《福尔摩斯探案集·歪唇男人》第29节
“Who is on duty?” asked Holmes. “Inspector Bradstreet, sir.” “Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?” A tall, stout official had come down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged jacket. “I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet.” “Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here.” It was a small, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his desk. “What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?” “I called about that beggarman, Boone—the one who was charged with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lee.” “Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries.” “So I heard. You have him here?” “In the cells.” “Is he quiet?” “Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel.” “Dirty?” “Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his face is as black as a tinker’s. Well, when once his case has been settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it.” “I should like to see him very much.”
注释摘要
从斯旺丹巷的鸦片烟馆到博街警局，华生跟着福尔摩斯完成了空间的跳跃，也完成了从夜幕到凌晨的转移。这一段开头的场景设在警局走廊上，石砌通道、尖顶帽、盘花扣外套，寥寥几笔勾勒出一位老派警官的形象。布拉德斯特里特警长是个“高个子、壮实的官员”，语调直接、行动利落，与福尔摩斯之间的寒暄透露出一条隐含信息：福尔摩斯在警局是常客，甚至可以直呼其名，要求“私下谈一谈”。这…