"Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Сборник первый" - читать интересную книгу автора (A A A, I I I, C C C, Еремин Андрей, Франк Илья...)
THE SPECKLED BAND
(ПЕСТРАЯ ЛЕНТА)
On glancing over my notes (просматривая мои записи) of the seventy odd cases (/о/ семидесяти с лишним делах) in which I have during the last eight years (в течение последних восьми лет) studied the methods of my friend Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic (нахожу много трагического), some comic (кое-что комическое), a large number merely strange (большое количество попросту странного), but none commonplace (но ничего банального; common — обычное; place — место); for, working as he did rather for the love of his art (работая /как он делал/ скорее ради: «для любви» своего искусства) than for the acquirement of wealth (чем для приобретения богатства), he refused to associate himself with any investigation (отказывался связывать себя с каким-либо расследованием = не брался за какое-либо расследование) which did not tend towards the unusual (которое не имело тенденции/направленности к необыкновенному), and even the fantastic (даже к фантастическиму). Of all these varied cases (из всех этих разнообразных дел), however (однако), I cannot recall (я не могу воскресить /в памяти/) any which presented more singular features (которое представляло /бы/ более необычайные признаки) than that (чем то) which was associated with (было связано с) the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts (с известным семейством Ройлоттов из графства Суррей) of Stoke Moran (из Сток-Морена). The events in question (события, о которых идет речь: «в вопросе») occurred in the early days (произошли в ранние дни = в начале) of my association with Holmes (моей дружбы с Холмсом), when we were sharing rooms as bachelors (делили комнаты как холостяки) in Baker Street. It is possible (вероятно) that I might have placed them upon record before (я мог бы записать их раньше), but a promise of secrecy was made at the time (обещание тайны было сделано = дано в то время), from which I have only been freed (от которого я был только освобожден) during the last month (в течение последнего месяца) by the untimely death (безвременной кончиной) of the lady to whom the pledge was given (дамы, которой было дано /это/ обещание). It is perhaps as well (пожалуй, также) that the facts should now come to light (фактам следует сейчас выйти на свет = можно представить это дело в истинном свете), for I have reasons (так как у меня есть основания) to know that there are widespread rumours (широко распространенные слухи) as to the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott (относительно смерти доктора Ройлотта) which tend to make (стремятся сделать) the matter even more terrible than the truth (дело даже еще более ужасным, чем правда).
On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which presented more singular features than that which was associated with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. The events in question occurred in the early days of my association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even more terrible than the truth.
It was early in April (рано в апреле = в начале апреля) in the year '83, that I woke (проснулся) one morning to find Sherlock Holmes standing (чтобы найти Шерлока Холмса стоящим), fully dressed (полностью одетого), by the side of my bed (рядом с моей кроватью). He was a late riser (поздно встающий = любитель долго поспать), as a rule (как правило), and as the clock on the mantelpiece (поскольку часы на каминной полке) showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven (показали мне, что было лишь четверть после семи = четверть восьмого), I blinked up at him in some surprise (посмотрел на него с некоторым удивлением; to blink — мигать, щуриться), and perhaps just a little resentment (и, возможно, даже с небольшим возмущением), for I was myself regular in my habits (так как я был сам постоянен в своих привычках).
"Very sorry to knock you up (очень сожалею будить = что разбудил вас), Watson," said he, "but it's the common lot this morning (но это удел всех этим утром). Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up (была разбужена), she retorted upon me (разбудила меня; to retort — отвечать тем же), and I on you."
It was early in April in the year '83, that I woke one morning to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits.
"Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she retorted upon me, and I on you."
"What is it, then? А fire (пожар)?"
"No; a client. It seems (похоже) that a young lady has arrived (прибыла) in a considerable state of excitement (в значительном состоянии возбуждения = ужасно взволнованной), who insists upon seeing me (настаивает на /том, чтобы/ видеть меня). She is waiting now in the sitting-room (она ждет сейчас в гостиной). Now, when young ladies wander about the metropolis (бродят по столице) at this hour of the morning, and knock sleepy people up out of their beds (и поднимают сонных людей с кроватей), I presume (полагаю) that it is something very pressing (неотложное) which they have to communicate (что они имеют сообщить). Should it prove to be an interesting case (если это окажется интересным делом), you would, I am sure (вы, уверен), wish to follow it from the outset (пожелаете проследить за ним с самого начала). I thought (подумал), at any rate (во всяком случае), that I should call you and give you the chance (дать вам шанс)."
"My dear fellow (мой дорогой товарищ), I would not miss it for anything (я не пропустил бы этого ни за что)."
"No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should call you and give you the chance."
"My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything."
I had no keener pleasure (не имел большего удовольствия; keen — острый, резкий) than in following Holmes in his professional investigations (чем следовать за Холмсом в его профессиональных расследованиях), and in admiring the rapid deductions (и восхищаться быстрыми выводами), as swift as intuitions (такими стремительными, как интуиция), and yet always founded on a logical basis (и в то же время построенными: «основанными» на логическом основании) with which he unravelled (распутывал) the problems which were submitted to him (были представляемы на рассмотрение ему = с которыми он сталкивался). I rapidly (быстро) threw on my clothes (набросил мою одежду) and was ready (готов) in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room (был готов через несколько минут сопровождать моего друга вниз в гостиную). A lady dressed in black and heavily veiled (с густой вуалью: «тяжело завуалированная»), who had been sitting in the window (которая сидела у окна), rose as we entered (поднялась, когда мы вошли).
I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the window, rose as we entered.
"Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily (приветливо). "My name is Sherlock Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate (близкий друг и помощник), Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself (перед кем вы можете говорить так же свободно, как и предо мной). Ha! I am glad to see (рад видеть) that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the fire (догадалась: «имела здравый смысл» зажечь огонь). Pray draw up to it (пожалуйста, пододвиньтесь ближе к нему), and I shall order you a cup of hot coffee (прикажу принести вам чашку горячего кофе), for I observe that you are shivering (дрожите)."
"lt is not cold which makes me shiver (это не холод /который/ заставляет меня дрожать = я дрожу не от холода)," said the woman in a low voice (низким голосом = вполголоса), changing her seat as requested (меняя свое место согласно просьбе; to request — просить, обращаться с просьбой).
"What, then (что /же/ тогда)?"
"Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot coffee, for I observe that you are shivering."
"lt is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low voice, changing her seat as requested.
"What, then?"
"It is fear (страх), Mr. Holmes. It is terror (ужас)." She raised her veil (подняла вуаль) as she spoke (говоря), and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable state of agitation (в жалком состоянии волнения), her face all drawn and gray (лицо все искаженное и серое = бледное), with restless frightened eyes (с тревожным испуганным взглядом), like those of some hunted animal (как у затравленного зверя; to hunt — охотиться). Her features and figure (черты /лица/ и фигура) were those of a woman of thirty (женщины тридцати /лет/), but her hair was shot with premature gray (волосы были затронуты преждевременной сединой), and her expression was weary and haggard (выражение /лица/ было уставшим и изможденным). Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, all-comprehensive glances (пробежал = окинул ее одним из своих быстрых, все понимающих взглядов).
fear [fɪǝ], pitiable [ˈpɪtɪǝbl], premature [ˈpremǝtʃǝ], haggard [ˈhæɡǝd]
"It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable state of agitation, her face all drawn and gray, with restless frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot with premature gray, and her expression was weary and haggard. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, all-comprehensive glances.
"You must not fear (вы не должны бояться)," said he soothingly (успокаивающе), bending forward (наклоняясь вперед) and patting her forearm (и похлопывая ее предплечье = руку). "We shall soon set matters right (вскоре приведем дела в порядок), I have no doubt (не сомневаюсь). You have come in by train (прибыли поездом) this morning, I see."
"No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket (вижу вторую половину обратного билета) in the palm of your left glove (в ладони вашей левой перчатки). You must have started early (вы, должно быть, выехали рано), and yet you had a good drive in a dog-cart (имели хорошую поездку в = тряслись в двуколке), along heavy roads (вдоль тяжелых дорог = по скверным дорогам), before you reached the station (прежде чем вы доехали до станции)."
"You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see."
"You know me, then?"
"No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the station."
The lady gave a violent start (дала сильное вздрагивание = сильно вздрогнула) and stared in bewilderment at my companion (уставилась в смущении/удивлении).
"There is no mystery (здесь нет тайны), my dear madam," said he, smiling (улыбаясь). "The left arm of your jacket (левый рукав вашего жакета) is spattered with mud (забрызган грязью) in no less than seven places (в не менее чем семи местах). The marks are perfectly fresh (пятна совершенно свежие). There is no vehicle (нет /такого/ средства передвижения) save a dog-cart (кроме двуколки) which throws up mud in that way (которая подбрасывает грязь таким образом), and then only when you sit on the left-hand side of the driver (и притом только если вы сидите на левой стороне от водителя)."
jacket [ˈʤækɪt], mud [mʌd], vehicle [ˈvi:ɪkl]
The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my companion.
"There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you sit on the left-hand side of the driver."
"Whatever your reasons may be (какими бы ни были ваши доводы), you are perfectly correct (совершенно правы)," said she. "I started from home before six (раньше шести), reached Leatherhead at twenty past (достигла Лэтерхеда в двадцать /минут/ после = седьмого), and came in by the first train (прибыла с первым поездом) to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand this strain no longer (я не могу более выносить это напряжение); I shall go mad (сойду с ума) if it continues (если это продолжится). I have no one to turn to (у меня нет никого, чтобы обратиться /за помощью/) — none, save only one (кроме одного), who cares for me (кто заботится обо мне), and he, poor fellow (бедняга), can be of little aid (может быть маленькой помощи = мало чем может помочь). I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you helped in the hour of her sore need (которой вы помогли в час ее тяжелой нужды; sore — больной, страдающий; мучительный). It was from her that I had your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me (могли бы помочь мне), too (тоже), and at least throw a little light (по крайней мере, пролить: «бросить» немного света) through the dense darkness which surrounds me (в непроницаемую темноту, которая окружает меня)? At present (в настоящее время) it is out of my power (это вне моей силы, возможности = я не могу) to reward you for your services (вознаградить вас за ваши услуги), but in a month (через месяц) or six weeks I shall be married (я выйду замуж), with the control of my own income (с контролем моего собственного дохода = смогу распоряжаться своими доходами), and then at least (и тогда, по крайней мере) you shall not find me ungrateful (не найдете меня неблагодарной)."
poor [puǝ], sore [sɔ:], reward [rɪˈwɔ:d], income [ˈɪnkʌm], ungrateful [ʌnˈɡreɪtful]
"Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I have no one to turn to — none, save only one, who cares for me, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you shall not find me ungrateful."
Holmes turned to his desk (обратился к своей конторке) and, unlocking it (открывая ее), drew out a small casebook (вытащил /оттуда/ небольшой дневник), which he consulted (в котором он справился /о фамилии/).
"Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case (вспоминаю это дело); it was concerned with an opal tiara (оно касалось опаловой диадемы). I think it was before your time (до вашего времени = до нашего знакомства), Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the same care to your case (буду счастлив посвятить то же самое внимание вашему делу) as I did to that of your friend (какое я посвятил делу вашей подруги). As to reward (что касается награды), my profession is its own reward (сама себе награда); but you are at liberty to defray (вы свободны оплатить) whatever expenses I may be put to (какие бы то ни было расходы, /которые/ я могу понести), at the time which suits you best (во время, которое подходит вам лучше всего = когда хотите). And now I beg (попрошу) that you will lay before us (выложите перед нами) everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the matter (все, что может помочь в составлении мнения по делу)."
tiara [tɪˈɑ:rǝ], liberty [ˈlɪbǝtɪ], defray [dɪˈfreɪ], expenses [ɪkˈspensɪz]
Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small casebook, which he consulted.
"Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the matter."
"Alas (увы)!" replied our visitor (ответила наша посетительница), "the very horror of my situation lies (как раз весь ужас моего положения лежит = заключается) in the fact that my fears are so vague (мои страхи так неясны), and my suspicions depend so entirely upon small points (мои подозрения основываются так полностью на мелочах), which might seem trivial to another (которые могут показаться пустыми другому), that even he to whom of all others I have a right to look for help and advice (именно у кого: «у кого из всех других» я имею право искать помощи и совета) looks upon all (смотрит на все) that I tell him about it (что я говорю ему об этом) as the fancies of a nervous woman (как на фантазии нервной женщины). He does not say so (не говорит так), but I can read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes (могу прочитать это в его утешающих ответах и уклончивом взоре). But I have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold wickedness of the human heart (вы можете вникать глубоко в многообразные пороки человеческого сердца). You may advise (посоветовать) me how to walk amid the dangers which encompass me (как пройти среди опасностей, которые окружают меня)."
alas [ǝˈlæs], horror [ˈhɒrǝ], vague [veɪɡ], averted [ǝˈvɜ:tɪd], manifold [ˈmænɪfǝuld]
"Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the dangers which encompass me."
"I am all attention (я весь внимание), madam."
"My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather (с отчимом), who is the last survivor (последний /оставшийся в живых/ наследник; to survive — выжить) of one of the oldest Saxon families (одной из старейших саксонских фамилий) in England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Surrey (на западной границе /графства/ Суррей)."
Holmes nodded his head (кивнул). "The name is familiar to me (имя знакомо мне)," said he.
"I am all attention, madam."
"My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Surrey."
Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he.
"The family was at one time (в одно время) among the richest in England (среди богатейших в Англии), and the estates extended over (поместья распространялись до) the borders into Berkshire in the north (границ Беркшира на севере), and Hampshire in the west (Хемпшира на западе). In the last century (в прошлом веке), however, four successive heirs (четыре следующих один за другим = подряд наследника) were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition (распутного и расточительного характера), and the family ruin (семейный крах) was eventually completed (в конце концов был завершен) by a gambler (азартным игроком) in the days of the Regency (в дни = во времена Регентства /1811 — 1820/). Nothing was left (ничего не осталось) save a few acres of ground (кроме нескольких акров земли), and the two-hundred-year-old house (и двухсотлетнего дома), which is itself crushed under a heavy mortgage (который /сам/ раздавлен /под/ обременительным залогом). The last squire dragged out his existence there (последний помещик влачил свое существование там), living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper (проживая ужасную жизнь аристократического нищего); but his only son (но его единственный сын), my stepfather (отчим), seeing that he must adapt himself to the new conditions (видя, что он должен приспособить себя = приспособиться к новым условиям), obtained an advance from a relative (получил аванс = взял взаймы у родственника), which enabled him (который позволил ему) to take a medical degree (получить медицинскую степень) and went out to Calcutta (уехал в Калькутту), where, by his professional skill (благодаря своему профессиональному навыку) and his force of character (и силе характера), he established a large practice (основал широкую практику). In a fit of anger (в приступе ярости), however, caused by some robberies (вызванной кражами) which had been perpetrated in the house (которые были совершены в доме), he beat his native butler to death (избил своего туземца-дворецкого насмерть) and narrowly escaped a capital sentence (едва избежал смертного приговора). As it was (хотя /он избежал казни/), he suffered a long term of imprisonment (отбыл долгий срок заключения), and afterwards returned (затем вернулся) to England a morose and disappointed man (угрюмым и разочарованным человеком).
century [ˈsentʃǝrɪ], heirs [eǝz], Regency [ˈri:ʤǝnsɪ], mortgage [ˈmɔ:ɡɪʤ], morose [mǝˈrǝus]
"The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment, and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man.
"When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother (женился на моей матери), Mrs. Stoner, the young widow of Major-General Stoner (молодой вдове генерал-майора Стонера), of the Bengal Artillery (бенгальской артиллерии). My sister Julia and I were twins (близнецы), and we were only two years old at the time of my mother's re-marriage (ко времени новой женитьбы нам было два года). She had a considerable sum of money (изрядное денежное состояние) — not less (не менее) than 1000 pounds a year (в год) — and this she bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely (завещала доктору Ройлотту полностью) whilst we resided with him (пока мы проживали с ним), with a provision that a certain annual sum (с условием, что определенная ежегодная сумма) should be allowed (предоставлена) to each of us in the event of our marriage (в случае нашего замужества). Shortly after our return (вскоре после нашего возвращения) to England my mother died (умерла) — she was killed eight years ago (была убита восемь лет назад) in a railway accident (в железнодорожной катастрофе) near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his attempts to establish himself in practice (оставил попытки обосноваться в практике = практикуя) in London and took us to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran (и забрал нас жить с ним в старый родовой дом в Сток-Морене). The money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants (деньги, которые оставила нам наша мать, были достаточны для всех наших желаний), and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness (и казалось, не было препятствия нашему счастью).
marriage [ˈmærɪʤ], bequeathed [bɪˈkwi:ðd], obstacle [ˈɔbstǝkl]
"When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable sum of money — not less than 1000 pounds a year — and this she bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely whilst we resided with him, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return to England my mother died — she was killed eight years ago in a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness.
"But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time (но ужасная перемена овладела нашим отчимом около этого времени). Instead of making friends (вместо делания друзей = приобретения друзей) and exchanging visits with our neighbors (и обмена визитами с нашими соседями), who had at first been overjoyed to see (которые сначала были очень счастливы видеть) a Roylott of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat (/что/ Ройлотт из Сток-Морена вернулся в старое родовое поместье), he shut himself up (запер себя) in his house and seldom came out (редко выходил наружу) save (кроме как) to indulge in ferocious quarrels (чтобы доставить себе удовольствие /ввязаться в/ дикие ссоры) with whoever might cross his path (с кем бы то ни было, /кто/ мог пересечь его тропу = с первым встречным). Violence of temper (неистовство нрава) approaching to mania (доходящее до мании) has been hereditary in the men of the family (было наследственно по мужской линии в этой семье), and in my stepfather's case (в случае моего отчима) it had, I believe, been intensified by his long residence in the tropics (было усилено долгим жительством в тропиках). A series of disgraceful brawls took place (серия, полоса постыдных скандалов произошла), two of which ended in the police-court (два из которых окончились в полицейском суде), until at last he became the terror of the village (пока, наконец, он не стал кошмаром селения), and the folks would fly at his approach (люди убегали при его приближении), for he is a man of immense strength (огромной силы), and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger (совершенно неконтролируемый в своем гневе).
"But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our neighbors, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger.
"Last week he hurled (швырнул) the local blacksmith over a parapet into a stream (местного кузнеца через перила в реку), and it was only by paying over all the money (и только выплачиванием всех денег) which I could gather together (которые я могла собрать) that I was able to avert another public exposure (смогла избежать другого публичного скандала: «представления»). He had no friends at all (у него не было друзей вообще) save the wandering gypsies (кроме странствующих цыган), and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp (давал этим бродягам позволение располагаться лагерем) upon the few acres of bramble-covered land (на нескольких акрах заросшей: «покрытой» ежевикой земли) which represent the family estate (которая представляет = составляет родовое имение), and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents (принимал в обмен гостеприимство их шатров), wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end (кочуя вместе с ними иногда недели напролет). He has a passion also for Indian animals (имеет страсть также к индийским животным), which are sent over to him (пересылаются ему) by a correspondent (корреспондентом = приятелем), and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon (имеет сейчас гепарда и бабуина), which wander freely over his grounds (которые разгуливают свободно по его землям) and are feared by the villagers (их опасаются /сельские/ жители) almost as much as their master (почти столь же сильно, как и их хозяина).
"Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I could gather together that I was able to avert another public exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gypsies, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the villagers almost as much as their master.
"You can imagine from what I say (вы можете себе представить из того, что я говорю) that my poor sister (моя бедная сестра) Julia and I had no great pleasure in our lives (жили не очень весело: «имели невеликое удовольствие в наших жизнях»). No servant would stay with us (никто из слуг не хотел оставаться с нами), and for a long time we did all the work of the house (и долгое время мы делали всю работу дома = выполняли домашнюю работу). She was but thirty (ей было лишь тридцать /лет/) at the time of her death (ко времени ее смерти), and yet her hair had already begun to whiten (и однако волосы ее начали седеть), even as mine has (точно так же, как и мои)."
"Your sister is dead (умерла), then (значит: «тогда»)?"
servant [ˈsǝ:vǝnt], death [deƟ], whiten [waɪtn]
"You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already begun to whiten, even as mine has."
"Your sister is dead, then?"
"She died just two years ago, and it is of her death (это о ее смерти = как раз о ее смерти) that I wish to speak to you. You can understand (понять) that, living the life which I have described (описала), we were little likely (были мало вероятны = имели мало возможностей) to see anyone of our own age and position (видеть = встретить кого-то нашего собственного возраста и положения). We had, however (однако), an aunt (тетка), my mother's maiden sister (незамужняя сестра моей матери; maiden — дева, девица), Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we were occasionally allowed (и нам время от времени позволялось) to pay short visits (наносить короткие визиты) at this lady's house. Julia went there at Christmas (на Рождество) two years ago, and met there a half-pay major of marines (встретила там отставного: «полуоплачиваемого» майора флота), to whom she became engaged (стала помолвлена). My stepfather learned of the engagement (узнал о помолвке) when my sister returned and offered no objection to the marriage (не выразил никакой протест = не возражал против этого брака); but within a fortnight (не позднее двух недель) of the day which had been fixed for the wedding (перед днем, установленным для свадьбы), the terrible event occurred (ужасное событие случилось) which has deprived me of my only companion (которое лишило меня моей единственной компаньонки = подруги)."
age [eɪʤ], major [ˈmeɪʤǝ], engagement [ɪnˈɡeɪʤmǝnt]
Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair (сидел, откинувшись назад в своем кресле) with his eyes closed and (с закрытыми глазами) his head sunk in a cushion (и с головой на диванной подушке; to sink — падать, опускать, осесть), but he half opened his lids now (но теперь он наполовину открыл = приоткрыл веки) and glanced across at his visitor (и взглянул на свою посетительнницу).
"She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event occurred which has deprived me of my only companion."
Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his lids now and glanced across at his visitor.
"Pray be precise as to details (пожалуйста, будьте точны /в том/ что касается деталей)," said he.
"It is easy for me to be so (это легко для меня быть такой = точной), for every event of that dreadful time (так как каждое событие того кошмарного времени) is seared into my memory (врезалось в мою память; to sear — выжигать, иссушать). The manor house (помещичий дом) is, as I have already said (как я уже сказала), very old, and only one wing is now inhabited (только одно крыло сейчас обитаемо). The bedrooms in this wing (спальни в этом крыле) are on the ground floor (находятся на нижнем этаже), the sitting-rooms (гостиные) being in the central block of the buildings (в центральном массиве зданий = в центре). Of these bedrooms the first is Dr. Roylott's (из этих спален первая доктора Ройлотта), the second my sister's (вторая — моей сестры), and the third my own (третья — моя собственная). There is no communication between them (нет сообщения между ними), but they all open out into the same corridor (они все выходят в один /и тот же/ коридор). Do I make myself plain (я делаю себя простой = достаточно ли ясно объясняю)?"
"Perfectly so (совершенно /так/)."
dreadful [ˈdredful], manor [ˈmænǝ], wing [wɪŋ]
"Pray be precise as to details," said he.
"It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful time is seared into my memory. The manor house is, as I have already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?"
"Perfectly so."
"The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn (окна /всех/ трех комнат выходят на лужайку). That fatal night (той роковой ночью) Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early (ушел в свою комнату рано), though we knew that he had not retired to rest (хотя мы знали, что он не лег отдыхать = спать), for my sister was troubled (так как моя сестра была потревожена) by the smell of the strong Indian cigars (запахом крепких индийских сигар) which it was his custom to smoke (что было его обычаем = привычкой курить). She left her room, therefore (поэтому она вышла из своей комнаты; to leave — покидать, оставлять), and came into mine (и пришла в мою), where she sat for some time (где сидела какое-то время), chatting about her approaching wedding (болтая о своей приближающейся свадьбе). At eleven o'clock she rose to leave me (в одиннадцать часов она встала, чтобы покинуть меня = уйти), but she paused at the door and looked back (но задержалась у двери и оглянулась).
"'Tell me, Helen (скажи мне, Хелен),' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle (ты когда-нибудь слышала, будто кто-то свистит) in the dead of the night (глухой ночью = поздно ночью)?'
lawn [lɔ:n], night [naɪt], therefore [ˈðeǝfɔ:]
"The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and looked back.
"'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle in the dead of the night?'
"'Never (никогда),' said I.
"'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle yourself in your sleep (я полагаю = думаю, что ты не могла /возможно/ свистеть сама = тебе не случалось свистеть во сне)?'
"'Certainly not (конечно нет). But why (но почему /ты спрашиваешь/)?'
"'Because during the last few nights (потому что во время последних нескольких ночей) I have always, about three in the morning (я всегда = постоянно около трех /часов/ утром), heard a low, clear whistle (слышала тихий, отчетливый свист). I am a light sleeper (я сплю чутко), and it has awakened me (он разбудил меня). I cannot tell where it came from (не могу сказать = понять, откуда он идет = исходит), perhaps from the next room (возможно, из следующей = соседней комнаты), perhaps from the lawn (может быть, с лужайки). I thought that I would just ask you (я подумала, что просто спрошу тебя) whether you had heard it (слышала ли ты его).'
during [ˈdjuǝrɪŋ], whistle [wɪsl], whether [ˈweðǝ]
"'Never,' said I.
"'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle yourself in your sleep?'
"'Certainly not. But why?'
"'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from, perhaps from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would just ask you whether you had heard it.'
"'No, I have not (нет, не слышала). It must be those wretched gypsies in the plantation (это, должно быть, те жалкие /гнусные/ цыгане на лужайке; plantation — насаждения, лесопосадка).'
"'Very likely (очень возможно). And yet if it were on the lawn (и все-таки, если бы это было на лужайке = свист шел с лужайки), I wonder that you did not hear it also (я удивляюсь, что ты тоже не слышала его).'
"'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you (но я сплю более тяжело = крепче, чем ты).'
"'Well, it is of no great consequence (это не великой важности = пустяки), at any rate (во всяком случае).' She smiled back at me (улыбнулась мне в ответ = ответила улыбкой), closed my door, and a few moments later (закрыла мою дверь, и несколько мгновений спустя) I heard her key turn in the lock (я слышала /как/ ее ключ повернулся в замке)."
consequence [ˈkɔnsɪkwǝns], door [dɔ:], key [ki:]
"'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gypsies in the plantation.'
"'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you did not hear it also.'
"'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.'
"'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her key turn in the lock."
"Indeed (действительно)," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock yourselves in at night (было это вашей привычкой запирать = вы всегда запирали себя /внутри комнаты/ на ночь)?"
"Always (всегда)."
"And why (и почему)?"
"I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and a baboon (я думаю = кажется, я упомянула /вам/, что доктор держал гепарда и бабуина). We had no feeling of security (мы не имели чувства = не чувствовали себя в безопасности) unless our doors were locked (пока наши двери не были закрыты; unless — пока не, если не)."
"Quite so (несомненно: «вполне так»). Pray proceed with your statement (пожалуйста, продолжайте с вашим изложением = свой рассказ; to proceed with — возобновлять)."
"Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock yourselves in at night?"
"Always."
"And why?"
"I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were locked."
"Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement."
"I could not sleep that night (я не могла спать той ночью). A vague feeling of impending misfortune impressed me (смутное ощущение неминуемого несчастья охватило меня; to impress — производить впечатление, поражать). My sister and I, you will recollect, were twins (моя сестра и я, /как/ вы помните, были близнецами; to recollect — припоминать, помнить), and you know how subtle are the links (вы знаете, как тонки связи) which bind two souls (которые связывают две души) which are so closely allied (которые так близко родственны; allied — родственный, близкий, союзный). It was a wild night (была дикая = жуткая ночь). The wind was howling outside (ветер завывал снаружи), and the rain was beating and splashing against the windows (дождь бил и барабанил в окна; to beat — бить, колотить; to splash — брызгать, плескаться, шлепать). Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale (внезапно, посреди всего грохота бури; hubbub — шум, гам, гвалт), there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman (раздался дикий крик испуганной женщины; to burst forth — внезапно возникнуть, прорываться, вырваться). I knew that it was my sister's voice (я знала, что это был голос моей сестры). I sprang from my bed (вскочила с кровати), wrapped a shawl round me (я накинула шаль; to wrap round — навивать, обматывать), and rushed into the corridor (бросилась в коридор). As I opened my door I seemed to hear a low whistle (когда я открыла дверь, мне показалось, что я слышу тихий свист), such as my sister described (какой моя сестра описывала), and a few moments later a clanging sound (и несколько мгновений спустя /услышала/ лязгающий звук), as if a mass of metal had fallen (как если бы груда металла упала = тяжелый металлический предмет упал). As I ran down the passage (пробежав по коридору /до ее комнаты/; to run down — настигнуть, сбегать /вниз/), my sister's door was unlocked (/я увидела/, что дверь /комнаты/ моей сестры незаперта = открыта), and revolved slowly upon its hinges (и поворачивалась медленно на петлях). I stared at it horror-stricken (я уставилась на нее, охваченная ужасом), not knowing what was about to issue from it (нет зная, что бы это могло значить; to be about — касаться, иметь отношение; to issue from — исходить из). By the light of the corridor-lamp (при свете коридорной лампы) I saw my sister appear at the opening (я увидела, как появилась моя сестра при открытии /двери/ = в дверях), her face blanched with terror (с лицом, побледневшим от ужаса), her hands groping for help (с руками, протянутыми за помощью; to grope — ощупывать, идти ощупью), her whole figure swaying to and fro (вся ее фигура качалась из стороны в сторону) like that of a drunkard (как /фигура/ пьяницы = словно она была пьяна; like that — так, таким образом). I ran to her and threw my arms round her (я подбежала к ней и обняла ее), but at that moment her knees seemed to give way (но в это мгновение ее колени /показалось/ не выдержали = подогнулись) and she fell to the ground (упала на пол). She writhed as one who is in terrible pain (она корчилась, словно человек, который находится в ужасной боли = испытывает нестерпимую боль), and her limbs were dreadfully convulsed (ее конечности сильно: «ужасно» сводило судорогой). At first I thought that she had not recognized me (сначала я подумала, что она не узнала меня), but as I bent over her (но когда я наклонилась над ней) she suddenly shrieked out in a voice which I shall never forget (она внезапно вскрикнула голосом, который я никогда не забуду), 'Oh, my God (Боже мой)! Helen! It was the band (это была лента; band — лента, банда)! The speckled band (пестрая лента)!' There was something else which she would fain have said (там было что-то еще, что она сказала бы = хотела сказать; fain — охотно, с готовностью), and she stabbed with her finger into the air in the direction of the doctor's room (и она указала пальцем в сторону комнаты доктора; to stab — колоть, пронзать; air — воздух; in the direction — по направлению), but a fresh convulsion seized her (но новая судорога охватила ее; to seize — овладеть, захватить) and choked her words (оборвала ее слова; to choke — душить, заглушать, засорять). I rushed out, calling loudly for my stepfather (я выскочила, громко зовя отчима), and I met him hastening from his room in his dressing-gown (и встретила его спешащим из своей комнаты в халате). When he reached my sister's side (когда он достиг места, где была моя сестра) she was unconscious (она была без сознания), and though he poured brandy down her throat (и хотя он влил коньяку ей в рот; throat — горло, гортань) and sent for medical aid from the village (послал за медицинской помощью из деревни), all efforts were in vain (все усилия были напрасны), for she slowly sank and died without having recovered her consciousness (так как она медленно слабела и умирала, не приходя в сознание; to sink — тонуть; оседать; ослабевать). Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister (таков был ужасный конец моей любимой сестры)."
misfortune [mɪsˈfɔ:tʃǝn], subtle [sʌtl], voice [vɔɪs], band [bænd], seized [si:zd]
"I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not recognized me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for she slowly sank and died without having recovered her consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister."
"One moment (один момент = позвольте спросить)," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and metallic sound (вы уверены насчет этого свиста и металлического звука)? Could you swear to it (могли ли бы вы поклясться в этом = показать это под присягой)?"
"That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry (это было /то/, о чем следователь графства спросил меня на допросе). It is my strong impression that I heard it (это мое сильное впечатление = мне кажется, что я слышала его), and yet, among the crash of the gale and the creaking of an old house (и, тем не менее, посреди грохота бури и поскрипывания старого дома), I may possibly have been deceived (я могла, возможно, обмануться)."
"Was your sister dressed (была ли ваша сестра одета)?"
county [ˈkauntɪ], coroner [ˈkɔrǝnǝ], inquiry [ɪnˈkwaɪǝrɪ], gale [ɡeɪl]
"One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and metallic sound? Could you swear to it?"
"That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have been deceived."
"Was your sister dressed?"
"No, she was in her night-dress (нет, она была в ночной рубашке). In her right hand was found the charred stump of a match (в ее правой руке был найден обугленный остаток спички), and in her left a match-box (а в левой — спичечная коробка)."
"Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her (показывающая = это доказывает, что она зажгла свет и оглядывалась /по сторонам/) when the alarm took place (когда тревога произошла: «взяла место» = когда ее что-то напугало). That is important (это важно). And what conclusions did the coroner come to (и к каким заключениям следователь пришел)?"
match [mætʃ], light [laɪt], alarm [ǝˈlɑ:m]
"No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box."
"Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the coroner come to?"
"He investigated the case with great care (он расследовал дело тщательно: «с большим вниманием»), for Dr. Roylott's conduct had long been notorious in the county (так как поведение доктора Ройлотта было долго /печально/ известно в графстве; notorious — пользующийся дурной славой), but he was unable to find any satisfactory cause of death (но он был неспособен найти какую-либо удовлетворительную причину смерти). My evidence showed that the door had been fastened upon the inner side (мое свидетельство показало = я сказала на следствии, что дверь была заперта изнутри), and the windows were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars (а окна были закрыты старинными /старомодными/ ставнями с широкими железными засовами), which were secured every night (которые запирались каждую ночь; to secure — замыкать, запирать; страховать). The walls were carefully sounded (стены были тщательно проверены; to sound — прощупать, прозондировать, выстукивать), and were shown to be quite solid all round (были выявлены = признаны вполне прочными повсюду), and the flooring was also thoroughly examined (пол был также основательно исследован), with the same result (с тем же результатом). The chimney is wide (дымовая труба широкая), but is barred up by four large staples (запирается четырьмя большими скобами). It is certain, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end (несомненно поэтому, что моя сестра была совершенно одна, когда она встретила свой конец = погибла). Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her (кроме того, там не было /найдено/ следов какого-либо насилия над ней)."
"How about poison (как насчет яда)?"
care [keǝ], notorious [nǝuˈtɔ:rɪǝs], cause [kɔ:z], fastened [fɑ:snd], thoroughly [ˈƟʌrǝlɪ]
"He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her."
"How about poison?"
"The doctors examined her for it (врач исследовал ее на наличие яда), but without success (но без успеха)."
"What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then (от чего вы думаете, /что/ эта несчастная дама умерла, в таком случае)?"
"It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock (это мое мнение = мне кажется, что она умерла от подлинного = сильного страха и нервного потрясения), though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine (хотя, что это было, что напугало ее, я не могу себе представить)."
success [sǝkˈsǝs], unfortunate [ʌnˈfɔ:tʃunɪt], pure [pjuǝ], frightened [fraɪtnd]
"The doctors examined her for it, but without success."
"What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?"
"It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine."
"Were there gypsies in the plantation at the time (были ли цыгане на территории усадьбы в то время; plantation — насаждения, посадка)?"
"Yes, there are nearly always some there (да, почти всегда немного /цыгaн/ живет там)."
"Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band (и что вы заключили из этого упоминания о ленте /банде/; to gather — собирать, делать вывод, умозаключать) — a speckled band (о пестрой ленте /банде/)?"
"Were there gypsies in the plantation at the time?"
"Yes, there are nearly always some there."
"Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band — a speckled band?"
"Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of delirium (иногда я думала, что это был лишь дикий разговор исступления = эти слова сказаны в бреду), sometimes that it may have referred to some band of people (иногда — что это могло относиться к какой-то банде людей), perhaps to these very gypsies in the plantation (возможно, к тем самым цыганам на лужайке). I do not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear over their heads (не знаю, могли ли крапчатые платки, которые многие из них носят на своих головах) might have suggested the strange adjective which she used (вызвать странное определение: «прилагательное», которое она использовала)."
Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied (покачал головой неудовлетворенно: «как человек, который далек от /того, чтобы/ быть удовлетворенным»).
"These are very deep waters (это очень глубокие воды = это дело темное)," said he; "pray go on with your narrative (пожалуйста, продолжайте со своим рассказом = продолжайте ваш рассказ)."
"Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of people, perhaps to these very gypsies in the plantation. I do not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which she used."
Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied.
"These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your narrative."
"Two years have passed since then (два года прошло с тех пор), and my life has been until lately lonelier than ever (и моя жизнь была до недавнего времени более одинокой, чем когда-либо). A month ago, however, a dear friend (месяц назад, однако, дорогой друг), whom I have known for many years (которого я знаю много лет), has done me the honor to ask my hand in marriage (сделал мне честь попросить моей руки в замужество = сделал мне предложение). His name is Armitage — Percy Armitage — the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading (второй сын мистера Эрмитеджа, из Крейнуотер, близ Рединга). My stepfather has offered no opposition to the match (мой отчим высказал никакого сопротивления = не возражал против брака; to offer — предлагать; выдвигать), and we are to be married in the course of the spring (и мы будем обвенчаны = собираемся обвенчаться весной; in the course of — в течение, во время). Two days ago some repairs were started in the west wing of the building (два дня назад ремонтные работы были начаты в западном крыле здания), and my bedroom wall has been pierced (и стена моей спальни была просверлена), so that I have had to move into the chamber in which my sister died (так что я была вынуждена перебраться в комнату, в которой умерла моя сестра), and to sleep in the very bed (и спать в той самой кровати) in which she slept (в которой она спала). Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last night (представьте = можете себе представить мой трепет страха = ужас, когда прошлой ночью), as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate (лежа без сна, размышляя над ее ужасной судьбой; awake — бодрствующий), I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle (внезапно услышала в тишине ночи тихий свист) which had been the herald of her own death (который был предвестником ее /собственной/ смерти). I sprang up and lit the lamp (я вскочила и зажгла лампу; to light — зажигать), but nothing was to be seen in the room (но ничего не было видно в комнате = никого не было). I was too shaken to go to bed again (я была слишком взволнована, чтобы снова лечь спать: «идти к кровати»), however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was daylight (поэтому я оделась и, как только /наступил/ рассвет) I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which is opposite (спустилась, взяла двуколку в гостинице «Корона», которая находится напротив), and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your advice (поехала в Лэтерхэд, откуда я прибыла этим утром с одной целью — увидеть вас и спросить вашего совета)."
lonelier [ˈlǝunlɪǝ], honor [ˈɒnǝ], building [ˈbɪldɪŋ], chamber [ˈtʃeɪmbǝ], advice [ǝdˈvaɪs]
"Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honor to ask my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage — Percy Armitage — the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your advice."
"You have done wisely (вы поступили мудро)," said my friend. "But have you told me all (но рассказали ли вы мне все)?"
"Yes, all."
"Miss Roylott, you have not (мисс Ройлотт, нет, не все). You are screening your stepfather (вы прикрываете своего отчима)."
"Why, what do you mean (что вы имеете в виду)?"
For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace (вместо ответа Холмс отодвинул оборку черного кружева) which fringed the hand (которое окаймляло /рукав/ руки) that lay upon our visitor's knee (лежавшей на колене нашей посетительницы). Five little livid spots (пять маленьких синяков), the marks of four fingers and a thumb (следы четырех пальцев и большого пальца), were printed upon the white wrist (были отпечатаны = виднелись на белом запястье).
"You have been cruelly used (с вами жестоко обращались)," said Holmes.
answer [ˈɑ:nsǝ], lace [leɪs], thumb [Ɵʌm]
"You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me all?"
"Yes, all."
"Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather."
"Why, what do you mean?"
For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed upon the white wrist.
"You have been cruelly used," said Holmes.
The lady colored deeply (девушка покраснела глубоко = густо) and covered over her injured wrist (и прикрыла поврежденное запястье). "He is a hard man (он суровый человек)," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own strength (и возможно, он едва знает свою /собственную/ силу)."
There was a long silence (наступило долгое молчание), during which Holmes leaned his chin upon his hands (во время которого Холмс подпер подбородок руками) and stared into the crackling fire (и смотрел пристально на потрескивающий огонь).
"This is a very deep business (это очень серьезное: «глубокое» дело)," he said at last (сказал он наконец). "There are a thousand details which I should desire to know (есть тысячи деталей, которые я желал бы узнать) before I decide upon our course of action (прежде чем я решу наш план действий = как действовать). Yet we have not a moment to lose (между тем мы не имеем ни момента, чтобы терять = нельзя терять ни минуты). If we were to come to Stoke Moran today (если бы мы прибыли в Сток-Морен сегодня), would it be possible (возможно) for us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your stepfather (было бы это возможно для нас осмотреть эти комнаты без ведома вашего отчима)?"
The lady colored deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own strength."
There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire.
"This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If we were to come to Stoke Moran today, would it be possible for us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your stepfather?"
"As it happens (между прочим: «как это случается»), he spoke of coming into town today upon some most important business (он говорил о поездке в город сегодня по какому-то очень важному делу). It is probable that he will be away all day (вероятно, что он будет отсутствовать весь день), and that there would be nothing to disturb you (там не будет ничего, чтобы побеспокоить вас = вам ничего не помешает). We have a housekeeper now (у нас есть экономка сейчас), but she is old and foolish (но она старая и глупая), and I could easily get her out of the way (и я могла бы легко убрать ее с пути, /удалить/)."
"Excellent (превосходно). You are not averse to this trip (вы ничего не имеете против этой поездки; averse — нерасположенный, неохотный), Watson?"
town [taun], probable [ˈprɔbǝbl], disturb [dɪsˈtǝ:b]
"As it happens, he spoke of coming into town today upon some most important business. It is probable that he will be away all day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily get her out of the way."
"Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?"
"By no means (ни в коей мере = совершенно ничего)."
"Then we shall both come (тогда мы оба приедем). What are you going to do yourself (что вы собираетесь делать сами)?"
"I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in town (у меня есть одно-два дела = кое-какие дела, которые мне хотелось бы сделать теперь, когда я в городе). But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train (но я вернусь двенадцатичасовым поездом), so as to be there in time for your coming (чтобы быть там вовремя к вашему приезду)."
averse [ǝˈvɜ:s], both [bǝuƟ], train [treɪn]
"By no means."
"Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?"
"I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to be there in time for your coming."
"And you may expect us early in the afternoon (можете ожидать нас рано = вскоре после полудня). I have myself some small business matters to attend to (у меня самого есть кое-какие деловые вопросы = дела; to attend to — уделять внимание, заботиться). Will you not wait and breakfast (вы не подождете = останетесь и не позавтракаете /с нами/)?"
"No, I must go (нет, я должна идти). My heart is lightened already (мое сердце облегчено уже = камень с души свалился) since I have confided my trouble to you (после того, как я доверила свое горе вам). I shall look forward to seeing you again this afternoon (буду с нетерпением снова ждать встречи с вами после полудня)." She dropped her thick black veil over her face and glided from the room (она опустила густую черную вуаль на лицо и плавно вышла из комнаты; to drop — уронить, опустить, понизить; to glide — скользить, двигаться плавно).
"And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and breakfast?"
"No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her face and glided from the room.
"And what do you think of it all, Watson (и что же вы думаете обо всем этом, Ватсон)?" asked Sherlock Holmes, leaning back in his chair (спросил Шерлок Холмс, откидываясь в своем кресле).
"It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business (это кажется мне в высшей степени темным и зловещим делом)."
"Dark enough and sinister enough (достаточно темное и достаточно зловещее)."
"Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls are sound (однако, если девушка права, говоря, что пол и стены крепки), and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable (и что через дверь, окно и печную трубу невозможно проникнуть; impassable — непроходимый, непреодолимый), then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone (тогда ее сестра должна была быть, несомненно, одна) when she met her mysterious end (когда она встретила свою таинственную смерть; end — конец, исход, смерть)."
"And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, leaning back in his chair.
"It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business."
"Dark enough and sinister enough."
"Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her mysterious end."
"What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles (что означают, в таком случае, эти ночные свисты; to become — становиться, случаться), and what of the very peculiar words of the dying woman (и что /значат/ очень странные слова умирающей женщины)?"
"I cannot think (не могу думать = представить)."
"When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a band of gypsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor (когда вы объедините = сопоставите свисты ночью, присутствие банды цыган, которые в близких отношениях с этим старым доктором), the fact that we have every reason to believe (тот факт, что у нас есть все основания полагать) that the doctor has an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage (что доктор имеет интерес = заинтересован в предотвращении свадьбы своей падчерицы), the dying allusion to a band (предсмертное упоминание о банде), and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner heard a metallic clang (и, наконец, факт, что мисс Хелен Стонер слышала металлический лязг), which might have been caused by one of those metal bars (который мог быть вызван одним из тех железных засовов) that secured the shutters (которые страховали ставни) falling back into its place (падающим обратно на свое место), I think that there is good ground to think that the mystery may be cleared along those lines (полагаю, что есть достаточное: «хорошее» основание считать, что тайна может быть прояснена с помощью тех линий = следов)."
"What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the very peculiar words of the dying woman?"
"I cannot think."
"When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a band of gypsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its place, I think that there is good ground to think that the mystery may be cleared along those lines."
"But what, then, did the gypsies do (но что же, тогда, делали цыгане)?"
"I cannot imagine (не могу представить)."
"I see many objections to any such theory (вижу много возражений /против/ любой подобной /вашей/ теории)."
"And so do I (и я тоже). It is precisely for that reason that we are going to Stoke Moran this day (именно по этой причине мы отправляемся в Сток-Морен сегодня же). I want to see whether the objections are fatal (я хочу посмотреть, /так/ ли неустранимы эти возражения; fatal — роковой, гибельный, неустранимый), or if they may be explained away (или они могут быть объяснены). But what in the name of the devil (что, черт возьми, /это значит/; in the name of — во имя, именем)!"
"And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the devil!"
The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion (/это/ восклицание вырвалось у моего товарища) by the fact that our door had been suddenly dashed open (из-за того, что наша дверь была внезапно широко распахнута), and that a huge man had framed himself in the aperture (огромный человек появился в проеме). His costume was a peculiar mixture of the professional and of the agricultural (его костюм был странной смесью профессионального и земледельческого = он был одет не то как врач, не то как помещик), having a black top-hat (носил черный цилиндр), a long frock-coat (длинный фрак) and a pair of high gaiters (и пару высоких гетр), with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand (с охотничьим хлыстом, качающимся в его руке). So tall was he that his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway (таким высоким он был, что его шляпа практически слегка касалась перекладины дверного проема; to brush — чистить /щеткой/, мести; задевать), and his breadth seemed to span it across from side to side (его ширина /плеч/, казалось, соединяла /проем/ в ширину из стороны в сторону = он едва проходил в дверной проем). A large face, seared with a thousand wrinkles (крупное лицо, иссушенное = иссеченное тысячью морщин), burned yellow with the sun (загорелое /до/ желтого цвета /от солнца/), and marked with every evil passion (отмеченное = искаженное злобой: «каждой злой страстью» = всеми пороками; passion — страсть, гнев, пыл; evil — дурной, злой), was turned from one to the other of us (поворачивалось с одного из нас на другого), while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes (в то время как его глубоко сидящие, с желчными вкраплениями глаза), and his high, thin, fleshless nose (и его длинный, тонкий костлявый нос), gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old bird of prey (давали ему какое-то сходство со свирепой старой хищной птицей).
The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a black top-hat, a long frock-coat and a pair of high gaiters, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old bird of prey.
"Which of you is Holmes (который из вас Холмс)?" asked this apparition (спросил этот призрак; appiration — видение, привидение, призрак).
"My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me (но вы имеете преимущество передо мной)," said my companion quietly (сказал мой товарищ спокойно).
"I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran."
"Indeed, Doctor (в самом деле, доктор)," said Holmes blandly (сказал Холмс вежливо). "Pray take a seat (пожалуйста, садитесь: «берите место»)."
"I will do nothing of the kind (я не сделаю ничего подобного = не стану садиться). My stepdaughter has been here (моя падчерица была здесь). I have traced her (я выследил ее). What has she been saying to you (что она вам говорила)?"
"My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my companion quietly.
"I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran."
"Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat."
"I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?"
"It is a little cold for the time of the year (немного холодно для этого времени года)," said Holmes.
"What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man furiously (вскричал старик яростно).
"But I have heard that the crocuses promise well (но я слышал, что крокусы подают надежды = будут хорошо цвести)," continued my companion imperturbably (продолжил мой приятель невозмутимо).
"Ha! You put me off, do you (вы отделываетесь от меня, не так ли)?" said our new visitor (сказал наш новый посетитель), taking a step forward and shaking his hunting-crop (делая: «беря» шаг вперед и тряся охотничим хлыстом). "I know you, you scoundrel (я знаю вас, вы, подлец)! I have heard of you before (я слышал о вас раньше). You are Holmes, the meddler (вы Холмс, вмешивающийся во все = любитель соваться в чужие дела; to meddle — вмешиваться, лезть)."
"It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes.
"What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man furiously.
"But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my companion imperturbably.
"Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler."
My friend smiled (улыбнулся).
"Holmes, the busybody (сующий нос в чужие дела = проныра)!"
His smile broadened (его улыбка стала шире).
"Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office (Скотланд-Ярдовский прислужник; сравните: Jack-in-the-box — "Джек в коробочке" — популярная детская игрушка; коробка с фигуркой, выскакивающей, когда открывается крышка)!"
Holmes chuckled heartily (захохотал от всего сердца = от души). "Your conversation is most entertaining (разговор с вами в высшей степени занимателен)," said he. "When you go out close the door (когда выйдете, закройте дверь), for there is a decided draught (так как здесь несомненный сквозняк)."
Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for there is a decided draught."
"I will go when I have said my say (я уйду, когда выскажусь; to say one’s say — высказать все, что думаешь). Don't you dare to meddle with my affairs (не смейте вмешиваться в мои дела). I know that Miss Stoner has been here (знаю, что мисс Стонер была здесь). I traced her (я выследил ее)! I am a dangerous man to fall foul of (я опасный человек, чтобы /со мной/ ссориться; to fall foul — набрасываться, ссориться; foul — загрязненный, нечистый)! See here (смотрите сюда)." He stepped swiftly forward (шагнул быстро вперед), seized the poker (схватил кочергу), and bent it into a curve with his huge brown hands (изогнул ее дугой своими огромными загорелыми руками).
"See that you keep yourself out of my grip (смотрите, чтобы вы держали себя вне моей хватки = постарайтесь не попадаться мне в лапы)," he snarled, and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace (прорычал он и, швыряя изогнутую кочергу в камин), he strode out of the room (вышел из комнаты; to stride — шагать).
"I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with his huge brown hands.
"See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace, he strode out of the room.
"He seems a very amiable person (он кажется очень дружелюбной персоной = какой любезный господин)," said Holmes, laughing (сказал Холмс, смеясь). "I am not quite so bulky (я не такой крупный; bulky — огромный, грузный), but if he had remained (но если бы он остался) I might have shown him that my grip was not much more feeble than his own (я мог бы показать ему, что моя хватка не намного слабее, чем его)." As he spoke he picked up the steel poker (пока он говорил = с этими словами он поднял стальную кочергу) and, with a sudden effort, straightened it out again (и, /одним/ неожиданным усилием = движением распрямил ее вновь).
"He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, straightened it out again.
"Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official detective force (какая наглость смешивать меня с официальной сыскной полицией)! This incident gives zest to our investigation, however (этот случай придал вкус /пикантность/ нашему расследованию, как бы то ни было; zest — приправа; живость, энергия), and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer from her imprudence (и я лишь надеюсь, что наш маленький друг = наша приятельница не пострадает от своей неосторожности) in allowing this brute to trace her (позволив этой скотине выследить себя). And now, Watson, we shall order breakfast (а теперь, Ватсон, мы закажем завтрак), and afterwards I shall walk down to Doctors' Commons (и затем я отправлюсь в ассоциацию юристов), where I hope to get some data which may help us in this matter (где надеюсь получить некоторые сведения, которые могут помочь нам в этом деле)."
It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his excursion (было около часа, когда Шерлок Холмс вернулся из поездки). He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper (он держал в руке лист голубой бумаги), scrawled over with notes and figures (исписанный заметками и цифрами).
"Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may help us in this matter."
It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled over with notes and figures.
"I have seen the will of the deceased wife (я видел завещание покойной жены /доктора/)," said he. "To determine its exact meaning (чтобы определить его точное значение) I have been obliged to work out the present prices of the investments (мне пришлось вычислить, узнать нынешние цены капиталов) with which it is concerned (с которыми это /завещание/ связано). The total income (общий доход), which at the time of the wife's death was little short of 1100 pounds (который ко времени смерти жены был немного меньше 1100 фунтов), is now, through the fall in agricultural prices (теперь, вследствие падения цен на сельхозпродукцию; through — через, вследствие, сквозь), not more than 750 pounds (не более, чем 750 фунтов). Each daughter can claim an income of 250 pounds (каждая дочь может требовать = имеет право на доход в 250 фунтов), in case of marriage (в случае замужества). It is evident, therefore, that if both girls had married (очевидно поэтому, что если бы обе девушки вышли замуж), this beauty would have had a mere pittance (этот красавец имел бы сущие гроши), while even one of them would cripple him to a very serious extent (между тем, как даже одна из них /выйдя замуж/ покалечила бы его в очень серьезном размере = принесла бы ему большие убытки). My morning's work has not been wasted (моя утренняя работа не прошла впустую), since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives (так как она доказала, что у него есть самые сильные мотивы /основания/) for standing in the way of anything of the sort (для преграждения пути всяких /действий/ подобного рода = чтобы препятствовать замужеству). And now, Watson, this is too serious for dawdling (это /дело/ слишком серьезно для возни = чтобы медлить; to dawdle — зря тратить время, бездельничать), especially as the old man is aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs (особенно когда старик осведомлен, что мы интересуемся его делами); so if you are ready (так что если вы готовы), we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo (мы вызовем кеб и поедем на /вокзал/ Ватерлоо). I should be very much obliged (я буду вам очень признателен) if you would slip your revolver into your pocket (если вы сунете ваш револьвер в карман). An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen (/револьвер/ системы Элея №2 — превосходный аргумент для джентльменов) who can twist steel pokers into knots (которые могут скручивать стальные кочерги в узлы). That and a tooth-brush are, I think, all that we need (это и зубная щетка, думаю, все, что нам нужно)."
"I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush are, I think, all that we need."
At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Leatherhead (на /вокзале/ Ватерлоо нам посчастливилось попасть на поезд: «мы были удачливы в схватывании поезда» на Лэтерхэд), where we hired a trap at the station inn (где мы наняли /рессорную/ двуколку в станционной гостинице), and drove for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes (и проехали четыре или пять миль прекрасными дорогами /графства/ Суррей; through — через, сквозь). It was a perfect day (был прекрасный день), with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the heavens (с ярким солнцем и несколькими кудрявыми облаками в небесах). The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out their first green shoots (деревья и придорожные изгороди только выпускали свои первые зеленые побеги), and the air was full of the pleasant smell of the moist earth (и воздух был наполнен приятным запахом влажной земли). To me at least (для меня, по крайней мере) there was a strange contrast between the sweet promise of the spring (был странный контраст между сладким видом весны; promise — обещание, вид, ракурс) and this sinister quest upon which we were engaged (зловещим делом = расследованием, которым мы занимались; quest — поиски, дознание). My companion sat in the front of the trap (мой товарищ сидел в передней части экипажа; trap — рессорная двуколка), his arms folded (его руки /были/ скрещены /на груди/ = скрестив руки; to fold — сгибать, складывать), his hat pulled down over his eyes (надвинув шляпу на глаза), and his chin sunk upon his breast (опустив подбородок на грудь), buried in the deepest thought (погруженный в глубокие думы: «в глубочайшую мысль»). Suddenly, however, he started (внезапно, однако, он вздрогнул), tapped me on the shoulder (хлопнул меня по плечу), and pointed over the meadows (и указал через луга = вдаль).
At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn, and drove for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows.
"Look there!" said he.
A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope (сильно лесистый = заросший парк растянулся = раскинулся на пологом склоне), thickening into a grove at the highest point (уплотняясь = переходя в рощу в высшей точке). From amid the branches (посреди = через ветки) there jutted out the gray gables and high roof-tree of a very old mansion (выступали серые фронтоны и высокий коньковый прогон очень старого помещичьего дома).
"Stoke Moran?" said he.
"Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott (да, сэр, это дом доктора Гримсби Ройлотта)," remarked the driver (заметил кучер).
A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the branches there jutted out the gray gables and high roof-tree of a very old mansion.
"Stoke Moran?" said he.
"Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the driver.
"There is some building going on there (там происходит какое-то строительство; to go on — случаться, происходить; продолжаться)," said Holmes; "that is where we are going (это /то место/, куда мы собираемся /поехать/ = куда нам нужно)."
"There's the village (там деревня)," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of roofs some distance to the left (сказал кучер, указывая на группу крыш /находящихся/ на некотором расстоянии слева); "but if you want to get to the house (но если хотите добраться к дому), you'll find it shorter to get over this stile (вы найдете это короче = вам будет ближе перейти через этот приступок /у изгороди/), and so by the foot-path over the fields (и затем /пройти/ тропинкой через поля). There it is, where the lady is walking (вон там, где идет леди)."
village [ˈvɪlɪʤ], stile [staɪl], path [pɑ:Ɵ], field [fi:ld]
"There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is where we are going."
"There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is walking."
"And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner (а эта леди, полагаю, мисс Стонер)," observed Holmes, shading his eyes (заметил Холмс, заслоняя от света глаза). "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest (да, думаю, нам лучше сделать, как вы предлагаете)."
We got off (мы вышли /из экипажа/), paid our fare (заплатили нашу проездную плату = расплатились), and the trap rattled back on its way to Leatherhead (экипаж загрохотал обратно в Лэтерхэд).
"I thought it as well (я подумал, между прочим; as well — также, кстати, вдобавок)," said Holmes as we climbed the stile (сказал Холмс, когда мы карабкались через приступок), "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects (что этому парню следует думать, что мы прибыли сюда как архитекторы), or on some definite business (по какому-то определенному делу). It may stop his gossip (это может остановить его сплетни). Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner (добрый день, мисс Стонер). You see that we have been as good as our word (вы видите, что мы точно сдержали слово: «были столь же хороши, как наше слово»)."
suggest [sǝˈʤest], fare [feǝ], architects [ˈɑ:kɪtekts]
"And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest."
We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way to Leatherhead.
"I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as our word."
Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us (наша утренняя клиентка поспешила вперед, чтобы встретить нас) with a face which spoke her joy (с лицом, которое говорило /о/ ее радости = радостно). "I have been waiting so eagerly for you (я ждала вас так нетерпеливо)," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly (воскликнула она, горячо пожимая нам руки). "All has turned out splendidly (все получилось превосходно; to turn out — оказаться, выясниться, сделаться). Dr. Roylott has gone to town (уехал в город), and it is unlikely that he will be back before evening (и маловероятно, что он вернется раньше вечера)."
"We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance (мы имели удовольствие познакомиться с доктором)," said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had occurred (сказал Холмс, и в нескольких словах зарисовал = описал /все/, что произошло). Miss Stoner turned white to the lips (мисс Стонер вся побледнела: «стала белой до губ», выслушав /его/) as she listened.
"Good heavens (Боже мой)!" she cried, "he has followed me, then (значит, он следовал за мной)."
Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely that he will be back before evening."
"We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened.
"Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then."
"So it appears (так кажется = похоже на то)."
"He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him (он так хитер, что я никогда не знаю, когда я защищена от него = никогда не чувствую себя в безопасности). What will he say when he returns (что он скажет, когда вернется)?"
"He must guard himself (он должен защищать себя = быть осторожным; to guard — защищать, беречься), for he may find that there is someone more cunning than himself upon his track (так как может обнаружить, что на его /жизненном/ пути есть кое-кто более хитрый, чем он). You must lock yourself up from him tonight (вы должны запереться от него сегодня ночью). If he is violent (если он будет неистовым = буйствовать), we shall take you away to your aunt's at Harrow (мы заберем вас к вашей тетке в Хэрроу). Now, we must make the best use of our time (а теперь мы должны сделать лучшее использование нашего времени = не должны терять ни минуты), so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to examine (поэтому, будьте любезны, проведите нас незамедлительно в комнаты, которые мы должны обследовать)."
"He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What will he say when he returns?"
"He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself up from him tonight. If he is violent, we shall take you away to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to examine."
The building was of gray, lichen-blotched stone (здание было /построено/ из покрытого /пятнами/ лишайника камня), with a high central portion and two curving wings (с высокой центральной частью и двумя изгибающимися крыльями), like the claws of a crab (словно клешни краба), thrown out on each side (распростертыми с каждой стороны). In one of these wings the windows were broken and blocked with wooden boards (в одном из этих крыльев окна были разбиты и заколочены деревянными досками), while the roof was partly caved in (тогда как крыша была частично провалена), a picture of ruin (картина разорения). The central portion was in little better repair (центральная часть была в чуть более хорошей исправности = почти такая же), but the right-hand block was comparatively modern (но правый блок был = правое крыло было сравнительно новым), and the blinds in the windows (и занавески в окнах), with the blue smoke curling up from the chimneys (с голубым дымком, вьющимся из труб), showed that this was where the family resided (указывали, что это было /то место/, где обитала семья). Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall (леса /подмости/ были воздвигнуты напротив = у торцевой стены), and the stone-work had been broken into (и каменные работы начались; to break into — разразиться, внезапно начинать), but there were no signs of any workmen at the moment of our visit (но не было признаков кого-нибудь = не было видно никого из работников на момент нашего посещения). Holmes walked slowly up and down the ill-trimmed lawn (ходил взад-вперед по плохо подстриженной лужайке) and examined with deep attention the outsides of the windows (и исследовал с глубоким вниманием наружные части = стороны окон).
The building was of gray, lichen-blotched stone, with a high central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the outsides of the windows.
"This, I take it (это, как полагаю), belongs to the room in which you used to sleep (принадлежит = относится к комнате, в которой вы спали /раньше/; used to — обозначает регулярные действия в прошлом), the centre one to your sister's (центральное /окно относится/ к /комнате/ вашей сестры), and the one next to the main building to Dr. Roylott's chamber (а следующее = поближе к главному зданию — к комнате доктора Ройлотта; chamber — комната /в основном — спальня/)?"
"Exactly so (именно так). But I am now sleeping in the middle one (но сейчас я сплю в средней комнате)."
"Pending the alterations, as I understand (в течение переделок = из-за ремонта, как я понимаю; pending — незаконченный, ожидающий решения; в продолжение; в течение; alteration — изменение; перемена; переделка, перестройка). By the way, there does not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end wall (кстати, не кажется, чтобы была какая-либо острая необходимость для ремонта этой торцевой стены)."
centre [ˈsentǝ], next [nekst], chamber [ˈtʃeɪmbǝ]
"This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?"
"Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one."
"Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end wall."
"There were none (там не были никакие = их и не было). I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my room (думаю, это был предлог, чтобы убрать меня из моей комнаты)."
"Ah! that is suggestive (наводит на размышления = весьма вероятно). Now, on the other side of this narrow wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open (с другой стороны этого узкого крыла бежит = тянется коридор, из которого = куда эти три комнаты выходят). There are windows in it, of course (в нем, конечно, есть окна)?"
"Yes, but very small ones (да, но очень маленькие). Too narrow for anyone to pass through (слишком узкие, чтобы в них кто-то мог пролезть)."
"As you both locked your doors at night (так как вы обе запирали двери на ночь), your rooms were unapproachable from that side (ваши комнаты были неприступны с той стороны; to approach — приближаться, подходить). Now, would you have the kindness to go into your room and bar your shutters (не будете ли вы так любезны пройти в свою комнату и закрыть /на засов/ ставни)?"
"There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my room."
"Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There are windows in it, of course?"
"Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass through."
"As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness to go into your room and bar your shutters?"
Miss Stoner did so (сделала так), and Holmes, after a careful examination through the open window (и Холмс после тщательной проверки открытого окна), endeavored in every way to force the shutter open (прилагал усилия всячески = постарался заставить ставни открыться), but without success (но без успеха). There was no slit through which a knife could be passed to raise the bar (в них не было щели, через которую нож мог бы = лезвие могло бы пройти, чтобы поднять засов). Then with his lens he tested the hinges (затем лупой он проверил петли), but they were of solid iron (но они были из прочного железа), built firmly into the massive masonry (вмурованы крепко в массивную кладку = стену). "Hum!" said he, scratching his chin in some perplexity (сказал он, почесывая подбородок в некотором недоумении), "my theory certainly presents some difficulties (моя теория, несомненно, представляет некоторые трудности). No one (ни один = никто) could pass these shutters if they were bolted (не мог бы пройти эти ставни = влезть в окна, когда они заперты). Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the matter (ну, посмотрим, бросает ли внутренняя сторона какой-нибудь свет на это дело = можно ли что-нибудь выяснить, осмотрев интерьер)."
endeavored [ɪnˈdevǝd], success [sǝkˈses], knife [naɪf], hinge [hɪnʤ], masonry [ˈmeɪsǝnrɪ]
Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination through the open window, endeavored in every way to force the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the matter."
A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor (маленькая боковая дверь вела в выбеленный коридор; whitewash — известковый раствор; побелка) from which the three bedrooms opened (из которого = куда три спальни открывались). Holmes refused to examine the third chamber (отказался осмотреть третью комнату), so we passed at once to the second (поэтому мы прошли сразу во вторую), that in which Miss Stoner was now sleeping (в которой мисс Стонер теперь спала), and in which her sister had met with her fate (и в которой ее сестра встретилась со своей судьбой = нашла свою смерть). It was a homely little room (это была простая маленькая комната), with a low ceiling and a gaping fireplace (с низким потолком и зияющим = широким камином), after the fashion of old country-houses (наподобие старых сельских домов; fashion — образ, манера, мода). A brown chest of drawers stood in one corner (коричневый комод стоял в одном углу), a narrow white-counterpaned bed in another (узкая, покрытая белым одеялом кровать — в другом; counterpane — стеганое покрывало), and a dressing-table on the left-hand side of the window (туалетный столик /стоял/ слева от окна). These articles, with two small wickerwork chairs (эти вещи, вместе с двумя маленькими плетеными стульями), made up all the furniture in the room (завершали все убранство в комнате; furniture — мебель, обстановка, содержимое), save for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre (кроме = да еще квадрат пушистого ковра /лежал/ в центре = посередине). The boards round and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak (доски повсюду и панели на стенах были из коричневого, источенного червями дуба), so old and discolored (такие старые и выцветшие) that it may have dated from the original building of the house (возможно, их не меняли с первоначальной постройки дома; to date from — исчислять с, относить /к какому-то времени/). Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat silent (Холмс подвинул один из стульев в угол и сел молча), while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down (а его глаза двигались кругом, вверх и вниз; while — между тем как, в то время как, пока; to travel — путешествовать, перемещаться), taking in every detail of the apartment (тщательно осматривая каждую деталь комнаты; to take in — впитывать, понимать, уяснять).
whitewashed [ˈwaɪtwɔʃt], refused [rɪˈfju:zd], ceiling [ˈsi:lɪŋ], carpet [ˈkɑ:pɪt], oak [ǝuk]
A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small wickerwork chairs, made up all the furniture in the room, save for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old and discolored that it may have dated from the original building of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, taking in every detail of the apartment.
"Where does that bell communicate with (куда проведен этот звонок; to communicate with — поддерживать связь, общаться)?" he asked at last, pointing to a thick belt-rope (спросил он наконец указывая на толстую ременную веревку = шнурок) which hung down beside the bed (который свешивался рядом с кроватью), the tassel actually lying upon the pillow (кисточка /которого/ фактически лежала на подушке).
"It goes to the housekeeper's room (он идет в комнату экономки)."
"Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last, pointing to a thick belt-rope which hung down beside the bed, the tassel actually lying upon the pillow.
"It goes to the housekeeper's room."
"It looks newer than the other things (он выглядит новее, чем другие вещи)?"
"Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago (да, он был повешен там всего пару лет назад)."
"Your sister asked for it, I suppose (ваша сестра просила об этом, полагаю)?"
"No, I never heard of her using it (нет, никогда не слышала = не замечала, чтобы она использовала его). We used always to get what we wanted for ourselves (мы привыкли брать /доставать/, что нам нужно, сами)."
tassel [tæsl], couple [kʌpl], wanted [ˈwɔntɪd]
"It looks newer than the other things?"
"Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago."
"Your sister asked for it, I suppose?"
"No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we wanted for ourselves."
"Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there (действительно, кажется излишним вешать тут такой хороший шнурок для звонка). You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to this floor (извините меня, /я задержу вас/ на несколько минут, пока рассею сомнения относительно этого пола = хорошенько осмотрю пол; to satisfy — удовлетворять, исполнять)." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in his hand (он бросил себя вниз = опустился на колени с лупой в руке), and crawled swiftly backward and forward (и прополз быстро взад и вперед), examining minutely the cracks between the boards (исследуя тщательно трещины между половицами). Then he did the same with the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled (затем он проделал то же самое с деревянными частями = панелями, которыми была обшита комната). Finally he walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it (наконец он подошел: «перешагнул» к кровати и провел некоторое время, пристально смотря на нее) and in running his eye up and down the wall (и бегая глазами вверх и вниз по стене). Finally he took the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug (в конце концов он взял шнур /от звонка/ в руку и дал ему бодрый рывок = сильно дернул).
"Why, it's a dummy (как, это фальшивка)," said he.
"Won't it ring (он не /за/звонит; won`t = will not)?"
"Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in his hand, and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug.
"Why, it's a dummy," said he.
"Won't it ring?"
"No, it is not even attached to a wire (нет, он даже не присоединен к проводу). This is very interesting (это очень интересно). You can see now that it is fastened to a hook (вы можете видеть, что он прикреплен к крючку) just above where the little opening for the ventilator is (прямо над /тем местом/, где находится маленькое отверстие для вентиляции)."
"How very absurd (как /очень/ глупо)! I never noticed that before (никогда не замечала этого раньше)."
"Very strange (очень странно)!" muttered Holmes (пробормотал Холмс), pulling at the rope (дергая /за/ веревку). "There are one or two very singular points about this room (есть один-два очень странных пункта: «особых точек» относительно этой комнаты). For example, what a fool a builder must be (например, каким глупым строителем нужно быть) to open a ventilator into another room (чтобы вывести вентиляцию в другую комнату), when, with the same trouble (когда с той же заботой = легкостью), he might have communicated with the outside air (он мог бы сообщаться с наружным воздухом)!"
"No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the little opening for the ventilator is."
"How very absurd! I never noticed that before."
"Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are one or two very singular points about this room. For example, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with the outside air!"
"That is also quite modern (это также довольно новое)," said the lady.
"Done about the same time as the bell-rope (сделано примерно в то же время, что и шнурок)?" remarked Holmes (заметил Холмс).
"Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that time (да, было несколько небольших изменений, выполненных примерно в то время; to carry out — осуществить, выполнить)."
"They seem to have been of a most interesting character (они кажутся интереснейшего характера = интересные переделки) — dummy bell-ropes (фальшивые шнурки), and ventilators which do not ventilate (и вентиляции, которые не вентилируют). With your permission (с вашего позволения), Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the inner apartment (мы перенесем теперь наши изыскания во внутреннюю комнату)."
several [ˈsevǝrǝl], permission [pǝˈmɪʃn], research [rɪˈsǝ:tʃ]
"That is also quite modern," said the lady.
"Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes.
"Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that time."
"They seem to have been of a most interesting character — dummy bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the inner apartment."
Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his stepdaughter (комната доктора была больше, чем /комната/ его падчерицы), but was as plainly furnished (но была так же просто обставлена). A camp-bed (походная кровать), a small wooden shelf full of books (маленькая деревянная полка, полная книг), mostly of a technical character (в основном, технической направленности), an armchair beside the bed (кресло рядом с кроватью), a plain wooden chair against the wall (простой деревянный стул у стены), a round table (круглый стол), and a large iron safe were the principal things which met the eye (и большой железный сейф были главными вещами, которые встречали глаз = бросались в глаза). Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and all of them with the keenest interest (Холмс ходил медленно вокруг и исследовал каждую /вещь в отдельности/ с живейшим интересом).
technical [ˈteknɪkl], round [raund], iron [ˈaɪǝn], principal [ˈprɪnsɪpl]
Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his stepdaughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and all of them with the keenest interest.
"What's in here (что здесь)?" he asked, tapping the safe (спросил он, стуча по сейфу).
"My stepfather's business papers (деловые бумаги отчима)."
"Oh! you have seen inside, then (ого, /так/ вы заглядывали внутрь, значит)?"
"Only once, some years ago (только однажды, несколько лет назад). I remember that it was full of papers (помню, что он был полон бумаг)."
"There isn't a cat in it for example (там, к примеру, не кошка)?"
"No. What a strange idea (что за странная идея)!"
"What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe.
"My stepfather's business papers."
"Oh! you have seen inside, then?"
"Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of papers."
"There isn't a cat in it, for example?"
"No. What a strange idea!"
"Well, look at this (вот, взгляните на это)!" He took up a small saucer of milk (он поднял маленькое блюдце молока) which stood on the top of it (которое стояло на сейфе).
"No; we don't keep a cat (мы не держим кошку). But there is a cheetah and a baboon (но есть гепард и бабуин)."
"Ah, yes, of course (ах да, конечно)! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat (ну, гепард — всего лишь большая кошка), and yet a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants (и все-таки, блюдца молока недостаточно: «не идет далеко» для утоления его потребностей = жажды), I daresay (полагаю, /осмелюсь сказать/). There is one point which I should wish to determine (есть один пункт = момент, который я хотел бы определить)." He squatted down in front of the wooden chair (он сел на корточки перед деревянным стулом) and examined the seat of it with the greatest attention (и осмотрел его сиденье с величайшим вниманием).
"Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which stood on the top of it.
"No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon."
"Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of it with the greatest attention.
"Thank you (спасибо). That is quite settled (это вполне решено = все ясно)," said he, rising and putting his lens in his pocket (сказал он, поднимаясь и кладя лупу в карман). "Hello (ага /возглас удивления/)! Here is something interesting (вот кое-что интересное)!"
The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash (предметом, который поймал его глаз = привлек внимание, была маленькая собачья плеть) hung on one corner of the bed (висевшая на одном углу кровати). The lash, however, was curled upon itself (плеть, однако, была закручена вокруг себя), and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord (и завязана так, чтобы сделать петлю; whipcord — бечевка).
"What do you make of that (что вы думаете об этом; to make — делать, предполагать, заключать), Watson?"
"It's a common enough lash (это вполне обычная плеть). But I don't know why it should be tied (но я не знаю = не пойму, зачем понадобилось завязывать ее в петлю)."
"Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting his lens in his pocket. "Hello! Here is something interesting!"
The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord.
"What do you make of that, Watson?"
"It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be tied."
"That is not quite so common, is it (не такая уж обыкновенная, а)? Ah, me (о Господи)! it's a wicked world (это грешный мир), and when a clever man turns his brains to crime (и когда умный человек поворачивает свои мозги к преступлению = совершает злые дела) it is the worst of all (это хуже всего). I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner (думаю, я видел достаточно теперь, мисс Стонер), and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn (с вашего позволения, мы выйдем на лужайку)."
I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark (я никогда не видел лицо моего друга таким мрачным и угрюмым; brow — бровь; чело; выражение лица) as it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation (как когда мы повернулись = уходили с места этого расследования). We had walked several times up and down the lawn (мы прошли несколько раз взад и вперед: «вверх и вниз» по лужайке), neither Miss Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts (ни Мисс Стонер, ни я сам не хотели вламываться на = прерывать его мысли) before he roused himself from his reverie (пока он не пробудился сам от своей задумчивости; reverie — мечтательность; задумчивость).
"That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn."
I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he roused himself from his reverie.
"It is very essential (это очень существенно), Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should absolutely follow my advice in every respect (чтобы вы безусловно = в точности следовали моему совету во всех отношениях)."
"I shall most certainly do so (я исполню все обязательно; certainly — непременно, безусловно)."
"The matter is too serious for any hesitation (дело слишком серьезное для какого-либо колебания = чтобы колебаться). Your life may depend upon your compliance (ваша жизнь может зависеть от вашего соблюдения /моих инструкций/; compliance — согласие, соответствие, выполнение)."
"I assure you that I am in your hands (уверяю вас, что я в ваших руках = отдаю себя в ваши руки)."
"It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should absolutely follow my advice in every respect."
"I shall most certainly do so."
"The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may depend upon your compliance."
"I assure you that I am in your hands."
"In the first place (в первую очередь), both my friend and I must spend the night in your room (оба — мой друг и я — должны провести ночь в вашей комнате)."
Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment (/оба/ мисс Стонер и я взглянули на него в изумлении).
"Yes, it must be so (да, это должно быть так). Let me explain (позвольте объяснить). I believe that that is the village inn over there (полагаю, что это деревенская гостиница вон там)?"
"Yes, that is the Crown (да, это «Корона»)."
"Very good (очень хорошо). Your windows would be visible from there (ваши окна видны оттуда)?"
"Certainly (конечно)."
"In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in your room."
Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment.
"Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the village inn over there?"
"Yes, that is the Crown."
"Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?"
"Certainly."
"You must confine yourself to your room (вы должны запереться в своей комнате; to confine — заточить, ограничить), on pretence of a headache (под предлогом головной боли), when your stepfather comes back (когда отчим вернется). Then when you hear him retire for the night (затем, когда вы услышите, что он пошел спать), you must open the shutters of your window, undo the hasp (вы должны открыть ставни вашего окна, снять засов), put your lamp there as a signal to us (поставить лампу там /на окно/ в качестве сигнала для нас), and then withdraw quietly with everything (и затем забрать тихо все; to withdraw — брать назад, увести, изъять, удалить) which you are likely to want into the room which you used to occupy (что вам может понадобиться в комнате, которую вы раньше занимали). I have no doubt that, in spite of the repairs (не сомневаюсь, что несмотря на ремонт), you could manage there for one night (вы сумели бы провести там одну ночь; to manage — справиться, обойтись)."
"Oh, yes, easily (легко)."
"The rest you will leave in our hands (остальное оставьте в наших руках = предоставьте нам)."
"You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night."
"Oh, yes, easily."
"The rest you will leave in our hands."
"But what will you do (но что вы будете делать)?"
"We shall spend the night in your room (мы проведем одну ночь в вашей комнате), and we shall investigate the cause of this noise which has disturbed you (и расследуем причину этого шума, который беспокоил вас)."
"I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind (думаю, мистер Холмс, что вы уже приняли решение: «сделали, составили ваш разум»)," said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve (сказала мисс Стонер, кладя руку на рукав моего приятеля).
"Perhaps I have (возможно, принял)."
"Then, for pity's sake (тогда, ради всего святого; pity — жалость, сострадание), tell me what was the cause of my sister's death (скажите мне, что явилось причиной смерти моей сестры)."
"But what will you do?"
"We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the cause of this noise which has disturbed you."
"I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve.
"Perhaps I have."
"Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's death."
"I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak (я предпочел бы иметь более ясные доказательства, прежде чем говорить)."
"You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct (можете, по крайней мере, сказать мне, правильна ли моя собственная мысль), and if she died from some sudden fright (/что/ она умерла от какого-то внезапного испуга)."
"No, I do not think so (я так не думаю). I think that there was probably some more tangible cause (думаю, что, возможно, была более материальная причина; tangible — реальный, ощутимый, вещественный). And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you (а теперь, мисс Стонер, мы должны оставить вас), for if Dr. Roylott returned and saw us (так как если доктор Ройлотт возвратился и увидел бы нас), our journey would be in vain (наша поездка была бы напрасной). Good-bye, and be brave (до свидания, и будьте мужественны), for if you will do what I have told you (потому что если вы сделаете /то/ что я вам сказал), you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers that threaten you (вы можете быть уверены, что мы скоро изгоним = устраним опасности, которые грозят вам)."
cause [kɔ:z], noise [nɔɪz], least [li:st], fright [fraɪt], tangible [ˈtænʤǝbl], journey [ˈʤǝ:nɪ], brave [breɪv], threaten [Ɵretn]
"I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak."
"You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and if she died from some sudden fright."
"No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you, for if Dr. Roylott returned and saw us, our journey would be in vain. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers that threaten you."
Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sitting-room at the Crown Inn (не имели трудности в снятии спальни = без труда сняли спальню и гостиную в гостинице «Корона»). They were on the upper floor (они располагались на верхнем этаже), and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate (и из нашего окна мы могли видеть: «господствовать над видом» ворот аллеи; to command — господствовать, властвовать; возвышаться, господствовать, давать обзор), and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House (и /видом/ обитаемого крыла помещичьего дома). At dusk we saw Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past (в сумерках мы видели, как доктор Ройлотт проехал мимо), his huge form looming up beside the little figure of the lad who drove him (его громадное тело возвышалось /горой/ рядом с маленькой фигурой парня, который вез его; loom — очертания, тень). The boy had some slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates (мальчишка имел небольшую = некоторую трудность в открывании тяжелых железных ворот), and we heard the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice (и мы слышали хриплый рев доктора; voice — голос) and saw the fury with which he shook his clinched fists at him (видели ярость, с которой он тряс своими сжатыми кулаками перед ним; to clinch — сжимать). The trap drove on (экипаж продолжил путь), and a few minutes later we saw a sudden light (несколько минут спустя мы увидели внезапный свет /огонек/) spring up among the trees as the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms (возникший среди деревьев, так как лампа была зажжена в одной из гостиных).
engaging [ɪnˈɡeɪʤɪŋ], view [vju:], heavy [ˈhevɪ], hoarse [hɔ:s]
Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms.
"Do you know, Watson (знаете, Ватсон)," said Holmes as we sat together in the gathering darkness (сказал Холмс, когда мы сидели вместе в собирающейся = сгущающейся темноте), "I have really some scruples as to taking you tonight (у меня действительно есть сомнения/угрызения относительно взятия вас = брать ли вас с собой сегодня ночью). There is a distinct element of danger (там присутствует особый /четкий/ элемент опасности = дело весьма опасно)."
"Can I be of assistance (могу я быть полезен)?"
"Your presence might be invaluable (ваше присутствие может быть бесценным)."
"Then I shall certainly come (тогда я непременно пойду)."
"Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you tonight. There is a distinct element of danger."
"Can I be of assistance?"
"Your presence might be invaluable."
"Then I shall certainly come."
"It is very kind of you (это очень любезно с вашей стороны)."
"You speak of danger (вы говорите об опасности). You have evidently seen more in these rooms than was visible to me (очевидно, вы видели больше в этих комнатах, чем было заметно мне)."
"No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more (нет, но я полагаю, что, возможно, заключил немного больше = сделал другие выводы). I imagine that you saw all that I did (думаю, вы видели все, что я видел)."
"I saw nothing remarkable (я не видел ничего примечательного) save the bell-rope (кроме шнурка звонка), and what purpose that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine (а какому назначению он мог бы соответствовать, признаюсь, больше, чем я могу представить = не могу понять)."
imagine [ɪˈmæʤɪn], purpose [ˈpǝ:pǝs]
"It is very kind of you."
"You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms than was visible to me."
"No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that you saw all that I did."
"I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine."
"You saw the ventilator, too?"
"Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing (да, но не думаю, что это такая /уж/ очень необычная вещь) to have a small opening between two rooms (иметь маленькое отверстие между двумя комнатами). It was so small that a rat could hardly pass through (оно было таким маленьким, что крыса могла бы с трудом пролезть через /него/)."
"I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Stoke Moran (я знал, что мы должны найти вентиляционное отверстие прежде, чем мы даже прибыли в Сток-Морен)."
unusual [ʌnˈju:ʒuǝl]
"My dear Holmes (мой дорогой Холмс)!"
"You saw the ventilator, too?"
"Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a rat could hardly pass through."
"I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Stoke Moran."
"My dear Holmes!"
"Oh, yes, I did (о да, я знал). You remember in her statement she said that her sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar (помните, в своем рассказе/заявлении она сказала, что ее сестра могла чувствовать запах сигар доктора Ройлотта). Now, of course that suggested at once (теперь, конечно, это наводит на мысль сразу) that there must be a communication between the two rooms (что должно быть сообщение между двумя комнатами). It could only be a small one (оно могло быть только маленьким), or it would have been remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry (иначе оно было бы замечено при коронерском расследовании = следователем; коронер — следователь, ведущий дела о насильственной или скоропостижной смерти). I deduced a ventilator (я вывел, заключил /что должно быть/ вентиляционное отверстие)."
"But what harm can there be in that (но какой вред = какая опасность может быть в нем)?"
"Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates (ну, по крайней мере, /мы видим/ странное совпадение /дат/). A ventilator is made (вентиляционное отверстие сделано), a cord is hung (шнур повешен), and a lady who sleeps in the bed dies (и леди, которая спит в кровати /рядом со шнуром/, умирает). Does not that strike you (разве это не поражает вас)?"
"Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that suggested at once that there must be a communication between the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator."
"But what harm can there be in that?"
"Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the bed dies. Does not that strike you?"
"I cannot as yet see any connection (я не могу все еще видеть какой-либо связи)."
"Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed (вы заметили что-нибудь очень странное относительно той кровати)?"
"No."
"It was clamped to the floor (она была прикреплена к полу; to clamp — скреплять, сшивать, фиксировать). Did you ever see a bed fastened like that before (вы когда-нибудь видели раньше кровать, приделанную подобным образом)?"
"I cannot say that I have (не могу сказать, что видел)."
"I cannot as yet see any connection."
"Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?"
"No."
"It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened like that before?"
"I cannot say that I have."
"The lady could not move her bed (леди не могла свою кровать передвинуть). It must always be in the same relative position (она всегда должна быть в том же самом взаимном/относительном расположении = по отношению) to the ventilator and to the rope (к отверстию вентиляции и к шнуру) — for so we may call it (так мы можем называть его), since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull (ибо он, несомненно, никогда не был предназначен для шнурка колокольчика)."
floor [flɔ:], relative [ˈrelǝtɪv], since [sɪns], meant [ment]
"Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly (мне чудится смутно = кажется, я начинаю понимать) what you are hinting at (на что вы намекаете). We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible crime (мы как раз /приехали/ вовремя, чтобы предотвратить утонченное и ужасное преступление; subtle — тонкий, неуловимый, искусный, коварный)."
"The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same relative position to the ventilator and to the rope — for so we may call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull."
"Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible crime."
"Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong (когда врач встает на ложный путь = совершает преступление) he is the first of criminals (он первый из преступников = ужаснее всех прочих злодеев). He has nerve and he has knowledge (у него есть хладнокровие и /опасное/ знание). Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession (были среди глав = наиболее изощренными в своей профессии). This man strikes even deeper (этот человек поступает даже хитрее; to strike — ударять, придумывать план), but I think, Watson, that we shall be able to strike deeper still (но я думаю, Ватсон, что мы сможем перехитрить его тем не менее). But we shall have horrors enough (но мы будем иметь ужасов довольно = переживем немало страшного) before the night is over (прежде, чем ночь окончится); for goodness' sake let us have a quiet pipe (ради Бога = прошу вас, давайте закурим /трубки/) and turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheerful (и обратим наши умы /мысли/ на несколько часов к чему-нибудь более веселому)."
About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished (около девяти часов свет /видневшийся/ среди деревьев, был потушен), and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House (и все было темно в направлении помещичьего дома). Two hours passed slowly away (два часа протекли медленно), and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of eleven (затем, внезапно, прямо с ударом одиннадцати = ровно в одиннадцать), a single bright light shone out right in front of us (одинокий яркий свет засиял прямо перед нами; to shine out).
prevent [prɪˈvent], subtle [ˈsʌtl], knowledge [ˈnɒlɪʤ], extinguished [ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ], front [frʌnt]
"Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheerful."
About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us.
"That is our signal (это наш сигнал)," said Holmes, springing to his feet (сказал Холмс, вскакивая на ноги); "it comes from the middle window (он /свет/ исходит из среднего окна)."
As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord (когда мы выходили, он обменялся несколькими словами с хозяином /гостиницы/), explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance (объяснив, что мы идем в гости к одному знакомому; late — поздний; visit — посещение, визит), and that it was possible that we might spend the night there (и, возможно, что мы можем провести ночь там). A moment later we were out on the dark road (мгновение спустя мы вышли на темную дорогу; to be out — не быть дома, отсутствовать), a chill wind blowing in our faces (прохладный ветер дул нам в лицо), and one yellow light twinkling in front of us through the gloom (и желтый огонек мерцал перед нами через мрак) to guide us on our sombre errand (чтобы вести нас по нашему мрачному поручению /заданию/).
"That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it comes from the middle window."
As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand.
There was little difficulty in entering the grounds (была маленькая трудность во вхождении в земли вокруг дома = попасть к дому было не трудно), for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall (так как неотремонтированные бреши зияли в стене /вокруг/ старого парка). Making our way among the trees (пробираясь: «делая наш путь» между деревьями), we reached the lawn (мы достигли лужайки), crossed it (пересекли ее), and were about to enter through the window (и только собирались пролезть через окно), when out from a clump of laurel bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted child (когда из лавровых кустов рванулось /существо/, которое казалось отвратительным и уродливым ребенком; clump — группа, скопление), who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs (которое бросилось на траву с извивающимися конечностями = корчась), and then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness (и затем перебежало быстро через лужайку /и скрылось/ в темноте).
There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to enter through the window, when out from a clump of laurel bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs, and then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness.
"My God!" I whispered (прошептал я); "did you see it?"
Holmes was for the moment as startled as I (Холмс был на мгновение таким же пораженным, как и я). His hand closed like a vise upon my wrist in his agitation (его рука закрылась = сжалась, словно тиски, на моем запястье в волнении). Then he broke into a low laugh (затем он разразился тихим смехом) and put his lips to my ear (и приблизил губы к моему уху).
"It is a nice household (милая семейка)," he murmured (пробормотал). "That is the baboon (это /же/ бабуин)."
Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like a vise upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low laugh and put his lips to my ear.
"It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon."
I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected (я забыл о странных питомцах, которых любил доктор). There was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders at any moment (возможно, мы могли обнаружить гепарда на наших плечах = гепард мог прыгнуть на нас в любой момент). I confess that I felt easier in my mind (признаюсь, я чувствовал /себя/ легче мысленно) when, after following Holmes's example and slipping off my shoes (когда, последовав примеру Холмса и сбросив ботинки), I found myself inside the bedroom (я оказался в спальне; inside — внутри). My companion noiselessly closed the shutters (мой товарищ бесшумно запер ставни), moved the lamp onto the table (переставил лампу на стол), and cast his eyes round the room (и оглядел комнату; to cast — бросать). All was as we had seen it in the daytime (все было /так/, как мы видели в дневное время). Then creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand (затем, подкрадываясь ко мне и складывая руки трубкой), he whispered into my ear again so gently (он прошептал в мое ухо снова так тихо) that it was all that I could do to distinguish the words (что я смог лишь различить слова): "The least sound would be fatal to our plans (малейший звук был бы губителен для наших планов = погубит нас)."
I nodded to show that I had heard (я кивнул, чтобы показать, что я слышал).
"We must sit without light (мы должны сидеть без света). He would see it through the ventilator (/а не то/ он увидит его через вентиляцию)."
I nodded again.
example [ɪɡˈzɑ:mpl], shoes [ʃu:z], trumpet [ˈtrʌmpɪt], ear [ɪǝ], gently [ˈʤentlɪ]
I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, after following Holmes's example and slipping off my shoes, I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to distinguish the words: "The least sound would be fatal to our plans."
I nodded to show that I had heard.
"We must sit without light. He would see it through the ventilator."
I nodded again.
"Do not go asleep (не засните); your very life may depend upon it (сама ваша жизнь может зависеть от этого). Have your pistol ready in case we should need it (держите пистолет наготове на случай, /если/ он нам понадобится). I will sit on the side of the bed, and you in that chair (я сяду на край кровати, а вы — на тот стул)."
I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table (я вытащил мой револьвер и положил его на угол стола).
Holmes had brought up a long thin cane (Холмс принес длинную тонкую трость), and this he placed upon the bed beside him (и ее он положил на кровать рядом с собой; to place — помещать, класть, устраивать). By it he laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle (возле нее он положил коробку спичек и огарок свечи). Then he turned down the lamp (затем погасил лампу; to turn out — убавлять /свет/, уменьшать, отвернуть), and we were left in darkness (и мы были оставлены в темноте).
life [laɪf], revolver [rɪˈvɒlvǝ], stump [stʌmp], candle [ˈkændl]
"Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the bed, and you in that chair."
I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table.
Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left in darkness.
How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil (забуду ли я когда-нибудь это ужасное бодрствование)? I could not hear a sound (я не мог слышать ни звука), not even the drawing of a breath (ни даже дыхания; to draw — тащить; втягивать), and yet I knew that my companion sat open-eyed (и все же, при этом я знал, что мой товарищ сидел с широко открытыми глазами), within a few feet of me (в нескольких футах от меня; within — в пределах, не далее), in the same state of nervous tension in which I was myself (в том же состоянии нервного напряжения, в котором я был сам). The shutters cut off the least ray of light (ставни отсекли = не пропускали ни малейшего луча света), and we waited in absolute darkness (мы ждали в абсолютной темноте).
From outside came the occasional cry of a night bird (снаружи доносился редкий /периодический/ крик ночной птицы), and once at our very window a long drawn catlike whine (один раз, у самого нашего окна, раздался долгий протяжный, похожий на кошачий, /жалобный/ вой; drawn — растянутый, тянущийся; whine — жалоба, жалобный вой, хныканье), which told us that the cheetah was indeed at liberty (который сказал нам = указывал, что гепард был действительно на свободе). Far away we could hear the deep tones of the parish clock (вдалеке мы могли слышать низкий = глухой звук церковных часов), which boomed out every quarter of an hour (которые отбивали каждую четверть часа; to boom — производить шум). How long they seemed, those quarters (какими долгими казались они, те четверти)! Twelve struck (двенадцать пробило), and one, and two, and three, and still we sat waiting silently for whatever might befall (а мы все сидели, ожидая молча /того, что/ что могло приключиться).
How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness.
From outside came the occasional cry of a night bird, and once at our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and one, and two, and three, and still we sat waiting silently for whatever might befall.
Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light (вдруг появился кратковременный проблеск света) up in the direction of the ventilator (в направлении вентиляции), which vanished immediately (который исчез мгновенно), but was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal (но был сменен резким запахом керосина: «сгорающего масла» и накаленного металла). Someone in the next room had lit a dark lantern (кто-то в соседней комнате зажег потайной фонарь: «темный фонарь»). I heard a gentle sound of movement (я услышал тихий звук движения), and then all was silent once more (затем все было тишиной = смолкло снова), though the smell grew stronger (хотя запах усилился). For half an hour I sat with straining ears (полчаса я сидел, прислушиваясь: «с напряженными ушами»). Then suddenly another sound became audible (затем внезапно другой звук стал слышимым) — a very gentle, soothing sound (очень тихий, успокаивающий звук), like that of a small jet of steam escaping continually from a kettle (как звук струи пара, вырывающейся непрерывно из чайника /котла/). The instant that we heard it (в /то самое/ мгновение, когда мы услышали его), Holmes sprang from the bed (вскочил с кровати), struck a match (зажег спичку), and lashed furiously with his cane at the bell-pull (и хлестнул яростно тростью по шнурку звонка).
Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Someone in the next room had lit a dark lantern. I heard a gentle sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Then suddenly another sound became audible — a very gentle, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with his cane at the bell-pull.
"You see it, Watson (вы видите ее, Ватсон)?" he yelled (прокричал он). "You see it?"
But I saw nothing (но я ничего не видел). At the moment when Holmes struck the light (в момент, когда Холмс зажигал свет) I heard a low, clear whistle (я слышал тихий, явный = отчетливый свист), but the sudden glare (но внезапный яркий свет; glare — слепящий свет, сияние, блеск) flashing into my weary eyes (сверкнувший в мои утомленные глаза) made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which my friend lashed so savagely (сделал невозможным для меня сказать, по чему мой друг хлестал /тростью/ так свирепо). I could, however, see that his face was deadly pale (я мог, однако, видеть, что его лицо было бледно как смерть), and filled with horror and loathing (и наполнено ужасом и отвращением). He had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator (он перестал бить и всматривался /вверх/ в отверстие вентиляции) when suddenly there broke from the silence of the night (когда внезапно раздался в тишине ночи = прорезал ночную тишину; to break — сломать, прервать, вырваться) the most horrible cry to which I have ever listened (самый ужасный крик, какой я когда-либо слышал). It swelled up louder and louder (он становился громче и громче; to swell up — набухать, вздуваться), a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger (хриплый вопль боли, страха и злости) all mingled in the one dreadful shriek (все перемешалось в этом одном ужасном крике). They say that away down in the village (они говорят = рассказывают, что далеко на краю: «внизу» деревни), and even in the distant parsonage (и даже в отдаленном доме приходского священника), that cry raised the sleepers from their beds (этот крик поднял спящих из их кроватей). It struck cold to our hearts (ударило холодом в наши сердца), and I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me (и я стоял, глядя на Холмса, а он на меня), until the last echoes of it had died away into the silence from which it rose (пока последние отголоски его /крика/ не замерли в тишине, из которой поднялись = возникли; to die away — гаснуть, глохнуть, утихнуть).
But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was deadly pale, and filled with horror and loathing. He had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it had died away into the silence from which it rose.
"What can it mean (что это может значить)?" I gasped (спросил я, задыхаясь; to gasp — дышать с трудом).
"It means that it is all over (это значит, что все кончено)," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, after all (и, возможно, в конечном счете), it is for the best (это к лучшему). Take your pistol, and we will enter Dr. Roylott's room (возьмите пистолет, и мы войдем в комнату доктора)."
With a grave face he lit the lamp (с суровым лицом он зажег лампу; grave — серьезный, мрачный), and led the way down the corridor (и пошел по коридору; to lead the way — показывать путь, сделать первый шаг). Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply from within (дважды он стукнул в дверь комнаты без какого-либо ответа изнутри). Then he turned the handle and entered (повернул ручку и вошел), I at his heels (я по его пятам = вошел за ним следом), with the cocked pistol in my hand (с заряженным пистолетом в руке).
mean [mi:n], gasped [ɡɑ:spt], reply [rɪˈplaɪ], handle [hændl]
"What can it mean?" I gasped.
"It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will enter Dr. Roylott's room."
With a grave face he lit the lamp, and led the way down the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand.
It was a singular sight which met our eyes (необычайное зрелище встретило наши глаза = представилось нашим взорам). On the table stood a dark lantern with the shutter half open (на столе стоял потайной фонарь с полуоткрытой заслонкой), throwing a brilliant beam of light upon the iron safe (кидая яркий луч света на железный сейф), the door of which was ajar (дверь которого была приоткрыта). Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott (у стола, на деревянном стуле, сидел доктор Гримсби Ройлотт), clad in a long gray dressing-gown (одетый в длинный серый халат), his bare ankles protruding beneath (его голые лодыжки торчали внизу = из-под халата), and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers (и его ступни /были/ втиснуты в красные без каблуков турецкие туфли). Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash (поперек его коленей лежала короткая ручка с длинной плетью) which we had noticed during the day (которую мы заметили днем; during — во время, в течение). His chin was cocked upward (его подбородок был задран кверху) and his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the ceiling (и глаза застыли в ужасном суровом взгляде /направленном/ в угол потолка). Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band (вокруг его лба была странная желтая лента), with brownish speckles (с коричневатыми крапинками), which seemed to be bound tightly round his head (которая, казалась, была обвязанной крепко вокруг его головы). As we entered he made neither sound nor motion (когда мы вошли, он сделал ни звука, ни движения = ни издал звука, ни шевельнулся).
"The band! the speckled band (пестрая лента)!" whispered Holmes (прошептал).
It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a dark lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott, clad in a long gray dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion.
"The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes.
I took a step forward (я сделал шаг вперед). In an instant his strange headgear began to move (в /одно/ мгновение его странный головной убор начал двигаться), and there reared itself from among his hair (и поднялась посреди волос) the squat diamond-shaped head (маленькая и короткая ромбовидная голова) and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent (раздувшийся воротник /капюшон/ отвратительной змеи).
"It is a swamp adder (это болотная гадюка)!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in India (самая смертоносная змея в Индии). He has died within ten seconds of being bitten (он умер в течение десяти секунд после того, как был укушен). Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent (насилие, воистину, делает отдачу = возвращается к сотворившему его; violent — яростный, неистовый, резкий), and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another (и интриган попадает в яму, которую он роет другому). Let us thrust this creature back into its den (давайте запустим /затолкаем/ эту тварь обратно в ее логово), and we can then remove Miss Stoner to some place of shelter (и мы можем переместить = отвезти мисс Стонер в какое-нибудь безопасное место; shelter — приют, кров, убежище) and let the county police know what has happened (дадим знать полиции графства /о том/, что случилось)."
I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent.
"It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has happened."
As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap (пока он говорил = при этих словах он сдернул быстро собачью плеть с колен мертвого), and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck (и, набрасывая петлю вокруг шеи рептилии) he drew it from its horrid perch (стащил ее с ужасного насеста) and, carrying it at arm's length (и, неся ее на расстоянии вытянутой руки), threw it into the iron safe (швырнул в железный сейф), which he closed upon it (который закрыл вслед за ней).
noose [nu:s], reptile [ˈreptaɪl], perch [pɜ:tʃ]
Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran (таковы истинные факты = обстоятельства смерти доктора Гримсби Ройлотта из Сток-Морена). It is not necessary that I should prolong a narrative (мне нет необходимости продолжать рассказ) which has already run to too great a length (который /и так/ уже растянулся до слишком большой длины) by telling how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl (рассказывая, как мы сообщили печальную весть напуганной девушке), how we conveyed her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow (как мы утренним поездом переправили ее на попечение доброй тетушки в Хэрроу), of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the conclusion (/о том/, как медленный процесс официального расследования пришел к заключению) that the doctor met his fate (что доктор встретил свою судьбу = смерть) while indiscreetly playing with a dangerous pet (играя неосторожно с опасным любимцем). The little which I had yet to learn of the case (малое = оставшиеся детали, которые я должен был еще узнать о деле) was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back next day (было рассказано мне Шерлоком Холмсом, когда мы ехали обратно на следующий день).
As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the iron safe, which he closed upon it.
Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back next day.
"I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion (я пришел к совершенно ошибочному заключению), which shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data (что показывает, мой дорогой Ватсон, как опасно всегда рассуждать из = на основании неполных данных; insufficient — недостаточный; sufficient — достаточный). The presence of the gypsies, and the use of the word 'band' (присутствие цыган и использование слова «лента»), which was used by the poor girl (которое было употреблено бедной девушкой), no doubt to explain the appearance (без сомнения, чтобы объяснить внешность = образ) which she had caught a hurried glimpse of by the light of her match (быстрое мелькание которого она поймала = увидела с помощью света = в свете спички), were sufficient to put me upon an entirely wrong scent (было достаточно, чтобы навести меня на совершенно ложный след). I can only claim the merit (я могу лишь требовать заслуги = мне может служить оправданием /то/) that I instantly reconsidered my position (что я тотчас пересмотрел свою точку зрения) when, however, it became clear to me that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room (когда, однако, мне стало ясно, что какая бы опасность ни грозила жильцу /той/ комнаты; occupant — житель, жилец, обитатель) could not come either from the window or the door (/эта опасность/ не могла прийти ни через окно, ни через дверь). My attention was speedily drawn (мое внимание было быстро привлечено), as I have already remarked to you (как я уже заметил), to this ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed (к этой вентиляции и к шнурку от звонка, который свисал к кровати; to hang down — свисать, спускаться). The discovery that this was a dummy (открытие, что это была фальшивка), and that the bed was clamped to the floor (и что кровать была прикреплена к полу), instantly gave rise to the suspicion (мгновенно вызвало подозрение; to give rise — быть источником, дать начало, вызвать) that the rope was there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and coming to the bed (что шнур был там в качестве моста для чего-то, проходящего через отверстие и спускающегося на кровать). The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me (мысль о змее тотчас пришла мне /в голову/), and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was furnished with a supply of creatures from India (и когда я связал ее /эту мысль/ со знанием, что доктор был снабжен тварями = что ему доставили тварей из Индии; to furnish — доставлять, обеспечивать; to supply — поставлять, снабжать; supply — снабжение, поставка), I felt that I was probably on the right track (я почувствовал = понял, что, возможно, я на верном пути). The idea of using a form of poison (идея использования /такого/ вида яда) which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical test (который не может быть обнаружен каким-либо химическим анализом) was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless man who had had an Eastern training (как раз такая, которая могла бы прийти в голову умному и жестокому человеку, который имел восточную подготовку = долго прожил на Востоке). The rapidity with which such a poison would take effect (быстрота, с которой такой яд оказывает действие) would also, from his point of view, be an advantage (также, с его точки зрения, было преимуществом). It would be a sharp-eyed coroner (это был бы = должен бы быть следователь с очень хорошим зрением: «остроглазый»), indeed, who could distinguish the two little dark punctures (который мог бы различить два маленьких темных прокола) which would show where the poison fangs had done their work (показывающих, где ядовитые зубы сделали свою работу; fang — клык; ядовитый зуб /змеи/). Then I thought of the whistle (потом я подумал о свисте). Of course, he must recall the snake (ну конечно, он должен был призывать обратно змею) before the morning light revealed it to the victim (прежде чем утренний свет разоблачил бы ее = показал жертве). He had trained it (он дрессировал ее), probably by the use of the milk which we saw (вероятно, использованием молока = давая ей молоко, которое мы видели), to return to him when summoned (возвращаться к нему, когда требуется). He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he thought best (он пропускал ее через вентиляцию в час, который считал лучшим = поздно ночью), with the certainty that it would crawl down the rope and land on the bed (с уверенностью, что она сползет по веревке и приземлится = спустится на кровать). It might or might not bite the occupant (она могла или не могла укусить обитательницу /комнаты/), perhaps she might escape every night for a week (возможно, /потому что девушка/ могла уходить /из комнаты/ каждую ночь /целую/ неделю), but sooner or later she must fall a victim (но рано или поздно она должна /была/ пасть жертвой).
"I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion, which shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data. The presence of the gypsies, and the use of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not come either from the window or the door. My attention was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the whistle. Of course, he must recall the snake before the morning light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but sooner or later she must fall a victim.
"I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his room (я пришел к таким выводам прежде, чем даже вошел в комнату). An inspection of his chair showed me (осмотр его стула показал) that he had been in the habit of standing on it (что он был в привычке = привык становиться /ногами/ на него), which, of course, would be necessary in order that he should reach the ventilator (что, конечно, было необходимо для того, чтобы достать = дотянуться до вентиляции; in order — с тем, чтобы). The sight of the safe (вида сейфа = взгляда на сейф), the saucer of milk (на блюдце молока), and the loop of whipcord (и петлю) were enough to finally dispel any doubts (было достаточно, чтобы рассеять любые сомнения) which may have remained (котрые могли оставаться). The metallic clang heard by Miss Stoner (металлический лязг, слышимый мисс Стонер) was obviously caused by her stepfather hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant (был, очевидно, вызван /тем что/ ее отчим торопливо закрывал дверь сейфа = запирал там ужасного обитателя). Having once made up my mind (приняв сразу решение), you know the steps which I took in order to put the matter to the proof (вы знаете шаги, которые я предпринял чтобы поместить дело на проверку = проверить выводы). I heard the creature hiss (я услышал шипение твари), as I have no doubt that you did also (как, не сомневаюсь, /услышали/ и вы), and I instantly lit the light and attacked it (и я немедленно зажег свет и ударил ее)."
"With the result of driving it through the ventilator (с результатом пропускания = прогнав ее /назад/ в вентиляцию; to drive through — пронзать, проводить)."
"I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the habit of standing on it, which, of course, would be necessary in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the light and attacked it."
"With the result of driving it through the ventilator."
"And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master at the other side (и также заставив змею обратиться против = напасть на своего хозяина). Some of the blows of my cane came home and roused its snakish temper (некоторые из ударов моей трости попали в цель и разбудили ее змеиную злобу; temper — нрав, характер; злоба, гнев), so that it flew upon the first person it saw (и потому она напала на первого человека, которого увидела). In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's death (таким образом, я косвенно ответственен за смерть доктора Гримсби Ройлотта), and I cannot say that it is likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience (и не могу сказать, что эта /вина/ тяготеет над моей совестью; to weigh — весить; heavily — тяжело)."
"And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience."