Воспоминания Шерлока Холмса

           Thewifeprobablydiedinchildbed.Thefactthathehasapicture-bookunderhisarmshowsthatthereisanotherchildtobethoughtof."

           Ibegantounderstandwhatmyfriendmeantwhenhesaidthathisbrotherpossessedevenkeenerfacultiesthanhedidhimself.Heglancedacrossatmeandsmiled.Mycrofttooksnufffromatortoise-shellboxandbrushedawaythewanderinggrainsfromhiscoatfrontwithalarge,redsilkhandkerchief.

           "Bytheway,Sherlock,"saidhe,"Ihavehadsomethingquiteafteryourownheart—amostsingularproblem—submittedtomyjudgment.Ireallyhadnottheenergytofollowitupsaveinaveryincompletefashion,butitgavemeabasisforsomepleasingspeculations.Ifyouwouldcaretohearthefacts—"

           "MydearMycroft,Ishouldbedelighted."

           Thebrotherscribbledanoteuponaleafofhispocket-book,and,ringingthebell,hehandedittothewaiter.

           "IhaveaskedMr.Melastostepacross,"saidhe."Helodgesontheflooraboveme,andIhavesomeslightacquaintancewithhim,whichledhimtocometomeinhisperplexity.Mr.MelasisaGreekbyextraction,asIunderstand,andheisaremarkablelinguist.HeearnshislivingpartlyasinterpreterinthelawcourtsandpartlybyactingasguidetoanywealthyOrientalswhomayvisittheNorthumberlandAvenuehotels.IthinkIwillleavehimtotellhisveryremarkableexperienceinhisownfashion.