Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist
Hisspringystepneversloweduntilsuddenly,whenhewasahundredyardsinfrontofme,hehalted,andIsawhimthrowuphishandwithagestureofgriefanddespair.Atthesameinstantanemptydog-cart,thehorsecantering,thereinstrailing,appearedroundthecurveoftheroadandrattledswiftlytowardsus.
“Toolate,Watson,toolate!”criedHolmes,asIranpantingtohisside.“FoolthatIwasnottoallowforthatearliertrain!It’sabduction,Watson—abduction!Murder!Heavenknowswhat!Blocktheroad!Stopthehorse!That’sright.Now,jumpin,andletusseeifIcanrepairtheconsequencesofmyownblunder.”
Wehadsprungintothedog-cart,andHolmes,afterturningthehorse,gaveitasharpcutwiththewhip,andweflewbackalongtheroad.Asweturnedthecurve,thewholestretchofroadbetweentheHallandtheheathwasopenedup.IgraspedHolmes’sarm.
“That’stheman!”Igasped.
Asolitarycyclistwascomingtowardsus.Hisheadwasdownandhisshouldersrounded,asheputeveryounceofenergythathepossessedontothepedals.Hewasflyinglikearacer.Suddenlyheraisedhisbeardedface,sawusclosetohim,andpulledup,springingfromhismachine.Thatcoal-blackbeardwasinsingularcontrasttothepallorofhisface,andhiseyeswereasbrightasifhehadafever.Hestaredatusandatthedog-cart.Thenalookofamazementcameoverhisface.
“Halloa!Stopthere!”heshouted,holdinghisbicycletoblockourroad.“Wheredidyougetthatdog-cart?Pullup,man!”heyelled,drawingapistolfromhissidepocket.
