Chapter 11 11 accident

The next morning, Miss Marple's morning tea was served at half past seven, so that she had plenty of time to get up, wash and pack.She had just closed her little trunk when there was a rapid knock on the door, and Crotty entered the room, looking very unhappy. Miss Marple, there is a young man downstairs who wants to see you.His name is Emlyn.Pais is part of the tour group.They sent him to find you. Oh, I remember him, very young, right? Yes, very stylishly dressed and very long hair.But he's actually here, uh, to give you bad news.Unfortunately, there was an accident. Accident?Miss Marple's eyes widened.You mean the tour bus had an accident?Had a car accident on the road?Is anyone injured?

Oh, no, it's not a tour bus, a tour bus is fine.The accident happened during the tour yesterday afternoon.As you probably remember, it was very windy.Although the wind was not to blame, everyone was a little lost.At that time, everyone was walking towards the memorial tower on the top of Lucky Rock. Most people usually take a small path, but you can also go over the hill, and both paths lead.I thought, logically, there should be someone to lead the way or take care of them, but there was none, and everyone got separated as a result, really.These people's footsteps are not necessarily steady, and the slope next to the canyon is very steep.It turned out that a pile of rubble or boulders rolled down the hill and hit someone on the trail below.

Oh, my God, said Miss Marple.It's a pity, it's so sad.Who is hurt? I hear it's a lady named Temple or Tander. Elizabeth.Temple, said Miss Marple.Oh, so sad to hear that.I had a great conversation with her; I was seated next to her in the car.I think she used to be the principal of a prestigious school and is now retired. That's right, Crotty said.I know her very well.She was the headmaster of Fallowville, a very famous school.I didn't know she was also on the tour.I think she retired a year or two ago, and the new headmaster is very young, also a woman, and her thinking is quite advanced.Miss Temple was not really old, either, but about sixty.She is very active and enjoys activities such as climbing and walking.It was an unfortunate accident, and I hope she is not seriously injured.I don't know the details yet.

That's easy, said Miss Marple, slamming the trunk shut.I'm going to see Mr. Pais right away. Crotty grabbed the box. Come on, it's easy for me to mention this.You come downstairs with me, watch out for the stairs. Miss Marple went downstairs.Emlyn.Pais was waiting for her, his hair more disheveled than usual, a pair of stylish leather boots, a leather jacket and eye-catching emerald green trousers. It was an unfortunate accident, and he took Miss Marple's hand.I guess I should come, uh, tell you the news myself.I think Miss Beverly Smith told you that it was Miss Temple, the ex-headmaster, who had the accident.I don't really know what she was doing at the time, but it was a pile of rocks or a big rock rolling down the hill, the slope was very steep, and she was hit by the falling rocks and passed out.They had taken her to the hospital overnight.I think she was badly injured and had a concussion.Anyway, today's tour is cancelled, we have to stay overnight here.

Good heavens, said Miss Marple.How unfortunate!It's so sad. I think the travel agency decided to suspend the tour today because they have to wait and see what the doctor's report says.So we recommend staying another night at the Fort Gordon Hotel and changing the itinerary a bit.In this way, we may not be able to go to Glen Merlin as originally arranged tomorrow.Anyway, I've heard them say that Gran Merlin isn't much fun.Mrs. Sanborn was at the hospital early this morning, and she'll meet us at the Fort Golden Hotel at eleven o'clock for coffee.I thought you might want to come along and hear the latest news.

Of course I'm going with you, said Miss Marple.Immediately go. She turned to say good-bye to Crotty and Mrs. Green. I have to thank you very much, she said.You are so considerate.The two nights I stayed here were very pleasant, not only rested well, but also cared for.But the accident was very unfortunate. If you would like to stay another night, Mrs. Green said.I believe She looked at Crotty. From the corner of her sharp eyes, Miss Marple saw a displeased look on Crotty's face.She shook her head slightly.Although the movement was so slight that it was hardly noticeable, Mrs. Green's suggestion was voted back.

But, of course, I think you'd be more comfortable with other companions.and Oh, yes, I think that's better, too, said Miss Marple.Only in this way can I know how everyone plans and how things should be done, and maybe I can be useful in some places.Who knows?Thank you again.I'm sure it won't be hard to find a room at the Fort Gordon Hotel? She looked at Pais, and he said confidently: No problem, there are several rooms vacant today, and it is impossible to fill them up.I think Mrs. Sanborn has booked rooms for all the members, and intends to stay there tonight. As for tomorrow, well, tomorrow we will figure it out.

After saying goodbye and thanking you again and again, Emlyn.Pais carried Miss Marple's luggage, and the two strode away. Just turn the corner, the first street is on the left, he said. Yes, I was there yesterday.Poor Miss Temple.I really hope her injury is not serious. I think she's hurt pretty badly, Emlyn.Pais said.Of course, you also know the doctors and medical staff who keep saying over and over again: everything is under control.There was no hospital here, so they had to send her to Cary, eight miles away.Anyway, when you're settled in the hotel, Mrs. Sanborn will be back with news.

When they arrived, they found everyone gathered in the café, where coffee, bread, and pastries had been set.The Butlers are talking. Oh, this is so tragic, said Mrs. Butler.It's sad, don't you think?Everyone is so happy, but this kind of thing happened.Poor Miss Temple.I always thought she was very steady on her feet.But you see, fortune and misfortune are unpredictable, don't you think, Henry? Indeed, Henry said.Indeed.I'm actually thinking we don't have much time, so let's stop this tour, okay?Let's not go any further.In my opinion, it must be a little difficult to sort things out.I mean, if uh, if it's serious enough to kill someone, there's probably going to be an autopsy or something.

Oh, Henry, don't say such dreadful things! I think Miss Cook is being too pessimistic about you, Mr. Butler.I don't believe things are that serious. Mr. Casper said in a foreign accent: But it's really serious. I heard it yesterday, when Mrs. Sanborn called the doctor.It's serious, very serious.They said she had a severe concussion and was in a dangerous condition.Another specialist came to see if he could operate on her.Really, the situation is serious. Good heavens, said Miss Lambley, if we can't be sure, maybe we should go home.I think I'll have to look up the train timetable, and she turned to Mrs Butler and said: You know, I leave my cat in the care of a neighbor, and if I'm delayed for a day or two it's going to bother everyone.

It's no use worrying about that here, said Mrs Rileyport, in her low authoritative tone.Joanna, please throw this bread in the trash.It was really bad, and so was the jam.I don't want to leave it on the plate, it's uncomfortable to watch. Joanna threw the loaf of bread.she says: Pais and I go for a walk, okay?I mean, go to town and check it out.It's no good just sitting here and saying pessimistic words, is it?We can't do anything. I think it's a good idea for you to go for a walk, said Miss Cook. Yes, go quickly, said Miss Barrow before Mrs. Rileyport could speak. Miss Cook and Miss Barrow looked at each other, sighed and shook their heads. The grass is slippery, said Miss Barrow.I slipped and fell once or twice myself, you know, right there in the shallow grass. And stones, said Miss Cook.When I got to a bend in the trail, a bunch of rocks rolled down like rain, and one hit me squarely in the shoulder. After tea, coffee, biscuits, and pastries, everyone starts to be absent-minded and fidgety.Knowing how to respond when disaster strikes suddenly is not easy.Everyone voiced their opinion, expressed surprise and sadness, and now it's time to pass the morning while waiting for the news and hoping for something interesting to do.Lunch is not served until one o'clock in the afternoon, and everyone can't help but feel that sitting around and talking the same words is really boring. Miss Cook and Miss Barrow both got up, and said they had a thing or two to do, and they had to go to the post office to buy stamps. I'm going to send some postcards and ask how much postage it takes to send a letter to China, Miss Barrow said. I'm going to get the yarn, said Miss Cook.In addition, there seems to be a building on the other side of the market square that is worth seeing. I think it would be better for everyone to go out for a walk, said Miss Barrow. Colonel Walker and his wife also stood up and suggested to the Butlers to go out together to find something to see.Mrs. Butler said she wanted to go to an antique shop. I don't actually mean an actual antique store; it's more properly called a thrift store.Sometimes you can find some very interesting things in that kind of shop. They went out together.Emlyn.Pais had already chased after Joanna from the door sideways, without even bothering to explain why he left.Mrs. Rileyport tried to call her niece back, but it was too late, and said it would be more comfortable to sit in the hotel lobby than here.Miss Lambrie agreed with her.Mr. Casper accompanied the two ladies to the hall, like an exotic escort. Professor Wang Sitai and Miss Marple sat still. I think, said Professor Wang Sitai to Miss Marple.It would be nice to sit outside the hotel.The hotel has a small balcony facing the street.Would you like to go with me? Miss Marple thanked him, and rose to her feet.So far, she and Mr. Wang Sidai have hardly talked.He carried a few books that seemed to be very learned, and he read one or the other, and he couldn't put them down even in the car. Or do you want to go shopping?He said.As for me, I'd rather find a quiet place to wait for Mrs. Sanborn to come back.I think it's important to know exactly where you are. I quite agree with you, said Miss Marple.I did a lot of walking around town yesterday, and I don't think I need to do any more today.I'll stay here, and I can help if something happens.It's not that something will happen, but who knows? They walked through the hotel gate together.Turning around the corner, there is a small square garden. In the garden, there is a raised stone path outside the wall of the hotel. Several wicker chairs of different shapes are placed on the stone path.There was no one there at the moment, so the two sat down.Miss Marple looked at each other thoughtfully.She looked at his wrinkled face, the bushy eyebrows, and the shape of his head covered with gray hair.He walked a little stooped, and Miss Marple thought his face was very interesting.His voice was monotonous and sharp, she thought, he must be an expert of some kind. I must be right, Professor Wang Sidai said.You are Jane.Miss Marple? Yes, I am Jane.Marble. She was a little taken aback, though for no particular reason.Their group hadn't been together long enough for the other members to get to know each other, and she hadn't been with them the previous two nights.But he recognized her quite naturally. As I expected.Professor Wang Sidai said.You've heard the same description as I have. Describe me?Miss Marple was again taken aback. Yes, I've heard someone describe you, he paused, although the voice didn't lower obviously, but the volume became smaller, but she still heard it very clearly.It was Mr. Rafael who said it. oh, said Miss Marple, quite surprised.Mr Raphael. Are you surprised? Uh, yes, I was surprised. I didn't expect that. I didn't expect Miss Marple to say, and stopped. Professor Wang Sidai didn't speak.He just sat there, watching her carefully.In two minutes, Miss Marple thought, he'd say to me: What's wrong with you, old lady?hard to swallow?lack of sleep?Is digestion normal?She was almost sure now that he was a doctor. When did he talk to you about me?definitely is Not long ago, maybe a few weeks ago; in other words, just before his death.He told me that you will take this tour. And he knows you and knows that you want to participate? You are right in saying that, Professor Wang Sidai said.He said you would take the tour, and in fact, he arranged it for you. He was very considerate, said Miss Marple.Really considerate.I was amazed when I found out he was doing this for me.I can't afford such expenses myself. That's right, said Professor Wang Sitai.It's a good arrangement. He nodded, as if applauding the student's performance. It's a pity that the tour was interrupted just like that, Miss Marple said.What a shame, just when everyone is having a good time. Indeed, said Professor Wang Sidai.Is it unfortunate and unexpected or is it less of a surprise to you? What do you mean by that, Professor Wang Sidai? He saw her challenging gaze, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. Mr. Raphael has described you very carefully, Miss Marple.He suggested that I join this tour, and I got to know you naturally, because the members of the tour group will know each other sooner or later, although it always takes a day or two after the acquaintance, before they are divided into several small circles according to hobbies and interests.Also, he advised me to uh, let me just keep an eye on you. Take good care of me!said Miss Marple, with some displeasure in her tone.Why pay attention to me? I think it's for your protection.He wants to make sure nothing happens to you. I had an accident?I would like to know, what accident will happen to me? May happen like Elizabeth.An accident like that of Miss Temple, said Professor Wang Sitai. Joanna.Crawford came around the corner from the hotel, a shopping basket in his hand.She passed by them, Yishou said hello, looked at them with some curiosity, and walked straight to the street.Professor Wang Sidai waited until she disappeared from sight before speaking again: Nice girl, he said.At least I think so.She is now submissive to her domineering aunt like a hunchbacked animal, but I believe it will not be long before she reaches the age of rebellion. What do you mean by those words you just said?asked Miss Marple. She is not interested in knowing when Joanna will rebel now. Now that something has happened, perhaps we must discuss this issue. You mean because of this accident? Yes, if it was an accident. You don't think it was an accident? Oh, I just thought it might not be an accident, that's all. I really don't know anything about the matter, said Miss Marple, hesitantly. Yes, you were not there.Can you and I say that you were on a mission elsewhere at the time? Miss Marple was silent for a moment.She glanced at Professor Wang Sidai a few times, and then said: I'm not sure what you mean by that. You are cautious.It is right to be cautious. I have a habit of it, said Miss Marple. Habit of prudence? I can't say that's an apt description of me, but I've always either believed or believed anything I was told. That's right, and you're doing it right.You don't know anything about me except that I'm part of this luxurious tour group that visits castles, old houses and beautiful gardens.Perhaps the garden is your greatest interest. maybe. Here are some people who are also interested in gardens. Or claiming to be interested in gardens. Yes, said Professor Wang Sidai.You have noticed.He went on: My job is (at least at first) to keep an eye on you, to watch what you do, just in case something happens oh, let's just say it in general, in case something illicit happens, I will be by your side anytime.But things have changed a bit now.You have to see clearly and decide whether I am your enemy or your friend. You may be right, said Miss Marple.You've made it clear, but you haven't provided any information about yourself for me to judge.I suppose you are a friend of Mr. Raphael? No, said Professor Wang Sitai.I am not a friend of Mr. Raphael.I saw him only once or twice, once on a hospital committee and once in some public setting.I've heard of him, and I think he's heard of me.If I told you, Miss Marple, that I am a celebrity in our profession, you would probably think me a pompous and arrogant fellow. I don't think so, said Miss Marple.If you describe yourself like this, I'd think you're probably telling the truth.You are very much like a doctor. Ah, you have a good eye, Miss Marple.Yes, you are insightful.I do have a medical degree, but I also have a professional practicing certificate.I am a pathologist as well as a psychologist.I don't usually carry my papers with me, and I'm afraid you'll have to take my word for it, though I can show you letters written to me, and maybe produce some official papers to win your trust.My work is basically related to forensic science, to put it bluntly, I am interested in all types of criminal minds.I have been doing this research for many years, and I have written quite a few books of this kind, some of which have been provocative and others which have gained me a following.Now I don't do too much strenuous work. Most of my time is spent on writing, explaining some topics that interest me.I often come across things that fascinate me and make me want to delve deeper.This passage sounds long and stinky to you, doesn’t it? Not at all, said Miss Marple.I even hope to learn something from what you have said that M. Raphael does not think needs to be explained to me.He asked me to embark on a plan, but gave me no useful clues.He just gave me the option to take the job and left me to grope in the dark.It seemed to me that the way he handled things was ridiculous. And you accept it? I accepted.I'm going to tell you the truth, money is my motivation. Is money important to you? Miss Marple was silent for a while, and then said slowly: You may not believe it, but my answer is: In fact, it is not. Exactly what I expected.But his proposal piqued your interest.What you want to tell me is this. Yes, he piqued my interest.I didn't know much about Mr. Raphael except for a while; only a few weeks, in fact, in the West Indies.I'm sure you've heard about it more or less. I know that's where Mr. Rafael met you, and that's where I might as well say you work hand in hand. Miss Marple looked at him incredulously. Oh, she said, he said so, didn't he?She shook her head. Yes, he said so, said Professor Wang Sidai.He said you had a remarkable insight into criminal events. Miss Marple looked at him, raising her eyebrows? I don't think you can believe it, she said.Because you feel surprised. I'm rarely surprised by what has happened, said Professor Wang Sidai.Mr. Rafael is a shrewd and capable man with a lot of experience, and he is very good at reading people.He also thinks you are good at reading people. I don't think so myself, said Miss Marple.All I can say is that certain people remind me of people I know, so I can predict similarities in their behavior.If you think I know all too well what I've come here to do, you're wrong. Things often happen by accident rather than planned, Professor Wang Sidai said.For example, we seem to have found a very good place to discuss things here.We did not hide from attention, nor could our conversation be easily overheard; we were not near doors, nor were we above windows or balconies.In fact, we can say whatever we want. I am grateful for that, said Miss Marple.I must stress that I was completely clueless about my mission or what I was supposed to do.I don't know why Mr. Raphael made such an arrangement. I think I can guess.He wants you to expose yourself to the facts and happenings, lest you become preconceived by what others tell you. So you're not going to tell me anything?Miss Marple seemed to lose her temper.Really, she said.Everything has a limit! That's right, said Professor Wang Sitai.He suddenly smiled.I agree with you, we have to push some limits.I'm going to tell you some things, some truths for you, so you can tell me some truths too. Not necessarily, said Miss Marple.I can only tell you a few weird signs, but signs aren't facts after all. So Professor Wang Sidai hesitated to speak. For heaven's sake, tell me, Miss Marple said.