Проклятие мумии, или Камень Семи Звезд

           ItwaswithsurprisethatInotedtheedgeofthecurtainschangingfromgreytoyellowlight.Whatwetalkedofhadnothingtodowiththesickman,exceptinsofarthatallwhichconcernedhisdaughtermustultimatelyconcernhim.ButithadnothingtosaytoEgypt,ormummies,orthedead,orcaves,orBedouinchiefs.IcouldwelltakenoteinthegrowinglightthatMargaret’shandhadnotsevenfingers,butfive;foritlayinmine.

           WhenDoctorWinchesterarrivedinthemorningandhadmadehisvisittohispatient,hecametoseemeasIsatinthedining-roomhavingalittlemeal—breakfastorsupper,Ihardlyknewwhichitwas—beforeIwenttoliedown.Mr.Corbeckcameinatthesametime;andweresumedoutconversationwherewehadleftitthenightbefore.ItoldMr.CorbeckthatIhadreadthechapteraboutthefindingofthetomb,andthatIthoughtDoctorWinchestershouldreadit,too.Thelattersaidthat,ifhemight,hewouldtakeitwithhim;hehadthatmorningtomakearailwayjourneytoIpswich,andwouldreaditonthetrain.Hesaidhewouldbringitbackwithhimwhenhecameagainintheevening.Iwentuptomyroomtobringitdown;butIcouldnotfinditanywhere.Ihadadistinctrecollectionofhavingleftitonthelittletablebesidemybed,whenIhadcomeupafterMissTrelawny’sgoingondutyintothesick-room.Itwasverystrange;forthebookwasnotofakindthatanyoftheservantswouldbelikelytotake.IhadtocomebackandexplaintotheothersthatIcouldnotfindit.