Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of Black Peter
“Ifearthatthescrambledeggsarecold.However,youwillenjoytherestofyourbreakfastallthebetter,willyounot,forthethoughtthatyouhavebroughtyourcasetoatriumphantconclusion.”
StanleyHopkinswasspeechlesswithamazement.
“Idon’tknowwhattosay,Mr.Holmes,”heblurtedoutatlast,withaveryredface.“ItseemstomethatIhavebeenmakingafoolofmyselffromthebeginning.Iunderstandnow,whatIshouldneverhaveforgotten,thatIamthepupilandyouarethemaster.EvennowIseewhatyouhavedone,butIdon’tknowhowyoudiditorwhatitsignifies.”
“Well,well,”saidHolmes,good-humouredly.“Wealllearnbyexperience,andyourlessonthistimeisthatyoushouldneverlosesightofthealternative.YouweresoabsorbedinyoungNeliganthatyoucouldnotspareathoughttoPatrickCairns,thetruemurdererofPeterCarey.”
Thehoarsevoiceoftheseamanbrokeinonourconversation.
“Seehere,mister,”saidhe,“Imakenocomplaintofbeingman-handledinthisfashion,butIwouldhaveyoucallthingsbytheirrightnames.YousayImurderedPeterCarey,IsayIkilledPeterCarey,andthere’sallthedifference.Maybeyoudon’tbelievewhatIsay.MaybeyouthinkIamjustslingingyouayarn.”
“Notatall,”saidHolmes.“Letushearwhatyouhavetosay.”
“It’ssoontold,and,bytheLord,everywordofitistruth.IknewBlackPeter,andwhenhepulledouthisknifeIwhippedaharpoonthroughhimsharp,forIknewthatitwashimorme.That’showhedied.Youcancallitmurder.
