The Shadow of Great Britain

The world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

——Shakespeare

Performance is an art, and politics is also an art, with many similarities in various aspects. Actors who perform ordinarily are called entertainers, and those who perform well are called artists. Similarly, politicians who perform ordinarily are called politicians, and those who perform well are called statesmen. The biggest difference between performance and politics is that, although the latter is usually not as professional as the former, you must pay for their performance.

——Arthur Hastings

Arthur vividly described to Louis his nonexistent whimsical encounter with Clara.

In Arthur's narrative, Clara became an authentic Bohemian girl, a Gypsy Witch who wielded the power of a Crystal Ball.

Not only did she reveal Arthur's true identity, but she also predicted that Arthur had just recently survived an assassination attempt.

With Sir Hastings' embellished introduction, Louis went from complete disbelief to being somewhat convinced.

Indeed, these Gypsies from Bohemia are discriminated against throughout Europe, but due to long-standing societal prejudice, exclusion, and legal persecution, most people know very little about this ethnic group. The public generally views them as thieves, cheats, and vagrants and tries to avoid interacting with them.

On the other hand, the fortune-telling, prophecy, and spell-casting abilities of Gypsy women have filled them with an air of mystery among the public.

Many believe that Gypsy Witches can predict the future, heal illnesses, or cast curses, thus their existence is both revered and feared.

This is no exception even for someone like Louis, who has long lived among the self-proclaimed civilized and enlightened upper echelons of society.

"Was she really that accurate?" Louis speculated: "Arthur, could it be that she has had her eyes on you for some time? She investigated you beforehand, which is why she knew about your background so well."

"I can't entirely rule out that possibility either."

Arthur smiled and winked: "Because I found that although this woman knew I used to be a police officer, she didn't know exactly what position I held. But compared to her investigating me, I'm more inclined to believe she has certain skills in observing people."

"Skills in observing people?"

Prompted by Arthur, Louis immediately recalled some interesting cases they handled together in the past.

"Just like you? You often take one look at someone and can guess what profession they are in."

"That's right. Every profession has its specific behavioral habits and clothing characteristics."

Arthur casually said: "Traces of wear on a hat indicate this person often works outdoors. Wear marks at the horseshoes of shoes suggest this person frequently rides horses. People like us who smoke heavily usually have fingernails with a slight yellow tint, and a faint tobacco smell can be noticed with a gentle sniff. Those who chew tobacco often have specific tooth wear and discoloration inside the mouth. A mechanic's work clothes will be worn in specific places, and the distribution of oil stains is also very particular. Masons usually have mortar residue in their nail crevices, and the edges of their fingernails are worn."

Louis laughed upon hearing this and asked: "Then how did she figure out you used to be a police officer? At most, I could tell you're a smoker."

"It's quite simple."

Arthur spoke eloquently: "Firstly, people who have been police officers or soldiers stand with straight posture, feet apart, weight evenly distributed, and walk with stable and solid steps, which is typically the result of long-term training; ordinary people rarely walk or stand in such a way."

At this point, Arthur raised his right hand: "Secondly, my palms have noticeable calluses, especially on the thumb and index finger, and the joints of my fingers are relatively coarse, which is the result of long-term weapon use."

"I don't quite agree with that." Louis countered: "Engaging in heavy physical labor could also cause similar effects."

"Of course." Arthur rolled up his shirt sleeves: "However, if you consider the developed muscles of the forearm, rather than the back arm, you'll derive a different conclusion. The workout results from heavy labor aren't like this."

"Hmm..." Louis thought for a moment: "But I still think that's not enough to pinpoint that you used to be a police officer."

"That's right." Arthur speculated: "I think the biggest giveaway of my identity might be my attire."

"Your attire?"

Louis stepped back and scanned Arthur's outfit from top to bottom: "I think you're dressed quite decently, not at all like a poor detective. Did you happen to wear a police uniform when you saw her that day? But then again, would a Bohemian girl recognize a Scotland Yard uniform?"

Arthur lifted the tailcoat hem to reveal his small leather belt, and before he could speak, Louis had noticed the clue.

There was a noticeable wear mark on Arthur's belt that looked like a faint little hook. While others might not know why he had this wear mark, Louis, having also been a police officer, knew precisely that it's from hanging a rapid-handcuff holder.

Perhaps each of these small details isn't enough to prove Arthur's professional history, but together they appear very suspicious.

If that Bohemian girl with 'wolf eyes' could notice some of the professional habits of this former, most astute Scotland Yard detective, such as unconsciously scanning the surroundings while talking to someone or displaying a scrutinizing look when making accidental eye contact, then it would pretty much confirm he's an old man.