Пригоди Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
"‘Nofriendofyours,MissHunter?’heasked.
"‘No,Iknownooneintheseparts.’
"‘Dearme!Howveryimpertinent!Kindlyturnroundandmotiontohimtogoaway.’
"‘Surelyitwouldbebettertotakenonotice.’
"‘No,no,weshouldhavehimloiteringherealways.Kindlyturnroundandwavehimawaylikethat.’
"IdidasIwastold,andatthesameinstantMrs.Rucastledrewdowntheblind. Thatwasaweekago,andfromthattimeIhavenotsatagaininthewindow,norhaveIwornthebluedress,norseenthemanintheroad."
"Praycontinue,"saidHolmes."Yournarrativepromisestobeamostinterestingone."
"Youwillfinditratherdisconnected,Ifear,andtheremayprovetobelittlerelationbetweenthedifferentincidentsofwhichIspeak. OntheveryfirstdaythatIwasattheCopperBeeches,Mr.Rucastletookmetoasmallouthousewhichstandsnearthekitchendoor. AsweapproacheditIheardthesharprattlingofachain,andthesoundasofalargeanimalmovingabout.
"‘Lookinhere!’saidMr.Rucastle,showingmeaslitbetweentwoplanks.‘Ishenotabeauty?’
"Ilookedthroughandwasconsciousoftwoglowingeyes,andofavaguefigurehuddledupinthedarkness.
