You will see all. There is something else to tell you. For weeks and for months we dug and delved in every part of the garden without discovering the treasure's whereabouts. We could judge the splendor of the missing riches by the chaplet. I could persuade him to let me find out Miss Morstan's address and send her a detached pearl at fixed intervals so that at least she might never feel destitute. It was a kindly thought. It was extremely good of you. Yesterday, however, I learned that an event of extreme importance has occurred. The treasure has been discovered. I instantly communicated with Miss Morstan. It remains to drive out to Norwood and demand our share. I explained my views last night to Brother Bartholomew, so we shall be expected, if not welcome, visitors. We had best put the matter through without delay. Bartholomew is a clever fellow. How do you think he found out where the treasure was? The height of the building was seventy-four feet. but on adding together the heights of all the separate rooms and making every allowance for the space between, which he ascertained by borings, he could not bring the total to more than seventy feet. There were four feet unaccounted for. He knocked a hole, therefore, in the lath and plaster ceiling of the highest room, and there, sure enough, he came upon another little garret above it. In the centre stood the treasure-chest resting upon two rafters. He computes the value of the jewels at not less than half a million sterling. Miss Morstan, could we secure her rights, would change from a needy governess to the richest heiress in England. McMurdo! - Who is there? - It is I, McMurdo. - Who is there? - It is I, McMurdo. You surely know my voice by this time. That you, Mr. Thaddeus? But who are the others? I had no orders about them from the master. McMurdo, you surprise me! I told my brother last night that I should bring some friends. He hasn’t been out o' his rooms to-day. You know very well that I must stick to regulations. I can let you in, but your friends-- This is too bad of you, McMurdo! There is the young lady. She cannot wait on the public road at this hour. Very sorry, Mr. Thaddeus. Folk may be friends o' yours, and yet no friend o' the master's. He pays me well to do my duty, and my duty I'll do. I don't know none o' your friends. Oh, yes you do, McMurdo. Don't you remember that amateur who fought three rounds with you at Alison's rooms on the night of your benefit four years back? Not Mr. Sherlock Holmes! How could I have mistook you? If you had just given me that cross-hit of yours under the jaw, I'd ha' known you. You're one that has wasted your gifts, you have! You see, Watson, if all else fails me, I have still one of the scientific professions open to me. And what is your profession, mister Holmes? I have many of them. Very sorry, Mr. Thaddeus, but orders are very strict. Had to be certain of your friends before I let them in. I cannot understand it. There must be some mistake. I distinctly told Bartholomew that we should be here. Do you see that window? That is his window, and there is no light there. And whose windows are downstairs? That is the housekeeper's room. Mrs. Bernstone can tell us all about it. Perhaps you would not mind waiting here for a minute or two. If we all go in together, and she has had no word of our coming, she may be alarmed. What is that? It is Mrs. Bernstone. She is the only woman in the house. Wait for me. Mr. Thaddeus, sir, I am so glad you have come! I am so glad you have come! What a strange place! It looks as though all the moles in England had been let loose in it. It looks like a gold mine. They were six years looking for treasure. There is something amiss with Bartholomew! - God bless your sweet, calm face! - What has happened? He often likes to be alone. Mr. Thaddeus, you must go up and ------------------------------ Читайте также: - текст Начало на английском - текст Омега Дум на английском - текст Багдадский вор на английском - текст Серп и молот на английском - текст Золушка на английском |