Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Empty House
Inhishandhecarriedwhatappearedtobeastick,butashelaiditdownupontheflooritgaveametallicclang.Thenfromthepocketofhisovercoathedrewabulkyobject,andhebusiedhimselfinsometaskwhichendedwithaloud,sharpclick,asifaspringorbolthadfallenintoitsplace.Stillkneelinguponthefloorhebentforwardandthrewallhisweightandstrengthuponsomelever,withtheresultthattherecamealong,whirling,grindingnoise,endingoncemoreinapowerfulclick.Hestraightenedhimselfthen,andIsawthatwhatheheldinhishandwasasortofgun,withacuriouslymisshapenbutt.Heopeneditatthebreech,putsomethingin,andsnappedthebreech-lock.Then,crouchingdown,herestedtheendofthebarrelupontheledgeoftheopenwindow,andIsawhislongmoustachedroopoverthestockandhiseyegleamasitpeeredalongthesights.Iheardalittlesighofsatisfactionashecuddledthebuttintohisshoulder;andsawthatamazingtarget,theblackmanontheyellowground,standingclearattheendofhisforesight.Foraninstanthewasrigidandmotionless.Thenhisfingertightenedonthetrigger.Therewasastrange,loudwhizandalong,silverytinkleofbrokenglass.AtthatinstantHolmesspranglikeatigerontothemarksman’sback,andhurledhimflatuponhisface.Hewasupagaininamoment,andwithconvulsivestrengthheseizedHolmesbythethroat,butIstruckhimontheheadwiththebuttofmyrevolver,andhedroppedagainuponthefloor.Ifelluponhim,andasIheldhimmycomradeblewashrillcalluponawhistle.
