О мышах и людях (2).

Джон Стейнбек. (2 стр.книги)

"What kind of a guy is the boss?" George asked.

"Well, he's a pretty nice fella. Gets pretty mad sometimes, but he's pretty nice. Tell ya what — know what he done Christmas? Brang a gallon of whisky right in here and says, 'Drink hearty, boys. Christmas comes but once a year.'"

"The hell he did! Whole gallon?"

"Yes sir. Jesus, we had fun. They let the nigger come in that night. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the nigger. Done pretty good, too. The guys wouldn't let him use his feet, so the nigger got him. If he coulda used his feet, Smitty says he woulda killed the nigger. The guys said on account of the nigger's got a crooked back, Smitty can't use his feet." He paused in relish of the memory. "After that the guys went into Soledad and raised hell. I didn't go in there. I ain't got the poop no more."

Lennie was just finishing making his bed (Ленни как раз заканчивал застилать кровать). The wooden latch raised again (деревянная щеколда снова поднялась) and the door opened (и дверь отворилась). A little stocky man stood in the open doorway (маленький, коренастый человек вошел в открытый дверной проем). He wore blue jean trousers (он носил = на нем были голубые джинсовые брюки; to wear (wore; worn)), a flannel shirt (фланелевая рубашка), a black, unbuttoned vest (черный расстегнутый жилет; button — пуговица) and a black coat (и черный пиджак). His thumbs were stuck in his belt (его большие пальцы были заткнуты за пояс), on each side of a square steel buckle (с каждой стороны = по обе стороны квадратной стальной пряжки). On his head was a soiled brown Stetson hat (на голове — грязная ковбойская шляпа коричневого цвета; Stetson hat — ковбойская шляпа /"стетсон"/, названа по имени известного шляпника Дж. Стетсона), and he wore high-heeled boots and spurs (и он носил ботинки на высоких каблуках и шпоры) to prove he was not a laboring man (чтобы доказать, что он не наемный работник/не поденщик; labor — труд; работа).

The old swamper looked quickly at him (старик быстро взглянул на него), and then shuffled to the door (затем зашаркал к двери; to shuffle — волочить ноги; скользить по полу) rubbing his whiskers with his knuckles as he went (во время ходьбы потирая бакенбарды костяшками). "Them guys just come," he said (эти парни только что пришли, — сказал он), and shuffled past the boss and out the door (и проскользнул мимо хозяина за дверь).

trousers [`trauzqz], shirt [SWt], laboring [`leIbqrIN]

Lennie was just finishing making his bed. The wooden latch raised again and the door opened. A little stocky man stood in the open doorway. He wore blue jean trousers, a flannel shirt, a black, unbuttoned vest and a black coat. His thumbs were stuck in his belt, on each side of a square steel buckle. On his head was a soiled brown Stetson hat, and he wore high-heeled boots and spurs to prove he was not a laboring man.

The old swamper looked quickly at him, and then shuffled to the door rubbing his whiskers with his knuckles as he went. "Them guys just come," he said, and shuffled past the boss and out the door.

The boss stepped into the room (хозяин шагнул в комнату) with the short, quick steps of a fat-legged man (короткими быстрыми шагами человека с толстыми ногами). "I wrote Murray and Ready (я писал Мюррею и Реди) I wanted two men this morning (что мне нужны два человека этим утром). You got your work slips (у вас есть рабочие карточки; slip — побег; бланк, регистрационная карточка)?" George reached into his pocket (Джордж полез в карман) and produced the slips (достал карточки) and handed them to the boss (и протянул их хозяину). "It wasn't Murray and Ready's fault (это не вина Мюррея и Реди; fault — недостаток; ошибка). Says right here on the slip (прямо здесь в карточке сказано) that you was to be here for work this morning (что вы должны прибыть сюда на работу этим утром)."

George looked down at his feet (Джордж смотрел вниз на свои ступни). "Bus driver give us a bum steer (шофер автобуса направил нас не в ту сторону: «дал нам неверную подсказку»; bum — зад, задница; плохой, низкого качества; нечестный; достойный порицания; to steer — править рулем, управлять /автомобилем и т. п./; вести судно; steer — намек, подсказка, совет, руководство к действию: to give a wrong steer — дать неверную подсказку)," he said. "We hadda walk ten miles (нам пришлось прошагать десять миль; hadda = had to). Says we was here when we wasn't (он сказал, что мы уже доехали: «мы уже здесь», хотя это было не так). We couldn't get no rides in the morning (и утром нам не на чем было подъехать)."

The boss squinted his eyes (хозяин прищурился; to squint — косить (глазами); щуриться). "Well, I had to send out the grain teams short two buckers (а мне пришлось послать в бригаде по уборке зерна на двух работников меньше; short — короткий; сокращенный). Won't do any good (/а теперь/ не имеет смысла: «не будет ничего хорошего») to go out now till after dinner (/вам/ выходить /на работу/ до обеда: «/раньше чем/ после обеда»)." He pulled his time book out of his pocket (он вынул из кармана записную книжку: «книжку учета рабочего времени») and opened it where a pencil was stuck between the leaves (и открыл ее там, где между листками был заложен карандаш; to stick (stuck) — втыкать; класть). George scowled meaningfully at Lennie (Джордж многозначительно посмотрел на Ленни; meaning — значение, смысл), and Lennie nodded (и Ленни кивнул) to show that he understood (чтобы показать, что он понял; to understand (understood)). The boss licked his pencil (хозяин облизал карандаш). "What's your name (твое имя)?"

"George Milton (Джордж Милтон)."

"And what's yours (а твое)?"

George said, "His name's Lennie Small (его зовут Ленни Смолл)."

The names were entered in the book (имена были вписаны в книжку). "Le's see («давайте» поглядим; le’s = let’s), this is the twentieth (сегодня двадцатое), noon the twentieth (полдень двадцатого)." He closed the book (он закрыл книжку). "Where you boys been working (где вы, ребята, работали)?"

"Up around Weed (в округе/районе Уида)," said George.

"You, too?" to Lennie (ты тоже, /обращаясь/ к Ленни).

"Yeah, him too (да, он тоже)," said George.

bucker [`bAkq], meaningfully [`mJniNfulI], understood ["Andq`stHd]

The boss stepped into the room with the short, quick steps of a fat-legged man. "I wrote Murray and Ready I wanted two men this morning. You got your work slips?" George reached into his pocket and produced the slips and handed them to the boss. "It wasn't Murray and Ready's fault. Says right here on the slip that you was to be here for work this morning."

George looked down at his feet. "Bus driver give us a bum steer," he said. "We hadda walk ten miles. Says we was here when we wasn't. We couldn't get no rides in the morning."

The boss squinted his eyes. "Well, I had to send out the grain teams short two buckers. Won't do any good to go out now till after dinner." He pulled his time book out of his pocket and opened it where a pencil was stuck between the leaves. George scowled meaningfully at Lennie, and Lennie nodded to show that he understood. The boss licked his pencil. "What's your name?"

"George Milton."

"And what's yours?"

George said, "His name's Lennie Small."

The names were entered in the book. "Le's see, this is the twentieth, noon the twentieth." He closed the book. "Where you boys been working?"

"Up around Weed," said George.

"You, too?" to Lennie.

"Yeah, him too," said George.

The boss pointed a playful finger at Lennie (хозяин в шутку погрозил Ленни пальцем: «ткнул игривым пальцем в Ленни»). "He ain't much of a talker, is he (он не слишком-то разговорчив: «не большой говорун», верно)?"

"No, he ain't (да, верно), but he's sure a hell of a good worker (зато он чертовски хороший работник; sure — употребляется для усиления). Strong as a bull (силен, как бык)."

Lennie smiled to himself (Ленни усмехнулся про себя). "Strong as a bull," he repeated (силен, как бык, — повторил он).

George scowled at him (Джордж сердито взглянул на него), and Lennie dropped his head (уронил = понурил голову) in shame at having forgotten (от стыда, что забылся; to forget (forgot; forgotten)).

The boss said suddenly (хозяин внезапно сказал), "Listen, Small (послушай-ка, Смолл)!" Lennie raised his head (Ленни поднял голову). "What can you do (что ты умеешь делать)?"

In a panic, Lennie looked at George for help (в панике Ленни посмотрел на Джорджа /ища/ помощи). "He can do anything you tell him (он может делать все, что вы скажете)," said George. "He's a good skinner (он хороший погонщик). He can rassel grain bags (он может ссыпать зерно в мешки), drive a cultivator (управляться с культиватором). He can do anything (он может делать все, /что угодно/). Just give him a try (только дайте ему попробовать; try — попытка; проба)."

The boss turned on George (хозяин повернулся к Джорджу). "Then why don't you let him answer (а почему бы ему самому не «дать» ответить)? What you trying to put over (что ты пытаешься скрыть; to put over — сообщить; обмануть)?"

talker [`tLkq], suddenly [`sAdnlI], cultivator [`kAltIveItq]

The boss pointed a playful finger at Lennie. "He ain't much of a talker, is he?"

"No, he ain't, but he's sure a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull."

Lennie smiled to himself. "Strong as a bull," he repeated.

George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in shame at having forgotten.

The boss said suddenly, "Listen, Small!" Lennie raised his head. "What can you do?"

In a panic, Lennie looked at George for help. "He can do anything you tell him," said George. "He's a good skinner. He can rassel grain bags, drive a cultivator. He can do anything. Just give him a try."

The boss turned on George. "Then why don't you let him answer? What you trying to put over?"

George broke in loudly (Джордж громко прервал его; to break (broke; broken)), "Oh! I ain't saying he's bright (я же не говорю, что он умник; bright — яркий; умный, сметливый). He ain't (он не такой). But I say he's a God damn good worker (но я говорю, что он чертовски хороший работник). He can put up a four hundred pound bale (он может поднять тюк /весом/ в четыреста фунтов; pound — фунт /мера веса равная 453,6 г/)."

The boss deliberately put the little book in his pocket (хозяин не спеша положил книжечку в карман; deliberate — хорошо обдуманный; неторопливый). He hooked his thumbs in his belt (он засунул большие пальцы рук за пояс; hook — крюк; to hook — сгибать в виде крюка; загибать) and squinted one eye nearly closed (и сощурился, почти закрыв один глаз). "Say — what you sellin' (скажи-ка, что ты /его/ так расхваливаешь; to sell — продавать; расхваливать)?"

"Huh (а)?"

"I said what stake you got in this guy (говорю, что за интерес ты имеешь в этом парне; stake — столб; участие)? You takin' his pay away from him (ты забираешь его деньги)?"

"No, 'course I ain't (нет, конечно нет). Why ya think I'm sellin' him out (с чего вы взяли «почему вы думаете», что я его расхваливаю)?"

"Well, I never seen one guy (ну, я никогда не видел парня) take so much trouble for another guy (так сильно заботящегося о другом; to take trouble — заботиться; принимать участие /в ком-л./). I just like to know (я просто хотел бы знать) what your interest is (в чем твой интерес/выгода)."

George said, "He's my... cousin (он мой двоюродный брат). I told his old lady (я сказал его старушке-матери; lady — дама; мать /разг./) I'd take care of him (что позабочусь о нем; to take care — заботиться). He got kicked in the head by a horse (его в голову лягнула лошадь) when he was a kid (когда он был ребенком). He's awright (но с ним все в порядке). Just ain't bright (просто умом не блещет). But he can do anything you tell him (но он может делать все, что вы скажете)."

loudly [`laudlI], deliberately [dI`lIb(q)rItlI], squint [skwInt]

George broke in loudly, "Oh! I ain't saying he's bright. He ain't. But I say he's a God damn good worker. He can put up a four hundred pound bale."

The boss deliberately put the little book in his pocket. He hooked his thumbs in his belt and squinted one eye nearly closed. "Say — what you sellin'?"

"Huh?"

"I said what stake you got in this guy? You takin' his pay away from him?"

"No, 'course I ain't. Why ya think I'm sellin' him out?"

"Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest is."

George said, "He's my... cousin. I told his old lady I'd take care of him. He got kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He's awright. Just ain't bright. But he can do anything you tell him."

The boss turned half away (хозяин наполовину повернулся, /собираясь/ уйти). "Well, God knows (ну, Бог свидетель: «Бог знает») he don't need any brains (ему не нужно /много/ ума) to buck barley bags (чтобы грузить мешки с ячменем; to buck — становиться на дыбы; грузить). But don't you try to put nothing over, Milton (но не пытайся меня одурачить, Милтон). I got my eye on you (я буду присматривать за тобой: «я буду держать на тебе свой глаз»). Why'd you quit in Weed (почему вы уволились из Уида)?"

"Job was done," said George promptly (сделали /всю/ работу, быстро сказал Джордж; prompt — проворный; быстрый).

"What kinda job (какого рода работа; kinda = kind of)?"

"We... we was diggin' a cesspool (мы, мы рыли сточную яму; cesspool — выгребная яма; сточный колодец)."

"All right (ладно). But don't try to put nothing over (но не пытайся ничего скрыть), 'cause you can't get away with nothing (тебе это даром не пройдет: «потому что ты не уйдешь ни с чем»). I seen wise guys before (видал я и раньше умников). Go on out with the grain teams after dinner (продолжите /работу/ с бригадой после обеда). They're pickin' up barley at the threshing machine (они подбирают ячмень у молотилки). Go out with Slim's team (пойдете с бригадой Ловкого; slim — стройный; хитрый, ловкий)."

"Slim (Ловкий)?"

"Yeah. Big tall skinner (да, высокий здоровый погонщик; skinner — скорняк; погонщик тягловых или вьючных животных). You'll see him at dinner (увидите его за обедом)." He turned abruptly (он резко повернулся) and went to the door (и пошел к двери), but before he went out (но прежде чем он вышел) he turned and looked for a long moment at the two men (он обернулся и долго смотрел на обоих «мужчин»).

brains [breInz], cesspool [`sespHl], barley [`bRlI]

The boss turned half away. "Well, God knows he don't need any brains to buck barley bags. But don't you try to put nothing over, Milton. I got my eye on you. Why'd you quit in Weed?"

"Job was done," said George promptly.

"What kinda job?"

"We... we was diggin' a cesspool."

"All right. But don't try to put nothing over, 'cause you can't get away with nothing. I seen wise guys before. Go on out with the grain teams after dinner. They're pickin' up barley at the threshing machine. Go out with Slim's team."

"Slim?"

"Yeah. Big tall skinner. You'll see him at dinner." He turned abruptly and went to the door, but before he went out he turned and looked for a long moment at the two men.

When the sound of his footsteps had died away (когда смолк звук его шагов), George turned on Lennie (Джордж напустился на Ленни; to turn on — включать; нацеливать/ся/, направлять/ся/). "So you wasn't gonna say a word (ты же не должен был говорить ни слова). You was gonna leave your big flapper shut (ты должен был держать: «оставить» свой здоровенный хлопальник закрытым; flap — хлопок) and leave me do the talkin' (и дать: «позволить» мне вести разговор). Damn near lost us the job (черт, чуть работу не потеряли)."

Lennie stared hopelessly at his hands (Ленни безнадежно смотрел на свои руки; to stare — пристально смотреть). "I forgot, George (я забыл, Джордж; to forget (forgot; forgotten))."

"Yeah, you forgot (да, ты забыл). You always forget (ты всегда забываешь), an' I got to talk you out of it (и мне приходится за тебя отдуваться: «отговариваться»)." He sat down heavily on the bunk (он плюхнулся: «тяжело уселся» на койку). "Now he's got his eye on us (теперь он будет приглядывать за нами). Now we got to be careful (теперь нам придется быть осторожными) and not make no slips (и не допускать никаких промашек). You keep your big flapper shut after this (после этого держи свое поддувало закрытым)." He fell morosely silent (он угрюмо умолк: «стал тихим»; to fall (fell; fallen) — падать; становиться).

"George (Джордж)."

"What you want now (чего тебе еще)?"

"I wasn't kicked in the head with no horse, was I, George (меня же не лягала в голову лошадь, верно, Джордж)?"

"Be a damn good thing if you was (было бы чертовски хорошо, если бы /лягнула/)," George said viciously (зло откликнулся Джордж; vicious — порочный; злой). "Save ever'body a hell of a lot of trouble (/это/ всех бы избавило от «большого количества» хлопот)."

"You said I was your cousin, George (ты сказал, что я твой двоюродный брат)."

"Well, that was a lie (ну, это была ложь). An' I'm damn glad it was (и я чертовски рад, что это так = что это была ложь). If I was a relative of yours (будь я твоим родственником) I'd shoot myself (я бы застрелился)." He stopped suddenly (внезапно он остановился = замолчал), stepped to the open front door (шагнул к открытой «передней» двери) and peered out (и выглянул наружу). "Say, what the hell you doin' listenin' (скажи-ка, какого дьявола ты подслушиваешь)?"

flapper [`flxpq], horse [hLs], relative [`relqtIv]

When the sound of his footsteps had died away, George turned on Lennie. "So you wasn't gonna say a word. You was gonna leave your big flapper shut and leave me do the talkin'. Damn near lost us the job."

Lennie stared hopelessly at his hands. "I forgot, George."

"Yeah, you forgot. You always forget, an' I got to talk you out of it." He sat down heavily on the bunk. "Now he's got his eye on us. Now we got to be careful and not make no slips. You keep your big flapper shut after this." He fell morosely silent.

"George."

"What you want now?"

"I wasn't kicked in the head with no horse, was I, George?"

"Be a damn good thing if you was," George said viciously. "Save ever'body a hell of a lot of trouble."

"You said I was your cousin, George."

"Well, that was a lie. An' I'm damn glad it was. If I was a relative of yours I'd shoot myself." He stopped suddenly, stepped to the open front door and peered out. "Say, what the hell you doin' listenin'?"

The old man came slowly into the room (старик медленно вошел в комнату). He had his broom in his hand (в руке у него была его метла). And at his heels (и за ним попятам) there walked a dragfooted sheepdog (еле передвигая ноги, вошла овчарка; to drag — тянуть; волочить/ся/), gray of muzzle (с седой мордой), and with pale, blind old eyes (и с тусклыми, слепыми, старыми глазами). The dog struggled lamely to the side of the room (пес с усилием, хромая, добрел до стены комнаты; to struggle — бороться; делать усилия) and lay down (и лег), grunting softly to himself (тихо ворча про себя) and licking his grizzled, moth-eaten coat (и вылизываю свою седую, изъеденную блохами: «побитую молью» шкуру; coat — пальто; мех, шкура; moth — моль). The swamper watched him (уборщик смотрел на него) until he was settled (пока тот устраивался). "I wasn't listenin' (я не подслушивал). I was jus' standin' in the shade a minute (я просто остановился на минутку в тени) scratchin' my dog (погладить: «почесать» своего пса). I jus' now finished swampin' out the wash house (я только что закончил прибираться в умывальной)."

"You was pokin' your big ears (ты суешь свой длинный нос: «свои большие уши») into our business (в наши дела)," George said. "I don't like nobody to get nosey (я не люблю тех, кто становиться слишком любопытным; nosey — носатый; не в меру любопытный)."

The old man looked uneasily from George to Lennie (старик беспокойно перевел взгляд с Джорджа на Ленни), and then back (и затем обратно). "I jus' come there (я только что подошел туда)," he said. "I didn't hear nothing (я не слышал ничего) you guys was sayin' (о чем вы, ребята, говорили). I ain't interested in nothing (и мне /совершенно/ не интересно) you was sayin' (о чем вы говорили). A guy on a ranch don't never listen (рабочий на ферме никогда не слушает = не должен ни подслушивать) nor he don't ast no questions (ни задавать вопросы; ast = ask /диал./)."

"Damn right he don't (чертовски верно, не должен)," said George, slightly mollified (сказал Джордж, понемногу успокаиваясь; to mollify — ослаблять, смягчать, успокаивать/ся/), "not if he wants to stay workin' long (не должен, если он хочет остаться поработать подольше)." But he was reassured by the swamper's defense (но оправдания: «защита» уборщика его убедили; to reassure — уверять; успокаивать). "Come on in and set down a minute (давай, заходи и посиди с минутку)," he said. "That's a hell of an old dog (какой старый /у тебя/ пес)."

"Yeah. I had 'im ever since he was a pup (да, он у меня с тех пор, как был щенком). God, he was a good sheep dog (Господи, что за отличной он был овчаркой) when he was younger (когда был моложе)." He stood his broom against the wall (он поставил свою метлу к стене; to stand (stood)) and he rubbed his white bristled cheek with his knuckles (и потер свою щетинистую щеку костяшками пальцев). "How'd you like the boss?" he asked (как вам хозяин: «понравился хозяин», — спросил он).

"Pretty good. Seemed awright (ничего: «довольно хорош», кажется, нормальный/с ним все в порядке)."

"He's a nice fella (он хороший парень)," the swamper agreed (согласился уборщик). "You got to take him right (вам /только/ нужно его правильно понять)."

muzzle [mAzl], watch [wOC], uneasily [An`JzIlI]

The old man came slowly into the room. He had his broom in his hand. And at his heels there walked a dragfooted sheepdog, gray of muzzle, and with pale, blind old eyes. The dog struggled lamely to the side of the room and lay down, grunting softly to himself and licking his grizzled, moth-eaten coat. The swamper watched him until he was settled. "I wasn't listenin'. I was jus' standin' in the shade a minute scratchin' my dog. I jus' now finished swampin' out the wash house."

"You was pokin' your big ears into our business," George said. "I don't like nobody to get nosey."

The old man looked uneasily from George to Lennie, and then back. "I jus' come there," he said. "I didn't hear nothing you guys was sayin'. I ain't interested in nothing you was sayin'. A guy on a ranch don't never listen nor he don't ast no questions."

"Damn right he don't," said George, slightly mollified, "not if he wants to stay workin' long." But he was reassured by the swamper's defense. "Come on in and set down a minute," he said. "That's a hell of an old dog."

"Yeah. I had 'im ever since he was a pup. God, he was a good sheep dog when he was younger." He stood his broom against the wall and he rubbed his white bristled cheek with his knuckles. "How'd you like the boss?" he asked.

"Pretty good. Seemed awright."

"He's a nice fella," the swamper agreed. "You got to take him right."

At that moment a young man came into the bunkhouse (в этот момент в барак вошел молодой человек); a thin young man with a brown face (худощавый молодой человек с загорелым лицом; brown — коричневый; загорелый), with brown eyes (коричневыми глазами) and a head of tightly curled hair (и головой с сильно кудрявящимися волосами; tight — тесно; в сильной степени). He wore a work glove on his left hand (на левой руке он носил рабочую рукавицу; to wear (wore; worn)), and, like the boss (и, как и хозяин), he wore high-heeled boots (он носил башмаки на высоких каблуках). "Seen my old man?" he asked (моего старика видели, — спросил он).

The swamper said, "He was here jus' a minute ago, Curley (он был здесь всего минуту назад, Кудряш; curl — локон, завиток). Went over to the cook house, I think (думаю, /он/ пошел на кухню)."

"I'll try to catch him (попытаюсь перехватить его)," said Curley. His eyes passed over the new men (его глаза скользнули по новичкам; to pass over — проходить; пробежать /глазами/) and he stopped (и он остановился). He glanced coldly at George (он холодно глянул на Джорджа) and then at Lennie (и затем на Ленни). His arms gradually bent at the elbows (его руки постепенно согнулись в локтях; gradual — постепенный) and his hands closed into fists (а ладони сжались в кулаки). He stiffened and went into a slight crouch (он весь подобрался и слегка присел; to stiffen — придавать жесткость; укреплять/ся/). His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious (взгляд его стал сразу же оценивающим и задиристым; to calculate — вычислять; pugnacious — драчливый). Lennie squirmed under the look (Ленни съежился под этим взглядом; to squirm — извиваться; корчиться) and shifted his feet nervously (и робко переступил с ноги на ногу: «переместил ступни»; nervous — нервный; боязливый). Curley stepped gingerly close to him (Кудряш бойко шагнул «вплотную» к нему; ginger — имбирь; воодушевление, пыл). "You the new guys (вы те парни = новенькие) the old man was waitin' for (которых ждал мой старик)?"

"We just come in (мы только что пришли)," said George.

"Let the big guy talk (пусть говорит этот здоровяк)."

young [jAN], pugnacious [pAg`neISqs], squirm [skwWm]

At that moment a young man came into the bunkhouse; a thin young man with a brown face, with brown eyes and a head of tightly curled hair. He wore a work glove on his left hand, and, like the boss, he wore high-heeled boots. "Seen my old man?" he asked.

The swamper said, "He was here jus' a minute ago, Curley. Went over to the cook house, I think."

"I'll try to catch him," said Curley. His eyes passed over the new men and he stopped. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious. Lennie squirmed under the look and shifted his feet nervously. Curley stepped gingerly close to him. "You the new guys the old man was waitin' for?"

"We just come in," said George.

"Let the big guy talk."

Lennie twisted with embarrassment (Ленни скривился = съежился в замешательстве).

George said, "S'pose he don't want to talk (он вроде как не хочет «говорить»; s’pose = suppose; to suppose — предположить)?"

Curley lashed his body around (Кудряш резко развернул свое тело; lash — плеть; рывок, стремительное движение). "By Christ (во имя Христа), he's gotta talk when he's spoke to (он должен говорить, когда к нему обращаются; to speak (spoke; spoken) to — разговаривать /с кем-л./). What the hell are you gettin' into it for (а ты какого черта лезешь; to get into — войти; влезать)?"

"We travel together," said George coldly (мы путешествуем вместе, — сказал Джордж холодно).

"Oh, so it's that way (ага, вот оно что)."

George was tense, and motionless (Джордж стоял без движения, /внутренне/ напрягшись; motion — движение). "Yeah, it's that way (да, то-то и оно)."

Lennie was looking helplessly to George (Ленни беспомощно смотрел на Джорджа) for instruction (/ожидая/ указаний).

"An' you won't let the big guy talk, is that it (и ты не позволишь здоровяку говорить, так)?"

"He can talk (он может говорить) if he wants to tell you anything (если хочет тебе что-нибудь сказать)." He nodded slightly to Lennie (он слегка кивнул Ленни).

"We jus' come in," said Lennie softly (мы только что пришли, — сказал Ленни тихо).

Curley stared levelly at him (Кудряш жестко посмотрел на него; level — плоский; твердый). "Well, nex' time you answer (ладно, в следующий раз отвечай) when you're spoke to (когда с тобой разговаривают)." He turned toward the door and walked out (он повернулся к двери и вышел), and his elbows were still bent out a little (но руки его были все еще немного согнуты в локтях).

together [tq`geDq], motionless [`mquS(q)nlIs], answer [`Rnsq]

Lennie twisted with embarrassment.

George said, "S'pose he don't want to talk?"

Curley lashed his body around. "By Christ, he's gotta talk when he's spoke to. What the hell are you gettin' into it for?"

"We travel together," said George coldly.

"Oh, so it's that way."

George was tense, and motionless. "Yeah, it's that way."

Lennie was looking helplessly to George for instruction.

"An' you won't let the big guy talk, is that it?"

"He can talk if he wants to tell you anything." He nodded slightly to Lennie.

"We jus' come in," said Lennie softly.

Curley stared levelly at him. "Well, nex' time you answer when you're spoke to." He turned toward the door and walked out, and his elbows were still bent out a little.

George watched him out (Джордж проводил его взглядом), and then he turned back to the swamper (потом повернулся к уборщику). "Say, what the hell's he got on his shoulder (скажи, какого черта он к нему привязался; to get on someone’s shoulder — приставать; не давать покоя)? Lennie didn't do nothing to him (Ленни ничего ему не сделал)."

The old man looked cautiously at the door (старик с опаской взглянул на дверь; cautious — осторожный; caution — осторожность) to make sure no one was listening (/чтобы/ убедиться, что никто не подслушивает; to make sure — убедиться; удостовериться). "That's the boss's son," he said quietly (это сын хозяина, — сказал он тихо). "Curley's pretty handy (Кудряш довольно ловкий = ловко дерется). He done quite a bit in the ring (он /в свое время/ дрался на ринге; quite a bit — довольно много, немало). He's a lightweight, and he's handy (он /боксировал/ в легком весе, и он ловко дерется)."

"Well, let him be handy (ну и пусть ловко дерется)," said George. "He don't have to take after Lennie (ему не следует задирать Ленни). Lennie didn't do nothing to him (Ленни ничего ему не сделал). What's he got against Lennie (что он имеет против Ленни)?"

The swamper considered... (старик /немного/ подумал; to consider — рассматривать; обдумывать). "Well... tell you what (ну, вот, что тебе скажу). Curley's like a lot of little guys (Кудряш такой же, как и все недомерки). He hates big guys (он ненавидит здоровяков). He's alla time (он все время; alla = all of) picking scraps with big guys (ищет ссоры со здоровяками; to pick — подбирать; искать, выискивать; scrap — клочок; ссора, стычка). Kind of like he's mad at 'em (похоже на то, что они его бесят) because he ain't a big guy (потому что сам он не здоровяк). You seen little guys like that, ain't you (вы же видали таких недомерков, верно)? Always scrappy (все время задираются; scrap — клочок, кусочек, обрывок, обрезок; драка, схватка, потасовка)?"

"Sure," said George (конечно, — сказал Джордж). "I seen plenty tough little guys (я видел уйму /таких/ крутых недомерков). But this Curley better not make no mistakes about Lennie (но этому Кудряшу лучше не делать ошибок по отношению к Ленни). Lennie ain't handy (Ленни не /очень-то/ ловок), but this Curley punk is gonna get hurt (но этот подонок Кудряш пострадает; gonna = going to) if he messes around with Lennie (если будет приставать к Ленни; to mess around — валять дурака; причинять вред)."

cautiously [`kLSqslI], pretty [`prItI], lightweight [`laItweIt]

George watched him out, and then he turned back to the swamper. "Say, what the hell's he got on his shoulder? Lennie didn't do nothing to him."

The old man looked cautiously at the door to make sure no one was listening. "That's the boss's son," he said quietly. "Curley's pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring. He's a lightweight, and he's handy."

"Well, let him be handy," said George. "He don't have to take after Lennie. Lennie didn't do nothing to him. What's he got against Lennie?"

The swamper considered.... "Well... tell you what. Curley's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys. He's alla time picking scraps with big guys. Kind of like he's mad at 'em because he ain't a big guy. You seen little guys like that, ain't you? Always scrappy?"

"Sure," said George. "I seen plenty tough little guys. But this Curley better not make no mistakes about Lennie. Lennie ain't handy, but this Curley punk is gonna get hurt if he messes around with Lennie."

"Well, Curley's pretty handy (но Кудряш ловко дерется: «довольно умелый»)," the swamper said skeptically (сказал недоверчиво уборщик). "Never did seem right to me (но мне это никогда не казалось справедливым = но, сдается мне, это все нечестно всегда получается; right — правильный; справедливый). S'pose Curley jumps a big guy an' licks him (положим, Кудряш полезет к здоровяку и побьет его; s’pose = suppose /разг./; to jump — прыгать; лезть с кулаками /разг./; to lick — лизать; наносить поражение). Ever'body says what a game guy Curley is (каждый скажет, что за боевой парень этот Кудряш; game — игра; смелый, отважный). And s'pose he does the same thing (и, положим, он сделает то же самое) and gets licked (и побьют его). Then ever'body says (тогда каждый скажет) the big guy oughtta pick somebody his own size (здоровяк должен находить /противника/ такого же размера, как он; oughtta = ought to), and maybe they gang up on the big guy (и, может, всем скопом побьют здоровяка; gang — банда; to gang up — собираться; объединять силы). Never did seem right to me (сдается мне, это все нечестно всегда было). Seems like Curley ain't givin' nobody a chance (такое впечатление, что Кудряш никому не дает шанса)."

George was watching the door (Джордж смотрел на дверь). He said ominously (он сказал зловеще), "Well, he better watch out for Lennie (ну, ему бы лучше остерегаться Ленни). Lennie ain't no fighter (Ленни не боксер; fighter — боец; боксер), but Lennie's strong and quick (но Ленни силен и быстр) and Lennie don't know no rules (и Ленни не знаком с правилами /бокса/)." He walked to the square table (он подошел к квадратному столу) and sat down on one of the boxes (и сел на один из ящиков). He gathered some of the cards together (собрал карты «вместе») and shuffled them (и перетасовал их; to shuffle — откладывать; перетасовывать, перемешивать).

The old man sat down on another box (старик сел на другой ящик). "Don't tell Curley I said none of this (не говорите ничего Кудряшу о том, что я рассказал). He'd slough me (он с меня шкуру спустит; to slough — сходить /о коже/, шелушиться /slough off, slough away/; опадать; сбрасывать кожу, оболочку /о змее/). He just don't give a damn (ему плевать). Won't ever get canned (его никогда не уволят /как меня/; to can — консервировать; прекратить; уволить /амер. сленг/) 'cause his old man's the boss (потому как его старик — хозяин)."

own [qun], ominously [`OmInqslI], square [skweq]

"Well, Curley's pretty handy," the swamper said skeptically. "Never did seem right to me. S'pose Curley jumps a big guy an' licks him. Ever'body says what a game guy Curley is. And s'pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever'body says the big guy oughtta pick somebody his own size, and maybe they gang up on the big guy. Never did seem right to me. Seems like Curley ain't givin' nobody a chance."

George was watching the door. He said ominously, "Well, he better watch out for Lennie. Lennie ain't no fighter, but Lennie's strong and quick and Lennie don't know no rules." He walked to the square table and sat down on one of the boxes. He gathered some of the cards together and shuffled them.

The old man sat down on another box. "Don't tell Curley I said none of this. He'd slough me. He just don't give a damn. Won't ever get canned 'cause his old man's the boss."

George cut the cards (Джордж снял: «срезал» карты) and began turning them over (и начал переворачивать их; to begin (began; begun)), looking at each one (глядя на каждую) and throwing it down on a pile (и бросая ее в кучу). He said, "This guy Curley sounds like a son-of-a-bitch to me (этот малый, Кудряш производит на меня впечатление /законченного/ сукина сына; to sound — звучать; создавать впечатление). I don't like mean little guys (мне не нравятся злобные недомерки; mean — убогий; вредный)."

"Seems to me (сдается мне) like he's worse lately (что он последнее время /стал/ еще хуже)," said the swamper (сказал уборщик). "He got married a couple of weeks ago (он женился пару недель назад). Wife lives over in the boss's house (жена живет в доме хозяина). Seems like Curley is cockier'n (похоже, Кудряш /стал/ еще задиристее; cock — петух; to cock — вести себя вызывающе) ever since he got married (с тех пор, как женился)."

George grunted (Джордж пробурчал; to grunt — хрюкать; ворчать), "Maybe he's showin' off for his wife (может, он перед женой выделывается; to show off — хвастаться; рисоваться)."

The swamper warmed to his gossip (уборщик обрадовался возможности посплетничать; to warm to — обрадоваться /чему-л./; gossip — сплетня, слухи). "You seen that glove on his left hand (видал перчатку на его левой руке)?"

"Yeah. I seen it (да, я видел ее)."

"Well, that glove's fulla Vaseline (так вот, эта перчатка полна вазелина; fulla = full of)."

"Vaseline? What the hell for (вазелина, на кой черт)?"

"Well, I tell ya what (вот, что тебе скажу) — Curley says (Кудряш говорит) he's keepin' that hand soft for his wife (что умягчает: «держит мягкой» эту руку для жены)."

George studied the cards absorbedly (Джордж внимательно изучал карты; absorbed — поглощенный /чем-л./, увлеченный). "That's a dirty thing to tell around (это грязная штука, чтобы трепать /об этом/ повсюду)," he said.

grunt [grAnt], glove [glAv], absorbedly [qb`sLbIdlI]

George cut the cards and began turning them over, looking at each one and throwing it down on a pile. He said, "This guy Curley sounds like a son-of-a-bitch to me. I don't like mean little guys."

"Seems to me like he's worse lately," said the swamper. "He got married a couple of weeks ago. Wife lives over in the boss's house. Seems like Curley is cockier'n ever since he got married."

George grunted, "Maybe he's showin' off for his wife."

The swamper warmed to his gossip. "You seen that glove on his left hand?"

"Yeah. I seen it."

"Well, that glove's fulla vaseline."

"Vaseline? What the hell for?"

"Well, I tell ya what — Curley says he's keepin' that hand soft for his wife."

George studied the cards absorbedly. "That's a dirty thing to tell around," he said.

The old man was reassured (старик успокоился). He had drawn a derogatory statement from George (он вытянул непочтительное высказывание из Джорджа; to draw (drew; drawn)). He felt safe now (теперь он чувствовал себя в безопасности; to feel (felt)), and he spoke more confidently (и он заговорил более доверительно; confidence — вера; доверие). "Wait'll you see Curley's wife (погоди, еще жену Кудряша увидишь)."

George cut the cards again (Джордж снова снял колоду) and put out a solitaire lay (и разложил пасьянс: «выложил расклад пасьянса»), slowly and deliberately (медленнои вдумчиво). "Purty?" he asked casually (хорошенькая, — спросил он небрежно; purty = pretty /разг./; casually — случайно; мимоходом).

"Yeah. Purty... but (да, хорошенькая, но) —"

George studied his cards (Джордж изучал карты). "But what (но что)?"

"Well — she got the eye (ну, /мужикам/ строит глазки; to get the eye — оказывать внимание; заигрывать; eye — глаз; внимание)."

"Yeah? Married two weeks and got the eye (да, замужем две недели и строит глазки)? Maybe that's why Curley's pants is full of ants (может поэтому Кудряшу спокойно не сидится: «в штанах полно муравьев»)."

"I seen her give Slim the eye (я видел, как она Ловкому глазки строила). Slim's a jerkline skinner (Ловкий — парень с резким характером; jerk — резкое движение; line — линия; манера поведения). Hell of a nice fella (славный малый). Slim don't need to wear no high-heeled boots (Ловкому не нужно носить ботинки на высоких каблуках) on a grain team (/чтобы выделяться/ в зерноуборочной бригаде). I seen her give Slim the eye (я видел, как она заигрывала с Ловким). Curley never seen it (/а/ Кудряш вовсе этого не видел). An' I seen her give Carlson the eye (и я видел, как она заигрывала с Карлсоном)."

reassure ["rJq`Suq], derogatory [dI`rOgqt(q)rI], solitaire ["sOlI`teq]

The old man was reassured. He had drawn a derogatory statement from George. He felt safe now, and he spoke more confidently. "Wait'll you see Curley's wife."

George cut the cards again and put out a solitaire lay, slowly and deliberately. "Purty?" he asked casually.

"Yeah. Purty... but-"

George studied his cards. "But what?"

"Well — she got the eye."

"Yeah? Married two weeks and got the eye? Maybe that's why Curley's pants is full of ants."

"I seen her give Slim the eye. Slim's a jerkline skinner. Hell of a nice fella. Slim don't need to wear no high-heeled boots on a grain team. I seen her give Slim the eye. Curley never seen it. An' I seen her give Carlson the eye."

George pretended a lack of interest (Джордж изобразил отсутствие интереса; to pretend — притворяться, делать вид; lack — отсутствие). "Looks like we was gonna have fun (похоже, мы повеселимся)."

The swamper stood up from his box (уборщик поднялся со своего ящика). "Know what I think (знаешь, чего я думаю)?" George did not answer (Джордж не ответил). "Well, I think Curley's married... a tart (ну, я думаю, Кудряш женился на потаскушке)."

"He ain't the first (не он первый)," said George. "There's plenty done that (многие это делали)."

The old man moved toward the door (старик направился к двери), and his ancient dog lifted his head and peered about (и его дряхлый пес поднял голову и осмотрелся вокруг; ancient — древний; старый), and then got painfully to his feet (а потом тяжело: «мучительно» поднялся на ноги) to follow (чтобы последовать /за ним/). "I gotta be settin' out the wash basins for the guys (мне нужно подготовить умывальники для ребят). The teams'll be in before long (бригада скоро вернется; to be in — прийти; прибыть). You guys gonna buck barley (а вы, парни, будете грузить ячмень)?"

"Yeah (да)."

"You won't tell Curley nothing I said (вы ничего не расскажете Кудряшу из того, что я говорил)?"

"Hell no (черт, /конечно/ нет)."

"Well, you look her over, mister (так ты, мистер, получше приглядись к ней; to look over — просматривать; тщательно изучать). You see if she ain't a tart (ты поймешь, потаскушка ли она)." He stepped out the door (он вышел за дверь) into the brilliant sunshine (на яркий солнечный свет; brilliant — блестящий, сверкающий).

interest [`IntrIst], ancient [`eInS(q)nt], brilliant [`brIljqnt]

George pretended a lack of interest. "Looks like we was gonna have fun."

The swamper stood up from his box. "Know what I think?" George did not answer. "Well, I think Curley's married... a tart."

"He ain't the first," said George. "There's plenty done that."

The old man moved toward the door, and his ancient dog lifted his head and peered about, and then got painfully to his feet to follow. "I gotta be settin' out the wash basins for the guys. The teams'll be in before long. You guys gonna buck barley?"

"Yeah."

"You won't tell Curley nothing I said?"

"Hell no."

"Well, you look her over, mister. You see if she ain't a tart." He stepped out the door into the brilliant sunshine.

George laid down his cards thoughtfully (Джордж задумчиво раскладывал карты; to lay (laid)), turned his piles of three (переворачивая стопки из трех /карт/). He built four clubs on his ace pile (он положил трефовую четверку на стопку с тузом; to build (built) on — пристраивать; надстраивать). The sun square was on the floor now (на полу лежал квадрат солнечного света), and the flies whipped through it like sparks (и мухи метались в нем, как искорки; to whip — хлестать; вбежать, влететь). A sound of jingling harness (звук позвякивающей упряжи) and the croak of heavy-laden axles (и скрип осей тяжело груженых /повозок/; croak — карканье; хриплый звук) sounded from outside (донеслись: «прозвучали» снаружи). From the distance came a clear call (издалека донесся звонкий крик; clear — светлый; звонкий). "Stable buck — ooh, sta-able buck (конюх, эй, конюх)!" And then (и затем), "Where the hell is that God damn nigger (где черти носят этого черномазого)?"

George stared at his solitaire lay (Джордж пристально всматривался в расклад пасьянса), and then he flounced the cards together (потом резким движением смешал карты «вместе»; flounce — резкое движение, рывок; to flounce — бросаться, метаться; резко двигаться) and turned around to Lennie (и повернулся к Ленни). Lennie was lying down on the bunk watching him (Ленни лежал на койке и смотрел на него).

"Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни)! This here ain't no setup (неладно здесь; setup — осанка; удобная ситуация). I'm scared (я /начинаю/ опасаться: «я напуган»). You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy (у тебя могут быть проблемы с этим Кудряшом). I seen that kind before (видал я таких и раньше). He was kinda feelin' you out (он вроде прощупывал тебя; to feel out — выяснять чье-л. мнение). He figures he's got you scared (думает, что напугал тебя; to figure — изображать; считать, полагать) and he's gonna take a sock at you (и будет тебя бить; sock — носок; удар, битье) the first chance he gets (при первом же случае, «который он получит»)."

Lennie's eyes were frightened (в глазах у Ленни показался страх: «его глаза были испуганными»). "I don't want no trouble (я не хочу неприятностей)," he said plaintively (сказал он жалобно; plaintive — печальный; жалобный). "Don't let him sock me, George (не позволяй ему бить меня, Джордж)."

floor [flL], harness [`hRnIs], scared [skeqd]

George laid down his cards thoughtfully, turned his piles of three. He built four clubs on his ace pile. The sun square was on the floor now, and the flies whipped through it like sparks. A sound of jingling harness and the croak of heavy-laden axles sounded from outside. From the distance came a clear call. "Stable buck — ooh, sta-able buck!" And then, "Where the hell is that God damn nigger?"

George stared at his solitaire lay, and then he flounced the cards together and turned around to Lennie. Lennie was lying down on the bunk watching him.

"Look, Lennie! This here ain't no setup. I'm scared. You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy. I seen that kind before. He was kinda feelin' you out. He figures he's got you scared and he's gonna take a sock at you the first chance he gets."

Lennie's eyes were frightened. "I don't want no trouble," he said plaintively. "Don't let him sock me, George."

George got up and went over to Lennie's bunk (Джордж встал, подошел к койке Ленни) and sat down on it (и сел на нее; to sit (sat)). "I hate that kinda bastard (я ненавижу = терпеть не могу таких уродов)," he said. "I seen plenty of 'em (я их много повидал). Like the old guy says (как сказал этот старикан), Curley don't take no chances (Кудряш ничем не рискует; chance — случай; риск). He always wins (он всегда в выигрыше)." He thought for a moment. "If he tangles with you, Lennie (если он будет тебя задирать), we're gonna get the can (нам придется уйти; to get the can — прекратить/ся/; уволить/ся/ /амер. сленг/). Don't make no mistake about that (не сделай ошибки «насчет этого»). He's the boss's son (он — хозяйский сын). Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни). You try to keep away from him, will you (попытайся держаться от него подальше, уразумел; to keep away — не подпускать; остерегаться)? Don't never speak to him (никогда не разговаривай с ним). If he comes in here (если он зайдет сюда) you move clear to the other side of the room (спокойно уйди в другую часть: «сторону» комнаты). Will you do that, Lennie (ты так сделаешь)?"

"I don't want no trouble (я не хочу никаких неприятностей)," Lennie mourned (заскулил Ленни; to mourn — скорбеть; оплакивать). "I never done nothing to him (я никогда ему ничего не делал)."

"Well, that won't do you no good (ну, это тебе не поможет: «не сделает ничего доброго») if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter (если Кудряш захочет показать себя боксером: «убедить себя, что он боксер»; to plug — затыкать; убеждаться, проникаться идеей /амер. сленг/). Just don't have nothing to do with him (просто ничего не делай с ним = держись подальше). Will you remember (ты запомнишь)?"

"Sure, George. I ain't gonna say a word (конечно, Джордж, я не скажу ни слова)."

bastard [`bxstqd], clear [klIq], mourn [mLn]

George got up and went over to Lennie's bunk and sat down on it. "I hate that kinda bastard," he said. "I seen plenty of 'em. Like the old guy says, Curley don't take no chances. He always wins." He thought for a moment. "If he tangles with you, Lennie, we're gonna get the can. Don't make no mistake about that. He's the boss's son. Look, Lennie. You try to keep away from him, will you? Don't never speak to him. If he comes in here you move clear to the other side of the room. Will you do that, Lennie?"

"I don't want no trouble," Lennie mourned. "I never done nothing to him."

"Well, that won't do you no good if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter. Just don't have nothing to do with him. Will you remember?"

"Sure, George. I ain't gonna say a word."

The sound of the approaching grain teams was louder (звук приближающейся зерновой бригады /становился/ громче), thud of big hooves on hard ground (стук больших копыт по твердой земле; thud — шквал; стук), drag of brakes (скрип тормозов; drag — волочение; медленное, тяжелое, сталкивающееся с препятствиями движение) and the jingle of trace chains (и звяканье упряжи: «цепей, соединяющих животных в упряжке»). Men were calling back and forth from the teams (люди из бригады перекликались: «кричали назад и вперед»). George, sitting on the bunk beside Lennie (Джордж, сидящий на койке рядом с Ленни), frowned as he thought (в раздумьях нахмурился). Lennie asked timidly (Ленни робко спросил), "You ain't mad, George (ты не злишься, Джордж; mad — сумасшедший, ненормальный; бешеный; разг. раздраженный; рассерженный, рассвирепевший)?"

"I ain't mad at you (я не на тебя злюсь). I'm mad at this here Curley bastard (я злюсь на этого ублюдка Кудряша). I hoped we was gonna get a little stake together (я надеялся, что мы тут немного заработаем вместе) — maybe a hundred dollars (может, сотню долларов)." His tone grew decisive (его тон стал решительным; to grow (grew; grown)). "You keep away from Curley, Lennie (держись от Кудряша подальше, Ленни)."

"Sure I will, George (конечно, буду, Джордж). I won't say a word (я не скажу ни слова)."

"Don't let him pull you in (не позволяй ему втянуть тебя /в драку/) — but — if the son-of-a-bitch socks you (но, если этот сучий сын ударит тебя) — let 'im have it (дай ему: «пусть он это получит»)."

"Let 'im have what, George (что дать, Джордж)?"

"Never mind, never mind (не важно; never mind — ничего, не беспокойся; не обращай внимания /обычно употребляется в повелительной форме/). I'll tell you when (я тебе скажу когда). I hate that kind of a guy (не выношу этот тип людей; to hate — ненавидеть; не любить). Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни), if you get in any kind of trouble (если ты попадешь в какую-нибудь неприятность), you remember what I told you to do (помнишь, что я говорил тебе делать)?"

Lennie raised up on his elbow (Ленни приподнялся на локте). His face contorted with thought (его лицо исказилось/перекосилось от мысли = от напряжения). Then his eyes moved sadly to George's face (затем его взгляд грустно переместился на лицо Джорджа). "If I get in any trouble (если у меня будут неприятности), you ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits (ты не позволишь мне ухаживать за кроликами)."

"That's not what I meant (это не то, что я имел в виду; to mean (meant)). You remember where we slep' last night (помнишь, где мы спали последнюю ночь)? Down by the river (внизу, у реки)?"

"Yeah. I remember (да, я помню). Oh, sure I remember (о, конечно, я помню)! I go there an' hide in the brush (я /должен/ пойти туда и спрятаться в зарослях)."

"Hide till I come for you (прячься, пока я не приду за тобой). Don't let nobody see you (и чтобы никто тебя не увидел). Hide in the brush by the river (спрячься в зарослях у реки). Say that over (повтори еще раз; over — над; снова, еще раз)."

"Hide in the brush by the river (спрятаться в зарослях у реки), down in the brush by the river (в зарослях у самой реки)."

"If you get in trouble (если ты попадешь в беду)."

"If I get in trouble (если я попаду в беду)."

frown [fraun], timidly [`tImIdlI], meant [ment]

The sound of the approaching grain teams was louder, thud of big hooves on hard ground, drag of brakes and the jingle of trace chains. Men were calling back and forth from the teams. George, sitting on the bunk beside Lennie, frowned as he thought. Lennie asked timidly, "You ain't mad, George?"

"I ain't mad at you. I'm mad at this here Curley bastard. I hoped we was gonna get a little stake together — maybe a hundred dollars." His tone grew decisive. "You keep away from Curley, Lennie."

"Sure I will, George. I won't say a word."

"Don't let him pull you in — but — if the son-of-a-bitch socks you — let 'im have it."

"Let 'im have what, George?"

"Never mind, never mind. I'll tell you when. I hate that kind of a guy. Look, Lennie, if you get in any kind of trouble, you remember what I told you to do?"

Lennie raised up on his elbow. His face contorted with thought. Then his eyes moved sadly to George's face. "If I get in any trouble, you ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits."

"That's not what I meant. You remember where we slep' last night? Down by the river?"

"Yeah. I remember. Oh, sure I remember! I go there an' hide in the brush."

"Hide till I come for you. Don't let nobody see you. Hide in the brush by the river. Say that over."

"Hide in the brush by the river, down in the brush by the river."

"If you get in trouble."

"If I get in trouble."

A brake screeched outside (снаружи заскрипели тормоза). A call came (раздался крик; to come (came; come)), "Stable — buck. Oh! Sta-able buck (конюх, эй, конюх)."

George said, "Say it over to yourself, Lennie (повторяй это про себя), so you won't forget it (и ты этого не забудешь)."

Both men glanced up (оба посмотрели вверх), for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off (потому как прямоугольник солнечного света в дверном проеме пропал; to cut off — прерывать; отключать). A girl was standing there looking in (там стояла девушка и заглядывала внутрь). She had full, rouged lips (у нее были полные, накрашенные губы; rouge — румяна; губная помада) and wide-spaced eyes (и широко поставленные глаза; wide — широкий; space — пространство), heavily made up (/она была/ сильно накрашена; heavy — тяжелый; интенсивный; makeup — макияж; to make up — пополнять, возмещать, компенсировать; наверстывать; гримировать/ся/; подкраситься, подмазаться). Her fingernails were red (ее ногти были /ярко/-красные). Her hair hung in little rolled clusters (ее волосы висели мелкими закрученными локонами; to hang (hung); cluster — пучок; гроздь), like sausages (похожими на колбаски). She wore a cotton house dress (она носила = на ней было домашнее платье из хлопка) and red mules (и красные комнатные тапочки), on the insteps of which were little bouquets (на которых спереди были маленькие букетики; instep — подъем ноги) of red ostrich feathers (из красных страусовых перьев). "I'm lookin' for Curley," she said (я ищу Кудряша, — сказала она). Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality (голос ее был какой-то ломкий и чуть в нос; nasal — носовой; гнусавый; quality — качество; свойство, особенность).

George looked away from her (Джордж глянул в сторону) and then back (затем назад = опять на нее). "He was in here a minute ago (он был здесь /всего/ минуту назад), but he went (но он ушел; to go (went; gone))."

bouquets [bu(:)`keI], ostrich [`OstrIC], nasal [neIz(q)l]

A brake screeched outside. A call came, "Stable — buck. Oh! Sta-able buck."

George said, "Say it over to yourself, Lennie, so you won't forget it."

Both men glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off. A girl was standing there looking in. She had full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages. She wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of red ostrich feathers. "I'm lookin' for Curley," she said. Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality.

George looked away from her and then back. "He was in here a minute ago, but he went."

"Oh!" She put her hands behind her back (она заложила руки за спину) and leaned against the door frame (и прислонилась к дверному косяку) so that her body was thrown forward (так, что ее тело подалось вперед; to throw (threw; thrown) — бросать/ся/). "You're the new fellas (вы те новенькие; fellas = fellows — парень /разг./) that just come, ain't ya (что недавно пришли, верно)?"

"Yeah (верно)."

Lennie's eyes moved down over her body (взгляд Ленни скользнул вниз по ее телу), and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie (и хотя, казалось, она не смотрит на Ленни) she bridled a little (она слегка напряглась/приосанилась; to bridle — взнуздывать). She looked at her fingernails (она посмотрела на свои ногти). "Sometimes Curley's in here (иногда Кудряш бывает здесь)," she explained (объяснила она).

George said brusquely (Джордж сказал резко; brusque — отрывистый, резкий; бесцеремонный). "Well he ain't now (ну, а сейчас его нет)."

"If he ain't (если его нет), I guess I better look some place else (думаю, мне лучше поискать его в другом месте)," she said playfully (сказала она игриво).

Lennie watched her, fascinated (Ленни очарованно глядел на нее; to fascinate — очаровывать, пленять). George said, "If I see him (если я его увижу), I'll pass the word you was looking for him (я передам, что вы его искали; word — слово; сообщение)."

She smiled archly and twitched her body (она лукаво улыбнулась и повела: «передернула» телом). "Nobody can't blame a person for lookin' (никто не может осуждать человека за то, что он ищет/смотрит /здесь игра слов/; to blame — порицать, осуждать)," she said. There were footsteps behind her (позади нее /послышались/ шаги), going by (/кто-то/ подходил). She turned her head (она повернула голову). "Hi, Slim," she said (привет, Ловкий, — сказала она).

Slim's voice came through the door (голос Ловкого донесся из-за двери). "Hi, Good-lookin' (привет, симпатюля; good — хороший; приятный; look — взгляд; внешность)."

"I'm tryin' to find Curley, Slim (я пытаюсь найти Кудряша, Ловкий)."

"Well, you ain't tryin' very hard (а ты не слишком стараешься). I seen him goin' in your house (я видел, как он входил в ваш дом)."

bridle [braIdl], fingernails [`fINgqneIl], brusquely [`brusklI]

"Oh!" She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward. "You're the new fellas that just come, ain't ya?"

"Yeah."

Lennie's eyes moved down over her body, and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie she bridled a little. She looked at her fingernails. "Sometimes Curley's in here," she explained.

George said brusquely. "Well he ain't now."

"If he ain't, I guess I better look some place else," she said playfully.

Lennie watched her, fascinated. George said, "If I see him, I'll pass the word you was looking for him."

She smiled archly and twitched her body. "Nobody can't blame a person for lookin'," she said. There were footsteps behind her, going by. She turned her head. "Hi, Slim," she said.

Slim's voice came through the door. "Hi, Good-lookin'."

"I'm tryin' to find Curley, Slim."

"Well, you ain't tryin' very hard. I seen him goin' in your house."

She was suddenly apprehensive (внезапно она забеспокоилась; apprehensive — напуганный; испытывающий тревогу; to apprehend — понимать, постигать, разгадывать, схватывать; предчувствовать /что-л. дурное/, ожидать /несчастья/, опасаться). "'Bye, boys (пока, ребятки)," she called into the bunkhouse (крикнула она в барак), and she hurried away (и поспешила прочь).

George looked around at Lennie (Джордж взглянул на Ленни). "Jesus, what a tramp (Боже, что за шалава; tramp — проститутка /сленг/)," he said. "So that's what Curley picks for a wife (так вот какую подобрал себе жену Кудряш)."

"She's purty (она хорошенькая; purty = pretty)," said Lennie defensively (сказал Ленни в ее защиту: «защищающе»; defense — оборона; defensive — оборонительный; оборонный; защищающий, защитный).

"Yeah, and she's sure hidin' it (да, хотя и очень это скрывает; sure — употребляется для усиления). Curley got his work ahead of him (работа Кудряша прямо перед ним = у Кудряша еще будут с ней проблемы). Bet she'd clear out for twenty bucks (держу пари, что она бы и за двадцать баксов пошла; to clear out — очищать; внезапно уйти, уехать /разг./)."

Lennie still stared at the doorway (Ленни все еще смотрел на дверь) where she had been (где она стояла: «была»). "Gosh, she was purty (ух, какая она хорошенькая; gosh — Боже!; черт возьми!)." He smiled admiringly (он восхищенно улыбнулся; to admire — восторгаться). George looked quickly down at him (Джордж бросил быстрый взгляд на него) and then he took him by an ear and shook him (а затем взял «его» за ухо и дернул; to shake (shook; shaken) — трясти).

apprehensive ["xprI`hensIv], call [kLl], admiringly [qd`maIqrINlI]

She was suddenly apprehensive. "'Bye, boys," she called into the bunkhouse, and she hurried away.

George looked around at Lennie. "Jesus, what a tramp," he said. "So that's what Curley picks for a wife."

"She's purty," said Lennie defensively.

"Yeah, and she's sure hidin' it. Curley got his work ahead of him. Bet she'd clear out for twenty bucks."

Lennie still stared at the doorway where she had been. "Gosh, she was purty." He smiled admiringly. George looked quickly down at him and then he took him by an ear and shook him.

"Listen to me, you crazy bastard (слушай меня ты, полоумный болван)," he said fiercely (сказал он злобно; fierce — жестокий, свирепый). "Don't you even take a look at that bitch (даже глядеть на эту суку /не смей/). I don't care what she says (мне плевать, что она говорит) and what she does (и что делает). I seen 'em poison before (видал я таких и раньше; poison — яд, отрава), but I never seen (но я никогда не видел) no piece of jail bait (шалавы, из-за которой можно сесть в тюрьму; jail — тюрьма; bait — наживка) worse than her (хуже, чем она). You leave her be (держись от нее подальше: «оставь ее быть»)."

Lennie tried to disengage his ear (Ленни попытался освободить ухо). "I never done nothing, George (но я ничего не делал)."

"No, you never (не делал, верно). But when she was standin' in the doorway (но когда она стояла в дверях) showin' her legs (демонстрируя свои ноги), you wasn't lookin' the other way, neither (ты ведь не посмотрел в другую сторону)."

"I never meant no harm, George (я не замышлял ничего дурного, Джордж; to mean (meant) — иметь в виду; думать). Honest I never (честно, не замышлял)."

"Well, you keep away from her (так вот, держись от нее подальше), cause she's a rattrap (потому что она — это западня: «крысоловка»; rat — крыса; trap — ловушка, капкан) if I ever seen one (если я их когда видал = какие только могут быть). You let Curley take the rap (пусть Кудряш отдувается; to take the rap — отвечать за ошибку /сленг/). He let himself in for it (сам виноват: «позволил себе влипнуть»; in for it — влипнуть, попасть /разг./). Glove fulla vaseline (перчатка, полная вазелина; fulla = full of)," George said disgustedly (сказал Джордж с отвращением; disgust — отвращение, омерзение; to disgust — внушать отвращение). "An' I bet he's eatin' raw eggs (бьюсь об заклад, что он ест сырые яйца) and writin' to the patent medicine houses (и выписывает патентованные лекарства разных фирм; house — дом; какая-л. организация)."

Lennie cried out suddenly (вдруг Ленни выкрикнул) — "I don't like this place, George (мне не нравится это место, Джордж). This ain't no good place (это нехорошее место). I wanna get outa here (я хочу уйти отсюда)."

"We gotta keep it (нам придется потерпеть; to keep — хранить; оставить себе) till we get a stake (пока денег не получим). We can't help it, Lennie (ничего не поделаешь, Ленни). We'll get out jus' as soon as we can (мы уйдем, как только сможем). I don't like it no better than you do (мне нравится здесь не больше, чем тебе)." He went back to the table (он вернулся к столу; to go (went; gone) back — возвращаться) and set out a new solitaire hand (и разложил новый пасьянс; hand — рука; партия, кон /в некоторых играх/). "No, I don't like it (нет, не нравится)," he said. "For two bits I'd shove out of here (я бы в два счета убрался отсюда; two bits — монета в 25 центов /амер./; for two bits — немедленно). If we can get jus' a few dollars in the poke (если бы у нас было всего несколько долларов в кошельке; poke — разг. бумажник; to poke — совать, пихать) we'll shove off (мы убрались бы /отсюда/) and go up the American River and pan gold (и пошли бы вверх по Американ-ривер и мыли бы золото; American River — р. Американ; в середине XIX в. на ее берегах возник важный район добычи золота; pan — кастрюля; лоток; to pan — мыть золото). We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there (мы могли делать там пару долларов в день), and we might hit a pocket (и могли бы накопить: «набить карман»)."

fiercely [`fIqslI], disengage [dIsIn`geIG], patent [`peIt(q)nt]

"Listen to me, you crazy bastard," he said fiercely. "Don't you even take a look at that bitch. I don't care what she says and what she does. I seen 'em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her. You leave her be."

Lennie tried to disengage his ear. "I never done nothing, George."

"No, you never. But when she was standin' in the doorway showin' her legs, you wasn't lookin' the other way, neither."

"I never meant no harm, George. Honest I never."

"Well, you keep away from her, cause she's a rattrap if I ever seen one. You let Curley take the rap. He let himself in for it. Glove fulla vaseline," George said disgustedly. "An' I bet he's eatin' raw eggs and writin' to the patent medicine houses."

Lennie cried out suddenly — "I don't like this place, George. This ain't no good place. I wanna get outa here."

"We gotta keep it till we get a stake. We can't help it, Lennie. We'll get out jus' as soon as we can. I don't like it no better than you do." He went back to the table and set out a new solitaire hand. "No, I don't like it," he said. "For two bits I'd shove out of here. If we can get jus' a few dollars in the poke we'll shove off and go up the American River and pan gold. We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there, and we might hit a pocket."

Lennie leaned eagerly toward him (Ленни живо наклонился к нему; eager — страстно желающий; энергичный). "Le's go, George (давай уйдем, Джордж). Le's get outa here (давай уйдем отсюда; outa = out of). It's mean here (здесь плохо; mean — неприятный, противный; придирчивый, недоброжелательный)."

"We gotta stay (нам нужно остаться)," George said shortly (коротко сказал Джордж). "Shut up now (а теперь заткнись). The guys'll be comin' in (парни идут сюда)."

From the washroom nearby (из умывальной, /располагавшейся/ неподалеку) came the sound of running water (донесся звук бегущей воды) and rattling basins (и стучащих тазов; to rattle — трещать, грохотать; греметь /посудой, ключами и т. п./). George studied the cards (Джордж уткнулся в: «изучал» карты). "Maybe we oughtta wash up (может, нам следует умыться; oughtta = ought to)," he said. "But we ain't done nothing to get dirty (но мы ничего не делали, /чтобы/ испачкаться; dirty — грязный, запачканный; dirt — грязь)."

toward [`tquqd], shortly [`SLtlI], dirty [`dWtI]

Lennie leaned eagerly toward him. "Le's go, George. Le's get outa here. It's mean here."

"We gotta stay," George said shortly. "Shut up now. The guys'll be comin' in."

From the washroom nearby came the sound of running water and rattling basins. George studied the cards. "Maybe we oughtta wash up," he said. "But we ain't done nothing to get dirty."

A tall man stood in the doorway (высокий человек стоял в дверях; to stand (stood)). He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm (под мышкой он держал измятую ковбойскую шляпу; to crush — давить; мять) while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back (в то время как он зачесывал назад свои длинные черные влажные волосы). Like the others (как и другие) he wore blue jeans (он носил синие джинсы) and a short denim jacket (и короткую хлопчатобумажную куртку). When he had finished combing his hair (когда он закончил причесывать волосы) he moved into the room (он вошел в комнату), and he moved with a majesty (он двигался с достоинством) achieved only by royalty (присущим только членами королевской семьи; to achieve — достигать; royal — королевский) and master craftsmen (и старшим работникам; master — главный; старший). He was a jerkline skinner (он был старшим погонщиком), the prince of the ranch (завидная должность на ранчо; prince — князь, принц; выдающаяся личность), capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules (способный управлять десятью, шестнадцатью, даже двадцатью мулами) with a single line to the leaders (/поставленными/ в одну упряжь с вожаками). He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt (он мог убить муху на крупе коренного; wheeler — коренной /мул, запрягаемый в оглоблю/; butt — бочка; круп /лошади/) with a bull whip (кнутом погонщика «быков») without touching the mule (не коснувшись мула). There was a gravity in his manner (в его поведении была = сквозила величественность) and a quiet so profound (и такое глубокое спокойствие; profound — сильный, глубокий; чрезвычайный) that all talk stopped when he spoke (что прекращались все разговоры, когда он /начинал/ говорить; to speak (spoke; spoken)). His authority was so great (его авторитет был столь велик) that his word was taken on any subject (что его слова = суждения принимались /без возражений/), be it politics or love (/заходила ли речь/ о политике или о любви). This was Slim, the jerkline skinner (это был Ловкий, главный возчик). His hatchet face was ageless (его продолговатое лицо не имело возраста; hatchet — топор; age — возраст). He might have been thirty-five or fifty (ему могло быть как тридцать пять, так и пятьдесят). His ear heard more than was said to him (его уши слышали больше, чем ему было сказано; to hear (heard)), and his slow speech had overtones (и в его медленной речи /сквозил/ подтекст) not of thought (не от /особо развитого/ мышления; thought — мысль; мышление), but of understanding beyond thought (а от понимания, /находящегося/ вне мышления). His hands, large and lean (его руки, большие и худощавые), were as delicate in their action (были такими же аккуратными в действии) as those of a temple dancer (как у /индийского/ танцора: «танцующего в храмах»).

straight [streIt], master [`mRstq], authority [L`TOrItI]

A tall man stood in the doorway. He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back. Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket. When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt with a bull whip without touching the mule. There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. This was Slim, the jerkline skinner. His hatchet face was ageless. He might have been thirty-five or fifty. His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.

He smoothed out his crushed hat (он разгладил свою мятую шляпу), creased it in the middle (заломил ее посередине; crease — складка; загиб; to crease — мять, загибать) and put it on (и надел; to put (put) on — надевать). He looked kindly at the two in the bunkhouse (он добродушно посмотрел на двоих /незнакомцев/ в бараке). "It's brighter'n a bitch outside (чертовски светло снаружи; bitch — самка /животного/, сука; служит как усиление /груб./; brighter'n a bitch = brighter than a bitch)," he said gently (сказал он мягко). "Can't hardly see nothing in here (ничего здесь не могу разглядеть). You the new guys (это вы новенькие)?"

"Just come (только что пришли)," said George.

"Gonna buck barley (будете грузить ячмень)?"

"That's what the boss says (так говорит хозяин)."

Slim sat down on a box (Ловкий сел на ящик) across the table from George (за стол напротив Джорджа). He studied the solitaire hand (он внимательно посмотрел: «изучил» расклад пасьянса) that was upside down to him (что был к нему вверх ногами). "Hope you get on my team (надеюсь, вы попадете ко мне в бригаду)," he said. His voice was very gentle (его голос звучал мягко; gentle — знатный; мягкий, добрый). "I gotta pair of punks on my team (в моей бригаде есть пара придурков; punk — чепуха; бродяга, никчемный человек /разг./) that don't know a barley bag from a blue ball (которые не знают = не могут отличить мешок с ячменем от венерической болезни; blue balls — гонорея: «голубые яйца» /груб. сленг/). You guys ever bucked any barley (вы, ребятки, грузили когда-нибудь ячень)?"

"Hell, yes (а как же, да)," said George. "I ain't nothing to scream about (мне похвастаться нечем; to scream about — хвастаться; бахвалиться /разг./), but that big bastard there (но вон тот здоровяк) can put up more grain alone (один может поднять = погрузить больше зерна) than most pairs can (чем иные могут вдвоем; pair — пара; партнеры)."

smooth [smHD], crease [krJs], alone [q`lqun]

He smoothed out his crushed hat, creased it in the middle and put it on. He looked kindly at the two in the bunkhouse. "It's brighter'n a bitch outside," he said gently. "Can't hardly see nothing in here. You the new guys?"

"Just come," said George.

"Gonna buck barley?"

"That's what the boss says."

Slim sat down on a box across the table from George. He studied the solitaire hand that was upside down to him. "Hope you get on my team," he said. His voice was very gentle. "I gotta pair of punks on my team that don't know a barley bag from a blue ball. You guys ever bucked any barley?"

"Hell, yes," said George. "I ain't nothing to scream about, but that big bastard there can put up more grain alone than most pairs can."

Lennie, who had been following the conversation (Ленни, который следил за разговором) back and forth with his eyes (/переводя взгляд/ с одного на другого: «назад и вперед»), smiled complacently at the compliment (самодовольно улыбнулся комплименту; complacent — самодовольный). Slim looked approvingly at George (Ловкий одобрительно посмотрел на Джорджа) for having given the compliment (за сделанный комплимент). He leaned over the table (он наклонился над столом) and snapped the corner of a loose card (и щелкнул уголком карты; loose card — младшая карта). "You guys travel around together (вы вместе путешествуете)?" His tone was friendly (его тон был дружеский). It invited confidence without demanding it (он приглашал = располагал к доверию, не будучи назойливым; to demand — требовать, настаивать).

"Sure," said George (верно, — сказал Джордж). "We kinda look after each other (мы в некотором смысле заботимся друг о друге; kinda = kind of)." He indicated Lennie with his thumb (он указал на Ленни большим пальцем). "He ain't bright (он не шибко соображает; bright — яркий; блестящий; сообразительный). Hell of a good worker, though (хотя работяга каких поискать). Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright (славный малый, но туповат). I've knew him for a long time (я давно его знаю)."

Slim looked through George and beyond him (Ловкий посмотрел сквозь Джорджа куда-то ему за спину; behind — позади; назад). "Ain't many guys travel around together (не многие путешествуют вместе)," he mused (он /ненадолго/ задумался; to muse — погружаться в размышления). "I don't know why (я не знаю почему). Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world (может, все в целом проклятом мире) is scared of each other (боятся друг друга)."

"It's a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know (много приятнее путешествовать с человеком, которого знаешь)," said George.

complacently [kqm`pleIsntlI], confidence [`kOnfIdqns], muse [mjHz]

Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment. Slim looked approvingly at George for having given the compliment. He leaned over the table and snapped the corner of a loose card. "You guys travel around together?" His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it.

"Sure," said George. "We kinda look after each other." He indicated Lennie with his thumb. "He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker, though. Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright. I've knew him for a long time."

Slim looked through George and beyond him. "Ain't many guys travel around together," he mused. "I don't know why. Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other."

"It's a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know," said George.

A powerful, big-stomached man (крепкий, с большим животом человек) came into the bunkhouse (вошел в барак). His head still dripped water (с головы его еще капала вода) from the scrubbing and dousing (после умывания; to scrub — мыть; оттирать; to douse — окунаться /в воду/). "Hi, Slim," he said (привет, Ловкий, — сказал он), and then stopped (затем остановился) and stared at George and Lennie (и уставился на Джорджа и Ленни).

"These guys jus' come (эти ребята только что прибыли)," said Slim by way of introduction (сказал Ловкий, как бы представляя их; introduction — официальное представление).

"Glad ta meet ya (рад познакомиться с вами: «встретить вас»; ta = to)," the big man said (сказал здоровяк). "My name's Carlson (меня зовут Карлсон)."

"I'm George Milton (я — Джордж Милтон). This here's Lennie Small (а вот это —Ленни Смолл)."

"Glad ta meet ya (рад познакомиться; ya = you)," Carlson said again (повторил Карлсон). "He ain't very small (а он не очень то мал; small — маленький)." He chuckled softly at his joke (и тихонько захихикал своей шутке). "Ain't small at all (вообще не маленький)," he repeated (повторил он). "Meant to ask you, Slim (хотел спросить тебя, Ловкий; to mean (meant) — намереваться) — how's your bitch (как твоя собака/сука)? I seen she wasn't (я видел, что ее не было) under your wagon this morning (сегодня утром под твоей повозкой; wagon — вагон; телега, повозка)."

"She slang her pups last night (она ощенилась: «выбросила своих щенков» прошлой ночью; to sling (slang/slung; slung))," said Slim. "Nine of 'em (девять /щенков/). I drowned four of 'em right off (четверых я сразу же утопил). She couldn't feed that many (она не смогла бы выкормить так много)."

"Got five left, huh (/выходит/ пятеро осталось, а)?"

"Yeah, five. I kept the biggest (да, пятеро, я оставил самых больших)."

"What kinda dogs you think they're gonna be (что за собаки, /какой породы/ они, как думаешь)?"

"I dunno («я» не знаю; dunno = don’t know /сленг/)," said Slim. "Some kinda shepherds, I guess (что-то вроде овчарок, я думаю). That's the most kind I seen around here (их больше всего я видел тут) when she was in heat (когда у нее была течка; heat — жара; течка /у животных/)."

stomach [`stAmqk], dousing [`dausIN], shepherd [`Sepqd]

A powerful, big-stomached man came into the bunkhouse. His head still dripped water from the scrubbing and dousing. "Hi, Slim," he said, and then stopped and stared at George and Lennie.

"These guys jus' come," said Slim by way of introduction.

"Glad ta meet ya," the big man said. "My name's Carlson."

"I'm George Milton. This here's Lennie Small."

"Glad ta meet ya," Carlson said again. "He ain't very small." He chuckled softly at his joke. "Ain't small at all," he repeated. "Meant to ask you, Slim — how's your bitch? I seen she wasn't under your wagon this morning."

"She slang her pups last night," said Slim. "Nine of 'em. I drowned four of 'em right off. She couldn't feed that many."

"Got five left, huh?"

"Yeah, five. I kept the biggest."

"What kinda dogs you think they're gonna be?"

"I dunno," said Slim. "Some kinda shepherds, I guess. That's the most kind I seen around here when she was in heat."

Carlson went on (Карлсон продолжал), "Got five pups, huh (пять щенков, стало быть). Gonna keep all of 'em (всех собираешься оставить)?"

"I dunno (не знаю). Have to keep 'em a while (придется пока оставить всех) so they can drink Lulu's milk (чтоб они могли попить молоко Лулу)."

Carlson said thoughtfully (Карлсон сказал задумчиво), "Well, looka here, Slim (хорошо, послушай: «взгляни», Ловкий). I been thinkin' (я /вот чего/ думаю). That dog of Candy's is so God damn old (пес Кэнди настолько старый) he can't hardly walk (едва и ходить-то может). Stinks like hell, too (и еще воняет, как дьявол: «как ад»). Ever' time he comes into the bunk house (каждый раз как он входит в барак) I can smell him for two, three days (я слышу запах два или три дня). Why'n't you get Candy (почему бы тебе не убедить Кэнди; to get — получать; убеждать) to shoot his old dog (пристрелить его старого пса) and give him one of the pups to raise up (и не дать ему одного из щенков на воспитание; to raise up — поднять; вырастить)? I can smell that dog a mile away (я за милю слышу запах этого пса). Got no teeth (зубов нет), damn near blind (почти слепой), can't eat (есть не может). Candy feeds him milk (Кэнди его молоком поит: «кормит»). He can't chew nothing else (ничто другое он жевать не может)."

George had been staring intently at Slim (Джордж пристально посмотрел на Ловкого; intent — сконцентрированный /на чем-л./, направленный /на что-л./; внимательный, пристальный /о взгляде/). Suddenly a triangle began to ring outside (внезапно снаружи начали бить в треугольник: «треугольник начал звенеть»; triangle — треугольник /ударный инструмент/), slowly at first (сперва медленно), and then faster and faster (а потом быстрее и быстрее) until the beat of it disappeared into one ringing sound (пока удары не слились в один звенящий звук; to disappear — исчезать; теряться). It stopped as suddenly (прекратилось это так же внезапно) as it had started (как и началось).

"There she goes," said Carlson (ну вот, пожалуйста; there someone goes — вот видишь; вот это дело; ну что, опять /устойчивое экспрессивное словосочетание в амер. разг. речи/).

Outside, there was a burst of voices (снаружи донесся гул голосов; burst — взрыв; всплеск /эмоций/) as a group of men went by (когда мимо прошла группа мужчин).

walk [wLk], blind [blaInd], sound [saund]

Carlson went on, "Got five pups, huh. Gonna keep all of 'em?"

"I dunno. Have to keep 'em a while so they can drink Lulu's milk."

Carlson said thoughtfully, "Well, looka here, Slim. I been thinkin'. That dog of Candy's is so God damn old he can't hardly walk. Stinks like hell, too. Ever' time he comes into the bunk house I can smell him for two, three days. Why'n't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? I can smell that dog a mile away. Got no teeth, damn near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else."

George had been staring intently at Slim. Suddenly a triangle began to ring outside, slowly at first, and then faster and faster until the beat of it disappeared into one ringing sound. It stopped as suddenly as it had started.

"There she goes," said Carlson.

Outside, there was a burst of voices as a group of men went by.

Slim stood up slowly and with dignity (Ловкий поднялся медленно и с достоинством). "You guys better come on (вам, ребята, лучше поспешить; to come on — отправляться /куда-л./; спешить /повелит./) while they's still something to eat (пока там еще что-то осталось поесть; they’s = there is /простореч./). Won't be nothing left in a couple of minutes (через пару минут ничего не останется; to leave (left))."

Carlson stepped back (Карлсон отступил назад) to let Slim precede him (чтобы дать Ловкому пройти первому; to precede — быть впереди; предшествовать), and then the two of them went out the door (и затем они оба вышли за дверь).

Lennie was watching George excitedly (Ленни возбужденно смотрел на Джорджа; to excite — побуждать; возбуждать). George rumpled his cards (Джордж смешал карты; to rumple — приводить в беспорядок) into a messy pile (в «беспорядочную» кучу). "Yeah!" George said (да, — сказал Джордж), "I heard him, Lennie (я слышал «его», Ленни). I'll ask him (я его попрошу)."

"A brown and white one (коричневого с белым)," Lennie cried excitedly (выкрикнул Ленни возбужденно).

"Come on. Le's get dinner (пошли обедать: «получим обед»). I don't know whether he got a brown and white one (но я не знаю, есть ли у него коричневый с белым)."

Lennie didn't move from his bunk (Ленни не двинулся с места: «со своей койки»). "You ask him right away, George (попроси его прямо сейчас, Джордж), so he won't kill no more of 'em (чтобы он больше ни одного из них не утопил: «не убил»)."

"Sure. Come on now (конечно, а сейчас пошли), get up on your feet (поднимайся «на ноги»)."

dignity [`dIgnItI], precede [prI(:)`sJd], excitedly [Ik`saItIdlI]

Slim stood up slowly and with dignity. "You guys better come on while they's still something to eat. Won't be nothing left in a couple of minutes."

Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door.

Lennie was watching George excitedly. George rumpled his cards into a messy pile. "Yeah!" George said, "I heard him, Lennie. I'll ask him."

"A brown and white one," Lennie cried excitedly.

"Come on. Le's get dinner. I don't know whether he got a brown and white one."

Lennie didn't move from his bunk. "You ask him right away, George, so he won't kill no more of 'em."

"Sure. Come on now, get up on your feet."

Lennie rolled off his bunk and stood up (Ленни скатился с койки и встал), and the two of them started for the door (и они вдвоем направились к двери; to start — начинать; отправляться). Just as they reached it (как только они достигли ее = подошли к ней), Curley bounced in (/в барак/ влетел Кудряш; to bounce — подпрыгивать; вламываться).

"You seen a girl around here (вы видели здесь неподалеку девушку)?" he demanded angrily (спросил он злобно; to demand — требовать; спрашивать; anger — гнев; раздражение).

George said coldly (Джордж сказал холодно). "'Bout half an hour ago maybe (/может/, с полчаса назад; ‘bout = about)."

"Well what the hell was she doin' (а какого черта она /тут/ делала)?"

George stood still (Джордж продолжал стоять), watching the angry little man (и смотреть на разъяренного коротышку). He said insultingly (он дерзко ответил; insult — оскорбление; дерзость), "She said — she was lookin' for you (она сказала, что тебя ищет)."

Curley seemed really to see George for the first time (казалось, Кудряш видит Джорджа впервые). His eyes flashed over George (быстрым взглядом смерив Джорджа; flash — вспышка; to flash — сверкать; быстро пронестись), took in his height (оценил его рост; to take (took; taken) in — принимать; осматривать /амер./), measured his reach (измерил расстояние; reach — предел досягаемости), looked at his trim middle (посмотрел на его телосложение; trim — подрезка; внешний вид; middle — середина). "Well, which way'd she go (хорошо, куда: «по которому пути» она пошла; which way'd she go = which way did she go)?" he demanded at last (спросил он наконец).

"I dunno," said George (не знаю, — сказал Джордж). "I didn' watch her go (я не следил за ней)."

Curley scowled at him (Кудряш бросил на него сердитый взгляд), and turning, hurried out the door (и, развернувшись, поспешил наружу: «за дверь»).

half [hRf], insultingly [In`sAltINlI], measure [`meZq]

Lennie rolled off his bunk and stood up, and the two of them started for the door. Just as they reached it, Curley bounced in.