Приключения Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Speckled Band
"PerhapsIhave."
"Then,forpity’ssake,tellmewhatwasthecauseofmysister’sdeath."
"IshouldprefertohaveclearerproofsbeforeIspeak."
"Youcanatleasttellmewhethermyownthoughtiscorrect,andifshediedfromsomesuddenfright."
"No,Idonotthinkso. Ithinkthattherewasprobablysomemoretangiblecause. Andnow,MissStoner,wemustleaveyouforifDr.Roylottreturnedandsawusourjourneywouldbeinvain. Good-bye,andbebrave,forifyouwilldowhatIhavetoldyouyoumayrestassuredthatweshallsoondriveawaythedangersthatthreatenyou."
SherlockHolmesandIhadnodifficultyinengagingabedroomandsitting-roomattheCrownInn. Theywereontheupperfloor,andfromourwindowwecouldcommandaviewoftheavenuegate,andoftheinhabitedwingofStokeMoranManorHouse. AtduskwesawDr.GrimesbyRoylottdrivepast,hishugeformloomingupbesidethelittlefigureoftheladwhodrovehim. Theboyhadsomeslightdifficultyinundoingtheheavyirongates,andweheardthehoarseroarofthedoctor’svoiceandsawthefurywithwhichheshookhisclinchedfistsathim. Thetrapdroveon,andafewminuteslaterwesawasuddenlightspringupamongthetreesasthelampwaslitinoneofthesitting-rooms.
"Doyouknow,Watson,"saidHolmesaswesattogetherinthegatheringdarkness,"Ihavereallysomescruplesastotakingyouto-night. Thereisadistinctelementofdanger."
"CanIbeofassistance?"
