Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Abbey Grange
Isteppedback,butthefellowwasonmeinaninstant.Hecaughtmefirstbythewristandthenbythethroat.Iopenedmymouthtoscream,buthestruckmeasavageblowwithhisfistovertheeye,andfelledmetotheground.Imusthavebeenunconsciousforafewminutes,forwhenIcametomyself,Ifoundthattheyhadtorndownthebell-rope,andhadsecuredmetightlytotheoakenchairwhichstandsattheheadofthedining-table.IwassofirmlyboundthatIcouldnotmove,andahandkerchiefroundmymouthpreventedmefromutteringasound.Itwasatthisinstantthatmyunfortunatehusbandenteredtheroom.Hehadevidentlyheardsomesuspicioussounds,andhecamepreparedforsuchasceneashefound.Hewasdressedinnightshirtandtrousers,withhisfavouriteblackthorncudgelinhishand.Herushedattheburglars,butanother—itwasanelderlyman—stooped,pickedthepokeroutofthegrateandstruckhimahorribleblowashepassed.Hefellwithagroanandnevermovedagain.Ifaintedoncemore,butagainitcouldonlyhavebeenforaveryfewminutesduringwhichIwasinsensible.WhenIopenedmyeyesIfoundthattheyhadcollectedthesilverfromthesideboard,andtheyhaddrawnabottleofwinewhichstoodthere.Eachofthemhadaglassinhishand.Ihavealreadytoldyou,haveInot,thatonewaselderly,withabeard,andtheothersyoung,hairlesslads.Theymighthavebeenafatherwithhistwosons.Theytalkedtogetherinwhispers.ThentheycameoverandmadesurethatIwassecurelybound.Finallytheywithdrew,closingthewindowafterthem.
