Все приключения Шерлока Холмса. Сборник. Уровень 2

Pocket edition of Boccaccio’s �Decameron,’[27 - Boccaccio’s �Decameron’ – «Декамерон» Бокаччо]with name of Joseph Stangerson upon the fly-leaf[28 - with name of Joseph Stangerson upon the fly-leaf – с именем Джозеф Стэнджерсон на форзаце]. Two letters-one addressed to E. J. Drebber and one to Joseph Stangerson.”

“At what address?”

“American Exchange, Strand-to be left till called for[29 - American Exchange, Strand-to be left till called for – Стрэнд, Американская биржа, до востребования].

They are both from the Guion Steamship Company[30 - Guion Steamship Company – пароходная компания «Гийон»], and refer to the boats from Liverpool. It is clear that this unfortunate man wanted to return to New York.”

“What about this man, Stangerson?”

“I sent advertisements to all the newspapers, sir,” said Gregson.

“And one of my men went to the American Exchange.”

“What about Cleveland?”

“We telegraphed this morning.”

“What were your inquiries?”

“We simply detailed the circumstances, and said that we were glad to receive any information which could help us.”

Sherlock Holmes chuckled to himself. Suddenly Lestrade reappeared.

“Mr. Gregson,” he said, “I made a discovery of the highest importance! I carefully examined the walls.

Come here. Now, stand there!”

He struck a match on his boot.

“Look at that!” he said, triumphantly.

In the corner of the room, across the wall there was in blood-red letters a single word – RACHE.

“What do you think of that?” cried the detective. “The murderer wrote it with his or her own blood. Why that corner? I will tell you. See that candle on the mantelpiece. It was the brightest corner of the room.”

“And what does it mean?” asked Gregson.

“Mean? It means that the writer was going to write the female name Rachel. But he or she had no time to finish. You can laugh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. You may be very smart and clever, but the old hound is the best here!”

“I really beg your pardon!” said my companion. “You are certainly the best. I had no time to examine this room, but with your permission I shall do so now.