《福尔摩斯探案集·歪唇男人》第7节
“Holmes!” I whispered, “what on earth are you doing in this den?” “As low as you can,” he answered; “I have excellent ears. If you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with you.” “I have a cab outside.” “Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait outside, I shall be with you in five minutes.” It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes’ requests, for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was once confined in the cab my mission was practically accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney’s bill, led him out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and burst into a hearty fit of laughter.
注释摘要
这一段是华生的日常任务突然被拽入福尔摩斯轨道的转折点。华生进入这间鸦片馆，原本只有一个明确的目标——把凯特·惠特尼的丈夫带回家。他找到了伊萨·惠特尼，结账，装进马车，事情就算办完了。然而就在他穿过两排烟榻之间的过道时，那个坐在炭火边的瘦老头伸手扯了一下他的衣角，低声说了一句极其清晰的话：走过去，然后回头看我。华生照做，回头一看，那个佝偻、衰老、嘴唇松弛的老…