Знак чотирьох
IX. A Break in the Chain
Verydifferentwashe,however,fromthebrusqueandmasterfulprofessorofcommonsensewhohadtakenoverthecasesoconfidentlyatUpperNorwood.Hisexpressionwasdowncast,andhisbearingmeekandevenapologetic.
“Good-day,sir;good-day,”saidhe.“Mr.SherlockHolmesisout,Iunderstand.”
“Yes,andIcannotbesurewhenhewillbeback.Butperhapsyouwouldcaretowait.Takethatchairandtryoneofthesecigars.”
“Thankyou;Idon’tmindifIdo,”saidhe,moppinghisfacewitharedbandannahandkerchief.
“Andawhiskey-and-soda?”
“Well,halfaglass.Itisveryhotforthetimeofyear;andIhavehadagooddealtoworryandtryme.YouknowmytheoryaboutthisNorwoodcase?”
“Irememberthatyouexpressedone.”
“Well,Ihavebeenobligedtoreconsiderit.IhadmynetdrawntightlyroundMr.Sholto,sir,whenpophewentthroughaholeinthemiddleofit.Hewasabletoproveanalibiwhichcouldnotbeshaken.Fromthetimethathelefthisbrother’sroomhewasneveroutofsightofsomeoneorother.Soitcouldnotbehewhoclimbedoverroofsandthroughtrap-doors.It’saverydarkcase,andmyprofessionalcreditisatstake.Ishouldbeverygladofalittleassistance.”
“Weallneedhelpsometimes,”saidI.
“YourfriendMr.SherlockHolmesisawonderfulman,sir,”saidhe,inahuskyandconfidentialvoice.“He’samanwhoisnottobebeat.Ihaveknownthatyoungmangointoagoodmanycases,butIneversawthecaseyetthathecouldnotthrowalightupon.
