Знак четырех
V. The Tragedy of Pondicherry Lodge
“Itgrowsdarkerinsteadofclearer.”
“Onthecontrary,”heanswered,“itclearseveryinstant.Ionlyrequireafewmissinglinkstohaveanentirelyconnectedcase.”
Wehadalmostforgottenourcompanion’spresencesinceweenteredthechamber.Hewasstillstandinginthedoorway,theverypictureofterror,wringinghishandsandmoaningtohimself.Suddenly,however,hebrokeoutintoasharp,querulouscry.
“Thetreasureisgone!”hesaid.“Theyhaverobbedhimofthetreasure!Thereistheholethroughwhichweloweredit.Ihelpedhimtodoit!Iwasthelastpersonwhosawhim!Ilefthimherelastnight,andIheardhimlockthedoorasIcamedownstairs.”
“Whattimewasthat?”
“Itwasteno’clock.Andnowheisdead,andthepolicewillbecalledin,andIshallbesuspectedofhavinghadahandinit.Oh,yes,IamsureIshall.Butyoudon’tthinkso,gentlemen?Surelyyoudon’tthinkthatitwasI?IsitlikelythatIwouldhavebroughtyouhereifitwereI?Oh,dear!oh,dear!IknowthatIshallgomad!”Hejerkedhisarmsandstampedhisfeetinakindofconvulsivefrenzy.
“Youhavenoreasonforfear,Mr.Sholto,”saidHolmes,kindly,puttinghishanduponhisshoulder.“Takemyadvice,anddrivedowntothestationtoreportthismattertothepolice.Offertoassistthemineveryway.Weshallwaithereuntilyourreturn.”
Thelittlemanobeyedinahalf-stupefiedfashion,andweheardhimstumblingdownthestairsinthedark.
