Приключения Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb
Buttheinspectorwasmistaken,forthosecriminalswerenotdestinedtofallintothehandsofjustice. AswerolledintoEyfordStationwesawagiganticcolumnofsmokewhichstreamedupfrombehindasmallclumpoftreesintheneighbourhoodandhunglikeanimmenseostrichfeatheroverthelandscape.
"Ahouseonfire?"askedBradstreetasthetrainsteamedoffagainonitsway.
"Yes,sir!"saidthestation-master.
"Whendiditbreakout?"
"Ihearthatitwasduringthenight,sir,butithasgotworse,andthewholeplaceisinablaze."
"Whosehouseisit?"
"Dr.Becher’s."
"Tellme,"brokeintheengineer,"isDr.BecheraGerman,verythin,withalong,sharpnose?"
Thestation-masterlaughedheartily. "No,sir,Dr.BecherisanEnglishman,andthereisn’tamanintheparishwhohasabetter-linedwaistcoat. Buthehasagentlemanstayingwithhim,apatient,asIunderstand,whoisaforeigner,andhelooksasifalittlegoodBerkshirebeefwoulddohimnoharm."
