《福尔摩斯探案集·斑点带子案》第28节
“Very strange!” muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. “There are one or two very singular points about this room. For example, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with the outside air!” “That is also quite modern,” said the lady. “Done about the same time as the bell-rope?” remarked Holmes. “Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that time.” “They seem to have been of a most interesting character—dummy bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the inner apartment.” Dr. Grimesby Roylott’s chamber was larger than that of his step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and all of them with the keenest interest. “What’s in here?” he asked, tapping the safe. “My stepfather’s business papers.” “Oh! you have seen inside, then?”
注释摘要
福尔摩斯拉了一下那根铃绳之后，自言自语似的说出了两个反常之处，而这两个反常，恰好都指向同一个方向。读者得留意他在这里的用词——他用的不是普通人的抱怨，而是一种刻意放慢的、检视般的语调。拉铃是假的后，他立刻把注意力转向了通风口。一个建造者，如果能在两间房之间开一个通风口，花同样气力完全可以把它开向外墙，引入真正的室外空气。福尔摩斯故意用了一个外行的、从建筑常…