most terrifying August in human history. Perhaps people have sensed that this fallen world is being shrouded in the curse of God and has become more depressing and boring. 1

A kind of eerie silence and blank expectation spread in the sultry air... The sunset has set, but there are still blood-red traces in the sky, like a torn wound, the sky is shining with starlight, and the sea surface

There was a boat fire swaying on the boat. On the sidewalk in the garden, two German celebrities were leaning on the railing. Behind them was a row of gabled houses, short and dull; in front of them was the vast and majestic beach under the chalk cliff. Von Bo

Ke is like a wandering eagle, which has been perched on this cliff for more than 4 years. They stood side by side, chatting in low voices. Looking up, two red cigarette butts flickered, like a vigilant figure in the night.

The devil's eyes are very scary. Von Bock was once a spy loyal to the German Emperor, and he was one of outstanding merit. Because of his outstanding intelligence, he was sent to England to perform an important mission. After he accepted the mission, others

Only those who know the truth of the matter (there are only five or six people in the world in total) truly know how powerful he is, and one of them is the person standing with him now - Baron von Hering, the First Secretary of the Legation.

The Baron's 100-horsepower Mercedes-Benz sedan was currently on a country road, quietly waiting for its owner to drive back to London.

"Based on my judgment on the development of this matter, maybe you can return to Berlin this week." The Baron said: "Dear von Bock, you will definitely be surprised by your popularity when you return there.

Yes, I have heard comments about your work from high-level officials in the country." The baron is tall, speaks slowly, and has a deep voice. These are important assets in his political life.

Von Bock smiled and said: "It's easy to fool them. They are the most innocent and kind-hearted people in the world."

"I'm not sure about this." The baron thought for a moment and said: "Their rules are very strange, but we must learn and abide by them. For strangers, their simplicity is very dangerous. They give people

The first impression left is often friendly. However, things will suddenly take a sharp turn. Only then will you realize that you are approaching your limit and you must force yourself to adapt to the facts. For example, you must abide by their biased and stubborn opinions.

rule."

"Do you mean things like 'culture and politeness'?" Von Bock exhaled a long breath as if he had experienced pain.

"I'm talking about all kinds of bizarre prejudices that are unique to Britain. Take myself as an example. I can talk about the biggest mistakes I've ever made. If you know what I do, you will understand what I mean.

How was the result? When I first came here, I was invited to attend a weekend dinner hosted by the cabinet ministers at his villa, and when we chatted, the casual attitude of the people was surprising."

Von Bock nodded and said coldly: "Well, I've been there too."

"Of course, I briefly reported the situation to Berlin. However, our Prime Minister did not pay much attention to these matters and leaked the content of the conversation on the radio. In this way, I was naturally held accountable and suffered a big loss. You have to know

, the British guys are no longer friendly in this situation, and it took me two years to gradually calm down the impact of this matter. Look at your sportsman-like posture."

"Don't, don't, don't call it a gesture. Postures are made deliberately by people, it's just my nature. I was born to like sports, that's it."

"Well, that will make it easier. You can row with them, hunt, play polo, and compete with them in various sports. I heard that you won a prize in the Olympia horse racing event, and even

I had a boxing match with a young officer. But what was the result? No one took you seriously. You were a so-called 'athlete', 'a decent person in the eyes of Germans', someone who loved drinking and going to nightclubs.

A young man who loves to wander around in the city and is not afraid of anything. This quiet house you live in the country is basically the base of British sabotage activities, and more than half of the activities are carried out here. And you, this sports-loving squire, actually

He is the most powerful agent in Europe. Genius, dear von Bock, you are indeed a genius!"

"Baron, you have given me the award. But I can say with a clear conscience that I did do something during my four years in the UK. You haven't seen my little warehouse yet, have you? Can you come in and have a look now?"

There were steps outside the door of the study. Von Bock opened the door and walked in front. He turned on the light, closed the door, and carefully drew the thick curtains. After carefully completing a series of precautions, he turned around.

Let the guests see his dark eagle-like face.

"Some documents have been transferred." He said: "My wife and other family members left here yesterday for Fulesing, and they took away some less important documents. I asked the embassy to protect the remaining parts."

"You have been included in the personal entourage. It should be easy for you and your luggage to travel. However, we may not need to leave here. The UK may leave France alone and let France develop on its own. One thing is for sure,

There is no binding treaty between Britain and France."

"What about Belgium?"

"Same."

Von Bock shook his head and said: "I really don't understand. The treaty has been signed, but it is not implemented in accordance with it. Belgium's humiliating injury this time will be difficult to heal."

"But at least Belgium can have temporary peace."

“What about national honor?”

"Oh! My friend, this is no longer a world of honor, this is an era of utilitarianism. In addition, Britain is not prepared at all. We have levied a special war tax of up to 50 million, which is the same as what was published in The Times

Just like the headlines, everyone can see what the purpose is. But the British still can't understand it, which is really puzzling. People are talking about this issue, and my job is to find the answer to the question; the anger burning around me is getting more and more

Fiercely, it was my job to calm the anger. But I can vouch for certain key issues - stockpiling munitions, preparing for submarine attacks, arranging for the manufacture of high explosives - none of which they were doing.

Moreover, we have provoked Ireland into civil war, and now Britain is in such chaos that it has no time to join the war."

"Britain has to think about its future."

"Well, but that's another matter. I estimate that we will formulate specific plans for Britain in the future, and your intelligence role is crucial. Mr. John Bull will act as soon as possible, either today or tomorrow. Today, we have already

Be prepared; tomorrow, preparations can be more complete. I think Britain should be wiser and rather than participate in the Allied war, it is better not to participate. However, this is their business. Their fate will change this week... Just now you

Speaking of your documents?" He was smoking a cigar leisurely in the armchair, his bald head reflecting in the light.

The room was large, surrounded by oak wainscoting and large bookshelves, with a curtain hanging in the corner. Hidden behind the curtain was a yellow copper safe. Von Bock took a small key from his watch chain.

After a sound, the lock of the heavy safe was opened.

"Look!" He stepped aside and pointed with his finger.

The interior of the safe was clearly visible under the light, with many sorting racks lined up. Mr. Secretary could not take his eyes off the labels on the sorting racks. Each shelf had a title, "Shallows", "Port Defense", "

Ireland', 'Egypt', 'The Channel', 'Rosyth' and so on. Every shelf was filled with plans and documents.

"That's awesome!" Mr. Secretary put down his cigar and gently clapped his two fat palms and said.

"Mr. Baron, I made these within 4 years. Not bad for a country gentleman like me who likes drinking and riding horses, right? However, my most precious collection will come soon, and I have already saved a good one.

Give it the position." He pointed to a box that read "Naval Signal".

"But don't you already have a dossier about it?"

"That one is too old and has no value. The Admiralty has already been alerted and changed all the codes. This is really a blow to me, Mr. Baron, the most serious blow in my war career. Fortunately, I have Alta

With this good helper and my bankbook, tonight's operation will go smoothly."

The secretary looked at his watch in disappointment and let out a long sigh from his throat.

"Oh, I really can't wait any longer. Now, there are important activities going on in the Carlton compound. You can imagine the scene. We need to get back to our places immediately. I thought I could bring you news of your great success, Al.

Didn’t Tamon decide on a specific time?”

Von Bock took out a telegram.

Must bring spark plugs tonight.

altamont

"spark plug?"

"Yeah, he's pretending to be a car expert and I'm pretending to be a car shop owner. A spark plug is a car part, in fact that's our code word. If he says radiator, it means battleship; oil pump, means cruiser. And so on.

, the spark plug represents the naval signal.”

"The telegram was sent from Portsmouth at 12 noon." The secretary looked at the name and address and said, "So, what are you going to give him?"

"If he succeeds, pay him 500 pounds. Of course, he also earns salary in normal times."

"It's really greedy. Although we need traitors like them, we have to pay a huge reward. I really don't think it's worth it."

"Altamon is a reliable partner. I am willing to pay him anything. In his own words, as long as I am willing to pay a large commission, he can complete any job no matter how difficult it is. In addition, I cannot call him a traitor.

I can assure you that our most intense pan-Germanic aristocrats have as tender a dove in their affections for England as an American of pure Irish descent."

"Really? An American of Irish descent?"

"As soon as you hear him speak, you will be convinced of this. Sometimes I can't understand him. He seems to have declared war on the King of England and all British people. He may come at any time. Do you really want to leave?

?”

"I'm sorry, I've almost stayed too long and can't wait any longer. We'll be waiting for you tomorrow morning, hoping to get the good news that you got the signal book from the little door on the Duke of York's steps. That way, everything you have in England will be

The mission has been successfully accomplished. Ha! Hungarian wine!" He pointed to a tightly closed, dusty wine bottle. Next to the wine bottle was a tray with two goblets placed on the side.

"Please give me a drink before you leave!"

"No, thank you. You seem to want to have a good drink!"

"Altamon likes to drink, especially my Hungarian red wine. He has a fiery personality and needs to deal with many details. I can guarantee that I have to observe him carefully." They walked out and talked on the steps. Not far away.

The car rumbled to life and kept shaking. It was Mr. Baron's driver who stepped on the accelerator. "I think this is probably the lights of Harwich!" The Baron said as he put on his windbreaker:

"Everything is too peaceful. Maybe in a week a different light will flash, and then there will be no such tranquility on the British coast. If Zeppelin can fulfill the conditions promised to us, then heaven will not be peaceful

place. Well, who is this person?”

There was a lamp in the only window behind them. Sitting at the table was an old woman with a rosy complexion and a country hat on her head. She was bent over knitting, occasionally stopping to touch the chair next to her.

Big black cat on the ground.

"Oh, this is my only servant, Martha."

The secretary laughed aloud.

"She is simply the spokesperson of Britain." He said: "Concentrated and leisurely. So, von Bock, let's meet again!" He waved his hand and got into the car. In the darkness, the golden light beam of the headlights was very dazzling.

The secretary was sitting in the back seat of the limousine, thinking about the tragedy that was about to happen to Europe. However, while he was thinking, he completely failed to notice the oncoming Ford car on the country road.

Seeing the light of the car lights disappearing in the distance, von Bock slowly walked back to the study. When he passed the old housekeeper's room, he saw that she had turned off the lights and was sleeping. The vast house was silent in darkness.

In the silence and silence, this scene gave him a new feeling. Because he owned a large family property, all his family members were safe and sound. Except for the old housekeeper's busy kitchen, he was the only one in other spaces.

He felt slightly relieved when he thought of this. Many things in the study needed to be sorted out, so he started to get started immediately, and the light from the burning files burned his handsome face red. He carefully organized the valuable documents in an orderly manner and prepared

Put it into the travel bag next to the table. At this moment, his sensitive hearing detected the sound of a car in the distance. He immediately let out a sigh of satisfaction, put the bag away, locked the safe door, and immediately walked outside

On the steps. As soon as I stood up, I saw a car approaching. The car stopped at the door and a person stepped out.

The driver was still sitting in the car. He looked quite young, with a gray beard and a tall build, like a soldier preparing for the night shift.

"How are you?" Von Bock hurried forward to greet him and asked with concern.

The visitor waved a yellow paper bag triumphantly.

"You must give me a good welcome tonight, sir!" he shouted, "I am indeed returning in triumph!"

"Where's the signal?"

"As I said in the telegram, it has everything: signals, light codes, Marconi-style wireless telegraphy - but one thing is, these are not originals, they are all copies. It is too dangerous to use the originals, but you

You can rest assured that these are all genuine." He patted von Bock's shoulder carelessly, making a gesture of intimacy, but the German gentleman dodged such a move.

"Come in!" he said. "There is no one else in the room. I have been waiting for this. The replicas are better than the originals. If the originals are lost, they will definitely replace them all with new ones. Do you think these replicas are reliable?"

"

The Irish American walked into the study, stretched out his slender limbs, and sat in the armchair. He was tall and thin, and looked to be in his 60s. He had a delicate face, and a small goatee made him look like a comic book version.

Uncle Sam. He held half a cigar soaked in saliva in the corner of his mouth. After sitting down, he struck a match and relighted the cigar. "Are you planning to move?" he asked while looking around; "Oops.

, Sir." The curtain covering the safe was not closed. He looked at the safe and said, "Is this where you put the documents?"

"Is there anything wrong?"

"This thing is so new, and it's still wide open. If someone sees you, they will think you are a spy. Hey, American thieves can open it with a can knife. If I had known earlier that you put my letter in such a

If it’s not safe, I won’t write to you.”

"No thief can open this safe." Von Bock replied: "No tool can saw through this metal."

"Where's the lock pick?"

"It's impossible. It has two layers of locks. Guess how it's designed?"

"How could I have guessed it?"

"If you want to open the lock, you must know a word and a series of numbers." He stood up and pointed to a double-layered disc outside the keyhole. "The outer layer is letters, and the inner layer is numbers."

"Ah, so ingenious."

"So, this safe is much safer than you think. I specially asked someone to make it 4 years ago. What do you think of my method of using letters and numbers?"

"I do not quite understand."

"Oh, I chose 'August' for the letter and '1914' for the number. Take a look."

"Oh, that's great, this thing is amazing!"

"Yes, no one can guess the password. Now I tell you, but I will wash my hands of it tomorrow morning."

"In this case, have you settled me properly? I really don't want to stay in this bullshit country alone. I estimate that in a week, maybe less than a week, John Bull will have to get up and get angry.

, I might as well go to the other side of the sea and see the excitement."

"But you are an American!"

"So what. Jack James is also an American, not in a Portland jail. It's useless to claim to be an American citizen in front of the British police. They will just say: 'This place is subject to British law and order.'

Jurisdiction.' By the way, speaking of Jack James, sir, I don't think you did your best to protect your men."

"What do you mean by that?" von Bock asked sternly.

"Well, you are the boss, right? You can't tolerate their failure. But when they failed, when did you rescue them? Take James as an example-"

"That's James' fault. You know he always makes his own decisions when it comes to work."

"James is really stupid - I think so too, and so does Hollis."

"Hollis is a madman."

"Well, he was really not very smart in the final stage. But he fought with more than a hundred people all day long who tried to use police methods to deal with him, which was really crazy. But now this Steiner..."

Von Bock suddenly froze in shock, and his ruddy face turned gray.

"What's wrong with Steiner?"

"Humph, he was caught by them, that's it. Last night, his shop was ransacked by them, his documents were confiscated, and he was taken to Portsmouth Prison. As soon as you left, he was so pitiful

The guy still has to suffer in prison, and it’s hard to say whether he can save his life. So, as soon as you leave, I will leave with you."

Von Bock was a strong man and had great self-control. However, it was obvious that he was shocked when he heard the news.

"How did Steiner get caught?" he muttered under his breath. "This is terrible news."

"There are worse things. I guess they will come to catch me soon!"

"Probably not!"

"Of course, they have already questioned my landlady, Mrs. Fretton. As soon as I got the news, I knew I had to hurry up. But, sir, what I don't understand is, how did the police know these things?

From the time I signed to do things for you, Steiner is now the fifth person you have lost. If I don't hurry up, who knows if the sixth person will be me. How do you explain these things? Look at you.

Aren’t you ashamed that the people under your command have failed one after another?”

Von Bock's face instantly turned red again.

"How could you say such a thing?"

"Sir, if I were not a courageous person, I would not do anything for you. However, I will tell the truth and tell you directly what is in my heart. I have heard that after every spy agent completes his mission, the German

Politicians will get rid of him without hesitation and will not feel any pity at all."

Von Bock suddenly jumped up.

"You actually said that I was the one who betrayed the spies!"

"Sir, I didn't say that. In short, there must be a mole or conspiracy here. You should investigate clearly. Anyway, I don't want to risk my life. I have to go to the Netherlands, and the sooner the better."

Von Bock struggled to suppress his anger.

"We have cooperated for such a long time, and we really shouldn't quarrel at this moment when we are about to win." He said: "You have done a lot of good work and taken a lot of risks. I will keep these things in my heart."

You can go to Holland, start at Rotterdam, and take a boat to New York. All other routes will be dangerous next week. I'll take the book and put it with the other things."

The American held the packet tightly in his hand and had no intention of handing it over.

"My money?" he asked.

"what money?"

"Cash, reward, 500 pounds. The gunman turned his back at the last moment, so I could only agree to pay him another 100 pounds, otherwise the matter would be difficult to deal with. He said there was no way around it, but it was exactly what he said. More

After paying this 100 pounds, we have nothing to worry about. So, I’m afraid it’s not appropriate to not pay for the work!”

Von Bock smiled bitterly and said: "It seems that my credibility in your eyes is not high. I have to give you money first before I can get the book, right?"

"Well, sir, here's the deal."

"Okay, as you said." He sat at the edge of the table, tore off a piece of the checkbook, and did not hand it over after writing it. "Mr. Altamont, since our relationship has reached this point.

"He said: "You don't trust me, and I can't trust you anymore, do you understand?" He turned around and looked at the American, and then said: "I have written the check and put it on the table. But, you take it.

Before, I had to see what was in the paper bag."

The American said nothing and handed over the paper package. Von Bock untied the rope and opened the two outer wrapping papers. What appeared in front of him was a small blue book. He sat on the chair without knowing what was going on.

After reading for a while, there were a few golden words written on the cover of the book: "Practical Handbook of Beekeeping". The spy leader studied this strange title for a long time, but did not see any connection with espionage work. Suddenly,

A hand was pinched tightly on the back of his neck, and his twisted face was covered with a sponge soaked in chloroform.

"Watson, have another drink!" Holmes said, raising the Imperial red wine glass.

The burly driver sitting next to the table quickly handed over the wine glass.

"The wine is very good, Holmes."

"Yes, Watson. This friend lying on the sofa once told me that this wine was shipped from Franz Joseph's special wine cellar in Schembron Palace. Please open the window and chloroform

The taste greatly affects our wine tasting.”

The door of the safe was ajar. Holmes stood in front, taking out the files inside and examining them one by one, and then neatly put them into von Bock's handbag. The German was lying on the sofa, making thunderous sounds in his sleep.

He was snoring like a child, his arms were tied with a belt, and his feet were tied with another belt.

"Watson, don't panic. No one will disturb us. Can you ring the bell for me?" Martha is the only one in the room, and she is very useful. When I first started working on this case,

So I told her the situation here. Ah, Martha would be very happy if she knew everything went well.

The old lady appeared in the aisle, her face full of joy. She smiled and bowed to Holmes, but when she saw the person on the sofa, she looked uneasy.

"It's okay, Martha, he's not hurt at all."

"Then I am relieved, Mr. Holmes. He is highly educated and a kind master. Yesterday, he asked me to go to Germany with his wife, but that would conflict with your plan, wouldn't it, sir?"

"Yes, Martha. I would be very relieved if you were here. We have been waiting for your signal for a long time this evening."

"That secretary has been here."

"I know, we drove by his car."

"I thought he didn't plan to leave. Sir, I know he's here, so I can't carry out your plan."

"That's true. We have been waiting for about half an hour. When we saw the light in your room, we knew there was no problem. Martha, you will go to London tomorrow and you can report the situation to me at Claridge's Hotel."

"No problem, sir."

"Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes, sir. He sent 7 letters today, and I have written down all the addresses."

"Great, Martha. I will check it carefully tomorrow. Good night!" After the old lady walked away, Holmes continued: "These documents are irrelevant, because the information in the documents has long been obtained by the German government. The original is

It's impossible to send it away safely, they must have a copy."

"Then these documents have no value."

"You can't say that, Watson. The documents can at least tell us which information the enemy has already mastered and which information they don't know yet. Many of these documents were sent through my hands, so there's no need to talk about them now.

, is completely untrue. If I see German cruisers sailing on the Sauron Sea according to the minelaying plan I provided, my later years will be full of a sense of accomplishment. What about you, Watson..." He put down the work at hand and held on to his hand.

The shoulder of the old man: "I haven't even seen your true face. How have you been over the years? It seems that you are still the same happy child as before."

"I feel twenty years younger, Holmes. I was very happy when I received your telegram asking me to drive to Harwich to meet you. But you don't seem to have changed much, except for the addition of a goatee."

"Watson, this is a small sacrifice I have made for the country." Holmes stroked his beard and said: "By tomorrow, these will become unpleasant memories. I will cut my hair and dress up, and I will go to Claridge tomorrow.

When I showed up at the restaurant, I must have been the same as I was before I pretended to be an American—before I pretended to be an American—forgive me, Watson—my English is a little impure."

"But you are retired, Holmes. I heard that you live as a hermit on a small farm in the southern prairie, with books and bees all day long."

"That's right, Watson. This is the result of my leisurely life - the works I have written in the past few years!" He picked up a book on the table and read the title: "Practical Beekeeping"

"Handbook, also on the study of isolated queen bees". "This is written by me alone. The result of my painstaking study day and night. I carefully observe these hard-working little bees every day, just like I once observed London full of crime."

"Then how come you're back to work?"

"Oh, I think this is quite strange. If the Foreign Secretary comes alone, I can still hold on, but the Prime Minister also plans to visit my house - here's the thing, Watson, the gentleman sleeping on the sofa

He was so good to our people. He had a bunch of guys. Many of our plans failed, but we could never find the reason. We suspected and arrested a group of espionage agents. The investigation revealed that there was a mysterious and powerful team. We must

To find out, this huge pressure made me feel responsible for participating in the investigation. This matter took me two years, Watson, but I also gained a lot of fun during these two years. I will tell you the details of the situation in a moment.

Listen, and you'll understand the complexity. I wandered from Chicago to Buffalo, where I joined an Irish secret society, kept the Skiballen police busy for a while, and was eventually killed by Von.

The intelligence officers under Pork noticed that. That person thought I could make a difference, so he recommended me. Since then, I have won their trust, caused problems in many of their plans, and arrested 5 smart and capable people.

Intelligence officers. Watson, I have been monitoring those people, like fruits, I will pick one when it is ripe. Well, Watson, I really hope you are still the same as before!"

Holmes said these last words to von Bock. After some gasping and struggling, he lay there quietly and listened to Holmes's narration. Now he was going crazy, yelling and cursing in German, his face twitching with anger.

Transformed. Holmes ignored his curses and quickly checked the documents beside him.

"German, though it has little rhythm, is the most expressive of all languages," said Holmes when von Bock was exhausted. "Oh!" he stared at a copy that had not been put in his bag.

Ikkaku continued: Although I have been monitoring him, I don't know that the chief accountant is a bastard and should arrest him too. Mr. von Bock, there are many questions waiting for you to answer!

The captured man struggled to sit up on the sofa, with surprise and hatred in his eyes.

"Altamon, I want to compete with you." He said slowly and solemnly: "Even if it takes a lifetime, I will compete with you."

"It is a commonplace," said Holmes. "I have heard it too often. Poor late Professor Moriarty was fond of singing it, and Colonel Sebastian Moran. But,

I'm still alive and kicking back on my farm in the South raising bees."

"I'm going to curse you, you traitor!" the German twitched the belt that bound him and shouted angrily.

"No, no, I'm not that bad." Holmes smiled and said: "To tell you the truth, Mr. Altamont in Chicago actually has no servants. I just borrowed his identity, and he has disappeared."

"So, who are you?"

"This question is not important, but if you are interested, Mr. von Bock, I can tell you that this is by no means the first negotiation between me and your family. I once made a big deal in Germany.

Maybe my name will be familiar to you."

"Come and listen," the Prussian said coldly.

"When your cousin Henrich was the imperial minister, it was I who separated Irene Adler from the former King of Bohemia; it was I who rescued your mother's brother, Count Gralaustein, from the nihilist K.

Lopman’s magic hand. I still..."

Von Bock sat up straight in astonishment.

"All these things are done by one man!" he shouted.

"That's right," replied Holmes.

Von Bock sighed and collapsed back on the sofa. "Most of that information passed through your hands." He shouted, "What's the point? Look what I've done! I ruined it.

Ruined forever."

"It really doesn't mean much." Holmes said: "The content needs to be considered, but you don't have time to do this. Your admiral may soon find that the new cannon is bigger than he imagined, and the cruiser is faster.

"

Von Bock clutched his own throat in despair.

"The details of many things will become clear in time. But, Mr. von Bock, you have a temperament that is rare among Germans. That is, you love sports. When you find that you are a person who often defeats others with wisdom,

When someone defeats you with wisdom, you will not have any ill will towards me. No matter what, you have worked hard for your country, and so have I. This is completely human nature. And..." He clapped and curled up with his hands.

He stood on the shoulder of the man holding him and said kindly: "How can I put it, this is much more dignified than falling in front of such a despicable enemy. Watson, I have prepared the documents. If you can help deal with this gentleman,

, we can get up and head to London soon."

There was some difficulty in moving von Bock, for he was strong and struggled hard. At length Holmes and Watson took him by the arms and carried him out to the garden path. A few hours before he had

Under the congratulations of the diplomats, he walked through the trail with confidence and pride. After struggling with all his strength, his feet and hands were still tightly trapped, and he was lifted up and stuffed into the car.

Next to it, stood his valuable handbag.

"Conditions permitting, we will try to make you as comfortable as possible." After everything was arranged, Holmes said to him. "I will light the cigar and put it in your mouth. Isn't it too rude?"

But in front of this angry German, all the special care was in vain.

"Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I think you should understand." He said: "What you are doing now, if it is the will of the British government, is equivalent to a declaration of war."

"So, how do you plan to explain these actions of you and your government?" Holmes asked, patting his handbag gently.

"If you represent yourself personally, you have no right to arrest me. This kind of brutal behavior is absolutely illegal."

"Absolutely," said Holmes.

"You kidnap German citizens."

"And his personal documents were stolen."

"Humph, you know what you have done. You and your accomplices. When we pass by the village later, if I shout loudly..."

"Dear Sir, if you are so stupid as to perhaps provide us with a street sign that says 'Hang the Prussians', our two limited rights in country hotels can be extended. Although the British are very

Be patient, but they are already angry now, so it is not wise to irritate them too much. Mr. von Bock, you must not do this. You know better and should follow us quietly to Scotland Yard.

There you can send for your old friend Baron von Hering. But even then you will not be able to fill the position he has left for you in the embassy's entourage. Watson, come back and work with me.

It's your old trade! I can't live without you in London. Come here and stand with me on this step and have a chat. Maybe this is our last chance to chat quietly."

The two old friends chatted animatedly for a while, talking about memories of the past. At this moment, their prisoner was desperately trying to escape, but his efforts were in vain. As the two walked to the car, Holmes turned and pointed at the sea reflected in the moonlight, thinking deeply.

After a moment, he shook his head and said, "Watson, the east wind is about to blow."

"I don't think so, Holmes. The weather is very warm."

Watson, my dear fellow! You are a constant in these changing times. There must be an east wind, and such winds are rare in England. Watson, this wind is very strong, and very cold.

If it blows, many of us may be blown away, but this wind is blown by God. After the strong wind, our purer, better, and stronger country will stand under the sun.

Drive on, Watson, we should be on our way. I've got a check for £500 waiting to be cashed!

【Legal Commentary】

The German spy von Bock in the story was ordered to lurk in Britain for a long time to secretly steal the country's military secrets. In his final mission, Holmes pretended to be von Bock's contact and used his extraordinary wisdom to see through the spy's conspiracy.

, his mission also failed, so is his behavior a crime? Is he legally responsible? It is obvious that he committed espionage and stealing state secrets.

China's criminal law has made specific provisions: the crime of espionage refers to the act of joining a spy organization or accepting tasks from a spy organization and its agents, or instructing the enemy to bomb targets; according to the provisions of the criminal law, the crime of espionage is an act crime and does not

The actual occurrence of statutory harm results is an essential element for the establishment of a crime. As long as espionage is carried out, this crime is constituted.

The criminal law refers to the crime of stealing state secrets from abroad (Article 111 of the Criminal Law), which refers to the act of stealing, spying, bribing, and illegally providing state secrets or intelligence for overseas institutions, organizations, and personnel.

According to the law, anyone who steals, spies, bribes, or illegally provides state secrets or intelligence for overseas institutions, organizations, or personnel shall be sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of not less than five years but not more than ten years; if the circumstances are particularly serious, he shall be sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of not less than ten years or life imprisonment.
Chapter completed!