《福尔摩斯探案集·红发会》第31节
“It is our French gold,” whispered the director. “We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it.” “Your French gold?” “Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject.” “Which were very well justified,” observed Holmes. “And now it is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern.” “And sit in the dark?” “I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your rubber after all. But I see that the enemy’s preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down.”
注释摘要
梅里韦瑟先生此刻压低了声音，道出一桩本该严守的秘密。这间地窖属于伦敦一家主要银行的城内支行，而堆满四周的木箱里装着的，是从法兰西银行借来的三万拿破仑金币。所谓拿破仑，是法国铸造的面值二十法郎的金币，刻有拿破仑一世或三世头像，在维多利亚时代的国际金融市场上信誉卓著、流通甚广。银行因为某些原因需要增强储备，数月前借入这笔巨款，却始终没有开箱动用，于是这笔黄金便…