Все приключения Шерлока Холмса. Сборник. Уровень 2

He came to the court, with Stangerson, who was his private secretary, and said that they were in danger of their lives from the jealousy and hatred of an old rival. That evening they took Jefferson Hope into custody[62 - into custody – под стражу] for some weeks. And Drebber and his secretary departed for Europe.

Again the avenger’s hatred urged him to continue the pursuit. He was working and saving every dollar for his journey. At last, he departed for Europe, and tracked his enemies from city to city.

Finally, they came to London. What occurred there? We will quote the old hunter’s own account. They were duly recorded in Dr. Watson’s Journal.

Chapter VI

A Continuation of the Reminiscences of John Watson, M.D

Our prisoner smiled.

“I guess you’re going to take me to the police-station,” he remarked to Sherlock Holmes. “My cab’s at the door. If you’ll loose my legs I’ll walk down to it.”

Gregson and Lestrade exchanged glances; but Holmes loosened the towel.

“If there’s a vacant place for a chief of the police, I can recommend this man,” said Jefferson Hope, while he was gazing at Sherlock Holmes.

“Please come with me,” said Holmes to the two detectives.

“I can drive you,” said Lestrade.

“Good! And Gregson can come inside. You too, Doctor.”

I assented gladly, and we all descended together. Our prisoner stepped calmly into the cab. Lestrade whipped up the horse, and brought us in a very short time to our destination.

A police Inspector wrote down our prisoner’s name and the names of the murdered men.

“The prisoner will be put before the magistrates in the course of the week,” said the Inspector; “in the mean time, Mr. Jefferson Hope, have you anything to say? I must warn you that your words may be used against you.”

“Yes, I want to say something,” our prisoner said slowly. “I want to tell you gentlemen all about it.

”

“Why not in the court?” asked the Inspector.

“I will die soon,” he answered. “Are you a doctor?” He turned his fierce dark eyes upon me.

“Yes; I am,” I answered.

“Then put your hand here,” he said, with a smile, and showed his chest.

I did so. I felt an extraordinary throbbing and commotion. The walls of his chest thrilled and quivered. In the silence of the room I heard a dull humming and buzzing noise.