Знак четырех

IX. A Break in the Chain

           Verydifferentwashe,however,fromthebrusqueandmasterfulprofessorofcommonsensewhohadtakenoverthecasesoconfidentlyatUpperNorwood.Hisexpressionwasdowncast,andhisbearingmeekandevenapologetic.

           “Good-day,sir;good-day,”saidhe.“Mr.SherlockHolmesisout,Iunderstand.”

           “Yes,andIcannotbesurewhenhewillbeback.Butperhapsyouwouldcaretowait.Takethatchairandtryoneofthesecigars.”

           “Thankyou;Idon’tmindifIdo,”saidhe,moppinghisfacewitharedbandannahandkerchief.

           “Andawhiskey-and-soda?”

           “Well,halfaglass.Itisveryhotforthetimeofyear;andIhavehadagooddealtoworryandtryme.YouknowmytheoryaboutthisNorwoodcase?”

           “Irememberthatyouexpressedone.”

           “Well,Ihavebeenobligedtoreconsiderit.IhadmynetdrawntightlyroundMr.Sholto,sir,whenpophewentthroughaholeinthemiddleofit.Hewasabletoproveanalibiwhichcouldnotbeshaken.Fromthetimethathelefthisbrother’sroomhewasneveroutofsightofsomeoneorother.Soitcouldnotbehewhoclimbedoverroofsandthroughtrap-doors.It’saverydarkcase,andmyprofessionalcreditisatstake.Ishouldbeverygladofalittleassistance.”

           “Weallneedhelpsometimes,”saidI.

           “YourfriendMr.SherlockHolmesisawonderfulman,sir,”saidhe,inahuskyandconfidentialvoice.“He’samanwhoisnottobebeat.Ihaveknownthatyoungmangointoagoodmanycases,butIneversawthecaseyetthathecouldnotthrowalightupon.

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