《福尔摩斯探案集·歪唇男人》第37节
“That note only reached her yesterday,” said Holmes. “Good God! What a week she must have spent!” “The police have watched this Lascar,” said Inspector Bradstreet, “and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days.” “That was it,” said Holmes, nodding approvingly; “I have no doubt of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?” “Many times; but what was a fine to me?” “It must stop here, however,” said Bradstreet. “If the police are to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone.” “I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take.” “In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your results.” “I reached this one,” said my friend, “by sitting upon five pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast.”
注释摘要
这一段是真相揭晓之后的收束时刻，也是一段精巧的群戏。字面上，福尔摩斯接过话头，指出字条昨天才送到圣克莱尔太太手中，圣克莱尔随即发出一声悲叹——他想到妻子白白受了一周的煎熬。布拉德斯特里特探长给出了一个合理解释：警方一直盯着那个拉斯卡人，他很难在不被发现的情况下寄信，大概是交给了某个粗心的水手顾客，后者搁了几天才投进邮筒。福尔摩斯点头认可这个推断。随后他话锋…