Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Abbey Grange
Iknowsomuchalreadythatifyougooneinchoffthestraight,I’llblowthispolicewhistlefrommywindowandtheaffairgoesoutofmyhandsforever.”
Thesailorthoughtforalittle.Thenhestruckhislegwithhisgreatsunburnedhand.
“I’llchanceit,”hecried.“Ibelieveyouareamanofyourword,andawhiteman,andI’lltellyouthewholestory.ButonethingIwillsayfirst.SofarasIamconcerned,IregretnothingandIfearnothing,andIwoulddoitallagainandbeproudofthejob.Damnthebeast,ifhehadasmanylivesasacat,hewouldowethemalltome!Butit’sthelady,Mary—MaryFraser—forneverwillIcallherbythataccursedname.WhenIthinkofgettingherintotrouble,Iwhowouldgivemylifejusttobringonesmiletoherdearface,it’sthatthatturnsmysoulintowater.Andyet—andyet—whatlesscouldIdo?I’lltellyoumystory,gentlemen,andthenI’llaskyou,asmantoman,whatlesscouldIdo?
“Imustgobackabit.Youseemtoknoweverything,soIexpectthatyouknowthatImetherwhenshewasapassengerandIwasfirstofficeroftheRockofGibraltar.FromthefirstdayImether,shewastheonlywomantome.EverydayofthatvoyageIlovedhermore,andmanyatimesincehaveIkneeleddowninthedarknessofthenightwatchandkissedthedeckofthatshipbecauseIknewherdearfeethadtrodit.Shewasneverengagedtome.Shetreatedmeasfairlyaseverawomantreatedaman.Ihavenocomplainttomake.Itwasallloveonmyside,andallgoodcomradeshipandfriendshiponhers.
