Случай Чарльза Декстера Варда
Chapter 6
Charles’saspectwasverydrawnandhaggard,andhedroppedhisentireloadwithastartatthesoundofhisfather’svoice.Attheelderman’scommandhesatdown,andforsometimelistenedtotheadmonitionshehadsolongdeserved.Therewasnoscene.Attheendofthelectureheagreedthathisfatherwasright,andthathisnoises,mutterings,incantations,andchemicalodorswereindeedinexcusablenuisances.Heagreedtoapolicyofgreatquiet,thoughinsistingonaprolongationofhisextremeprivacy.Muchofhisfuturework,hesaid,wasinanycasepurelybookresearch;andhecouldobtainquarterselsewhereforanysuchvocalritualsasmightbenecessaryatalaterstage.Forthefrightandfaintingofhismotherheexpressedthekeenestcontrition,andexplainedthattheconversationlaterheardwaspartofanelaboratesymbolismdesignedtocreateacertainmentalatmosphere.HisuseofabstrusetechnicaltermssomewhatbewilderedMr.Ward,butthepartingimpressionwasoneofundeniablesanityandpoisedespiteamysterioustensionoftheutmostgravity.Theinterviewwasreallyquiteinconclusive,andasCharlespickeduphisarmfulandlefttheroomMr.Wardhardlyknewwhattomakeoftheentirebusiness.ItwasasmysteriousasthedeathofpooroldNig,whosestiffeningformhadbeenfoundanhourbeforeinthebasement,withstaringeyesandfear-distortedmouth.
Drivenbysomevaguedetectiveinstinct,thebewilderedparentnowglancedcuriouslyatthevacantshelvestoseewhathissonhadtakenuptotheattic.
