《福尔摩斯探案集·红发会》第34节
“It’s all clear,” he whispered. “Have you the chisel and the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I’ll swing for it!” Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes’ hunting crop came down on the man’s wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor. “It’s no use, John Clay,” said Holmes blandly. “You have no chance at all.” “So I see,” the other answered with the utmost coolness. “I fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails.” “There are three men waiting for him at the door,” said Holmes. “Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I must compliment you.” “And I you,” Holmes answered. “Your red-headed idea was very new and effective.” “You’ll see your pal again presently,” said Jones. “He’s quicker at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the derbies.” “I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands,” remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. “You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say ‘sir’ and ‘please.’”
注释摘要
这一节是整篇故事的高潮，也是地窖伏击的全过程。我们先看字面上发生了什么。地窖的石板被从下方掀开，先是出现一只白皙的手，接着一张面孔露出来，低声吩咐同伴带上凿子和袋子。话没说完，他猛然警觉，喊同伴快跳下去。此刻福尔摩斯已经从藏身处跃出，一把抓住闯入者的衣领。另一个人往洞里钻，琼斯只扯下一片衣摆。一只手枪在灯光下一闪，福尔摩斯的猎鞭抽在对方手腕上，枪应声落地。…