Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Reigate Puzzle
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Wepassedtheprettycottagewherethemurderedmanhadlivedandwalkedupanoak-linedavenuetothefineoldQueenAnnehouse,whichbearsthedateofMalplaquetuponthelintelofthedoor.Holmesandtheinspectorledusroundituntilwecametothesidegate,whichisseparatedbyastretchofgardenfromthehedgewhichlinestheroad.Aconstablewasstandingatthekitchendoor.
"Throwthedooropen,officer,"saidHolmes."Now,itwasonthosestairsthatyoungMr.Cunninghamstoodandsawthetwomenstrugglingjustwhereweare.OldMr.Cunninghamwasatthatwindow—thesecondontheleft—andhesawthefellowgetawayjusttotheleftofthatbush.Sodidtheson.Theyarebothsureofitonaccountofthebush.ThenMr.Alecranoutandkneltbesidethewoundedman.Thegroundisveryhard,yousee,andtherearenomarkstoguideus."Ashespoketwomencamedownthegardenpath,fromroundtheangleofthehouse.Theonewasanelderlyman,withastrong,deep-lined,heavy-eyedface;theotheradashingyoungfellow,whosebright,smilingexpressionandshowydresswereinstrangecontrastwiththebusinesswhichhadbroughtusthere.
"Stillatit,then?"saidhetoHolmes."IthoughtyouLondonerswereneveratfault.Youdon’tseemtobesoveryquick,afterall."
"Ah,youmustgiveusalittletime,"saidHolmesgood-humouredly.
"You’llwantit,"saidyoungAlecCunningham."Why,Idon‘tseethatwehaveanyclueatall.
