Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Final Problem
Heisclean-shaven,pale,andascetic-looking,retainingsomethingoftheprofessorinhisfeatures.Hisshouldersareroundedfrommuchstudy,andhisfaceprotrudesforwardandisforeverslowlyoscillatingfromsidetosideinacuriouslyreptilianfashion.Hepeeredatmewithgreatcuriosityinhispuckeredeyes.
"‘YouhavelessfrontaldevelopmentthanIshouldhaveexpected,"saidheatlast.‘Itisadangeroushabittofingerloadedfirearmsinthepocketofone’sdressing-gown.’
"ThefactisthatuponhisentranceIhadinstantlyrecognizedtheextremepersonaldangerinwhichIlay.Theonlyconceivableescapeforhimlayinsilencingmytongue.InaninstantIhadslippedtherevolverfromthedrawerintomypocketandwascoveringhimthroughthecloth.AthisremarkIdrewtheweaponoutandlaiditcockeduponthetable.Hestillsmiledandblinked,buttherewassomethingabouthiseyeswhichmademefeelverygladthatIhaditthere.
"‘Youevidentlydon’tknowme,"saidhe.
"‘Onthecontrary,"Ianswered,‘IthinkitisfairlyevidentthatIdo.Praytakeachair.Icanspareyoufiveminutesifyouhaveanythingtosay.’
"‘AllthatIhavetosayhasalreadycrossedyourmind,"saidhe.
"‘Thenpossiblymyanswerhascrossedyours,"Ireplied.
"‘Youstandfast?’
"‘Absolutely.’
"Heclappedhishandintohispocket,andIraisedthepistolfromthetable.
