Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Reigate Puzzle
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Holmesshruggedhisshoulderswithaglanceofcomicresignationtowardsthecolonel,andthetalkdriftedawayintolessdangerouschannels.
Itwasdestined,however,thatallmyprofessionalcautionshouldbewasted,fornextmorningtheproblemobtrudeditselfuponusinsuchawaythatitwasimpossibletoignoreit,andourcountryvisittookaturnwhichneitherofuscouldhaveanticipated.Wewereatbreakfastwhenthecolonel’sbutlerrushedinwithallhisproprietyshakenoutofhim.
"Haveyouheardthenews,sir?"hegasped."AttheCunningham’s,sir!"
"Burglary!"criedthecolonel,withhiscoffee-cupinmid-air.
"Murder!"
Thecolonelwhistled."ByJove!"saidhe."Who’skilled,then?TheJ.P.orhisson?"
"Neither,sir.ItwasWilliamthecoachman.Shotthroughtheheart,sir,andneverspokeagain."
"Whoshothim,then?"
"Theburglar,sir.Hewasofflikeashotandgotcleanaway.He’djustbrokeinatthepantrywindowwhenWilliamcameonhimandmethisendinsavinghismaster’sproperty."
"Whattime?"
"Itwaslastnight,sir,somewhereabouttwelve."
"Ah,then,we’llstepoverafterwards,"saidthecolonelcoollysettlingdowntohisbreakfastagain."It’sabaddishbusiness,"headdedwhenthebutlerhadgone;"he’sourleadingmanabouthere,isoldCunningham,andaverydecentfellowtoo.