Знак чотирьох
VI. Sherlock Holmes Gives a Demonstration
—Whatdoyouthinkofthis,Holmes?Sholtowas,onhisownconfession,withhisbrotherlastnight.Thebrotherdiedinafit,onwhichSholtowalkedoffwiththetreasure.How’sthat?”
“Onwhichthedeadmanveryconsideratelygotupandlockedthedoorontheinside.”
“Hum!There’saflawthere.Letusapplycommonsensetothematter.ThisThaddeusSholtowaswithhisbrother;therewasaquarrel;somuchweknow.Thebrotherisdeadandthejewelsaregone.Somuchalsoweknow.NoonesawthebrotherfromthetimeThaddeuslefthim.Hisbedhadnotbeensleptin.Thaddeusisevidentlyinamostdisturbedstateofmind.Hisappearanceis—well,notattractive.YouseethatIamweavingmywebroundThaddeus.Thenetbeginstocloseuponhim.”
“Youarenotquiteinpossessionofthefactsyet,”saidHolmes.“Thissplinterofwood,whichIhaveeveryreasontobelievetobepoisoned,wasintheman’sscalpwhereyoustillseethemark;thiscard,inscribedasyouseeit,wasonthetable;andbesideitlaythisrathercuriousstone-headedinstrument.Howdoesallthatfitintoyourtheory?”
“Confirmsitineveryrespect,”saidthefatdetective,pompously.“HouseisfullofIndiancuriosities.Thaddeusbroughtthisup,andifthissplinterbepoisonousThaddeusmayaswellhavemademurderoususeofitasanyotherman.Thecardissomehocus-pocus,—ablind,aslikeasnot.Theonlyquestionis,howdidhedepart?Ah,ofcourse,hereisaholeintheroof.
