Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Priory School
Hehadhadoneofthoseviolentstrainsoftheanklewhichleaveamanhelpless.Withdifficultyhelimpeduptothedoor,whereasquat,dark,elderlymanwassmokingablackclaypipe.
“Howareyou,Mr.ReubenHayes?”saidHolmes.
“Whoareyou,andhowdoyougetmynamesopat?”thecountrymananswered,withasuspiciousflashofapairofcunningeyes.
“Well,it’sprintedontheboardaboveyourhead.It’seasytoseeamanwhoismasterofhisownhouse.Isupposeyouhaven’tsuchathingasacarriageinyourstables?”
“No,Ihavenot.”
“Icanhardlyputmyfoottotheground.”
“Don’tputittotheground.”
“ButIcan’twalk.”
“Well,thenhop.”
Mr.ReubenHayes’smannerwasfarfromgracious,butHolmestookitwithadmirablegood-humour.
“Lookhere,myman,”saidhe.“Thisisreallyratheranawkwardfixforme.Idon’tmindhowIgeton.”
“NeitherdoI,”saidthemoroselandlord.
“Thematterisveryimportant.Iwouldofferyouasovereignfortheuseofabicycle.”
Thelandlordprickeduphisears.
“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”
“ToHoldernesseHall.”
“PalsoftheDook,Isuppose?”saidthelandlord,surveyingourmud-stainedgarmentswithironicaleyes.
Holmeslaughedgood-naturedly.
“He’llbegladtoseeus,anyhow.”
“Why?”
“Becausewebringhimnewsofhislostson.”
Thelandlordgaveaveryvisiblestart.
“What,you’reonhistrack?”
“HehasbeenheardofinLiverpool.Theyexpecttogethimeveryhour.”
Againaswiftchangepassedovertheheavy,unshavenface.Hismannerwassuddenlygenial.
