《福尔摩斯探案集·红发会》第26节
“Yes, it would be as well.” “And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious.” “Why serious?” “A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help to-night.” “At what time?” “Ten will be early enough.” “I shall be at Baker Street at ten.” “Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopædia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man—a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.
注释摘要
这一段是整篇故事在节奏上的一个关键转折点，也是华生作为叙述者那种“看得见一切却看不懂一切”的位置最典型的体现。两人刚从圣詹姆斯音乐厅出来，小提琴与交响乐的余韵尚未散尽，福尔摩斯便用一种近乎随意的口吻抛出了一句话——考伯格广场的事是严重的。而华生，和我们一样，完全不明白严重在哪里。 先看对话本身。华生只是顺着福尔摩斯的话问了一句“为什么严重”，得到的回答却极…