Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 291: A Cry for Help from "Good Words"

"So why not let that all-powerful 'consulting detective' investigate?"
Finding a few pirate booksellers hiding in the sewers of the East District must be nothing more than a little game for him to pass the time after dinner.
Why bother our 'slow-witted' and 'incompetent' official detectives at Scotland Yard?

Colonel Howard Vincent, sitting behind his desk, said these words to Dr. Norman McLeod across from him with an almost cold laugh.

Dr. Norman MacLeod's chubby face instantly turned from red to purplish-red, and he jumped to his feet: "Colonel Vincent!"

He roared, his voice shaking the windowpane: "I'm reporting a clear, ongoing crime to you!"

This isn't about discussing a character in a novel! Your job is to uphold the law, not to be here mocking a law-abiding publisher!

His chest bulged, like an enraged pufferfish: "You Scotland Yard waste huge sums of taxpayers' money every year!"

Are we really resorting to mocking the victims to shirk our responsibilities, even for something as basic as combating piracy? Or have you simply become so incompetent?

Colonel Howard Vincent remained unmoved, his tone still very dismissive: "Of course not, Dr. McLeod. Upholding the law is Scotland Yard's duty."

He reached out and picked up the booklet, flipping through it: "Alright, we'll make a record of it and arrange for someone to investigate. You can go back now."

We will let you know if there is any news.

Dr. McLeod wanted to say something more: "You..." but then shut up.

He knew that sitting there any longer would only bring him further humiliation, and expecting Scotland Yard to investigate piracy for the sake of Good Words magazine was simply wishful thinking.

He glared at Colonel Vincent, turned abruptly, and slammed the door shut without looking back.

Colonel Howard Vincent scoffed, a disdainful smirk playing on his lips: "Sherlock Holmes..."

He tossed the pamphlet into the wastebasket at his feet like trash: "Enjoy this 'gift,' ha, 'consulting detective'!"

------

Back in his office at the editorial department of Good Words, Dr. Norman McLeod's anger had not yet subsided.

He irritably loosened his bow tie and paced back and forth in the room like a trapped beast.

London outside the window was still bustling, with the rumble of carriages and the clamor of voices.

But Dr. McLeod seemed to see it all: in those dark street corners, noisy pubs, bustling docks…

Countless poorly made forgeries of "A Study in Scarlet" are spreading rapidly like rotting mold.

They not only stole the profits that should have belonged to "Good Words," but more frighteningly, they are defiling and distorting the image of "Sherlock Holmes."

Wielding a revolver and going on a killing spree, having a one-night stand with the widow Mrs. Ruth... This is simply an insult to the taste of the entire Good Words magazine!

He couldn't help but curse aloud: "Damn Vincent! Damn Scotland Yard!"

He knew that Colonel Vincent's promise to "arrange for someone to investigate" was just an empty promise.

By the time those gentlemen at Scotland Yard leisurely finished their process, the pirates had already made a fortune!

Time! What he lacks most right now is time! With each passing day, the poison of piracy and counterfeit works will deepen, and the appeal of the official serialization of "Good Words" will decrease.

Readers are forgetful and impatient. Once they get used to that cheap and exciting fake Sherlock Holmes, who would have the patience to wait half a month?
A thought grew clearer and clearer in his mind—he couldn't just sit and wait to die.

Dr. McLeod sat down in a chair, panting, picked up a pen, spread out a sheet of paper, and prepared to inform Lionel of everything that had happened here as soon as possible.

Lionel, my dear friend and collaborator:
……

Given the urgency of the situation, I plan to serialize the remaining parts of "A Study in Scarlet" all at once in the late October issue.

I believe this is the best solution to the problems of counterfeiting and piracy!
Enclosed is a copy of "A Study in Scarlet" (complete edition) for your reference.

Your faithful Norman MacLeod ——————

When Lionel received the letter from the editor of Good Words, he was being bombarded with Petty's questions.

"Young Master, what role does 'I,' also known as 'Little Joseph,' play in the story?"

"Young master, why did I give Uncle Jules an extra 10 copper coins as a tip? What character trait of mine does this reveal?"

"Young master, what methods does the novel use to depict the character traits of the Philippes?"

……

Petty finally finished her homework on the Montiel Secrets (French), and a little while later she came back with the Montiel Secrets (Mathematics).

"Young Master, why is this pool filled with water at the same time? It's such a waste!"

"Young master, why are the chickens and rabbits in the same cage? Won't they fight?"

"Young master, since Pierre is chasing after Emily, why doesn't he ride a horse or take a carriage? Isn't walking too slow?"

……

Lionel just wants to slap himself right now...

Just when he was about to break down, the apartment manager brought up the letter.

Lionel felt like he had been granted a pardon and quickly told Petty, "You do it yourself first, I'll see whose letter it is."

Back in his study, after reading the letters, Lionel flipped through "A Study in Scarlet" (complete edition) and became completely engrossed.

I didn't come to my senses until dinner time.

It must be said that this ghostwriter who wrote the pirated content had a very good writing style, with vivid imagery and well-defined characters.

If it were taken out of the box, it could easily be a standalone "Sherlock Holmes" series.

This made Lionel very curious about the gunman's identity, and in his opinion, this gunman was likely to become famous in the literary world in the future.

As for how to deal with piracy... Lionel didn't have an answer either.

This problem existed since the time of the dog, and it persisted for many years until Lionel's time travel, regardless of how many laws were enacted or how strictly they were enforced...

Piracy is an ever-present phenomenon, never truly eradicated, and has grown alongside human civilization and technological history.

This is not something that Lionel can solve with a clever trick, and in this era, there is no technology to stop these pirates.

Norman MacLeod's proposal to release the ending early and end the series was seen by Lionel as only weakening the influence of "Sherlock Holmes".

This means that it would be extremely disgraceful for "Detective Holmes" to actually get involved in a fight with "Robin Hood" (the legendary thief).

What he learned from later generations was that no matter how rampant piracy and counterfeiting may be, they will eventually fade away.

Just like how no matter how well "Nine Yin Nine Yang" sells, it cannot shake the towering tree of Jin Yong's novels.

Therefore, the most urgent task is to stop Norman McLeod's foolish behavior and provide him with an alternative.

This is the only way to prevent the editor-in-chief of "Good Words" from "seeking treatment in desperation."

With that in mind, Lionel sat down at the Sorel I typewriter...

(End of this chapter)