Приключения Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Speckled Band
Irantoherandthrewmyarmsroundher,butatthatmomentherkneesseemedtogivewayandshefelltotheground. Shewrithedasonewhoisinterriblepain,andherlimbsweredreadfullyconvulsed. AtfirstIthoughtthatshehadnotrecognizedme,butasIbentoverhershesuddenlyshriekedoutinavoicewhichIshallneverforget, ‘Oh,myGod!Helen!Itwastheband!Thespeckledband!’ Therewassomethingelsewhichshewouldfainhavesaid,andshestabbedwithherfingerintotheairinthedirectionofthedoctor’sroom,butafreshconvulsionseizedherandchokedherwords. Irushedout,callingloudlyformystepfather,andImethimhasteningfromhisroominhisdressing-gown. Whenhereachedmysister’ssideshewasunconscious,andthoughhepouredbrandydownherthroatandsentformedicalaidfromthevillage,alleffortswereinvain,forsheslowlysankanddiedwithouthavingrecoveredherconsciousness. Suchwasthedreadfulendofmybelovedsister."
Onemoment,"saidHolmes,"areyousureaboutthiswhistleandmetallicsound? Couldyousweartoit?"
"Thatwaswhatthecountycoroneraskedmeattheinquiry. ItismystrongimpressionthatIheardit,andyet,amongthecrashofthegaleandthecreakingofanoldhouse,Imaypossiblyhavebeendeceived."
"Wasyoursisterdressed?"
"No,shewasinhernight-dress. Inherrighthandwasfoundthecharredstumpofamatch,andinherleftamatch-box."
"Showingthatshehadstruckalightandlookedaboutherwhenthealarmtookplace. Thatisimportant. Andwhatconclusionsdidthecoronercometo?"
