Тінь над Іннсмутом
Chapter 4
Fumblingintheraysofmyflashlight,IfoundIcouldopentheshutters;andinanothermomenthadclimbedoutsideandwasfullyclosingtheapertureinitsoriginalmanner.
IwasnowinWashingtonStreet,andforthemomentsawnolivingthingnoranylightsavethatofthemoon.Fromseveraldirectionsinthedistance,however,Icouldhearthesoundofhoarsevoices,offootsteps,andofacuriouskindofpatteringwhichdidnotsoundquitelikefootsteps.PlainlyIhadnotimetolose.Thepointsofthecompasswerecleartome,andIwasgladthatallthestreetlightswereturnedoff,asisoftenthecustomonstronglymoonlitnightsinprosperousruralregions.Someofthesoundscamefromthesouth,yetIretainedmydesignofescapinginthatdirection.Therewould,Iknew,beplentyofdeserteddoorwaystosheltermeincaseImetanypersonorgroupwholookedlikepursuers.
Iwalkedrapidly,softly,andclosetotheruinedhouses.Whilehatlessanddishevelledaftermyarduousclimb,Ididnotlookespeciallynoticeable;andstoodagoodchanceofpassingunheededifforcedtoencounteranycasualwayfarer.
AtBatesStreetIdrewintoayawningvestibulewhiletwoshamblingfigurescrossedinfrontofme,butwassoononmywayagainandapproachingtheopenspacewhereEliotStreetobliquelycrossesWashingtonattheintersectionofSouth.ThoughIhadneverseenthisspace,ithadlookeddangeroustomeonthegroceryyouth’smap;sincethemoonlightwouldhavefreeplaythere.
