Приключения Шерлока Холмса: Человек с рассеченной губой / The Man with the Twisted Lip

2. Could I accompany her to this place? And then, as a second thought, why she should come at all? I was Isa’s Whitney doctor, and so I had influence over him. I could do it better if I were alone. I gave her my word that I will send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the adress whose she had given me. And so in ten minutes I leaved my armchair and cheerful sitting-room behind me, and was speeding to the east in a cab on a strange commission, as it seemed to me at the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to be.

3. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes’s requests, for they were always very definite, and put forward in so imperative manner. I felt, however, that when Whitney was put in the cab my mission was practically over; and for the rest, I could not wish anything rather than to be together with my friend in one of this adventures what 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 driving through the darkness.

4. The most laid silent, but some muttered to themself, and others talked together in a strange, low, monotonous voice, their speech began and then suddenly stoped, each mumbled out his own thoughts and not paid attention to the words of his neighbor. At the end was a small brazier, beside that on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old man, with his face resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his knees, staring into the fire.

II

Holmes flicked the horse, and we drove away through the endless chain of empty streets, which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad bridge, with the dark river flowing slowly beneath us. Beyond lay another dull deserted area, in the silence we could hear only the heavy, regular steps of the policeman. The dark clouds were drifting slowly across the sky, and a star or two twinkled here and there. Holmes drove in silence, with his head dropped upon his breast, and the look of a man who is lost in thought. I sat beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be. It seemed to occupy his mind so sorely, but I was afraid to interrupt him. We had driven several miles, and were coming close to suburban villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his pipe looking like a man who has satisfied himself that he is acting for the best.

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