In previous plot developments, the clues pursued by Holmes and Watson had already pointed to a relatively closed community in London—a Mormon settlement.
[...Our investigation seemed to hit a silent wall. Gregson and Lestrade claimed they had repeatedly questioned the community's leading figures, receiving only polite but firm denials—they insisted they knew nothing of Enoch Drebber and Joseph Stangerson's past, and were entirely unconnected to their recent misfortunes.]
Lionel had Conan Doyle research the situation of the Mormon community in London precisely to weave it into the novel, bringing London readers closer to the case.
In the original work, the killer Jefferson Hope wanted to kill Enoch Drebber and his secretary Stangerson because Enoch Drebber had exploited the Mormon system of plural marriage and intra-community marriage to take away his beloved Lucy Ferrier, and had killed Lucy's father.
From then on, he wandered the world solely to find Enoch Drebber and exact his revenge—until he tracked his enemy to London.
The story itself was quite compelling, but the problem was its great distance from the real lives of Londoners, making it feel somewhat disconnected.
However, Mormonism had indeed spread to London in the first half of the 19th century, forming a community of several hundred people.
So, what choice would Enoch Drebber, as a believer, make after coming to London to escape pursuit and realizing that Jefferson Hope had discovered him?
—Naturally, he would seek the sect's protection again, just as he had in America.
Of course, the "Detective Holmes" in Good Words would not engage in a gunfight with the elders here.
[Elder Stangerson listened to our purpose, his expression unwavering, as if hearing a trivial matter unrelated to him.
His voice was as cold as a London January:
"Drebber? Yes, we know the man. He was once our brother, but was long ago expelled from the community for misconduct. His death is his sin, and God's judgment. His affairs are no longer our concern."
Holmes's tone was calm:
"I understand your position, Elder. But the killer may still be at large, and his target may not be Drebber alone. According to our investigation, another victim, Joseph Stangerson..."
Elder Stangerson abruptly interrupted him:
"That was my nephew! His misfortune... was also a result of him straying from the Lord's righteous path, bringing ruin upon himself!"
He stood up:
"Detective, I am busy. We do not welcome outsiders here, much less those who bring trouble and gossip. Please leave. Regarding the deceased, we have nothing to say, and we do not require your 'help.'"]
Holmes's deduction was not over; he sensed a different meaning in Elder Stangerson's strenuous attempts to distance himself.
It wasn't about avoiding trouble, nor about protecting someone; it harbored a deeper psychological motive—
[Holmes stood by the window at 221B Baker Street, his violin resting on his shoulder:
"Watson, they are not acting out of fear, but out of anger, and also shame. They are insular, emphasizing internal purity and absolute obedience.
Two members dead, the blood-written word 'Revenge' on the wall... this is a murder full of ritual."
I couldn't help but ask him:
"What does that signify?"
Holmes plucked a string:
"They know who the killer is, but they hold a creed higher than secular law in their hearts. Look at what happened with them in America—'heavy sins must be redeemed by blood.'"]
"Lynching!"
This thought instantly struck all readers.
A mysterious religion from America, a polygamous system, a closed community, murders, and the hint that the victims' sect was preparing to carry out "lynching"...
Numerous elements intertwined, making them feel as if the case was slowly extending and expanding like a spider weaving its web, the threads seemingly about to touch their faces.
But what about the motive?
For what reason were the killer, the victims, or the Mormon elder all intertwined?
Was the killer also a believer?
Was this a religious vendetta?
Soon, Holmes's deduction reached the core—
["...That ring, Watson, it belonged to a lady. From the marks on the inside, she hasn't worn it for many years, almost certainly an 'heirloom.'
The killer treasured it so much that after losing it, he risked exposure to return to the murder scene."
Holmes pointed to the table, where there was a stack of clippings about Mormonism:
"...They permit polygamous marriage and have confronted the fathers and fiancés of many missing women in America.
So, is there a possibility that the owner of that ring, that lady, once had a marital relationship with either the killer or the victim?
But it ended in tragedy, creating an irreconcilable hatred."
It was then that I suddenly understood:
"A crime of passion?"
Holmes added:
"A crime of passion for revenge. Perhaps it was plundered affection, or a broken family.
This would also reasonably explain the elder's reaction—if they condoned such revenge, it would mean their own cherished doctrines were being undermined.
They want to carry out 'their own justice,' just as the killer did."
As he spoke, Holmes seemed to see something from the window, quickly stepped back, drew the curtains, and then lifted a corner to peek out.
(This installment ends here. Thank you for reading.)]
"NO!!!!"
This wail echoed again in various reading spaces across London, and indeed, Britain.
"God! Again here! That Frenchman! He's absolutely doing it on purpose!"
"Damn it! Damn Good Words! Damn Lionel Sorel!"
"Can't they publish more at once? Each time it's like feeding sparrows! My heart can't take it anymore!"
"We have to wait half a month... a whole half a month!"
"Next issue! If they don't catch that bastard next issue, I'm not reading anymore!"
"A crime of passion? This is all about love, hate, and grievances!"
...
Cursing, lamenting, complaining, worrying... a mix of emotions allowed readers to once again experience the "unique charm" of serialized works.
These reactions proved the irreplaceable appeal of genuine serialization, perhaps capturing hearts more effectively than cheap, one-time thrills.
When readers' interest was fully ignited by "revenge fueled by passion" and "the strange customs of a mysterious religion," the gunshots of "Sherlock Holmes the outlaw" also became irrelevant.
However, some still, by old habit, frantically searched for "what came next."
But this time, unlike before, they found something!
(End of Chapter)