Этюд в багровых тонах
Tobias Gregson shows what he can do.
“Yes,”saidHolmes;“byJohnUnderwoodandSons,129,CamberwellRoad.”
Gregsonlookedquitecrest-fallen.
“Ihadnoideathatyounoticedthat,”hesaid.“Haveyoubeenthere?”
“No.”
“Ha!”criedGregson,inarelievedvoice;“youshouldneverneglectachance,howeversmallitmayseem.”
“Toagreatmind,nothingislittle,”remarkedHolmes,sententiously.
“Well,IwenttoUnderwood,andaskedhimifhehadsoldahatofthatsizeanddescription. Helookedoverhisbooks,andcameonitatonce. HehadsentthehattoaMr.Drebber,residingatCharpentier’sBoardingEstablishment,TorquayTerrace. ThusIgotathisaddress.”
“Smart—verysmart!”murmuredSherlockHolmes.
“InextcalleduponMadameCharpentier,”continuedthedetective. “Ifoundherverypaleanddistressed. Herdaughterwasintheroom,too—anuncommonlyfinegirlsheis,too;shewaslookingredabouttheeyesandherlipstrembledasIspoketoher.Thatdidn’tescapemynotice. Ibegantosmellarat. Youknowthefeeling,Mr.SherlockHolmes,whenyoucomeupontherightscent—akindofthrillinyournerves. ‘HaveyouheardofthemysteriousdeathofyourlateboarderMr.EnochJ.Drebber,ofCleveland?’Iasked.
“Themothernodded.Shedidn’tseemabletogetoutaword. Thedaughterburstintotears.Ifeltmorethaneverthatthesepeopleknewsomethingofthematter.
“‘Atwhato’clockdidMr.Drebberleaveyourhouseforthetrain?’Iasked.
