О мышах и людях (5).

Джон Стейнбек. (5 стр.книги)

woe [wqu], dead [ded], bite [baIt]

Lennie said, "Well, I ain't supposed to talk to you or nothing."

"I get lonely," she said. "You can talk to people, but I can't talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad. How'd you like not to talk to anybody?"

Lennie said, "Well, I ain't supposed to. George's scared I'll get in trouble."

She changed the subject. "What you got covered up there?"

Then all of Lennie's woe came back on him. "Jus' my pup," he said sadly. "Jus' my little pup." And he swept the hay from on top of it.

"Why, he's dead," she cried.

"He was so little," said Lennie. "I was jus' playin' with him... an' he made like he's gonna bite me... an' I made like I was gonna smack him... an'... an' I done it. An' then he was dead."

She consoled him (она /стала/ утешать его). "Don't you worry none (не переживай больше). He was jus' a mutt (он /ведь/ просто собака; mutt — дворняжка, шавка). You can get another one easy (ты легко можешь взять другого). The whole country is fulla mutts (по всей стране полно дворняг)."

"It ain't that so much (это не совсем то)," Lennie explained miserably (сказал Ленни жалобно; misery — страдание). "George ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits now (теперь Джордж не позволит мне ухаживать за кроликами)."

"Why don't he (с чего бы это)?"

"Well, he said (ну, он сказал) if I done any more bad things (если я еще когда сделаю плохую вещь) he ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits (он не позволит мне ухаживать за кроликами)."

She moved closer to him (она придвинулась ближе к нему) and she spoke soothingly (и заговорила успокаивающе; to soothe — утешать, успокаивать). "Don't you worry about talkin' to me (не волнуйся насчет того, что говоришь со мной). Listen to the guys yell out there (послушай, как парни там кричат). They got four dollars bet in that tenement (у них ставка в этой игре четыре доллара; bet — пари; ставка). None of them ain't gonna leave till it's over (никто из них не уйдет, пока /игра/ не закончится)."

mutt [mAt], country [`kAntrI], soothingly [`sHDINlI]

She consoled him. "Don't you worry none. He was jus' a mutt. You can get another one easy. The whole country is fulla mutts."

"It ain't that so much," Lennie explained miserably. "George ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits now."

"Why don't he?"

"Well, he said if I done any more bad things he ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits."

She moved closer to him and she spoke soothingly. "Don't you worry about talkin' to me. Listen to the guys yell out there. They got four dollars bet in that tenement. None of them ain't gonna leave till it's over."

"If George sees me talkin' to you (если Джордж увидит, что я с вами разговариваю) he'll give me hell (он даст мне чертей)," Lennie said cautiously (сказал Ленни осторожно; cautious — осторожный, осмотрительный). "He tol' me so (он мне так сказал)."

Her face grew angry (ее лицо стало злым). "Wha's the matter with me (а что за причина = что не так со мной)?" she cried (крикнула она). "Ain't I got a right to talk to nobody (неужто я не имею права ни с кем поговорить)? Whatta they think I am, anyways (они думают кто я, в конце концов)? You're a nice guy (ты славный парень). I don't know why I can't talk to you (не знаю, почему бы мне не поболтать с тобой). I ain't doin' no harm to you (я /же/ не причиняю тебе вреда)."

"Well, George says you'll get us in a mess (ну, а Джордж говорит, вы втянете нас в неприятности)."

"Aw, nuts (что за чушь; nut — орех; nuts — ерунда, бред)!" she said. "What kinda harm am I doin' to you (какой вред я /сейчас/ тебе делаю)? Seems like they ain't none of them cares (похоже, что ни одного из них не интересует) how I gotta live (как мне /здесь/ живется: «приходится жить»). I tell you (я тебе расскажу) I ain't used to livin' like this (я не привыкла жить, как тут). I coulda made somethin' of myself (я могла бы чего-то добиться: «сделать что-то из себя»)." She said darkly (она сказала мрачно), "Maybe I will yet (может, еще и добьюсь)." And then her words tumbled out in a passion of communication (и тут из нее в пылу общения слова хлынули /потоком/; to tumble out — вывалиться; двигаться в беспорядке; passion — страсть; энтузиазм), as though she hurried (как-будто она спешила /высказаться/) before her listener could be taken away (прежде чем у нее отнимут слушателя; to take (took; taken)). "I lived right in Salinas (я жила в самом Салинасе)," she said. "Come there when I was a kid (туда я попала = привезли меня, когда была ребенком). Well, a show come through (ну, и как-то там на гастролях был театр: «мимо проезжало шоу»; show — показ; спектакль, представление; to come through — проходить, проезжать), an' I met one of the actors (и я познакомилась с одним актером; to meet — встречать/ся/; знакомиться). He says I could go with that show (он сказал, что я могу уехать с театром). But my ol' lady wouldn't let me (но мать мне не позволила). She says because I was on'y fifteen (она сказала, что мне всего пятнадцать). But the guy says I coulda (но тот парень сказал, что я могла бы). If I'd went (если б /тогда/ поехала), I wouldn't be livin' like this, you bet (я бы никогда не жила, как здесь, будь уверен)."

tumble [tAmbl], passion [`pxS(q)n], show [Squ]

"If George sees me talkin' to you he'll give me hell," Lennie said cautiously. "He tol' me so."

Her face grew angry. "Wha's the matter with me?" she cried. "Ain't I got a right to talk to nobody? Whatta they think I am, anyways? You're a nice guy. I don't know why I can't talk to you. I ain't doin' no harm to you."

"Well, George says you'll get us in a mess."

"Aw, nuts!" she said. "What kinda harm am I doin' to you? Seems like they ain't none of them cares how I gotta live. I tell you I ain't used to livin' like this. I coulda made somethin' of myself." She said darkly, "Maybe I will yet." And then her words tumbled out in a passion of communication, as though she hurried before her listener could be taken away. "I lived right in Salinas," she said. "Come there when I was a kid. Well, a show come through, an' I met one of the actors. He says I could go with that show. But my ol' lady wouldn't let me. She says because I was on'y fifteen. But the guy says I coulda. If I'd went, I wouldn't be livin' like this, you bet."

Lennie stroked the pup back and forth (Ленни гладил щенка взад и вперед). "We gonna have a little place — an' rabbits (у нас будут своя фермочка и кролики)," he explained (объяснил он).

She went on with her story quickly (она быстро продолжала свой рассказ), before she should be interrupted (прежде чем ее /могли/ прервать). "'Nother time I met a guy (в другой раз я встретила парня; nother = another), an' he was in pitchers (он работал в кино; pitchers /зд./ = pictures). Went out to the Riverside Dance Palace with him (поехала с ним в Риверсайд в Данс Палас; Riverside — город в США, штат Калифорния; dance — танец; palace — дворец; здание для общественных развлекательных мероприятий). He says he was gonna put me in the movies (сказал, что будет снимать меня в кино; movie — кинокартина, кинофильм). Says I was a natural (сказал, что у меня талант; natural — что-л. естественное; одаренный человек). Soon's he got back to Hollywood (как только вернется в Голливуд; soon’s = as soon as) he was gonna write to me about it (он напишет мне «об этом»)." She looked closely at Lennie (она пристально смотрела на Ленни) to see whether she was impressing him (чтобы увидеть, произвела ли она на него впечатление). "I never got that letter (так никогда это письмо и не получила)," she said. "I always thought (я всегда думала) my ol' lady stole it (что моя мать украла = перехватила его; to steal (stole; stolen)). Well, I wasn't gonna stay no place (ну, и я не хотела оставаться там) where I couldn't get nowhere (где я не могла никуда попасть = не могла ничего достичь; to get nowhere — ничего не достичь) or make something of myself (или сделать что-нибудь из себя = стать кем-либо/добиться чего-то для себя), an' where they stole your letters (и где крали письма), I ast her if she stole it, too (я спросила ее, не украла ли она его), an' she says no (и она сказала ‘нет’). So I married Curley (поэтому, я вышла замуж за Кудряша). Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night (встретила его в Риверсайде в ту же ночь)."

movie [`mHvI], dance [dRns], palace [`pxlIs]

Lennie stroked the pup back and forth. "We gonna have a little place — an' rabbits," he explained.

She went on with her story quickly, before she should be interrupted. "'Nother time I met a guy, an' he was in pitchers. Went out to the Riverside Dance Palace with him. He says he was gonna put me in the movies. Says I was a natural. Soon's he got back to Hollywood he was gonna write to me about it." She looked closely at Lennie to see whether she was impressing him. "I never got that letter," she said. "I always thought my ol' lady stole it. Well, I wasn't gonna stay no place where I couldn't get nowhere or make something of myself, an' where they stole your letters, I ast her if she stole it, too, an' she says no. So I married Curley. Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night."

She demanded, "You listenin' (она спросила: ты слушаешь)?"

"Me? Sure (я, конечно)."

"Well, I ain't told this to nobody before (так вот, я раньше никому этого не рассказывала). Maybe I oughten to (может, надо было; oughten = ought to /диал./). I don' like Curley (я не люблю Кудряша). He ain't a nice fella (он не хороший)." And because she had confided in him (и, потому что она доверилась ему; to confide — верить, доверять), she moved closer to Lennie (она ближе придвинулась к Ленни) and sat beside him (и села рядом с ним). "Coulda been in the movies (могла сниматься в кино), an' had nice clothes (и носить красивые платья; clothes — одежда) — all them nice clothes like they wear (такие же красивые платья, как носят они). An' I coulda sat in them big hotels (могла жить: «сидеть» в больших отелях; to sit (sat)), an' had pitchers took of me (и меня бы фотографировали; to take (took; taken)). When they had them previews (и когда у них были бы предварительные просмотры) I coulda went to them (я ходила бы на них), an' spoke in the radio (и выступала бы: «говорила» по радио; to speak (spoke; spoken)), an' it wouldn'ta cost me a cent (и это не стоило бы мне ни цента) because I was in the pitcher (потому как я /сама/ работала бы в кино). An' all them nice clothes like they wear (и носила бы красивые платья, как все они). Because this guy says (потому что тот парень сказал) I was a natural (что я — талант)." She looked up at Lennie (она подняла взгляд на Ленни), and she made a small grand gesture with her arm and hand (и сделала небольшой красивый жест плечом и кистью) to show that she could act (чтобы показать, как умеет играть). The fingers trailed after her leading wrist (пальцы были сзади запястья; to trail — идти по следу; отставать, идти сзади), and her little finger stuck out grandly from the rest (а мизинец был грациозно отставлен в сторону «от остальных»; grand — большой, величественный; восхитительный).

demand [dI`mRnd], confide [kqn`faId], grandly [`grxndlI]

She demanded, "You listenin'?"

"Me? Sure."

"Well, I ain't told this to nobody before. Maybe I oughten to. I don' like Curley. He ain't a nice fella." And because she had confided in him, she moved closer to Lennie and sat beside him. "Coulda been in the movies, an' had nice clothes — all them nice clothes like they wear. An' I coulda sat in them big hotels, an' had pitchers took of me. When they had them previews I coulda went to them, an' spoke in the radio, an' it wouldn'ta cost me a cent because I was in the pitcher. An' all them nice clothes like they wear. Because this guy says I was a natural." She looked up at Lennie, and she made a small grand gesture with her arm and hand to show that she could act. The fingers trailed after her leading wrist, and her little finger stuck out grandly from the rest.

Lennie sighed deeply (Ленни глубоко вздохнул). From outside came the clang of a horseshoe on metal (снаружи донесся звон подковы о металл), and then a chorus of cheers (и одобрительные возгласы). "Somebody made a ringer (кто-то выиграл кон)," said Curley's wife (сказала жена Кудряша).

Now the light was lifting (теперь /полосы/ света поднимались; to lift — поднимать/ся/) as the sun went down (по мере того, как солнце садилось), and the sun streaks climbed up the wall (и солнечные полосы ползли вверх по стене) and fell over the feeding racks and over the heads of the horses (и падали на кормушки и лошадиные головы).

Lennie said (Ленни сказал), "Maybe if I took this pup out and throwed him away (может, если я бы я забрал щенка /отсюда, а потом/ выбросил) George wouldn't never know (Джордж никогда об этом не узнал бы). An' then I could tend the rabbits without no trouble (и тогда я «без проблем» смогу ухаживать за кроликами)."

Curley's wife said angrily (жена Кудряша сердито сказала), "Don't you think of nothing but rabbits (ты не думаешь ни о чем, кроме кроликов)?"

"We gonna have a little place (у нас будет маленькая ферма)," Lennie explained patiently (терпеливо объяснил Ленни). "We gonna have a house an' a garden (у нас будет дом с садиком) and a place for alfalfa (и участок c люцерной), an' that alfalfa is for the rabbits (а эта люцерна для кроликов), an' I take a sack (и я возьму мешок) and get it all fulla alfalfa (и набью его полным люцерной) and then I take it to the rabbits (а потом отдам ее кроликам)."

She asked (она спросила), "What makes you so nuts about rabbits (что заставляет тебя сходить с ума по кроликам)?"

Lennie had to think carefully (Ленни пришлось основательно подумать; careful — аккуратный; старательный) before he could come to a conclusion (прежде чем он нашел объяснение; to come to conclusion — придти к выводу). He moved cautiously close to her (он осторожно /стал/ придвигаться к ней), until he was right against her (пока не /оказался/ прямо напротив нее). "I like to pet nice things (я люблю гладить приятные /на ощупь/ вещи). Once at a fair (однажды на ярмарке) I seen some of them long-hair rabbits (я видел пушистых: «длинношерстных» кроликов). An' they was nice, you bet (они были подходящие, будьте уверены). Sometimes I've even pet mice (иногда я даже мышей глажу), but not when I couldn't get nothing better (но не тогда, когда есть что-то получше)."

Curley's wife moved away from him a little (жена Кудряша немного от него отдвинулась). "I think you're nuts (я думаю, ты чокнутый)," she said.

"No I ain't (да нет же)," Lennie explained earnestly (объяснил Ленни убежденно; ernest — серьезный, важный; убежденный). "George says I ain't (Джордж говорит, что я не /чокнутый/). I like to pet nice things with my fingers (мне нравится гладить приятные вещи пальцами), sof' things (мягкие вещи; sof' = soft)."

patiently [`peIS(q)ntlI], conclusion [kqn`klHZ(q)n], fair [feq]

Lennie sighed deeply. From outside came the clang of a horseshoe on metal, and then a chorus of cheers. "Somebody made a ringer," said Curley's wife.

Now the light was lifting as the sun went down, and the sun streaks climbed up the wall and fell over the feeding racks and over the heads of the horses.

Lennie said, "Maybe if I took this pup out and throwed him away George wouldn't never know. An' then I could tend the rabbits without no trouble."

Lennie had to think carefully before he could come to a conclusion. He moved cautiously close to her, until he was right against her. "I like to pet nice things. Once at a fair I seen some of them long-hair rabbits. An' they was nice, you bet. Sometimes I've even pet mice, but not when I couldn't get nothing better."

Curley's wife moved away from him a little. "I think you're nuts," she said.

"No I ain't," Lennie explained earnestly. "George says I ain't. I like to pet nice things with my fingers, sof' things."

She was a little bit reassured (она немного успокоилась; to reassure — заверять; успокаивать). "Well, who don't (ну, а кто не любит)?" she said. "Ever'body likes that (каждому это нравится). I like to feel silk an' velvet (мне нравится прикасаться к шелку и бархату; to feel — чувствовать; трогать, щупать; velvet — бархат). Do you like to feel velvet (тебе нравится бархат наощупь)?"

Lennie chuckled with pleasure (Ленни хихикнул от удовольствия). "You bet, by God (Господи, уж будьте уверены; to bet — держать пари, биться об заклад)," he cried happily (выкрикнул он счастливо). "An' I had some, too (/когда-то/ у меня тоже был /кусочек/). A lady give me some (одна госпожа дала мне его), an' that lady was — my own Aunt Clara (и эта госпожа была моя тетка Клара). She give it right to me — 'bout this big a piece (она дала мне вот такой вот кусок). I wisht I had that velvet right now (хотел бы я иметь его сейчас)." A frown came over his face (он нахмурился; to frown — хмурить брови). "I lost it," he said (я его потерял, — сказал он). "I ain't seen it for a long time (я не видел его уже давно)."

Curley's wife laughed at him (жена Кудряша рассмеялась «над ним»). "You're nuts (ты чокнутый)," she said. "But you're a kinda nice fella (но ты, вообще-то, славный парень; kinda = kind of). Jus' like a big baby (прямо как большой ребенок). But a person can see kinda what you mean (но можно понять, что ты имеешь в виду; person — человек, личность). When I'm doin' my hair (когда я расчесываю: волосы; to do hair — делать прическу) sometimes I jus' set an' stroke it (иногда я просто сижу и глажу их) 'cause it's so soft (потому что они такие мягкие)." To show how she did it (чтоб показать, как она делает это), she ran her fingers over the top of her head (она пробежала пальцами по макушке: «по верху головы»). "Some people got kinda coarse hair (у некоторых людей волосы бывают грубые)," she said complacently (сказала она самодовольно; complacent — самодовольный). "Take Curley (возьми Кудряша). His hair is jus' like wire (его волосы — как проволока). But mine is soft and fine (а мои — мягкие и красивые; fine — тонкий; превосходный). 'Course I brush it a lot (конечно, я часто их расчесываю). That makes it fine (это делает их красивыми). Here — feel right here (здесь, пощупай вот здесь)." She took Lennie's hand and put it on her head (она взяла руку Ленни и положила себе на голову). "Feel right aroun' there (потрогай прямо там) an' see how soft it is (и увидишь, какие они мягкие)."

Lennie's big fingers fell to stroking her hair (здоровенные пальцы Ленни начали гладить ее волосы).

velvet [`velvIt], baby [`beIbI], coarse [kLs]

She was a little bit reassured. "Well, who don't?" she said. "Ever'body likes that. I like to feel silk an' velvet. Do you like to feel velvet?"

Lennie chuckled with pleasure. "You bet, by God," he cried happily. "An' I had some, too. A lady give me some, an' that lady was — my own Aunt Clara. She give it right to me — 'bout this big a piece. I wisht I had that velvet right now." A frown came over his face. "I lost it," he said. "I ain't seen it for a long time."

Curley's wife laughed at him. "You're nuts," she said. "But you're a kinda nice fella. Jus' like a big baby. But a person can see kinda what you mean. When I'm doin' my hair sometimes I jus' set an' stroke it 'cause it's so soft." To show how she did it, she ran her fingers over the top of her head. "Some people got kinda coarse hair," she said complacently. "Take Curley. His hair is jus' like wire. But mine is soft and fine. 'Course I brush it a lot. That makes it fine. Here — feel right here." She took Lennie's hand and put it on her head. "Feel right aroun' there an' see how soft it is."

Lennie's big fingers fell to stroking her hair.

"Don't you muss it up (только не спутай)," she said.

Lennie said, "Oh! That's nice (Ленни сказал: о, какие мягкие)," and he stroked harder (и /стал/ гладить сильнее). "Oh, that's nice (о, какие мягкие)."

"Look out, now, you'll muss it (осторожней, ты спутаешь их; look out — осторожно! берегись!)." And then she cried angrily (потом она сердито крикнула), "You stop it now (прекрати сейчас же), you'll mess it all up (ты их все спутаешь)." She jerked her head sideways (она дернула головой в сторону), and Lennie's fingers closed on her hair and hung on (и пальцы Ленни сомкнулись в ее волосах намертво; to hang (hung) on — прицепиться; крепко держаться). "Let go," she cried. "You let go (отпусти, — закричала она, слышишь, отпусти)!"

Lennie was in a panic (Ленни охватила паника). His face was contorted (лицо его исказилось). She screamed then (тут она завизжала), and Lennie's other hand closed over her mouth and nose (и Ленни другой рукой зажал ей рот и нос). "Please don't," he begged (пожалуйста, не надо, взмолился он). "Oh! Please don't do that (пожалуйста, не делайте этого). George'll be mad (Джордж рассердится: «будет в ярости»)."

She struggled violently under his hands (она боролась изо всех сил; violent — неистовый, яростный). Her feet battered on the hay (ноги ее колотили по сену) and she writhed to be free (она извивалась /пытаясь/ освободиться; to writhe — скручивать; корчиться); and from under Lennie's hand came a muffled screaming (и из-под руки Ленни раздался сдавленный крик; to muffle — заглушать). Lennie began to cry with fright (Ленни начал плакать от испуга). "Oh! Please don't do none of that (о, пожалуйста, не делайте этого)," he begged (умолял он). "George gonna say I done a bad thing (Джордж скажет, что я сделал плохую вещь). He ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits (он не позволит мне ухаживать за кроликами)." He moved his hand a little (он немного передвинул руку) and her hoarse cry came out (и ее хриплый крик вырвался «наружу»). Then Lennie grew angry (тогда Ленни разозлился: «стал злым»; to grow (grew; grown)). "Now don't," he said (а ну, перестаньте, — сказал он). "I don't want you to yell (я не хочу, чтоб вы кричали). You gonna get me in trouble (вы вовлечете меня в беду) jus' like George says you will (точно как говорит Джордж, вы /это сделаете/). Now don't you do that (сейчас же прекратите «делать это»)." And she continued to struggle (а она продолжала бороться = вырываться), and her eyes were wild with terror (и ее глаза были дикими от ужаса). He shook her then (тогда он встряхнул ее; to shake (shook; shaken)), and he was angry with her (приходя в ярость: «и он рассердился на нее»).

muss [mAs], violent [`vaIqlqnt], writhe [raID]

"Don't you muss it up," she said.

Lennie said, "Oh! That's nice," and he stroked harder. "Oh, that's nice."

"Look out, now, you'll muss it." And then she cried angrily, "You stop it now, you'll mess it all up." She jerked her head sideways, and Lennie's fingers closed on her hair and hung on. "Let go," she cried. "You let go!"

Lennie was in a panic. His face was contorted. She screamed then, and Lennie's other hand closed over her mouth and nose. "Please don't," he begged. "Oh! Please don't do that. George'll be mad."

She struggled violently under his hands. Her feet battered on the hay and she writhed to be free; and from under Lennie's hand came a muffled screaming. Lennie began to cry with fright. "Oh! Please don't do none of that," he begged. "George gonna say I done a bad thing. He ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits." He moved his hand a little and her hoarse cry came out. Then Lennie grew angry. "Now don't," he said. "I don't want you to yell. You gonna get me in trouble jus' like George says you will. Now don't you do that." And she continued to struggle, and her eyes were wild with terror. He shook her then, and he was angry with her.

"Don't you go yellin' (перестаньте визжать)," he said, and he shook her (сказал он и тряхнул ее /снова/); and her body flopped like a fish (и ее тело шлепало, как рыба /по воде/). And then she was still (и тут она затихла), for Lennie had broken her neck (потому что Ленни сломал ей шею).

He looked down at her (он взглянул на нее), and carefully he removed his hand from over her mouth (и осторожно убрал ладонь с ее рта), and she lay still (а она лежала неподвижно; to lie (lay; lain); still — бесшумный; неподвижный). "I don't want to hurt you (я не хотел причинить вам боль)," he said, "but George'll be mad if you yell (но Джордж рассердится, если вы будете кричать)." When she didn't answer nor move (поскольку она не отвечала и не двигалась) he bent closely over her (он низко склонился над ней; to bend (bent)). He lifted her arm (он поднял ее руку) and let it drop (и позволил ей упасть = потом отпустил; to let (let)). For a moment he seemed bewildered (мгновение казалось, он ничего не понимал; to bewilder — смущать; сбивать с толку). And then he whispered in fright (а затем он прошептал в испуге), "I done a bad thing (я сделал плохую вещь). I done another bad thing (я сделал еще одну плохую вещь)."

He pawed up the hay (он стал хватать сено и /забрасывать труп/; to paw — хватать руками) until it partly covered her (до тех пор, пока оно наполовину: «частично» не прикрыло его).

From outside the barn came a cry of men (снаружи конюшни послышался крик мужчин) and the double clang of shoes on metal (и двойной удар подковы о металл). For the first time Lennie became conscious of the outside (впервые Ленни стал осознавать, /что делается/ снаружи; to become (became; become)). He crouched down in the hay (он присел «в сено») and listened (и прислушался). "I done a real bad thing (я сделал действительно плохую вещь)," he said. "I shouldn't of did that (я не должен был этого делать). George'll be mad (Джордж рассердится). An'... he said... an' hide in the brush (и он сказал, спрятаться в кустах) till he come (пока он не придет). He's gonna be mad (он рассердится). In the brush till he come (в кустах, пока он не придет). Tha's what he said (вот, что он сказал)." Lennie went back (Ленни вернулся) and looked at the dead girl (и взглянул на мертвую девушку).

bewilder [bI`wIldq], fright [fraIt], double [dAbl]

"Don't you go yellin'," he said, and he shook her; and her body flopped like a fish. And then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck.

He looked down at her, and carefully he removed his hand from over her mouth, and she lay still. "I don't want to hurt you," he said, "but George'll be mad if you yell." When she didn't answer nor move he bent closely over her. He lifted her arm and let it drop. For a moment he seemed bewildered. And then he whispered in fright, "I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing."

He pawed up the hay until it partly covered her.

From outside the barn came a cry of men and the double clang of shoes on metal. For the first time Lennie became conscious of the outside. He crouched down in the hay and listened. "I done a real bad thing," he said. "I shouldn't of did that. George'll be mad. An'... he said... an' hide in the brush till he come. He's gonna be mad. In the brush till he come. Tha's what he said." Lennie went back and looked at the dead girl.

The puppy lay close to her (щенок лежал рядом с ней). Lennie picked it up (Ленни поднял его). "I'll throw him away (я выброшу его)," he said. "It's bad enough like it is (и так все плохо; enough — довольно, достаточно)." He put the pup under his coat (он положил = засунул щенка под куртку), and he crept to the barn wall (подкрался к стене конюшни; to creep (crept) — ползти; подкрадываться) and peered out between the cracks (и поглядел сквозь щели; to peer — вглядываться, вперять взгляд; заглянуть, посмотреть), toward the horseshoe game (туда, где играли в подкову). And then he crept around the end of the last manger (а потом, крадучись, он пробрался мимо края последней кормушки) and disappeared (и исчез).

The sun streaks were high on the wall by now (полосы света теперь уже лежали высоко на стене), and the light was growing soft in the barn (и свет в конюшне тускнел: «становился приглушенным»; soft — мягкий; приглушенный). Curley's wife lay on her back (жена Кудряша лежала на спине; to lie (lay; lain)), and she was half covered with hay (и была наполовину засыпана: «прикрыта» сеном).

It was very quiet in the barn (в конюшне было очень тихо), and the quiet of the afternoon was on the ranch (и послеполуденная тишина /стояла/ по всему ранчо). Even the clang of the pitched shoes (даже звук бросаемой подковы; to pitch — смолить; бросать, кидать), even the voices of the men in the game (даже голоса людей в игре = игроков), seemed to grow more quiet (казалось, стали намного тише). The air in the barn was dusky (в конюшне /уже/ царил полумрак: «воздух был сумеречный») in advance of the outside day (в отличие от /белого/ дня снаружи; in advance — перед; до; опережая). A pigeon flew in through the open hay door (голубь влетел через открытую дверь; to fly (flew; flown)) and circled and flew out again (/немного/ покружил и снова вылетел наружу). Around the last stall came a shepherd bitch (к крайнему стойлу подошла овчарка; shepherd — пастух; bitch — сука), lean and long (подтянутая и длинная; lean — тощий; обезжиренный), with heavy, hanging dugs (с тяжело висящими сосками). Halfway to the packing box (на полпути к «упаковочному» ящику) where the puppies were (где были щенки) she caught the dead scent of Curley's wife (она уловила/почуяла запах мертвечины; to catch (caught)), and the hair arose along her spine (и вдоль спины у нее поднялась шерсть; to arise (arose; arisen)). She whimpered and cringed to the packing box (она заскулила и, вся сжавшись, /поползла/ к ящику; to cringe — раболепствовать; съеживаться /от страха/), and jumped in among the puppies (и прыгнула к щенкам; among — между, посреди).

circle [sWkl], scent [sent], whimper [`wImpq]

The puppy lay close to her. Lennie picked it up. "I'll throw him away," he said. "It's bad enough like it is." He put the pup under his coat, and he crept to the barn wall and peered out between the cracks, toward the horseshoe game. And then he crept around the end of the last manger and disappeared.

The sun streaks were high on the wall by now, and the light was growing soft in the barn. Curley's wife lay on her back, and she was half covered with hay.

It was very quiet in the barn, and the quiet of the afternoon was on the ranch. Even the clang of the pitched shoes, even the voices of the men in the game, seemed to grow more quiet. The air in the barn was dusky in advance of the outside day. A pigeon flew in through the open hay door and circled and flew out again. Around the last stall came a shepherd bitch, lean and long, with heavy, hanging dugs. Halfway to the packing box where the puppies were she caught the dead scent of Curley's wife, and the hair arose along her spine. She whimpered and cringed to the packing box, and jumped in among the puppies.

Curley's wife lay with a half-covering of yellow hay (жена Кудряша лежала, наполовину прикрытая желтым сеном). And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention (вульгарность, /честолюбивые/ намерения, недовольство, жажда внимания; mean — убогий, жалкий; вульгарный; plan — план; замысел, намерение; ache — боль; жажда к чему-л., нехватка) were all gone from her face (все пропало с ее лица). She was very pretty and simple (она была милой и простой), and her face was sweet and young (и ее лицо было добрым и юным). Now her rouged cheeks and her reddened lips (сейчас ее нарумяненные щеки и накрашенные губы; red — красный) made her seem alive and sleeping very lightly (делали ее живой, казалось, она просто дремлет; light sleep — дремота). The curls (кудряшки), tiny little sausages (маленькие колбаски; tiny — крошечный), were spread on the hay behind her head (разметались по сену «позади головы»), and her lips were parted (и ее губы приоткрылись: «разделились»).

As happens sometimes (как иногда случается), a moment settled and hovered (мгновение = время остановилось и зависло; to settle — поселиться; затвердевать; to hover — реять, парить; нависать) and remained for much more than a moment (и /длилось это/ намного дольше, чем одно мгновение; to remain — оставаться /в каком-л. состоянии/). And sound stopped and movement stopped for much (замолкли звуки, замерло движение), much more than a moment (гораздо дольше, чем на одно мгновение).

rouged [rHZd], tiny [`taInI], hover [`hOvq]

Curley's wife lay with a half-covering of yellow hay. And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young. Now her rouged cheeks and her reddened lips made her seem alive and sleeping very lightly. The curls, tiny little sausages, were spread on the hay behind her head, and her lips were parted.

As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment.

Then gradually time awakened again (потом постепенно время проснулось снова) and moved sluggishly on (и лениво двинулось дальше). The horses stamped on the other side of the feeding racks (лошади топтались с другой стороны кормушки) and the halter chains clinked (бряцая уздечками). Outside, the men's voices became louder and clearer (снаружи голоса «людей» стали громче и четче; clear — ясный, четкий).

From around the end of the last stall (из-за «края» последнего стойла) old Candy's voice came (послышался голос старика Кэнди). "Lennie," he called (Ленни, позвал он). "Oh, Lennie! You in here (эй, Ленни, ты здесь)? I been figuring some more (я /тут/ еще немного подумал/подсчитал). Tell you what we can do, Lennie (расскажу тебе, что мы можем сделать)." Old Candy appeared around the end of the last stall (старый Кэнди появился из-за края последнего стойла). "Oh, Lennie!" he called again (эй, Ленни, снова позвал он); and then he stopped (потом остановился), and his body stiffened (и его тело застыло). He rubbed his smooth wrist (он потер своей гладкой культей) on his white stubble whiskers (седую щетину на висках). "I di'n't know you was here (я не знал, что вы здесь)," he said to Curley's wife (сказал он жене Кудряша).

When she didn't answer (когда она не ответила), he stepped nearer (он шагнул ближе). "You oughten to sleep out here (вы не должны = не нужно здесь спать)," he said disapprovingly (сказал он неодобрительно; to disapprove — осуждать); and then he was beside her and (и вот он был рядом с ней и) — "Oh, Jesus Christ! (о, Господи Иисусе)" He looked about helplessly (он беспомощно огляделся), and he rubbed his beard (и потер бороду). And then he jumped up (потом он подпрыгнул) and went quickly out of the barn (и быстро вышел из конюшни).

But the barn was alive now (конюшня теперь уже ожила). The horses stamped and snorted (лошади били копытами и храпели), and they chewed the straw of their bedding (они жевали солому из своей подстилки; bedding — постельное белье; подстилка для скота) and they clashed the chains of their halters (и бряцали/звенели цепочками своих уздечек). In a moment Candy came back (через мгновенье Кэнди вернулся), and George was with him (с ним был Джордж).

sluggish [`slAgIS], stubble [stAbl], alive [q`laIv]

Then gradually time awakened again and moved sluggishly on. The horses stamped on the other side of the feeding racks and the halter chains clinked. Outside, the men's voices became louder and clearer.

From around the end of the last stall old Candy's voice came. "Lennie," he called. "Oh, Lennie! You in here? I been figuring some more. Tell you what we can do, Lennie." Old Candy appeared around the end of the last stall. "Oh, Lennie!" he called again; and then he stopped, and his body stiffened. He rubbed his smooth wrist on his white stubble whiskers. "I di'n't know you was here," he said to Curley's wife.

When she didn't answer, he stepped nearer. "You oughten to sleep out here," he said disapprovingly; and then he was beside her and — "Oh, Jesus Christ!" He looked about helplessly, and he rubbed his beard. And then he jumped up and went quickly out of the barn.

But the barn was alive now. The horses stamped and snorted, and they chewed the straw of their bedding and they clashed the chains of their halters. In a moment Candy came back, and George was with him.

George said (Джордж спросил), "What was it you wanted to see me about (что ты хотел, чтобы я увидел)?"

Candy pointed at Curley's wife (Кэнди ткнул пальцем /в сторону/ Кудряша жены; to point — заострять; указывать, показывать пальцем). George stared (Джордж всмотрелся). "What's the matter with her?" he asked (а что с ней такого). He stepped closer (он шагнул ближе), and then he echoed Candy's words (и тут, как эхо, повторил слова Кэнди). "Oh, Jesus Christ (о, Господи Иисусе)!" He was down on his knees beside her (он встал на колени возле нее). He put his hand over her heart (он положил ей руку на сердце). And finally, when he stood up (наконец, когда он встал), slowly and stiffly (медленно и с трудом; stiff — тугой, негибкий), his face was as hard and tight as wood (лицо его было непроницаемо как камень: «твердым и прочным, как дерево»), and his eyes were hard (а глаза жесткими = взгляд жестким).

Candy said, "What done it (Кэнди сказал: кто это сделал)?"

George looked coldly at him (Джордж холодно взглянул на него). "Ain't you got any idear (а ты не понял: «а у тебя нет никаких идей»; idear = idea)?" he asked (спросил он). And Candy was silent (и Кэнди замолчал). "I should of knew (я должен был знать = предвидеть)," George said hopelessly (сказал Джордж безнадежно). "I guess maybe way back in my head I did (думаю, где-то в глубине: «сзади в голове» я знал)."

Candy asked (Кэнди спросил), "What we gonna do now, George (что теперь будем делать, Джордж)? What we gonna do now (что теперь будем делать)?"

George was a long time in answering (Джордж долго не отвечал). "Guess (думаю)... we gotta tell the... guys (мы должны рассказать ребятам). I guess we gotta get 'im (думаю, надо поймать его) an' lock 'im up (и посадить под замок: «запереть его»). We can't let 'im get away (мыне можем позволить ему сбежать; to get away — уходить; удирать). Why, the poor bastard'd starve (ведь бедняга помрет с голоду; to starve — голодать, умереть от голода)." And he tried to reassure himself (и он попытался успокоить сам себя). "Maybe they'll lock 'im up (может, они запрут его /где-то/) an' be nice to 'im (и не тронут его: «и будут к нему хорошо относиться»)."

echo [`ekqu], matter [`mxtq], reassure ["rJq`Suq]

George said, "What was it you wanted to see me about?"

Candy pointed at Curley's wife. George stared. "What's the matter with her?" he asked. He stepped closer, and then he echoed Candy's words. "Oh, Jesus Christ!" He was down on his knees beside her. He put his hand over her heart. And finally, when he stood up, slowly and stiffly, his face was as hard and tight as wood, and his eyes were hard.

Candy said, "What done it?"

George looked coldly at him. "Ain't you got any idear?" he asked. And Candy was silent. "I should of knew," George said hopelessly. "I guess maybe way back in my head I did."

Candy asked, "What we gonna do now, George? What we gonna do now?"

George was a long time in answering. "Guess... we gotta tell the... guys. I guess we gotta get 'im an' lock 'im up. We can't let 'im get away. Why, the poor bastard'd starve." And he tried to reassure himself. "Maybe they'll lock 'im up an' be nice to 'im."

But Candy said excitedly (но Кэнди возбужденно сказал), "We oughta let 'im get away (мы должны дать ему удрать). You don't know that Curley (ты не знаешь этого Кудряша). Curley gon'ta wanta get 'im lynched (Кудряш захочет его линчевать; gon'ta wanta = going to want to). Curley'll get 'im killed (Кудряш настоит на том, чтоб его убили)."

George watched Candy's lips (Джордж смотрел на губы Кэнди). "Yeah," he said at last (да, — наконец сказал он), "that's right, Curley will (это правда, Кудряш /так и сделает/). An' the other guys will (и другие парни тоже)." And he looked back at Curley's wife (и он, обернувшись, посмотрел на Кудряша жену).

Now Candy spoke his greatest fear (теперь Кэнди высказал свое самое большое опасение). "You an' me can get that little place (мы с тобой сможем купить ту фермочку), can't we, George (сможем, Джордж)? You an' me can go there an' live nice (мы с тобой сможем поехать туда и прекрасно /там/ жить), can't we, George? Can't we (а, Джордж, сможем)?"

Before George answered (прежде чем Джордж ответил), Candy dropped his head (Кэнди уронил голову) and looked down at the hay (и смотрел вниз «на сено»). He knew (он /уже все/ понял; to know (knew; known) — знать; понимать, осознавать).

George said softly (Джордж сказал тихо), "— I think I knowed from the very first (мне кажется, я предвидел с самого начала; knowed = knew; to know (knew; known)). I think I know'd (мне кажется, я знал) we'd never do her (что мы никогда ее не купим; she — она; при персонификации о животных, а также о некоторых неодушевленных явлениях, предметах и абстрактных понятиях — о машинах, судах, о городах, о странах). He usta like to hear about it so much (он так часто любил слушать об этом; usta = used to /диал./) I got to thinking maybe we would (и я подумал, может у нас /все-таки/ получится)."

"Then — it's all off (итак, все кончено)?" Candy asked sulkily (мрачно спросил Кэнди; to sulk — быть угрюмым, мрачным).

George didn't answer his question (Джордж не ответил на вопрос). George said, "I'll work my month (я доработаю месяц) an' I'll take my fifty bucks (заберу свои пятьдесят зеленых) an' I'll stay all night in some lousy cat house (и всю ночь проведу в каком-нибудь грязном борделе; lousy — вшивый). Or I'll set in some poolroom (или засяду в бильярдной) till ever'body goes home (пока все не разойдутся по домам). An' then I'll come back (а потом вернусь) an' work another month (и проработаю еще один месяц) an' I'll have fifty bucks more (и получу еще пятьдесят зеленых)."

sulkily [`sAlkIlI], nice [naIs], poolroom [`pHlrum]

But Candy said excitedly, "We oughta let 'im get away. You don't know that Curley. Curley gon'ta wanta get 'im lynched. Curley'll get 'im killed."

George watched Candy's lips. "Yeah," he said at last, "that's right, Curley will. An' the other guys will." And he looked back at Curley's wife.

Now Candy spoke his greatest fear. "You an' me can get that little place, can't we, George? You an' me can go there an' live nice, can't we, George? Can't we?"

Before George answered, Candy dropped his head and looked down at the hay. He knew.

George said softly, "— I think I knowed from the very first. I think I know'd we'd never do her. He usta like to hear about it so much I got to thinking maybe we would."

"Then — it's all off?" Candy asked sulkily.

George didn't answer his question. George said, "I'll work my month an' I'll take my fifty bucks an' I'll stay all night in some lousy cat house. Or I'll set in some poolroom till ever'body goes home. An' then I'll come back an' work another month an' I'll have fifty bucks more."

Candy said (Кэнди сказал), "He's such a nice fella (он такой хороший парень). I didn' think he'd do nothing like this (не думал я, что он сделает что-то в этом роде)."

George still stared at Curley's wife (Джордж все еще смотрел на жену Кудряша). "Lennie never done it in meanness (Ленни никогда не сделал бы это по злобе)," he said. "All the time he done bad things (все время он что-нибудь да выкидывал: «делал что-то плохое»), but he never done one of 'em mean (но он никогда не делал это со зла; mean — жалкий; подлый)." He straightened up (он выпрямился) and looked back at Candy (и, /повернувшись/ взглянул на Кэнди). "Now listen (а теперь слушай). We gotta tell the guys (мы должны рассказать ребятам). They got to bring him in, I guess (им придется привести его сюда, я полагаю). They ain't no way out (другого выхода нет; they ain't = there isn’t; way out — выход из положения). Maybe they won't hurt 'im (может, они и не причинят ему зла)." He said sharply (он сказал резко), "I ain't gonna let 'em hurt Lennie (я не позволю им тронуть Ленни). Now you listen (а теперь слушай). The guys might think (ребята могут подумать) I was in on it (что я в этом замешан; to be in on — принимать участие). I'm gonna go in the bunkhouse (я пойду в барак). Then in a minute you come out (а через минуту выйдешь ты) and tell the guys about her (и скажешь всем про нее), and I'll come along (и я пойду с вами; to come along — сопровождать, идти за кем-л.) and make like I never seen her (и сделаю /вид/, будто «никогда» не видел ее). Will you do that (сделаешь это)? So the guys won't think I was in on it (таким образом ребята не подумают, что я в этом замешан)?"

meanness [`mJnnIs], straighten [streItn], minute [`mInIt]

Candy said, "He's such a nice fella. I didn' think he'd do nothing like this."

George still stared at Curley's wife. "Lennie never done it in meanness," he said. "All the time he done bad things, but he never done one of 'em mean." He straightened up and looked back at Candy. "Now listen. We gotta tell the guys. They got to bring him in, I guess. They ain't no way out. Maybe they won't hurt 'im." He said sharply, "I ain't gonna let 'em hurt Lennie. Now you listen. The guys might think I was in on it. I'm gonna go in the bunkhouse. Then in a minute you come out and tell the guys about her, and I'll come along and make like I never seen her. Will you do that? So the guys won't think I was in on it?"

Candy said, "Sure, George. Sure I'll do that (конечно, Джордж, конечно я это сделаю)."

"O.K. (хорошо). Give me a couple minutes then (тогда дай мне пару минут), and you come runnin' out (/потом/ бегом выходи) an' tell like you jus' found her (и рассказывай так, будто только что ее обнаружил). I'm going now (я пошел)." George turned and went quickly out of the barn (Джордж развернулся и быстро вышел из конюшни).

Old Candy watched him go (старик Кэнди смотрел, как он идет). He looked helplessly back at Curley's wife (он беспомощно оглянулся назад на жену Кудряша), and gradually his sorrow and his anger grew into words (и постепенно его сожаление и гнев вылились: «превратились» в слова; to grow into (grew; grown) — превращаться). "You God damn tramp (ты, проклятая шлюха)", he said viciously (сказал он злобно; vicious — порочный; злой). "You done it, di'n't you (ты все-таки добилась своего: «сделала это», не так ли)? I s'pose you're glad (полагаю, ты рада). Ever'body knowed (все знали) you'd mess things up (что ты все испортишь = что с тобой беды не миновать; to mess up — портить дело, нарушать планы; to mess — производить беспорядок). You wasn't no good (от тебя мало было пользы; good — хороший; толковый, полезный). You ain't no good now (и сейчас пользы никакой), you lousy tart (ты, шлюха несчастная; lousy — вшивый; несчастный)."

He sniveled (он всхлипнул), and his voice shook (и его голос задрожал). "I could of hoed in the garden (я мог бы сорняки полоть в огороде; garden — сад; огород) and washed dishes for them guys (и мыть посуду для ребят)." He paused (он остановился), and then went on in a singsong (потом монотонно продолжал; singsong — стихотворение; однообразный монотонный голос). And he repeated the old words (и он /стал/ повторять /заученные наизусть/ «старые» слова): "If they was a circus (если бы там был цирк) or a baseball game (или бейсбольный матч)... we would of went to her (мы пошли бы на игру)... jus' said 'ta hell with work (просто сказали бы, черт с ней, с работой),' an' went to her (и пошли бы на игру). Never ast nobody's say so (никого и не спрашивали бы). An' they'd of been a pig and chickens (и были бы куры и поросенок)... an' in the winter (а зимой)... the little fat stove (маленькая пузатая печурка)... an' the rain comin'... an' us jes' settin' there (а пошли бы дожди, /мы/ просто сидели бы /в доме/)." His eyes blinded with tears (глаза его наполнились слезами: «ослепли от слез») and he turned and went weakly out of the barn (он повернулся и пошел ослабевшими /ногами/ прочь из конюшни; weak — слабый), and he rubbed his bristly whiskers with his wrist stump (и тер щетину на висках своей культяшкой).

vicious [`vISqs], lousy [`lauzI], snivel [snIvl]

Candy said, "Sure, George. Sure I'll do that."

"O.K. Give me a couple minutes then, and you come runnin' out an' tell like you jus' found her. I'm going now." George turned and went quickly out of the barn.

Old Candy watched him go. He looked helplessly back at Curley's wife, and gradually his sorrow and his anger grew into words. "You God damn tramp", he said viciously. "You done it, di'n't you? I s'pose you're glad. Ever'body knowed you'd mess things up. You wasn't no good. You ain't no good now, you lousy tart."

He sniveled, and his voice shook. "I could of hoed in the garden and washed dishes for them guys." He paused, and then went on in a singsong. And he repeated the old words: "If they was a circus or a baseball game... we would of went to her... jus' said 'ta hell with work,' an' went to her. Never ast nobody's say so. An' they'd of been a pig and chickens... an' in the winter... the little fat stove... an' the rain comin'... an' us jes' settin' there." His eyes blinded with tears and he turned and went weakly out of the barn, and he rubbed his bristly whiskers with his wrist stump.

Outside the noise of the game stopped (снаружи шум игры прекратился). There was a rise of voices in question (послышались удивленные голоса; to rise — подниматься; начинаться; question — вопрос), a drum of running feet (стук/барабанная дробь бегущих ног) and the men burst into the barn (и люди ворвались в конюшню; to burst (burst) — лопаться; разрываться; взрываться; внезапно появиться). Slim and Carlson and young Whit and Curley (Ловкий, Карлсон, молодой Уит, Кудряш), and Crooks keeping back out of attention range (и Горбун, который держался в поодаль; attention range — сфера внимания). Candy came after them (Кэнди вошел за ними), and last of all came George (и последним из всех вошел Джордж). George had put on his blue denim coat (Джордж /уже/ надел свою джинсовую куртку) and buttoned it (и застегнул ее; button — пуговица), and his black hat was pulled down low over his eyes (и его черная шляпа была натянута на самые глаза). The men raced around the last stall (мужчины «бегом» обогнули крайнее стойло; to race — мчаться, нестись). Their eyes found Curley's wife in the gloom (их глаза нашли в темноте жену Кудряша; to find (found)), they stopped and stood still and looked (они остановились и, замерев, смотрели /на нее/).

Then Slim went quietly over to her (затем Ловкий тихо подошел к ней), and he felt her wrist (и пощупал запястье = пульс). One lean finger touched her cheek (тонким пальцем коснулся ее щеки), and then his hand went under her slightly twisted neck (потом его рука прошла под ее слегка вывернутой шеей) and his fingers explored her neck (и пальцы исследовали шею). When he stood up (когда он встал) the men crowded near (остальные столпились рядом; crowd — толпа) and the spell was broken (и чары были разрушены = оцепенение спало).

burst [bWst], attention [q`tenS(q)n], range [reInG]

Outside the noise of the game stopped. There was a rise of voices in question, a drum of running feet and the men burst into the barn. Slim and Carlson and young Whit and Curley, and Crooks keeping back out of attention range. Candy came after them, and last of all came George. George had put on his blue denim coat and buttoned it, and his black hat was pulled down low over his eyes. The men raced around the last stall. Their eyes found Curley's wife in the gloom, they stopped and stood still and looked.

Then Slim went quietly over to her, and he felt her wrist. One lean finger touched her cheek, and then his hand went under her slightly twisted neck and his fingers explored her neck. When he stood up the men crowded near and the spell was broken.

Curley came suddenly to life (внезапно Кудряш вернулся к жизни = ожил). "I know who done it," he cried (я знаю, кто это сделал, — выкрикнул он). "That big son-of-a-bitch done it (этот здоровенный сукин сын это сделал). I know he done it (я знаю, это сделал он). Why — ever'body else was out there (ведь все остальные были снаружи) playin' horseshoes (играли в подкову)." He worked himself into a fury (он все больше распалялся: «приводил себя в ярость»). "I'm gonna get him (я поймаю его). I'm going for my shotgun (я пошел за своим дробовиком). I'll kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself (я сам убью этого верзилу). I'll shoot 'im in the guts (я выстрелю ему в живот; guts — кишки; живот /разг./). Come on, you guys (пошли, ребята)." He ran furiously out of the barn (он в ярости выбежал из конюшни; to run (ran; run)). Carlson said, "I'll get my Luger (Карлсон сказал: я возьму свой “Люгер”)," and he ran out too (и тоже выбежал).

Slim turned quietly to George (Ловкий медленно: «спокойно» повернулся к Джорджу). "I guess Lennie done it, all right (полагаю, это и впрямь сделал Ленни)," he said. "Her neck's bust (у нее сломана шея). Lennie coulda did that (Ленни мог бы сделать это)."

George didn't answer (Джордж не ответил), but he nodded slowly (/только/ медленно кивнул). His hat was so far down on his forehead (его шляпа была так сильно: «далеко» /натянута/ на лоб) that his eyes were covered (что прикрывала глаза).

Slim went on (Ловкий продолжал), "Maybe like that time in Weed (может, как в тот раз в Уиде) you was tellin' about (о котором ты мне рассказывал)."

Again George nodded (Джордж снова кивнул).

Slim sighed (Ловкий вздохнул). "Well, I guess we got to get him (полагаю, нам надо/придется найти его). Where you think he might of went (куда он мог пойти, как думаешь)?"

It seemed to take George some time to free his words (казалось, прошло некоторое время, пока Джордж смог ответить: «освободить слова»). "He — would of went south (он мог пойти на юг)," he said. "We come from north (мы пришли с севера) so he would of went south (поэтому он мог пойти на юг)."

"I guess we gotta get 'im (полагаю, нам надо найти его)," Slim repeated (повторил Ловкий).

George stepped close (Джордж шагнул вплотную /к нему/). "Couldn' we maybe bring him in (а мы не могли бы привести его сюда) an' they'll lock him up (и посадить под замок)? He's nuts, Slim (он /ведь/ чокнутый, Ловкий). He never done this to be mean (он никогда бы не сделал этого со зла)."

Slim nodded (Ловкий кивнул). "We might," he said (могли бы, — сказал он). "If we could keep Curley in (если бы получилось удержать Кудряша /в усадьбе/), we might (то смогли бы). But Curley's gonna want to shoot 'im (но Кудряш хочет пристрелить его). Curley's still mad about his hand (Кудряш все еще в ярости насчет руки). An' s'pose they lock him up (и представь, что его посадят под замок) an' strap him down (свяжут ремнями; strap — ремень) and put him in a cage (/а потом/ посадят в клетку = в тюрьму). That ain't no good, George (тут нет ничего хорошего, Джордж)."

"I know," said George, "I know (знаю, — сказал Джордж, — знаю)."

shotgun [`SOtgAn], south [sauT], north [nLT]

Curley came suddenly to life. "I know who done it," he cried. "That big son-of-a-bitch done it. I know he done it. Why — ever'body else was out there playin' horseshoes." He worked himself into a fury. "I'm gonna get him. I'm going for my shotgun. I'll kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself. I'll shoot 'im in the guts. Come on, you guys." He ran furiously out of the barn. Carlson said, "I'll get my Luger," and he ran out too.

Slim turned quietly to George. "I guess Lennie done it, all right," he said. "Her neck's bust. Lennie coulda did that."

George didn't answer, but he nodded slowly. His hat was so far down on his forehead that his eyes were covered.

Slim went on, "Maybe like that time in Weed you was tellin' about."

Again George nodded.

Slim sighed. "Well, I guess we got to get him. Where you think he might of went?"

It seemed to take George some time to free his words. "He — would of went south," he said. "We come from north so he would of went south."

"I guess we gotta get 'im," Slim repeated.

George stepped close. "Couldn' we maybe bring him in an' they'll lock him up? He's nuts, Slim. He never done this to be mean."

Slim nodded. "We might," he said. "If we could keep Curley in, we might. But Curley's gonna want to shoot 'im. Curley's still mad about his hand. An' s'pose they lock him up an' strap him down and put him in a cage. That ain't no good, George."

"I know," said George, "I know."

Carlson came running in (вбежал Карлсон). "The bastard's stole my Luger (этот ублюдок украл мой пистолет)," he shouted (заорал он). "It ain't in my bag (его нет в мешке)." Curley followed him (Кудряш вошел следом за ним; to follow — следовать), and Curley carried a shotgun in his good hand (и Кудряш нес дробовик в здоровой руке). Curley was cold now (теперь Кудряш был спокоен: «холоден»).

"All right, you guys," he said (все в порядке, ребята, — сказал он). "The nigger's got a shotgun (у черномазого есть дробовик). You take it, Carlson (возьми его, Карлсон). When you see 'um (если увидишь его), don't give 'im no chance (не дай ему шанса). Shoot for his guts (стреляй в живот). That'll double 'im over (это свалит его; double — удваивать; сгибать/ся/; складывать/ся/)."

Whit said excitedly (Уит сказал возбужденно), "I ain't got a gun (а у меня нет ружья)."

Curley said, "You go in Soledad an' get a cop (а ты езжай в Соледад и вызови полицию: «возьми полицейского»). Get Al Wilts (найди Эла Уилтса), he's deputy sheriff (он заместитель шерифа). Le's go now (ну, пошли)." He turned suspiciously on George (он подозрительно повернулся к Джорджу). "You're comin' with us, fella (ты идешь с нами, парень)."

"Yeah," said George (да, — сказал Джордж). "I'll come. But listen, Curley (я иду, но послушай, Кудряш). The poor bastard's nuts (бедняга полоумный). Don't shoot 'im (не стреляйте в него). He di'n't know what he was doin' (он не знал, что делал)."

deputy [`depjutI], suspicious [sqs`pISqs], poor [puq]

Carlson came running in. "The bastard's stole my Luger," he shouted. "It ain't in my bag." Curley followed him, and Curley carried a shotgun in his good hand. Curley was cold now.

"All right, you guys," he said. "The nigger's got a shotgun. You take it, Carlson. When you see 'um, don't give 'im no chance. Shoot for his guts. That'll double 'im over."

Whit said excitedly, "I ain't got a gun."

Curley said, "You go in Soledad an' get a cop. Get Al Wilts, he's deputy sheriff. Le's go now." He turned suspiciously on George. "You're comin' with us, fella."

"Yeah," said George. "I'll come. But listen, Curley. The poor bastard's nuts. Don't shoot 'im. He di'n't know what he was doin'."

"Don't shoot 'im?" Curley cried (не стрелять в него? — воскликнул Кудряш). "He got Carlson's Luger (у него пистолет Карлсона). 'Course we'll shoot 'im (само собой, мы будем в него стрелять)."

George said weakly (Джордж слабо возразил: «сказал»), "Maybe Carlson lost his gun (может, Карлсон потерял свой пистолет)."

"I seen it this morning (я видел его этим утром)," said Carlson. "No, it's been took (нет, его взяли)."

Slim stood looking down at Curley's wife (Ловкий стоял и смотрел на жену Кудряша). He said, "Curley — maybe you better stay here with your wife (Кудряш, может, тебе лучше остаться здесь с женой)."

Curley's face reddened (лицо Кудряша покраснело). "I'm goin' (я иду)," he said. "I'm gonna shoot the guts outa that big bastard myself (я сам выпущу: «выбью выстрелом» этому ублюдку кишки; to shoot — стрелять), even if I only got one hand (даже если у меня только одна рука). I'm gonna get 'im (я поймаю его/доберусь до него)."

Slim turned to Candy (Ловкий повернулся к Кэнди). "You stay here with her then, Candy (тогда с ней останешься ты, Кэнди). The rest of us better get goin' (остальным лучше пойти)."

They moved away (они ушли). George stopped a moment beside Candy (Джордж на мгновенье остановился возле Кэнди) and they both looked down at the dead girl (и они оба смотрели на мертвую девушку) until Curley called (пока Кудряш не позвал), "You George! You stick with us (эй, Джордж, не отставай; to stick — липнуть; приклеиваться; to stick with — держаться кого-л., не отходить от кого-л.) so we don't think you had nothin' to do with this (чтоб мы не подумали, что ты в этом замешан)."

George moved slowly after them (Джордж медленно пошел за ними), and his feet dragged heavily (с трудом: «тяжело» волоча ноги).

And when they were gone (и когда они ушли), Candy squatted down in the hay (Кэнди сел на корточки в сено) and watched the face of Curley's wife (и всмотрелся в лицо жены Кудряша). "Poor bastard," he said softly (бедняжка, — сказал он мягко).

The sound of the men grew fainter (звук шагов: «людей» становился слабее). The barn was darkening gradually (в конюшне постепенно темнело = становилось все темнее) and, in their stalls, the horses shifted their feet (и в своих стойлах лошади переступали ногами; to shift — перемещать) and rattled the halter chains (и дребезжали цепочками на уздечках). Old Candy lay down in the hay (старый Кэнди лег в сено) and covered his eyes with his arm (и прикрыл глаза рукой).

shoot [SHt], cover [`kAvq], squat [skwOt]

"Don't shoot 'im?" Curley cried. "He got Carlson's Luger. 'Course we'll shoot 'im."

George said weakly, "Maybe Carlson lost his gun."

"I seen it this morning," said Carlson. "No, it's been took."

Slim stood looking down at Curley's wife. He said, "Curley — maybe you better stay here with your wife."

Curley's face reddened. "I'm goin'," he said. "I'm gonna shoot the guts outa that big bastard myself, even if I only got one hand. I'm gonna get 'im."

Slim turned to Candy. "You stay here with her then, Candy. The rest of us better get goin'."

They moved away. George stopped a moment beside Candy and they both looked down at the dead girl until Curley called, "You George! You stick with us so we don't think you had nothin' to do with this."

George moved slowly after them, and his feet dragged heavily.

And when they were gone, Candy squatted down in the hay and watched the face of Curley's wife. "Poor bastard," he said softly.

The sound of the men grew fainter. The barn was darkening gradually and, in their stalls, the horses shifted their feet and rattled the halter chains. Old Candy lay down in the hay and covered his eyes with his arm.

SIX (глава шестая)

The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon (на глубокую зеленую заводь реки Салинас ночь еще не опустилась; late — поздний; afternoon — вторая половина дня). Already the sun had left the valley (солнце уже покинуло долину; to leave (left)) to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan Mountains (чтобы вскарабкаться по склонам гор Габилана), and the hilltops were rosy in the sun (и горные вершины розовели в /лучах/ солнца). But by the pool (но у /самой/ заводи) among the mottled sycamores (среди пятнистых сикаморов), a pleasant shade had fallen (уже лежала: «упала» приятная тень; to fall (fell; fallen)).

A water snake glided smoothly up the pool (водяная змея плавно скользнула по заводи), twisting its periscope head from side to side (вращая своей похожей на перископ головой из стороны в сторону); and it swam the length of the pool (она проплыла всю длину = через всю заводь; to swim (swam; swum)) and came to the legs of a motionless heron (и подплыла к ногам неподвижной цапли) that stood in the shallows (что стояла на мелководье). A silent head and beak lanced down (бесшумно голова с клювом метнулась вниз; to lance — бросать, метать) and plucked it out by the head (и выхватила ее /из воды/ за голову), and the beak swallowed the little snake (и клюв глотал змейку) while its tail waved frantically (в то время как хвост ее отчаянно извивался; wave — волна; взмах).

A far rush of wind sounded (где-то вдалеке поднялся ветер; rush — бросок; стремительное движение; sound — звук; to sound — звучать) and a gust drove through the tops of the trees like a wave (и волной прокатился по вершинам деревьев; gust — порыв ветра; to drive (drove; driven) — гнать; мчаться, нестись). The sycamore leaves turned up their silver sides (листья сикоморов перевернулись своей серебристой стороной), the brown, dry leaves on the ground (бурые, сухие листья на земле) scudded a few feet (отлетели на несколько футов; to scud — мчаться; лететь). And row on row of tiny wind waves (и ряд за рядом маленькие волны, поднятые ветром) flowed up the pool's green surface (покрыли зеленую поверхность водоема; to flow — струиться).

mottle [mOtl], periscope [`perIskqup], frantically [`frxntIk(q)lI]

The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. Already the sun had left the valley to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan Mountains, and the hilltops were rosy in the sun. But by the pool among the mottled sycamores, a pleasant shade had fallen.

A water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side; and it swam the length of the pool and came to the legs of a motionless heron that stood in the shallows. A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, and the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically.

A far rush of wind sounded and a gust drove through the tops of the trees like a wave. The sycamore leaves turned up their silver sides, the brown, dry leaves on the ground scudded a few feet. And row on row of tiny wind waves flowed up the pool's green surface.

As quickly as it had come (также быстро, как и поднялся), the wind died (ветер стих; to die — умирать; затихать /о ветре, звуке/), and the clearing was quiet again (и на поляне снова стало тихо). The heron stood in the shallows (цапля стояла на мелководье), motionless and waiting (без движения, ожидая). Another little water snake swam up the pool (другая водяная змейка переплыла заводь), turning its periscope head from side to side (поворачивая из стороны в сторону свою голову-перископ).

Suddenly Lennie appeared out of the brush (внезапно из кустов появился Ленни), and he came as silently (он двигался так же тихо) as a creeping bear moves (как движется крадущийся медведь). The heron pounded the air with its wings (цапля захлопала крыльями по воздуху), jacked itself clear of the water (тяжело поднялась над водой; to jack — поднимать домкратом; clear — светлый, ясный; звонкий, отчетливый /о звуке/) and flew off down river (и полетела вниз по реке; to fly (flew; flown)). The little snake slid in (змейка ускользнула; to slide (slid)) among the reeds at the pool's side (в камыш на берегу водоема = в прибрежный камыш).

Lennie came quietly to the pool's edge (Ленни тихо подошел к кромке берега: «к краю заводи»). He knelt down and drank (он опустился на колени и напился), barely touching his lips to the water (едва касаясь губами воды). When a little bird skittered over (когда какая-то маленькая птичка прошелестела; to skitter — легко и быстро нестись) the dry leaves behind him (в сухих листьях позади него), his head jerked up (его голова дернулась) and he strained toward the sound with eyes and ears (он напряг глаза и уши = зрение и слух, /повернувшись/ в сторону звука) until he saw the bird (пока не увидел птичку), and then he dropped his head (потом опустил голову) and drank again (и снова /стал/ пить).

When he was finished (когда он закончил), he sat down on the bank (он сел на берегу), with his side to the pool (боком к воде), so that he could watch the trail's entrance (так, чтобы можно было следить за входом на тропу). He embraced his knees (он обнял колени) and laid his chin down on his knees (и положил на колени подбородок; to lay (laid)).

The light climbed on out of the valley (/солнечный/ свет покидал долину: «выкарабкивался из долины»), and as it went (и по мере того, как он уходил), the tops of the mountains seemed to blaze with increasing brightness (вершины гор, казалось, засверкали ярче: «с возрастающей яркостью»).

skitter [`skItq], jerk [GWk], increase [In`krJs]

As quickly as it had come, the wind died, and the clearing was quiet again. The heron stood in the shallows, motionless and waiting. Another little water snake swam up the pool, turning its periscope head from side to side.

Suddenly Lennie appeared out of the brush, and he came as silently as a creeping bear moves. The heron pounded the air with its wings, jacked itself clear of the water and flew off down river. The little snake slid in among the reeds at the pool's side.

Lennie came quietly to the pool's edge. He knelt down and drank, barely touching his lips to the water. When a little bird skittered over the dry leaves behind him, his head jerked up and he strained toward the sound with eyes and ears until he saw the bird, and then he dropped his head and drank again.

When he was finished, he sat down on the bank, with his side to the pool, so that he could watch the trail's entrance. He embraced his knees and laid his chin down on his knees.

The light climbed on out of the valley, and as it went, the tops of the mountains seemed to blaze with increasing brightness.

Lennie said softly (Ленни тихо сказал), "I di'n't forget, you bet, God damn (я не забыл, уж поверьте, черт побери). Hide in the brush (спрятаться в зарослях) an' wait for George (и ждать Джорджа)." He pulled his hat down low over his eyes (он натянул шляпу низко, на /самые/ глаза). "George gonna give me hell (Джордж даст мне чертей = задаст мне жару)," he said. "George gonna wish he was alone (Джордж захочет быть один) an' not have me botherin' him (и чтоб я ему не докучал; to bother — надоедать; беспокоить)." He turned his head (он повернул голову) and looked at the bright mountain tops (и взглянул на светлые вершины гор). "I can go right off there (я прямо сейчас могу уйти туда) an' find a cave (и найти пещеру)," he said. And he continued sadly (и он печально продолжал), "— an' never have no ketchup (и никогда не иметь = не есть кетчупа) — but I won't care (но мне все равно). If George don't want me (если я Джорджу не нужен)... I'll go away (я уйду). I'll go away."

And then from out of Lennie's head (и тут из головы Ленни) there came a little fat old woman (вышла маленькая пухленькая старушка; fat — толстый, тучный). She wore thick bull's-eye glasses (она носила толстые, выпуклые: «похожие на глаза быка», очки; bull's-eye — что-л. стеклянное, круглое и выгнутое: стеклянный шар /образуется при выдувании стекла/; увеличительное стекло /полусферическое или плоско-выпуклое/; иллюминатор и т.п.) and she wore a huge gingham apron with pockets (и «она носила» огромный = широкий клетчатый передник с карманами; gingham — полосатая или клетчатая хлопчатобумажная или льняная ткань), and she was starched and clean (и она вся была накрахмаленной и чистенькой). She stood in front of Lennie (она встала перед Ленни) and put her hands on her hips (руки в боки: «положила руки на бедра»), and she frowned disapprovingly at him (и нахмурившись, неодобрительно взглянула на него).

And when she spoke (и когда она говорила), it was in Lennie's voice (это был голос Ленни). "I tol' you an' tol' you (я тебе сотни раз говорила)," she said. "I tol' you (я тебе говорила), 'Min' George (слушайся Джорджа; min’ = mind; to mind — обращать внимание; слушаться) because he's such a nice fella (потому что он такой хороший парень) an' good to you (и к тебе хорошо относится).' But you don't never take no care (но ты никогда не обращал внимания). You do bad things (тебе бы только плохие вещи делать)."

And Lennie answered her (а Ленни ей отвечал), "I tried, Aunt Clara, ma'am (я пытался, тетя Клара, госпожа). I tried and tried (пытался снова и снова). I couldn't help it (но ничего не могу поделать)."

"You never give a thought to George (ты никогда не думал о Джордже)," she went on in Lennie's voice (продолжала она голосом Ленни). "He been doin' nice things for you alla time (он постоянно делал для тебя хорошее). When he got a piece of pie (если у него есть кусок пирога) you always got half or more'n half (ты всегда получаешь половину или больше; more’n = more than). An' if they was any ketchup (и если бы был кетчуп), why he'd give it all to you (он отдал бы тебе его весь)."

"I know," said Lennie miserably (я знаю, — сказал Ленни с несчастным видом). "I tried, Aunt Clara, ma'am (я пытался, тетя Клара, госпожа). I tried and tried (все время пытался)."

bull [bul], gingham [`gINqm], apron [`eIpr(q)n]

Lennie said softly, "I di'n't forget, you bet, God damn. Hide in the brush an' wait for George." He pulled his hat down low over his eyes. "George gonna give me hell," he said. "George gonna wish he was alone an' not have me botherin' him." He turned his head and looked at the bright mountain tops. "I can go right off there an' find a cave," he said. And he continued sadly, " — an' never have no ketchup — but I won't care. If George don't want me... I'll go away. I'll go away."

And then from out of Lennie's head there came a little fat old woman. She wore thick bull's-eye glasses and she wore a huge gingham apron with pockets, and she was starched and clean. She stood in front of Lennie and put her hands on her hips, and she frowned disapprovingly at him.

And when she spoke, it was in Lennie's voice. "I tol' you an' tol' you," she said. "I tol' you, 'Min' George because he's such a nice fella an' good to you.' But you don't never take no care. You do bad things."

And Lennie answered her, "I tried, Aunt Clara, ma'am. I tried and tried. I couldn't help it."

"You never give a thought to George," she went on in Lennie's voice. "He been doin' nice things for you alla time. When he got a piece of pie you always got half or more'n half. An' if they was any ketchup, why he'd give it all to you."

"I know," said Lennie miserably. "I tried, Aunt Clara, ma'am. I tried and tried."

She interrupted him (она прервала его). "All the time he coulda had such a good time (он мог бы всегда хорошо проводить время) if it wasn't for you (если б не ты). He woulda took his pay (он получил бы свою плату = свои деньги) an' raised hell in a whore house (и загудел бы в публичном доме: «поднял бы ад»), and he coulda set in a pool room (а мог бы засесть в бильярдной) an' played snooker (и играть в снукер; snooker — вид игры на бильярде). But he got to take care of you (но ему приходится о тебе заботиться)."

Lennie moaned with grief (Ленни застонал от огорчения). "I know, Aunt Clara, ma'am (я знаю, тетя Клара, госпожа). I'll go right off in the hills (я пойду в горы) an' I'll fin' a cave (найду там пещеру) an' I'll live there (и буду жить там) so I won't be no more trouble to George (и я больше не буду проблемой для Джорджа)."

"You jus' say that (ты так только говоришь)," she said sharply (сказала она резко). "You're always sayin' that (ты всегда это говоришь), an' you know sonofabitching well (а сам чертовски хорошо знаешь; sonofabitch = son of a bitch — сукин сын) you ain't never gonna do it (ты никогда этого не сделаешь). You'll jus' stick around (ты будешь рядом ошиваться; to stick around — не уходить; слоняться поблизости) an' stew the b'Jesus outa George all the time (и все время мучить Джорджа; to stew — тушить, варить; мучить /разг./)."

grief [grJf], moan [mqun], stew [stjH]

She interrupted him. "All the time he coulda had such a good time if it wasn't for you. He woulda took his pay an' raised hell in a whore house, and he coulda set in a pool room an' played snooker. But he got to take care of you."

Lennie moaned with grief. "I know, Aunt Clara, ma'am. I'll go right off in the hills an' I'll fin' a cave an' I'll live there so I won't be no more trouble to George."

"You jus' say that," she said sharply. "You're always sayin' that, an' you know sonofabitching well you ain't never gonna do it. You'll jus' stick around an' stew the b'Jesus outa George all the time."

Lennie said, "I might jus' as well go away (я мог бы прямо сейчас уйти). George ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits now (теперь Джордж не позволит мне ухаживать за кроликами)."

Aunt Clara was gone (тетка Клара исчезла: «ушла»), and from out of Lennie's head there came a gigantic rabbit (а из головы Ленни выпрыгнул гигантский кролик). It sat on its haunches in front of him (он сел на задние лапы перед ним; haunch — бедро; задняя часть), and it waggled its ears (пошевелил: «покачал» ушами) and crinkled its nose at him (и сморщил нос «на него»). And it spoke in Lennie's voice too (и тоже заговорил голосом Ленни).

"Tend rabbits (присматривать за кроликами)," it said scornfully (сказал он насмешливо; scorn — презрение; насмешка). "You crazy bastard (ты, дурак полоумный). You ain't fit to lick the boots of no rabbit (ты не годишься, чтобы кроликам ботинки лизать; fit — подходящий, годный). You'd forget 'em (ты забудешь о них) and let 'em go hungry (и они будут ходить голодными). That's what you'd do (вот что ты сделаешь). An' then what would George think (и тогда, что подумает Джордж)?"

"I would not forget (я не забуду)," Lennie said loudly (сказал Ленни громко).

"The hell you wouldn' (черта с два не забудешь)," said the rabbit (сказал кролик). "You ain't worth a greased jack-pin (ты не стоишь грязного гвоздя; to grease — пачкать, загрязнять; pin — булавка; /редк./ гвоздь) to ram you into hell (которыми тебя будут прибивать в аду; to ram — трамбовать; вбивать, вколачивать). Christ knows (видит Бог: «Христос знает») George done ever'thing he could (Джордж сделал все) to jack you outa the sewer (чтобы вытащить тебя из грязи: «сточной трубы»; to jack — поднимать домкратом), but it don't do no good (но из этого не вышло: «не сделалось» ничего хорошего). If you think George gonna let you tend rabbits (если ты думаешь, что Джордж позволит тебе присматривать за кроликами), you're even crazier'n usual (ты даже больше сумасшедший, чем обычно; crazier'n = crazier than). He ain't (он не /позволит/). He's gonna beat hell outa you with a stick (он выбьет из тебя дурь палкой), that's what he's gonna do (вот что он сделает)."

Now Lennie retorted belligerently (Ленни агрессивно возразил; belligerent — агрессивный, воинственный), "He ain't neither (не сделает он /этого/). George won't do nothing like that (Джордж ничего такого не сделает). I've knew George since (я знаю Джорджа с тех пор) — I forget when (я забыл, с каких) — and he ain't never raised his han' to me with a stick (и он никогда не поднимал на меня руку с палкой). He's nice to me (он хорошо ко мне относится). He ain't gonna be mean (он не будет злиться)."

"Well, he's sick of you (ну да, он устал от тебя; sick — больной; уставший)," said the rabbit. "He's gonna beat hell outa you (он выбьет из тебя чертей) an' then go away an' leave you (а потом уйдет и бросит тебя; to leave — оставлять, покидать)."

gigantic [GaI`gxntIk], crinkle [krINkl], belligerent [bI`lIGqr(q)nt]

Lennie said, "I might jus' as well go away. George ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits now."

Aunt Clara was gone, and from out of Lennie's head there came a gigantic rabbit. It sat on its haunches in front of him, and it waggled its ears and crinkled its nose at him. And it spoke in Lennie's voice too.

"Tend rabbits," it said scornfully. "You crazy bastard. You ain't fit to lick the boots of no rabbit. You'd forget 'em and let 'em go hungry. That's what you'd do. An' then what would George think?"

"I would not forget," Lennie said loudly.

"The hell you wouldn'," said the rabbit. "You ain't worth a greased jack-pin to ram you into hell. Christ knows George done ever'thing he could to jack you outa the sewer, but it don't do no good. If you think George gonna let you tend rabbits, you're even crazier'n usual. He ain't. He's gonna beat hell outa you with a stick, that's what he's gonna do."

Now Lennie retorted belligerently, "He ain't neither. George won't do nothing like that. I've knew George since — I forget when — and he ain't never raised his han' to me with a stick. He's nice to me. He ain't gonna be mean."

"Well, he's sick of you," said the rabbit. "He's gonna beat hell outa you an' then go away an' leave you."

"He won't," Lennie cried frantically (он не /будет этого делать/, — заорал Ленни яростно). "He won't do nothing like that (он не сделает ничего такого). I know George (я знаю Джорджа). Me an' him travels together (мы с ним всегда вместе; to travel — путешествовать, странствовать)."

But the rabbit repeated softly over and over (но кролик спокойно повторял снова и снова), "He gonna leave you (он бросит тебя), ya crazy bastard (дурень ты проклятый). He gonna leave ya all alone (он оставит тебя совершенно одного). He gonna leave ya, crazy bastard (он бросит тебя, дурень полоумный)."

Lennie put his hands over his ears (Ленни закрыл на уши ладонями). "He ain't (не бросит), I tell ya he ain't (говорю тебе, не бросит)." And he cried, "Oh! George — George — George (и он закричал: о, Джордж)!"

George came quietly out of the brush (Джордж тихо вышел из зарослей) and the rabbit scuttled (и кролик поспешно убрался; scuttle — стремительное бегство) back into Lennie's brain (назад в мозг Ленни).

George said quietly (Джордж тихо спросил), "What the hell you yellin' about (какого черта ты кричишь)?"

Lennie got up on his knees (Ленни приподнялся «на колени»). "You ain't gonna leave me (ты не бросишь меня), are ya, George (верно, Джордж)? I know you ain't (я знаю, ты не /бросишь/)."

George came stiffly near (Джордж подошел ближе на негнущихся /ногах/; stiff — тугой, негибкий) and sat down beside him (и сел рядом с ним). "No (нет)."

"I knowed it," Lennie cried (я знал это, — воскликнул Ленни). "You ain't that kind (ты не такой: «не такого сорта»)."

George was silent (Джордж молчал).

Lennie said, "George (Ленни сказал, Джордж)."

"Yeah (да)?"

"I done another bad thing (я сделал еще одну плохую вещь)."

"It don't make no difference (это не важно)," George said (сказал Джордж), and he fell silent again (и замолчал снова; to fall (fell; fallen) — падать; употребляется как глагол-связка: становиться, перейти в определенное состояние; silent — безмолвный).

Only the topmost ridges were in the sun now (только самые вершины горного хребта были сейчас /освещены/ солнцем). The shadow in the valley was blue and soft (полумрак в долине был голубоватый и мягкий; shadow — тень; полумрак). From the distance came the sound of men (издалека донесся звук людей = донеслись голоса) shouting to one another (перекликающиеся между собой: «кричащие друг другу»). George turned his head (Джордж повернул голову) and listened to the shouts (и прислушался к крикам).

scuttle [skAtl], ridge [rIG], shout [Saut]

"He won't," Lennie cried frantically. "He won't do nothing like that. I know George. Me an' him travels together."

But the rabbit repeated softly over and over, "He gonna leave you, ya crazy bastard. He gonna leave ya all alone. He gonna leave ya, crazy bastard."

Lennie put his hands over his ears. "He ain't, I tell ya he ain't." And he cried, "Oh! George — George — George!"

George came quietly out of the brush and the rabbit scuttled back into Lennie's brain.

George said quietly, "What the hell you yellin' about?"

Lennie got up on his knees. "You ain't gonna leave me, are ya, George? I know you ain't."

George came stiffly near and sat down beside him. "No."

"I knowed it," Lennie cried. "You ain't that kind."

George was silent.

Lennie said, "George."

"Yeah?"

"I done another bad thing."

"It don't make no difference," George said, and he fell silent again.

Only the topmost ridges were in the sun now. The shadow in the valley was blue and soft. From the distance came the sound of men shouting to one another. George turned his head and listened to the shouts.

Lennie said, "George."

"Yeah?"

"Ain't you gonna give me hell (ты собираешься дать мне чертей: «ад» = собираешься показать мне, где раки зимуют, отругать меня)?"

"Give ya hell (дать тебе чертей)?"

"Sure, like you always done before (конечно, как ты раньше всегда делал). Like (что-то вроде), 'If I di'n't have you (если б у меня не было тебя) I'd take my fifty bucks (я бы взял свои пятьдесят зеленых) —'"

"Jesus Christ, Lennie (Господи, Ленни)! You can't remember nothing that happens (ты не можешь запомнить ничего, что происходит), but you remember ever' word I say (зато ты помнишь каждое слово, что я говорю)."

"Well, ain't you gonna say it (ну и ты не собираешься это сказать)?"

George shook himself (Джордж встряхнулся; to shake (shook; shaken) — трясти). He said woodenly (он сказал безжизненным /голосом/; wooden — деревянный), "If I was alone (если бы я был один) I could live so easy (мне бы так легко жилось)." His voice was monotonous (его голос был монотонным), had no emphasis (без выразительности). "I could get a job (я мог бы получить работу) an' not have no mess (и не имел бы неприятностей)." He stopped (он замолчал).

"Go on," said Lennie (продолжай, — сказал Ленни). "An' when the enda the month come (а когда пришел бы конец месяца; enda = end of) —"

"An' when the end of the month came (а когда пришел бы конец месяца) I could take my fifty bucks (я мог бы взять свои пятьдесят зеленых) an' go to a... cat house (и пойти в бордель)..." He stopped again (он снова умолк).

Lennie looked eagerly at him (Ленни нетерпеливо посмотрел на него). "Go on, George (продолжай, Джордж). Ain't you gonna give me no more hell (разве ты не дашь мне еще чертей)?"

"No," said George.

"Well, I can go away (что ж, я могу уйти)," said Lennie. "I'll go right off in the hills (я пойду прямо в горы) an' find a cave (и найду пещеру) if you don' want me (если я тебе не нужен)."

George shook himself again (Джордж снова встряхнулся). "No," he said. "I want you to stay with me here (я хочу, чтоб ты остался со мной здесь)."

Lennie said craftily (Ленни сказал хитро; craft — ремесло; ловкость, умение, искусство; сноровка; хитрость) — "Tell me like you done before (скажи, как говорил раньше)."

"Tell you what (что сказать)?"

"'Bout the other guys an' about us (о других и о нас)."

monotonous [mq`nOtnqs], emphasis [`emfqsIs], craftily [`krRftIlI]

Lennie said, "George."

"Yeah?"

"Ain't you gonna give me hell?"

"Give ya hell?"

"Sure, like you always done before. Like, 'If I di'n't have you I'd take my fifty bucks-'"

"Jesus Christ, Lennie! You can't remember nothing that happens, but you remember ever' word I say."

"Well, ain't you gonna say it?"

George shook himself. He said woodenly, "If I was alone I could live so easy." His voice was monotonous, had no emphasis. "I could get a job an' not have no mess." He stopped.

"Go on," said Lennie. "An' when the enda the month come-"

"An' when the end of the month came I could take my fifty bucks an' go to a... cat house..." He stopped again.

Lennie looked eagerly at him. "Go on, George. Ain't you gonna give me no more hell?"

"No," said George.

"Well, I can go away," said Lennie. "I'll go right off in the hills an' find a cave if you don' want me."

George shook himself again. "No," he said. "I want you to stay with me here."

Lennie said craftily — "Tell me like you done before."

"Tell you what?"

"'Bout the other guys an' about us."

George said, "Guys like us got no fambly (парни, такие, как мы, не имеют семьи). They make a little stake (заработают немного денег) an' then they blow it in (а потом все продувают). They ain't got nobody in the worl' (у них нет никого в целом мире) that gives a hoot in hell about 'em (кто их хоть немножко любит: «кому они хоть чуточку небезразличны»; hoot — малая толика, малое количество; about — /значение темы разговора, предмета забот и т. п./ о, насчет, на тему, касательно) —"

"But not us," Lennie cried happily (мы — другое дело: «но не мы», — счастливо воскликнул Ленни). "Tell about us now (расскажи-ка про нас)."

George was quiet for a moment (Джордж мгновенье помолчал). "But not us (мы — другое дело)," he said.

"Because (потому что) —"

"Because I got you an' (потому что у меня есть ты, а) —"

"An' I got you (а у меня есть ты). We got each other (мы есть друг у друга), that's what, that gives a hoot in hell about us (это дает нам чертовски много; to pay/give a hoot — придавать значение/смысл)," Lennie cried in triumph (воскликнул Ленни с торжеством; triumph — триумф; торжество).

The little evening breeze (легкий вечерний ветерок: «бриз») blew over the clearing (пронесся по поляне; to blow (blew; blown) — дуть) and the leaves rustled (зашелестели листья) and the wind waves flowed up the green pool (и волны, /поднятые ветром/ прокатились по зеленой заводи). And the shouts of men sounded again (снова раздались: «прозвучали» крики «мужчин»), this time much closer than before (в это раз намного ближе, чем раньше).

George took off his hat (Джордж снял шляпу). He said shakily (он сказал дрожащим голосом; shaky — трясущийся; дрожащий), "Take off your hat, Lennie (сними шляпу, Ленни). The air feels fine (почувствуй, какой чудесный воздух: «воздух ощущается прекрасным»)."

Lennie removed his hat dutifully (Ленни послушно снял шляпу; dutiful — исполнительный, покорный; duty — долг) and laid it on the ground in front of him (и положил ее перед собой на землю). The shadow in the valley was bluer (тени в долине сгустились: «стали более синими»), and the evening came fast (и быстро наступил вечер). On the wind the sound of crashing in the brush came to them (ветер донес до них треск кустов: «по ветру до них донесся звук ломаемых кустов»).

Lennie said, "Tell how it's gonna be (расскажи, как это будет)."

George had been listening to the distant sounds (Джордж прислушивался к звукам вдалеке: «к дальним звукам»). For a moment he was businesslike (на мгновение он сосредоточился; businesslike — деловитый; исполнительный). "Look acrost the river, Lennie (смотри на ту сторону реки = на тот берег, Ленни; acrost = across), an' I'll tell you (а я буду рассказывать) so you can almost see it (и ты почти увидишь это /своими глазами/)."

triumph [`traIqmf], dutiful [`djHtIful], distant [`dIst(q)nt]

George said, "Guys like us got no fambly. They make a little stake an' then they blow it in. They ain't got nobody in the worl' that gives a hoot in hell about 'em-"

"But not us," Lennie cried happily. "Tell about us now."

George was quiet for a moment. "But not us," he said.

"Because —"

"Because I got you an' —"

"An' I got you. We got each other, that's what, that gives a hoot in hell about us," Lennie cried in triumph.

The little evening breeze blew over the clearing and the leaves rustled and the wind waves flowed up the green pool. And the shouts of men sounded again, this time much closer than before.

George took off his hat. He said shakily, "Take off your hat, Lennie. The air feels fine."

Lennie removed his hat dutifully and laid it on the ground in front of him. The shadow in the valley was bluer, and the evening came fast. On the wind the sound of crashing in the brush came to them.

Lennie said, "Tell how it's gonna be."

George had been listening to the distant sounds. For a moment he was businesslike. "Look acrost the river, Lennie, an' I'll tell you so you can almost see it."

Lennie turned his head (Ленни повернул голову) and looked off across the pool (и /стал/ смотреть через заводь) and up the darkening slopes of the Gabilans (на темнеющие склоны /гор/ Габилана). "We gonna get a little place (у нас будет маленькая ферма)," George began (начал Джордж). He reached in his side pocket (он полез в свой боковой карман) and brought out Carlson's Luger (и достал "Люгер" Карлсона); he snapped off the safety (он щелкнул предохранителем; safety — безопасность; сохранность), and the hand and gun lay (а рука с пистолетом /уже/ лежали) on the ground behind Lennie's back (на земле позади «спины» Ленни). He looked at the back of Lennie's head (он взглянул на затылок Ленни), at the place where the spine and skull were joined (на то место, где соединяются позвоночник с черепом).

A man's voice called from up the river (со стороны реки донесся мужской голос), and another man answered (и другой «мужчина» отозвался).

"Go on," said Lennie (продолжай, — сказал Ленни).

George raised the gun (Джордж поднял пистолет) and his hand shook (его рука задрожала; to shake (shook; shaken)), and he dropped his hand to the ground again (и он снова уронил руку на землю).

"Go on," said Lennie (продолжай, — сказал Ленни). "How's it gonna be (как это будет). We gonna get a little place (у нас будет маленькая ферма)."

"We'll have a cow (у нас будет корова)," said George. "An' we'll have maybe a pig (и, может быть, поросенок) an' chickens (и куры)... an' down the flat (а внизу на равнине = на лугу) we'll have a... little piece alfalfa (у нас будет маленький участок с люцерной) —"

"For the rabbits," Lennie shouted (для кроликов, — закричал Ленни).

"For the rabbits," George repeated (для кроликов, — повторил Джордж).

"And I get to tend the rabbits (и мне придется за ними ухаживать)."

"An' you get to tend the rabbits (и тебе придется за ними ухаживать)."

safety [`seIftI], spine [spaIn], ground [graund]

Lennie turned his head and looked off across the pool and up the darkening slopes of the Gabilans. "We gonna get a little place," George began. He reached in his side pocket and brought out Carlson's Luger; he snapped off the safety, and the hand and gun lay on the ground behind Lennie's back. He looked at the back of Lennie's head, at the place where the spine and skull were joined.

A man's voice called from up the river, and another man answered.

"Go on," said Lennie.

George raised the gun and his hand shook, and he dropped his hand to the ground again.

"Go on," said Lennie. "How's it gonna be. We gonna get a little place."

"We'll have a cow," said George. "An' we'll have maybe a pig an' chickens... an' down the flat we'll have a... little piece alfalfa —"

"For the rabbits," Lennie shouted.

"For the rabbits," George repeated.

"And I get to tend the rabbits."

"An' you get to tend the rabbits."

Lennie giggled with happiness (Ленни счастливо захихикал). "An' live on the fatta the lan' (и жить плодами своего труда)."

"Yes."

Lennie turned his head (Ленни повернул голову).

"No, Lennie (нет, Ленни). Look down there acrost the river (смотри туда через реку), like you can almost see the place (так ты почти сможешь увидеть ту ферму)."

Lennie obeyed him (Ленни повиновался). George looked down at the gun (Джордж посмотрел на пистолет).

There were crashing footsteps in the brush now (в кустах послышался треск, затем шаги). George turned and looked toward them (Джордж обернулся и посмотрел в ту сторону).

"Go on, George (продолжай, Джордж). When we gonna do It (когда мы это сделаем)?"

"Gonna do it soon (скоро сделаем)."

"Me an' you (я и ты)."

"You... an' me (ты и я). Ever'body gonna be nice to you (каждый к тебе будет хорошо относиться). Ain't gonna be no more trouble (не будет никаких неприятностей). Nobody gonna hurt nobody (никто не причинит зла другому) nor steal from 'em (и ничего у него не украдет)."

Lennie said, "I thought you was mad at me, George (я думал, ты злишься на меня, Джордж; to think (thought))."

"No," said George (нет, — сказал Джордж). "No, Lennie. I ain't mad (нет, Ленни, я не злюсь). I never been mad (никогда не злился), an' I ain't now (и сейчас не злюсь). That's a thing I want ya to know (я хочу, чтоб ты это знал)."

The voices came close now (голоса теперь были совсем близко). George raised the gun (Джордж поднял пистолет) and listened to the voices (и прислушался к голосам).

Lennie begged (Ленни взмолился), "Le's do it now (давай сделаем это сейчас). Le's get that place now (давай сейчас купим ферму)."

"Sure, right now (конечно, прямо сейчас). I gotta. We gotta (я, мы…)."

obey [q`beI], giggle [gIgl], raise [reIz]

Lennie giggled with happiness. "An' live on the fatta the lan'."

"Yes."

Lennie turned his head.

"No, Lennie. Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place."

Lennie obeyed him. George looked down at the gun.

There were crashing footsteps in the brush now. George turned and looked toward them.

"Go on, George. When we gonna do it?"

"Gonna do it soon."

"Me an' you."

"You... an' me. Ever'body gonna be nice to you. Ain't gonna be no more trouble. Nobody gonna hurt nobody nor steal from 'em."

Lennie said, "I thought you was mad at me, George."

"No," said George. "No, Lennie. I ain't mad. I never been mad, an' I ain't now. That's a thing I want ya to know."

The voices came close now. George raised the gun and listened to the voices.

Lennie begged, "Le's do it now. Le's get that place now."

"Sure, right now. I gotta. We gotta."

And George raised the gun and steadied it (Джордж поднял пистолет, и придал ему устойчивое положение; steady — устойчивый), and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head (и наставил ствол совсем близко к затылку Ленни). The hand shook violently (рука сильно тряслась), but his face set (но лицо было решительным) and his hand steadied (и он совладал с дрожью). He pulled the trigger (он нажал на курок). The crash of the shot rolled up the hills (треск выстрела прокатился по горам) and rolled down again (затем снова скатился назад). Lennie jarred (Ленни дернулся; to jar — вызывать дрожание; сотрясать), and then settled slowly forward to the sand (затем медленно повалился вперед: «осел вперед» на песок), and he lay without quivering (и лежал не двигаясь; to quiver — дрожать; трястись).

George shivered and looked at the gun (Джордж вздрогнул и посмотрел на пистолет), and then he threw it from him (потом отбросил его от себя), back up on the bank, near the pile of old ashes (на берег рядом с кучей старой золы).

The brush seemed filled with cries (казалось, заросли наполнились криками) and with the sound of running feet (и звуком = топотом бегущих ног). Slim's voice shouted (раздался голос Ловкого; to shout — кричать). "George. Where you at, George (Джордж, ты где, Джордж)?"

But George sat stiffly on the bank (но Джордж сидел без движения на берегу) and looked at his right hand (и смотрел на свою правую руку) that had thrown the gun away (что отшвырнула пистолет). The group burst into the clearing (внезапно на поляне появились люди; group — группа; to burst — лопаться; внезапно появляться), and Curley was ahead (впереди был Кудряш). He saw Lennie lying on the sand (он увидел Ленни, лежащего на песке). "Got him, by God (попал, ей-богу)." He went over and looked down at Lennie (он, наклонившись, взглянул на Ленни), and then he looked back at George (потом снова посмотрел на Джорджа). "Right in the back of the head (прямо в затылок)," he said softly (сказал он тихо).

Slim came directly to George (тут и Ловкий подошел к Джорджу; directly — прямо; скоро, вскоре) and sat down beside him (и сел рядом с ним), sat very close to him (сел очень близко к нему). "Never you mind," said Slim (не бери в голову). "A guy got to sometimes (иногда приходится /так поступать/)."

muzzle [mAzl], trigger [`trIgq], quiver [`kwIvq]

And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head. The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger. The crash of the shot rolled up the hills and rolled down again. Lennie jarred, and then settled slowly forward to the sand, and he lay without quivering.

George shivered and looked at the gun, and then he threw it from him, back up on the bank, near the pile of old ashes.

The brush seemed filled with cries and with the sound of running feet. Slim's voice shouted. "George. Where you at, George?"

But George sat stiffly on the bank and looked at his right hand that had thrown the gun away. The group burst into the clearing, and Curley was ahead. He saw Lennie lying on the sand. "Got him, by God." He went over and looked down at Lennie, and then he looked back at George. "Right in the back of the head," he said softly.

Slim came directly to George and sat down beside him, sat very close to him. "Never you mind," said Slim. "A guy got to sometimes."

But Carlson was standing over George (но Карлсон стоял над Джорджем). "How'd you do it?" he asked (как ты это сделал, — спросил он).

"I just done it (просто сделал, /и все/)," George said tiredly (сказал Джордж устало).

"Did he have my gun (у него был мой пистолет)?"

"Yeah. He had your gun (да, у него был твой пистолет)."

"An' you got it away from him (а ты отнял его у него) and you took it an' you killed him (взял да убил его)?"

"Yeah. Tha's how (да, вот так)." George's voice was almost a whisper (голос Джорджа почти перешел в шепот). He looked steadily at his right hand (он стоял и смотрел на свою правую руку) that had held the gun (которая перед этим держала пистолет).

Slim twitched George's elbow (Ловкий потянул: «дернул» Джорджа за локоть). "Come on, George (пойдем, Джордж). Me an' you'll go in an' get a drink (мы с тобой пойдем выпьем)."

George let himself be helped to his feet (Джордж позволил, чтобы его подняли на ноги). "Yeah, a drink (да, выпьем)."

Slim said, "You hadda, George (ты был вынужден /это сделать/, Джордж; hadda = had to). I swear you hadda (клянусь, был вынужден). Come on with me (пойдем со мной)." He led George into the entrance of the trail (он повел Джорджа к выходу на тропу; to lead (led); entrance — вход) and up toward the highway (и /дальше/ по направлению к шоссе).

Curley and Carlson looked after them (Кудряш и Карлсон смотрели им вслед). And Carlson said (и Карлсон сказал), "Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys (чего это они сами не свои: «что за чертовщина гложет этих двух парней»)?"

twitch [twIC], swear [sweq], entrance [`entr(q)ns]

But Carlson was standing over George. "How'd you do it?" he asked.

"I just done it," George said tiredly.

"Did he have my gun?"

"Yeah. He had your gun."

"An' you got it away from him and you took it an' you killed him?"

"Yeah. Tha's how." George's voice was almost a whisper. He looked steadily at his right hand that had held the gun.

Slim twitched George's elbow. "Come on, George. Me an' you'll go in an' get a drink."

George let himself be helped to his feet. "Yeah, a drink."

Slim said, "You hadda, George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me." He led George into the entrance of the trail and up toward the highway.

Curley and Carlson looked after them. And Carlson said, "Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?"

THE END (конец)