《福尔摩斯探案集·斑点带子案》第13节
“One moment,” said Holmes, “are you sure about this whistle and metallic sound? Could you swear to it?” “That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have been deceived.” “Was your sister dressed?” “No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box.” “Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the coroner come to?” “He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott’s conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her.”
注释摘要
在这一段里，海伦·斯通纳继续讲述姐姐朱莉娅死亡当晚的情形，而福尔摩斯打断她，追问了两件极其要紧的事：口哨声与金属撞击声的可靠性，以及她姐姐死时的衣着与手上之物。海伦的回答透露出一个关键的不确定性：她强烈地觉得自己听到了那个低低的口哨声，也听到了仿佛金属重物落下般的声音，但在那个风雨交加之夜，在老宅吱嘎作响的噪音里，她没有十足把握为此发誓。当地验尸官在调查中…