Проклятие мумии, или Камень Семи Звезд
Chapter 1
Inthegreathallwereseveralservants,themenstandingtogethernearthehalldoor,andthewomenclingingtogetherinthefurthercornersanddoorways.ApolicesuperintendenthadbeentalkingtoMissTrelawny;twomeninuniformandoneplain-clothesmanstoodnearhim.Asshetookmyhandimpulsivelytherewasalookofreliefinhereyes,andshegaveagentlesighofrelief.Hersalutationwassimple.
"Iknewyouwouldcome!"
Theclaspofthehandcanmeanagreatdeal,evenwhenitisnotintendedtomeananythingespecially.MissTrelawny’shandsomehowbecamelostinmyown.Itwasnotthatitwasasmallhand;itwasfineandflexible,withlongdelicatefingers—arareandbeautifulhand;itwastheunconsciousself-surrender.AndthoughatthemomentIcouldnotdwellonthecauseofthethrillwhichsweptme,itcamebacktomelater.
Sheturnedandsaidtothepolicesuperintendent:
"ThisisMr.MalcolmRoss."Thepoliceofficersalutedasheanswered:
"IknowMr.MalcolmRoss,miss.PerhapshewillrememberIhadthehonourofworkingwithhimintheBrixtonCoiningcase."Ihadnotatfirstglancenoticedwhoitwas,mywholeattentionhavingbeentakenwithMissTrelawny.
"Ofcourse,SuperintendentDolan,Irememberverywell!"Isaidasweshookhands.IcouldnotbutnotethattheacquaintanceshipseemedarelieftoMissTrelawny.