《福尔摩斯探案集·红发会》第6节
“What on earth does this mean?” I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. “It is a little off the beaten track, isn’t it?” said he. “And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date.” “It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.” “Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?” “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. It’s not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business.” “What is the name of this obliging youth?” asked Sherlock Holmes.
注释摘要
华生把那份广告读了两遍，吐出一句“这究竟是什么意思？”——这句话本身也是读者的反应。一个美国宾夕法尼亚州黎巴嫩市的已故人士，留下一笔遗产，设立“红发会”，每周四英镑的薪水，干的活却只是“纯属名义上的差事”，应征者必须是红发男性、身心健康、年满二十一岁。任何一个有常识的人读到这则广告，都会觉得它荒诞到不像骗局。真正的骗局通常模仿正常事物，而这份广告恰恰相反—…