"Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon (Сарасате играет в Сент-Джеймс-холле сегодня днем)," he remarked. "What do you think, Watson (что вы думаете /об этом/, Ватсон)* Could your patients spare you for a few hours (могут ли ваши пациенты обойтись без вас в течение нескольких часов; to spare — экономить, беречь)*"
patients [*pe**nts], spare [spe*], few [fju:], hours [*au*z]
"I have nothing to do today (мне нечего делать сегодня = я свободен сегодня). My practice is never very absorbing (моя практика никогда не поглощает = отнимает много времени)."
practice [*pr*kt*s], absorbing [*b*z*:b**]
"Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he remarked. "What do you think, Watson* Could your patients spare you for a few hours*"
"I have nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing."
"Then put on your hat and come (тогда надевайте вашу шляпу и идемте). I am going through the City first (я собираюсь /проехать/ через Сити сначала), and we can have some lunch on the way (и мы можем иметь ланч = перекусить по пути). I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme (я вижу: «наблюдаю», что в программе много немецкой музыки), which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French (что значительно больше мне по вкусу, чем итальянская или французская). It is introspective (она интроспективна = способствует самоуглублению), and I want to introspect (и я хочу заняться углубиться в себя). Come along (пойдемте; to come along — сопровождать; поторапливаться)!"
through [Oru:], deal [di:l], programme [*pr*u*r*m], introspective [*ntr**spekt*v]
"Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!"
We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate (мы доехали: «пропутешествовали» с помощью метро до Олдерсгейта); and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square (и короткая прогулка привела нас до Сакс-Кобург-сквер), the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning (места действия странной истории, которую мы слышали этим утром). It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place (это было убогое, маленькое, пытающееся скрыть свою нищету место; shabby — поношенный; потрепанный; genteel — благородный; изящный), where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses (где четыре ряда грязных двухэтажных кирпичных домов) looked out into a small railed-in enclosure (смотрели /окнами/ на маленькое отгороженное пространство; enclosure — огороженное место, загон), where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel-bushes (где газон сорной травы и несколько /групп/ блеклых лавровых кустов) made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere (делали тяжелый бой = вели тяжелую борьбу с: «против» насыщенной дымом и неблагоприятной атмосферой; laden — нагруженный; сочащийся). Three gilt balls and a brown board with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters (три позолоченных шара и бурая доска с /надписью/ «Джабез Уилсон», выведенной белыми буквами), upon a corner house (на угловом доме), announced the place where our red-headed client carried on his business (объявляли о месте, где = указывали, что здесь наш рыжий клиент вел свое дело). Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it (Шерлок Холмс остановился перед этим = перед дверью) with his head on one side (с головой на одной стороне = склоненной набок головой) and looked it all over (и тщательно осмотрел ее), with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids (/с/ глазами, сверкающими ярко из-под: «между» полуприкрытых век). Then he walked slowly up the street (затем он прошелся медленно /вверх/ по улице), and then down again to the corner (и затем /вниз/ обратно к углу), still looking keenly at the houses (все еще вглядываясь внимательно в дома). Finally he returned to the pawnbroker's (наконец, он вернулся к ссудной кассе), and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times (и, постучав энергично по мостовой своей тростью два или три раза), he went up to the door and knocked (он подошел к двери и постучал /в дверь/). It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in (она была тотчас же открыта расторопным, чисто выбритым молодым человеком, который попросил его войти; bright — живой, расторопный; to shave — бриться).
poky [*p*uk*], dingy [*d*n**], lawn [l*:n], uncongenial [*nk*n**jn**l], brightly [*bra*tl*], pawnbroker [*p*:n,br*uk*], vigorously [*v***r*sl*], pavement [*pe*vm*nt]
We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in.
"Thank you (спасибо)," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand (я только хотел спросить вас, как пройти: «как бы вы прошли» отсюда на Стрэнд)."
"Third right, fourth left (третий поворот направо, четвертый налево)," answered the assistant promptly, closing the door (ответил помощник быстро, закрывая дверь).
"Smart fellow, that (ловкий парень; that — этот, так, очень)," observed Holmes as we walked away (заметил Холмс, когда мы ушли). "He is, in my judgment (он, по моему мнению: «приговору»), the fourth smartest man in London (четвертый по ловкости человек в Лондоне), and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third (а по смелости, я не уверен, что у него нет притязания /на то, чтобы/ быть третьим = пожалуй, занимает третье место). I have known something of him before (я знал кое-что о нем раньше)."
fellow [*fel*u], judgment [****m*nt], daring [*de*r**]
"Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand."
"Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, closing the door.
"Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, in my judgment. the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before."
"Evidently (очевидно)," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League (помощник мистера Уилсона играет немалую роль: «стоит значительного количества» в этой тайне Союза рыжих). I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him (я уверен, что вы спросили дорогу лишь для того, чтобы /вы могли/ увидеть его)."
"Not him (не его)."
"What then (что /же/ тогда)*"
"The knees of his trousers (колени его брюк)."
"And what did you see (и что вы увидели)*"
evidently [*ev*d*ntl*], inquired [*n*kwa**d], merely [*m**l*]
"Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him."
"Not him."
"What then*"
"The knees of his trousers."
"And what did you see*"
"What I expected to see (/то/ что я ожидал увидеть)."
"Why did you beat the pavement (зачем вы ударяли мостовую = стучали по камням мостовой)*"
"My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk (мой дорогой доктор, это время = сейчас время для наблюдений, не для разговора). We are spies in an enemy's country (мы шпионы на вражеской территории). We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square (мы знаем кое-что о Сакс-Кобург-сквер). Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it (теперь давайте исследуем: «позвольте нам теперь исследовать» части = улицы, которые лежат позади нее)."
trousers [*trauz*s], beat [bi:t], spies [spa*z], explore [*k*spl*:]
"What I expected to see."
"Why did you beat the pavement*"
"My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it."
The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square (дорога, в которой мы нашли себя = где мы очутились, когда свернули за угол с уединенной Сакс-Кобург-сквер) presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back (представляла такой же большой контраст = так же сильно отличалась от Сакс-Кобург-сквер, как передняя часть картины от ее оборотной стороны). It was one of the main arteries (это была одна из главных артерий) which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west (которая переправляла уличное движение Сити на север и запад = соединяющая Сити с севером и западом). The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce (дорога была перегорожена = забита нескончаемым потоком экипажей; commerce — транспорт, перевозки) flowing in a double tide inward and outward (движущихся двумя потоками внутрь и наружу; to flow — течь, струиться), while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians (в то время как тротуары: «ножные тропинки» были черными от спешащего роя пешеходов). It was difficult to realize (трудно было представить себе) as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises (глядя на: «когда мы смотрели» ряд прекрасных магазинов и представительных торговых помещений) that they really abutted on the other side (что они действительно граничили с другой стороны) upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted (с блеклой и безлюдной площадью, которую мы только что покинули; stagnant — застойный, неразвивающийся).
retired [r**ta**d], conveyed [k*n*ve*d], immense [**mens], double [d*bl], swarm [sw*:m], pedestrians [p**destr**n], stately [*ste*tl*], stagnant [*st**n*nt]
The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realize as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted.
"Let me see (позвольте мне взглянуть)," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line (сказал Холмс, вставая на углу и глядя вдоль ряда домов), "I should like just to remember the order of the houses here (я хотел бы только запомнить порядок домов здесь). It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London (это мое хобби — точное знание Лондона). There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist (там магазин Мортимера, владельца табачной фабрики), the little newspaper shop (маленький газетный магазин = лавчонка), the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank (кобургское отделение Городского и Пригородного Банка; branch — ветвь, филиал), the Vegetarian Restaurant (вегетарианский ресторан), and McFarlane's carriage-building depot (и экипажестроительное = каретное депо Макфарлена). That carries us right on to the other block (это приводит нас прямо к следующему кварталу). And now, Doctor, we've done our work (а теперь, доктор, мы сделали нашу работу = наша работа окончена), so it's time we had some play (так что теперь мы можем немного поразвлечься: «время у нас была бы забава, игра»). A sandwich and a cup of coffee (сэндвич с чашкой кофе), and then off to violin-land (а затем — в страну скрипок: «скрипичную страну»), where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony (где все сладость и изысканность и гармония), and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums (и там нет рыжих клиентов, чтобы досаждать нам своими головоломками)."
order [**:d*], exact [***z*kt], knowledge [*n*l**], branch [br*:nt*], violin [*va***l*n], delicacy [*del*k*s*], harmony [*h*:m*n*], conundrums [k**n*ndr*mz]
"Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums."
My friend was an enthusiastic musician (мой друг был увлеченным музыкантом), being himself not only a very capable performer (будучи сам не только очень способным исполнителем), but a composer of no ordinary merit (но и композитором необычного достоинства = незаурядным композитором). All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness (весь вечер он сидел в кресле /в партере/, окутанный наиболее совершенным счастьем = очень счастливый), gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music (слегка качая своими длинными, тонкими пальцами в такт музыке), while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes (в то время как его слегка улыбающееся лицо и томные, задумчивые глаза) were as unlike those of Holmes, the sleuth-hound (были так непохожи на = ничем не напоминали глаза Холмса-ищейки), Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent (Холмса безжалостного, сообразительного, всегда готового действовать преследователя преступников; keen — острый, проницательный; wit /чаще wits/ — рассудок, разум), as it was possible to conceive (как это возможно было постичь = каков был только мыслим). In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself (в его удивительном характере двойственная природа поочередно заявляла о себе = характер слагался из двух начал), and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented (и его потрясающая точность и проницательность представляли собой), as I have often thought (как я часто думал), the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood (реакцию против поэтического и созерцательного настроения = рождались в борьбе с поэтической задумчивостью) which occasionally predominated in him (которая временами преобладала в нем). The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy (колебание его природы переносило его = он постоянно переходил от чрезвычайной апатичности к необыкновенной: «пожирающей» энергии); and, as I knew well (и, как я хорошо знал), he was never so truly formidable as when (он никогда не был столь воистину грозен, как когда; formidable — страшный, жуткий; огромный), for days on end (дни напролет = несколько дней подряд), he had been lounging in his armchair (он бездельничал /развалясь/ в своем кресле) amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions (посреди своих импровизаций и напечатанных готическим шрифтом книг). Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him (затем бывало, что жажда преследования внезапно нисходила на него = охватывала его), and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition (и /что/ его блистательный разум возрастал до уровня интуиции), until those who were unacquainted with his methods (что те, кто был не знаком с его методами /работы/) would look askance at him as on a man (начинали коситься на него, как на человека; askance — косо; неодобрительно) whose knowledge was not that of other mortals (чье знание не было /знанием/ других смертных). When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall (когда я видел его тем вечером столь окутанным музыкой: «завернутым в музыку» в Сент-Джеймс-холле) I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down (я почувствовал, что злое время может прийти к тем, на кого он решил охотиться = тем, за кем он охотится, будет плохо; to set to — ставить задачу).
"You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor (вы хотите, без сомнения, пойти домой, доктор)," he remarked as we emerged (заметил он, когда мы вышли; to emerge — появляться, всплывать).
enthusiastic [*n*Oju:z***stik], musician [mju:*z**n], capable [*ke*p*bl], wrapped [r*pt], sleuth [slu:O], hound [haund], alternately [*:l*t*:n*tl*], astuteness [**stju:tn*s], languor [*l****], askance [**sk*ns]
My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer, but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes, the sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down.
"You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we emerged.
"Yes, it would be as well (да, это было бы желательно)."
"And I have some business to do which will take some hours (а у меня есть кое-какое дело, которое займет несколько часов). This business at Coburg Square is serious (это дело = происшествие на Кобург-сквер — /дело/ серьезное)."
"Why serious (почему серьезное)*"
"A considerable crime is in contemplation (значительное преступление в намерении = там готовится крупное преступление). I have every reason to believe (у меня есть все основания полагать) that we shall be in time to stop it (что мы должны быть вовремя, чтобы остановить их). But today being Saturday rather complicates matters (но то, что сегодня суббота, довольно усложняет дело). I shall want your help tonight (мне может потребоваться ваша помощь сегодня вечером)."
"At what time (в какое время)*"
сontemplation [*k*nt*m*ple**(*)n], believe [b**li:v], rather [*r*:**]
"Yes, it would be as well."
"And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious."
"Why serious*"
"A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help tonight."
"At what time*"
"Ten will be early enough (десять будет рано достаточно = не раньше десяти)."
"I shall be at Baker Street at ten (я буду на Бейкер-стрит /ровно/ в десять)."
"Very well (отлично). And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger (и, послушайте: «я говорю», доктор, там может быть небольшая опасность), so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket (поэтому, будьте добры, положите в карман ваш армейский револьвер)." He waved his hand, turned on his heel (он помахал рукой, круто повернулся /на каблуке/), and disappeared in an instant among the crowd (и мгновенно исчез в толпе: «среди толпы»).
аrmy [**:m*], revolver [r**v*lv*], among [**m**], crowd [kraud]
"Ten will be early enough."
"I shall be at Baker Street at ten."
"Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd.
I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours (я верю, что я не более глупый, чем мои соседи = я не считаю себя глупее других; dense — плотный, густой; тупой), but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity (но я всегда подавлен чувством моей собственной глупости = меня угнетает осознание собственной тупости) in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes (во время моих контактов = когда я имею дело с Шерлоком Холмсом). Here I had heard what he had heard (здесь = в этом деле я слышал /то же/, что он слышал), I had seen what he had seen (видел то же самое, что и он), and yet from his words it was evident (и, тем не менее, из его слов было очевидно) that he saw clearly not only what had happened (что он видел не только то, что произошло) but what was about to happen (но /также то/, что случится), while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque (тогда как для меня все это дело было по-прежнему запутанным и нелепым). As I drove home to my house in Kensington (когда я поехал домой в Кенсингтон) I thought over it all (я обдумал это /хорошенько/), from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia (от = начиная с необычайной истории рыжего переписчика энциклопедии) down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square (до посещения = заканчивая посещением Сакс-Кобург-сквер), and the ominous words with which he had parted from me (и зловещие слова, с которыми он расстался со мной; to part from — распрощаться с кем-то). What was this nocturnal expedition (что это была за ночная экспедиция), and why should I go armed (и почему мне следует прийти вооруженным)* Where were we going, and what were we to do (куда мы собирались идти и что нам предстояло делать)* I had the hint from Holmes (у меня был намек от Холмса = Холмс намекнул мне) that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant (что этот безбородый = гладковыбритый помощник владельца ссудной кассы) was a formidable man — a man who might play a deep game (был опасным человеком — человеком, который мог сыграть глубокую игру = вести сложную игру). I tried to puzzle it out (я попытался разобраться в этом), but gave it up in despair (но бросил это /дело/ в отчаянии) and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation (и оставил эту задачу в стороне, до тех пор, пока ночь принесет объяснение).
dense [dens], neighbours [*ne*b*z], sense [sens], stupidity [stju:*p*d*t*], grotesque [*r*u*tesk]
I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed* Where were we going, and what were we to do* I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a formidable man — a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.
It was a quarter past nine (была четверть после девяти = четверть десятого) when I started from home and made my way across the Park (когда я вышел из дома и пошел: «сделал свой путь» через парк), and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street (и затем через Оксфорд-стрит /добрался/ до Бейкер-стрит). Two hansoms were standing at the door (два экипажа стояли у двери), and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above (и когда я зашел в коридор, то услышал звук голосов сверху). On entering his room (войдя: «по вхождении» в комнату) I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men (я нашел = застал Холмса в оживленном разговоре с двумя людьми), one of whom I recognized as Peter Jones (одного из которых я узнал как Питера Джонса), the official police agent (официального полицейского агента), while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man (тогда как другой был высоким, тощим, мрачным: «печальнолицым» мужчиной), with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat (с очень сверкающим цилиндром и в угнетающе приличном фраке).
quarter [*kw*:t*], passage [*p*s**], recognized [*rek**na*zd], respectable [r**spekt*bl]
It was a quarter past nine when I started from home and made my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognized as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.
"Ha! Our party is complete (ага, наша компания завершена = вот мы и в сборе)," said Holmes, buttoning up his peajacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack (сказал Холмс, застегивая бушлат и беря с полки тяжелый охотничий хлыст). "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard (я думаю, вы знаете мистера Джонса из Скотланд-Ярда)* Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather (позвольте представить вас мистеру Мерриуэзеру), who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure (который будет нашим товарищем в ночном приключении)."
party [*p*:t*], heavy [*hev*], Yard [j*:d]
"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see (мы снова охотимся вместе: «парами», доктор, как вы видите)," said Jones in his consequential way (сказал Джонс в своей важной/весомой манере). "Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase (ваш друг /здесь/ — прекрасный человек для начинания преследования). All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down (все, чего он хочет, /так это/ чтобы старый /гончий/ пес помог ему в погоне)."
couples [k*plz], consequential [k*ns**kwen*n], wonderful [*w*nd*fl], chase [t*e*s]
"Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his peajacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard* Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure."
"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down."
"I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase (я надеюсь, дикий гусь не окажется концом нашей погони = боюсь, мы подстрелим не зверя, а гуся)," observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily (заметил мистер Мерриуэзер мрачно).
goose [*u:s], gloomily [**lu:m*l*]
"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir (вы можете вполне довериться: «поместить достаточно уверенности» мистеру Холмсу, сэр)," said the police agent loftily (сказал полицейский агент высокомерно). "He has his own little methods (у него есть свои маленькие методы), which are, if he won't mind my saying so (которые, позволю себе заметить: «если вы не будете возражать против моего говорения так»), just a little too theoretical and fantastic (совсем немного умозрительные и фантастические), but he has the makings of a detective in him (но в нем есть задатки детектива). It is not too much to say that once or twice (это не слишком много сказать = нужно признать, что раз или два), as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure (как, например, в делах об убийстве Шолто и сокровищах Агры), he has been more nearly correct than the official force (он был более верный, чем официальные силы = он оказался прав, а официальная полиция ошиблась)."
confidence [*k*nf*d*ns], theoretical [O***ret*kl], murder [*m*:d*], treasure [*tre**]
"I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily.
"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force."
"Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right (ну, если вы так говорите, мистер Джонс, тогда все в порядке)," said the stranger with deference (сказал незнакомец с почтением). "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber (и все-таки мне, признаться, жаль, что я пропускаю /партию в/ роббер). It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber (это первый субботний вечер за двадцать семь лет, в который я не играл мою партию в роббер)."
stranger [*stre*n**], deference [*def(*)r(*)ns], confess [k*n*fes], rubber [*r*b*]
"I think you will find (я думаю, что вы найдете = поймете)," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will play for a higher stake tonight (что вы будете играть на более высокую ставку сегодня вечером) than you have ever done yet (чем вы когда-либо делали), and that the play will be more exciting (и что игра будет более волнующей). For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds (для вас, мистер Мерриуэзер, ставка составит где-то тридцать тысяч фунтов); and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands (а для вас, Джонс, это будет человек, на которого вы хотите наложить руки = которого давно хотите поймать)."
stake [ste*k], exciting [*k*sa*t**], lay [le*]
"Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber."
"I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will play for a higher stake tonight than you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands."
"John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger (Джон Клэй, убийца, вор, фальшивомонетчик и мошенник). He's a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession (он молод, но он во главе своей профессии = искуснейший вор в стране), and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London (и я бы охотнее имел мои браслеты на нем, чем на любом другом преступнике в Лондоне = ни на кого другого я не надел бы наручники охотнее, чем на него). He's a remarkable man, is young John Clay (он удивительный человек, этот юный Джон Клэй). His grandfather was a royal duke (его дед был королевским герцогом), and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford (а сам он был = учился в Итоне и Оксфорде). His brain is as cunning as his fingers (его мозг так же изощрен, как и его пальцы), and though we meet signs of him at every turn (и хотя мы встречаем его следы на каждом шагу), we never know where to find the man himself (мы никогда не знаем, где найти самого человека). He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week (он совершит кражу со взломом в Шотландии на одной неделе), and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next (и будет собирать: «собирающим» деньги на постройку сиротского приюта в Корнуолле на следующей). I've been on his track for years (я на его следу /уже/ годы = гоняюсь за ним уже несколько лет) and have never set eyes on him yet (и еще никогда = ни разу не видел его)."
thief [Oi:f], forger [*f*:**], royal [*r***l], duke [dju:k]
"John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet."
"I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight (я надеюсь, что могу иметь удовольствие представления = представить его вам). I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay (мне тоже приходилось раз или два сталкиваться с мистером Джоном Клэем), and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession (и я согласен с вами, что он самый искусный вор в стране). It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started (после десяти = уже одиннадцатый час, однако, и вполне время, чтобы мы отправились = и нам пора двигаться в путь). If you two will take the first hansom (если вы двое возьмете первый экипаж), Watson and I will follow in the second (Ватсон и я последуем во втором)."
introducing [*ntr**dju:s**], hansom [h*nsm], second [*sek*nd]
"I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second."
Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive (Шерлок Холмс не был слишком общительным во время долгой поездки), and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon (и наклонился = откинулся назад в кебе, мурлыкая мелодии, которые он слышал днем). We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets (мы мчались через бесконечный лабиринт освещенных газом улиц) until we emerged into Farrington Street (пока не добрались до Фаррингтон-стрит; to emerge — появляться, всплывать).
humming [*h*m**], labyrinth [*l*b*r*nO], emerged [**m*:*d]
"We are close there now (мы теперь /совсем/ близко)," my friend remarked. "This fellow Merryweather is a bank director (этот парень Мерриуэзер — директор банка), and personally interested in the matter (и лично заинтересован в этом деле). I thought it as well to have Jones with us also (я подумал также взять Джонса). He is not a bad fellow (он неплохой парень), though an absolute imbecile in his profession (хотя и абсолютный глупец = ничего не смыслит в своей профессии). He has one positive virtue (у него есть одно несомненное достоинство). He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster (он храбр, как бульдог, и цепок, как рак) if he gets his claws upon anyone (если он хватает кого-то своими клешнями). Here we are, and they are waiting for us (мы приехали, и они нас ожидают)."
imbecile [**mb*si:l], virtue [*v*:t**], tenacious [t**ne**(*)s], claws [kl*:z]
Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and, lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.
"We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us."
We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare (мы достигли снова той же оживленной главной улицы) in which we had found ourselves in the morning (где были утром: «в которой мы нашли себя утром»). Our cabs were dismissed (наши кебы были отпущены), and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather (и, следуя за = под руководством мистера Мерриуэзера), we passed down a narrow passage and through a side door (мы вошли в узкий коридор и /прошли/ в боковую дверь), which he opened for us (которую он открыл для нас). Within there was a small corridor (внутри там был короткий коридор), which ended in a very massive iron gate (который кончался очень массивными железными воротами). This also was opened (они также были открыты), and led down a flight of winding stone steps (и вели вниз = за ними был пролет винтовой каменной лестницы), which terminated at another formidable gate (которая кончалась у других внушительных ворот). Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern (остановился зажечь фонарь), and then conducted us down a dark, earth-smelling passage (и затем провел нас по темному, пахнущему землей коридору), and so, after opening a third door (и затем, после открытия третьей двери), into a huge vault or cellar (в огромный подвал или погреб; vault — хранилище, подвал), which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes (который был заставлен повсюду ящиками и тяжелыми коробками).
thoroughfare [*O*r*fe*], guidance [*a*dns], narrow [*n*r*u], gate [*e*t], vault [v*:lt]
We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes.
"You are not very vulnerable from above (вы не слишком уязвимы сверху = проникнуть сюда сверху нелегко)," Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him (подняв фонарь и оглядевшись вокруг себя).
"Nor from below (снизу тоже)," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor (ударяя своей тростью по плиткам, которые облицовывали пол). "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow (почему, черт возьми, это звучит = звук такой, словно там пустота)!" he remarked, looking up in surprise (поднимая глаза в изумлении).
vulnerable [*v*lnr*bl], lantern [*l*nt*n], hollow [*h*l*u]
"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet (я должен действительно = вынужден попросить вас вести себя потише)!" said Holmes severely (сказал Холмс строго). "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition (вы уже подвергнули опасности весь успех нашей экспедиции; peril — опасность; риск, угроза). Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes (могу ли я попросить, чтобы вы соблаговолили = будьте любезны, сядьте на одну из тех коробок; goodness — любезность), and not to interfere (и не мешайте; to interfere — вмешиваться)*"
severely [s**v**l*], imperilled [*m*per*ld], success [s*k*ses], interfere [*nt**f**]
"You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him.
"Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise.
"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere*"
The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate (важный мистер Мерриуэзер уселся на ящик), with a very injured expression upon his face (с очень обиженным выражением на лице), while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor (в то время как Холмс упал = опустился на колени /на пол/) and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens (и с фонарем и увеличительным стеклом), began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones (начал исследовать скрупулезно трещины между камнями). A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him (нескольких секунд было достаточно, чтобы удовлетворить его), for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket (так как он снова вскочил на ноги и положил стекло = лупу в карман).
solemn [*s*l*m], injured [**n**d], magnifying [*m**n*fa**], sufficed [s**fa*st]
The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket.
"We have at least an hour before us (у нас есть впереди по крайней мере час)," he remarked, "for they can hardly take any steps (так как они едва ли могут предпринять какие-либо шаги) until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed (прежде, чем почтенный владелец ссудной кассы /благополучно/ заснет). Then they will not lose a minute (затем они не будут терять ни минуты), for the sooner they do their work the longer time they will have for their escape (так как чем раньше они сделают свою работу, тем больше времени у них будет для побега). We are at present, Doctor (мы /находимся/ в настоящее время, доктор) — as no doubt you have divined (как вы, без сомнения, догадались) — in the cellar of the City branch of one of the principal London banks (в подвале отделения Сити одного из ведущих банков Лондона). Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors (мистер Мерриуэзер — председатель правления банка), and he will explain to you that there are reasons (и он объяснит вам, что есть причины) why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present (почему наиболее дерзким преступникам Лондона следует проявлять особый интерес к этому подвалу в настоящий момент)."
hardly [*h*:dl*], escape [**ske*p], doubt [daut], principal [*pr*ns*pl], chairman [*t*e*m*n]
"It is our French gold (это наше французское золото)," whispered the director (прошептал директор). "We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it (мы имели несколько предупреждений, что может быть совершена попытка /похитить золото/)."
whispered [*w*sp*d], warning [*w*:n**]
"We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at present, Doctor — as no doubt you have divined — in the cellar of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present."
"It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it."
"Your French gold (ваше французское золото)*"
"Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources (у нас была необходимость несколько месяцев назад усилить наши активы) and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France (и заняли по этой причине тридцать тысяч наполеондоров у Банка Франции). It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money (стало известно, что нам так и не представилось возможности распаковать деньги), and that it is still lying in our cellar (и они до сих пор лежат в нашем подвале). The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil (ящик, на котором я сижу, содержит две тысячи наполеондоров между листами свинцовой фольги). Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present (наш запас золотых слитков намного больше в настоящее время) than is usually kept in a single branch office (чем обычно хранится в одном отделении банка), and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject (и у директоров появились дурные предчувствия = опасения по этому вопросу)."
occasion [**ke**n], strengthen [*stre*O(*)n], layers [*le**z], foil [f**l]
"Your French gold*"
"Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject."
"Which were very well justified (что было очень хорошо оправдано = есть все основания для опасения)," observed Holmes (подметил Холмс). "And now it is time that we arranged our little plans (и теперь /пришло/ время привести в порядок наши маленькие планы). I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head (я ожидаю, что в течение часа вопросы будут решены = достигнут решающей стадии: «придут к голове»). In the meantime (тем временем), Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern (мы должны поместить ширму на этот потайной: «темный» фонарь = закрыть чем-нибудь фонарь)."
"And sit in the dark (и сидеть в темноте)*"
justified [***st*fa*d], meantime [*mi:nta*m], screen [skri:n]
"Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime, Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern."
"And sit in the dark*"
"I am afraid so (боюсь, что так). I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket (я принес колоду карт /в моем кармане/), and I thought that, as we were a partie carree (и я думал, что раз нас здесь четверо; partie carree — прогулка вчетвером (фр.)), you might have your rubber after all (вы могли бы сыграть партию в роббер, в конце концов). But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone so far (но я вижу, что вражеские приготовления зашли так далеко) that we cannot risk the presence of a light (что мы не можем рисковать присутствием света = оставить свет). And, first of all, we must choose our positions (и, прежде всего, мы должны выбрать наши положения = подобрать /подходящее/ место). These are daring men (они дерзкие = смелые люди), and though we shall take them at a disadvantage (и хотя мы застанем их врасплох), they may do us some harm unless we are careful (они могут причинить нам вред, если мы не будем осторожны). I shall stand behind this crate (я встану за этим ящиком), and do you conceal yourselves behind those (а вы спрячьтесь: «скройте себя» за теми /ящиками). Then, when I flash a light upon them (затем, когда я направлю на них свет), close in swiftly (окружайте /их/ быстро). If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down (если они начнут стрелять, Ватсон, без колебания стреляйте в них, пристрелите их; compunction — сожаление)."
preparation [prep**re**n], careful [ke*ful], fire [*fa**], compunction [k*m*p**k*n]
"I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I thought that, as we were a partie carree, you might have your rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down."
I placed my revolver, cocked (я положил мой взведенный револьвер), upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched (на крышку деревянного ящика, за которым я притаился). Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lantern (Холмс закрыл заслонку перед фонарем) and left us in pitch darkness (и оставил нас в кромешной тьме) — such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced (такой полной темноте, какой мне не приходилось никогда раньше видеть: «испытывать»). The smell of hot metal remained to assure us (запах горячего металла продолжал убеждать нас = напоминал нам) that the light was still there (что свет был все еще там = не погашен), ready to flash out at a moment's notice (готовый вспыхнуть по первому требованию = в любое мгновение). To me, with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy (для меня, с нервами, напряженными /до предела/ ожиданием), there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom (было что-то подавляющее и подчиняющее во внезапной темноте), and in the cold dank air of the vault (и в холодном сыром воздухе подземелья).
crouched [kraut*t], nerves [n*:vz], expectancy [*k*spekt*ns*], gloom [*lu:m]
"They have but one retreat (у них есть только одно отступление = для бегства у них лишь один путь)," whispered Holmes (прошептал Холмс). "That is back through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square (/это/ обратно через дом на Сакс-Кобург-сквер). I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones (я надеюсь, что вы сделали /то/ что я вас просил, Джонс)*"
I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness — such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the vault.
"They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones*"
"I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door (инспектор и два офицера ждут у парадного входа)."
"Then we have stopped all the holes (тогда мы заткнули все дыры). And now we must be silent and wait (а теперь мы должны быть тихими = молчать и ждать)."
holes [h*ulz], silent [*sa*l*nt]
What a time it seemed (что за время это казалось = как медленно тянулось время)! From comparing notes afterwards (из обмена мнениями позже) it was but an hour and a quarter (/было ясно/ что прошел только час с четвертью), yet it appeared to me that the night must have almost gone (тем не менее, мне казалось, что ночь, должно быть, уже почти прошла), and the dawn be breaking above us (и наверху: «над нами» рассветает). My limbs were weary and stiff (мои конечности были усталыми и затекшими = устали и затекли), for I feared to change my position (так как я боялся шевельнуться: «сменить положение»); yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension (однако нервы мои были натянуты до предела; pitch — высота /тона, звука/), and my hearing was so acute (и мое слышание было таким острым = слух обострился настолько) that I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions (что я не только мог слышать тихое дыхание моих товарищей), but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones (но я мог отличить более глубокий, низкий вдох грузного Джонса) from the thin, sighing note of the bank director (от тонкого, вздыхающего тона директора банка). From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the floor (со своего места я мог смотреть через ящик в направлении пола). Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light (внезапно мои глаза поймали отблеск света).
dawn [d*:n], limbs [l*mz], acute [**kju:t], distinguish [d*s*t***w**], bulky [*b*lk*]
"I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door."
"Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent and wait."
What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must have almost gone, and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light.
At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement (сначала это была только слабая искра на = между /плитами/ каменного пола). Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line (затем она вытянулась, пока не стала желтой линией = превратилась в желтую полоску), and then, without any warning or sound (и затем, без какого-либо признака или звука = абсолютно бесшумно), a gash seemed to open and a hand appeared (показалось, что открылся паз = в полу возникло отверстие и /из него/ появилась рука); a white, almost womanly hand (белая, почти женственная рука), which felt about in the centre of the little area of light (которая шарила = двигалась ощупью в центре маленькой зоны света = освещенного пространства). For a minute or more the hand (в течение минуты или больше эта рука), with its writhing fingers (со своими извивающимися пальцами; to writhe — корчиться), protruded out of the floor (торчала из пола; to protrude out — высунуться наружу). Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared (затем она была отдернута /назад/ так же внезапно, как и появилась), and all was dark again save the single lurid spark (и все было темно опять = все погрузилось во тьму, за исключением слабого огонька) which marked a chink between the stones (который отмечал щель между камнями).
lurid [*ljur*d], lengthened [*le*O*nd], gash [***], area [*e*r**], withdrawn [w***dr*:n]
At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand appeared; a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stones.
Its disappearance, however, was but momentary (ее исчезновение, однако, было лишь кратковременным). With a rending, tearing sound (с раскалывающим, царапающим звуком), one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side (одна из широких белых плит перевернулась на боковую сторону) and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of a lantern (и оставила квадратную глубокую яму, через которую = из которой заструился свет фонаря). Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, boyish face (над краем /ямы/ выглянуло чисто выбритое мальчишеское лицо), which looked keenly about it (которое внимательно осмотрелось), and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture (и затем, с рукой на каждой стороне проема = упершись в края ямы), drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high (вытянуло себя до уровня плеч и по пояс = из ямы показались плечи, затем поднялось все туловище), until one knee rested upon the edge (пока одно колено уперлось в пол: «остановилось на краю»). In another instant he stood at the side of the hole (в следующий момент он встал /во весь рост/ возле ямы) and was hauling after him a companion (и тянул за собой товарища = помогал влезть своему товарищу), lithe and small like himself (гибкому и маленькому, как и он сам), with a pale face and a shock of very red hair (с бледным лицом и с копной очень рыжих волос).
"It's all clear (все чисто = в порядке)," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bags (у тебя стамеска и мешки)* Great Scott (черт возьми)! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it (прыгай, Арчи, прыгай, а я за себя постою)!"
tearing [*te*r**], broad [br*:d], aperture [**p*t*ju*], hauling [*h*:l**]
Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and a shock of very red hair.
"It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bags* Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!"
Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar (выскочил /из своего укрытия/ и схватил незваного гостя за воротник). The other dived down the hole (другой нырнул в дыру), and I heard the sound of rending cloth (я услышал звук рвущейся ткани) as Jones clutched at his skirts (когда Джонс схватил его края /одежды/). The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver (свет блеснул на стволе револьвера), but Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist (но охотничий хлыст Холмса обрушился на запястье человека), and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor (и пистолет звякнул о каменный пол).
intruder [*n*tru:d*], cloth [kl*O], barrel [*b*r*l], wrist [r*st]
"It's no use, John Clay (бесполезно, Джон Клэй)," said Holmes blandly (сказал Холмс мягко). "You have no chance at all (у вас нет шансов вообще = вы попались)."
"So I see (вижу)," the other answered with the utmost coolness (ответил тот с величайшим спокойствием). "I fancy that my pal is all right (я полагаю, что мой приятель в порядке), though I see you have got his coat-tails (хотя я вижу, вы поймали фалду его пиджака)."
Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor.
"It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no chance at all."
"So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails."
"There are three men waiting for him at the door (там три человека, ожидающие его у двери)," said Holmes.
"Oh, indeed (ах вот как)! You seem to have done the thing very completely (кажется, вы сделали эту вещь очень полно = чисто сработано). I must compliment you (я должен похвалить вас = поздравляю вас)."
"And I you (а я вас)," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and effective (ваша рыжая идея = выдумка насчет рыжих — нова и результативна)."
"You'll see your pal again presently (вы увидите своего приятеля вскоре)," said Jones. "He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am (он более проворный в слезании в ямы = он лучше ныряет в норы, чем я; quick — быстрый, резвый; to climb — карабкаться, лазить). Just hold out while I fix the derbies (просто протяните /руки/, пока я надеваю наручники; to hold out — протягивать)."
pal [*p*l], climbing [*kla*m**], derbies [*d*:b*z]
"There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes.
"Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I must compliment you."
"And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and effective."
"You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the derbies."
"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands (я попрошу вас не трогать меня своими грязными руками)," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists (заметил наш узник, когда наручники: «ручные браслеты» загремели на его запястьях). "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins (вы можете не быть осведомленными = вам, наверное, не известно, что в моих венах = жилах течет королевская кровь). Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please (будьте добры, также, когда обращаетесь ко мне говорить «сэр» и «пожалуйста»).'"
touch [t*t*], filthy [*f*lO*], handcuffs [*h*ndk*fs], blood [bl*d], veins [ve*nz]
"All right (хорошо)," said Jones with a stare and a snigger (сказал Джонс с изумленным взглядом и хихиканьем). "Well, would you please, sir, march upstairs (не соблаговолите ли вы, сэр, подняться: «прошагать» наверх), where we can get a cab to carry your Highness to the police-station (где вы можете сесть в кеб, который отвезет ваше высочество в полицейский участок)*"
stare [ste*], march [m*:t*], Highness [*ha*n*s]
"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please.'"
"All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry your Highness to the police-station*"
"That is better (так-то лучше)," said John Clay serenely (сказал Клэй спокойно/безмятежно). He made a sweeping bow to the three of us (он сделал широкий поклон = величаво поклонился нам троим) and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective (и медленно удалился под опекой сыщика).
bow [bau], custody [*k*st*d*]
"Really, Mr. Holmes (действительно, мистер Холмс)," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the cellar (когда мы проследовали за ними из подвала), "I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you (я не знаю, как банк может отблагодарить или вознаградить вас). There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner (без сомнения, вы распознали и провалили самым лучшим образом) one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery (одну из самых решительных = крупных попыток ограбления банка) that have ever come within my experience (которую я когда-либо встречал; experience — опыт)."
defeated [d**fi:t*d], complete [k*m*pli:t], robbery [*r*b*r*]
"That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective.
"Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience."
"I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. John Clay (у меня были один или два маленьких счета, чтобы расплатиться с мистером Джоном Клэем = у меня с ним были свои старые счеты; to settle — урегулировать, привести в порядок)," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this matter (я понес небольшие расходы на этом деле), which I shall expect the bank to refund (которые я ожидаю от банка возместить = которые банк легко возместит мне), but beyond that I am amply repaid (но помимо этого я уже вполне вознагражден) by having had an experience which is in many ways unique (испытав опыт = приключение, которое во многих путях уникально = единственное в своем роде), and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League (и услышав очень занимательный рассказ о Союзе рыжих)."
scores [sk*:z], expense [*k*spens], refund [ri:*f*nd], amply [**mpl*], unique [ju:*ni:k]
"I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League."
"You see, Watson (видите ли, Ватсон)," he explained in the early hours of the morning (объяснил он в ранние утренние часы) as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street (когда мы сидели за стаканчиком виски с содовой на Бэйкер-стрит), "it was perfectly obvious from the first (было совершенно очевидно с самого начала) that the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the League (что единственной возможной целью это довольного фантастичного дела с объявлением о Союзе), and the copying of the Encyclopaedia (и переписыванием энциклопедии), must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day (должно было быть /только/ удаление этого не слишком умного: «сверхсмышленого» владельца ссудной кассы в сторону = из дома на несколько часов ежедневно). It was a curious way of managing it (это был курьезный способ исполнения этого /плана/), but, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better (но, действительно, было бы трудно предложить /что-то/ лучше). The method was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind (способ, без сомнения, был предложен = подсказан изобретательному уму Клэя) by the color of his accomplice's hair (цветом волос его сообщника). The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw him (четыре фунта в неделю были приманкой, которая должна вытащить его /из дома/), and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands (а что это значит для них, которые играли на тысячи = рассчитывали получить тысячи)* They put in the advertisement (они дали объявление), one rogue has the temporary office (один жулик снял временную контору), the other rogue incites the man to apply for it (другой жулик подстрекает человека = своего хозяина обратиться туда), and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the week (а вместе они смогли обеспечить его отсутствие каждое утро в течение недели). From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for half wages (с того момента, когда я услышал о помощнике, работающем за половинное жалованье), it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation (для меня стало очевидным, что у него есть сильный мотив = веская причина для этого: «для обеспечения такой ситуации»)."
obvious [**bv**s], curious [*kjuer**s], suggest [s***est], ingenious [*n***n**s], lure [lju*], rogue [r*u*], incites [*n*sa*ts], secure [s**kju*], wage [we**]
"You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the League, and the copying of the Encyclopaedia, must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the color of his accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands* They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation."
"But how could you guess what the motive was (но как вы могли догадаться, что это была за причина)*"
"Had there been women in the house (будь /там/ женщина в доме), I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue (я подозревал бы лишь о пошлой интриге). That, however, was out of the question (это, однако, было вне вопроса). The man's business was a small one (бизнес = предприятие человека = нашего клиента было небольшим), and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations (и в доме не было ничего, что могло бы явиться причиной таким детальным приготовлениям = ради чего стоило затевать такую сложную игру), and such an expenditure as they were at (и такие расходы, какие понесли они). It must, then, be something out of the house (должно было, следовательно, быть что-то вне дома). What could it be (что это могло быть)* I thought of the assistant's fondness for photography (я подумал об увлечении помощника фотографией), and his trick of vanishing into the cellar (и этой штуке с исчезновением в погребе). The cellar (погреб)! There was the end of this tangled clew (там был конец этого запутанного клубка = вот другой конец запутанной нити). Then I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant (затем я навел справки = расспросил о таинственном помощнике) and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in London (и обнаружил, что имею дело с одним из самых хладнокровных и дерзких преступников Лондона). He was doing something in the cellar (он делал: «был делающим» что-то в погребе) — something which took many hours a day for months on end (что-то, что занимает много часов в день месяцы напролет). What could it be, once more (еще раз = и снова — что это может быть)* I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building (я не мог подумать ни о чем /другом/, кроме /того/ что он рыл: «был роющим» туннель к какому-то другому зданию).
intrigue [*n*tri:*], elaborate [**l*b*r*t], expenditure [*k*spend*t**], building [*b*ld**]
"But how could you guess what the motive was*"
"Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something out of the house. What could it be* I thought of the assistant's fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clew. Then I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in London. He was doing something in the cellar — something which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once more* I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building.
"So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action (к такому выводу: «так далеко» я пришел = успел прийти, /к тому моменту/ когда мы отправились посмотреть место действия; so far — до сих пор, пока). I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick (я удивил вас битьем по мостовой моей тростью). I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind (я устанавливал, протягивался ли погреб = прокладывался ли подкоп вперед или назад). It was not in front (перед фасадом его не было). Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the assistant answered it (затем я позвонил, и, как и ожидал, открыл помощник). We have had some skirmishes (у нас бывали /прежде/ кое-какие стычки), but we had never set eyes upon each other before (но мы никогда раньше не видели друг друга в лицо). I hardly looked at his face (я едва взглянул в его лицо). His knees were what I wished to see (его колени были /тем/ что я хотел увидеть). You must yourself have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were (вы сами должны были заметить, как потерты, помяты и запачканы они были). They spoke of those hours of burrowing (они говорили о тех часах рытья). The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for (единственным оставшимся пунктом было /выяснить/ куда они рыли подкоп). I walked round the corner (я свернул за угол), saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises (увидел Городской и Пригородный Банк, примыкающий к дому наших друзей), and felt that I had solved my problem (и понял, что я решил проблему). When you drove home after the concert (когда вы поехали домой после концерта) I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors (я обратился в Скотланд-Ярд и к председателю правления банка), with the result that you have seen (с результатом, который вы видели = что было дальше — вам известно)."
scene [si:n], skirmish [*sk*:m**], wrinkled [r**kld], burrow [*b*:r*u], abutted [**b*t*d]
"So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors, with the result that you have seen."
"And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight (как вы могли сказать мне = откуда вы знали, что они совершат попытку /ограбления/ этой ночью)*" I asked.
"Well, when they closed their League offices (ну, когда они закрыли свою контору Союза) that was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence (это был знак, что их не волновало больше присутствие = что они не нуждались больше в отсутствии мистера Джабеза Уилсона) — in other words (иными словами), that they had completed their tunnel (что они закончили свой туннель). But it was essential that they should use it soon (но было существенно, что они должны использовать его в ближайшее время), as it might be discovered (так как он мог быть обнаружен), or the bullion might be removed (или слитки золота могли быть перевезены /в другое место/). Saturday would suit them better than any other day (суббота подошла бы им лучше, чем любой другой день), as it would give them two days for their escape (так как она дала бы им два дня для побега). For all these reasons I expected them to come tonight (на основании всех этих соображений я ожидал их = что они придут этой ночью)."
presence [prezns], essential [**sen*l], discovered [d*s*k*v*d], bullion [*bulj*n], suit [sju:t]
"And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight*" I asked.
"Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence — in other words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. For all these reasons I expected them to come tonight."
"You reasoned it out beautifully (вы продумали это прекрасно = ваши рассуждения изумительны)," I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration (воскликнул я в неподдельном восхищении; to feign — притворяться; подделывать). "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true (это такая длинная цепь = вы создали такую длинную цепь, и каждое звено ее правильно = безупречно)."
beautiful [*bju:t*ful], unfeigned [*n*fe*nd], admiration [**dm**re**n], chain [t*e*n], true [tru:]
"It saved me from ennui (это спасло меня от апатии)," he answered, yawning (ответил он, зевая). "Alas (увы)! I already feel it closing in upon me (я уже чувствую ее, приближающуюся ко мне = чувствую, что скука снова одолевает меня). My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence (моя жизнь проведена в одном долгом усилии убежать от = избежать банальностей существования). These little problems help me to do so (эти маленькие проблемы помогают мне сделать это)."
ennui [*:n*wi:], yawning [*j*:n**], alas [**l*:s], commonplaces [*k*m*nple*s*z], existence [***z*st*ns]
"You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true."
"It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so."
"And you are a benefactor of the race (вы благодетель расы = человечества)," said I.
He shrugged his shoulders (он пожал плечами). "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some little use (ну, пожалуй, в конце концов, это имеет небольшую пользу = я действительно приношу кое-какую пользу)," he remarked. 'L'homme c'est rien — l'*uvre c'est tout,' (человек — ничто, дело/создание — все (фр.)) as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand (как Густав Флобер написал /в письме/ к Жорж Санд)."
shrugged [*r**d], shoulders [***uld*z], use [ju:s]
"And you are a benefactor of the race," said I.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some little use," he remarked. 'L'homme c'est rien — l'*uvre c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand."
THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP
(ЧЕЛОВЕК С РАССЕЧЕННОЙ ГУБОЙ)
Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney (Айза Уитни, брат покойного Элиаса Уитни), D.D. (D.D. = Doctor of Divinity — доктора богословия), Principal of the Theological College of St. George's (директора теологического колледжа Св. Георга), was much addicted to opium (сильно пристрастился к опию; addicted to drugs — принимающий наркотики, наркоман; addicted — cклонный /к чему-либо дурному/, предающийся чему-либо). The habit grew upon him (/эта/ привычка поработила его; to grow on — овладеть), as I understand (как я понимаю), from some foolish freak when he was at college (из-за одной глупой затеи, когда он учился в колледже; freak — причуда, чудачество); for having read De Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations (прочитав описание снов и ощущений де Куинси), he had drenched his tobacco with laudanum (он пропитывал = начал пропитывать свой тобак настойкой опия) in an attempt to produce the same effects (в попытке вызвать те же самые воздействия). He found, as so many more have done (он обнаружил, как и многие другие сделали = обнаружили), that the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of (что эту привычку легче приобрести, чем избавиться от нее), and for many years he continued to be a slave to the drug (и в течение многих лет он продолжал быть рабом наркотика), an object of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives (объектом смешанных отвращения и жалости для своих друзей и родственников). I can see him now (сейчас я могу видеть его = я так и вижу его), with yellow, pasty face (с желтым, одутловатым лицом), drooping lids (набрякшими веками; to droop — свисать), and pin-point pupils (и сузившимися: «точечными» зрачками), all huddled in a chair (все /тело/, съежившееся в кресле; to huddle — складывать в кучу, свернуться), the wreck and ruin of a noble man (обломки и развалины благородного = прекрасного человека).
principal [*pr*ns*pl], addicted [**d*kt*d], opium [**up**m], laudanum [*l*:dn*m], wreck [rek]
Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble man.
One night (однажды вечером) — it was in June '89 — there came a ring to my bell (пришел = раздался звонок в мой колокольчик), about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the clock (около того часа = примерно в то время, когда человек дает свой первый зевок = когда начинаешь уже зевать и посматриваешь на часы). I sat up in my chair (я выпрямился в кресле), and my wife laid her needlework down in her lap (и моя жена положила свое шитье на колени; needlework: needle — игла, work — работа) and made a little face of disappointment (и сделала небольшое выражение разочарованного лица = недовольно поморщилась).
yawn [j*:n], needlework [*ni:dlw*:k], disappointment [*d*s**p**ntm*nt]
"A patient (пациент)!" said she. "You'll have to go out (тебе придется выйти /к нему/)."
I groaned (я вздохнул), for I was newly come back from a weary day (так как я недавно вернулся после целого дня утомительной работы: «из утомительного дня»).
groan [*r*un], newly [*nju:l*], weary [*w**r*]
One night — it was in June '89 — there came a ring to my bell, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needlework down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment.
"A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out."
I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day.
We heard the door open (мы услышали, как открылась дверь), a few hurried words (несколько торопливых слов), and then quick steps upon the linoleum (и затем быстрые шаги по линолеуму). Our own door flew open (наша /собственная/ дверь распахнулась; to fly open — распахнуться), and a lady, clad in some dark-colored stuff (и дама, одетая в темное платье; to clothe — одевать; stuff — материал, ткань), with a black veil (с черной вуалью /на лице/), entered the room (вошла в комнату).
linoleum [l**n*ulj*m], stuff [st*f], veil [ve*l]
"You will excuse my calling so late (вы извините мое посещение так поздно = что я так поздно пришла)," she began (начала она), and then, suddenly losing her self-control (и затем, внезапно теряя = потеряв самообладание), she ran forward, threw her arms about my wife's neck (она кинулась вперед, обняла мою жену: «бросила свои руки вокруг шеи моей жены»), and sobbed upon her shoulder (и зарыдала на ее плече). "Oh, I'm in such trouble (о, я в такой беде)!" she cried (воскликнула она); "I do so want a little help (мне так нужна помощь; to do перед основным глаголом используется для усиления)."
excuse [*k*skju:s], forward [*f*:w*d], trouble [tr*bl]
We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in some dark-colored stuff, with a black veil, entered the room.
"You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help."
"Why (как)," said my wife, pulling up her veil (поднимая ее вуаль), "it is Kate Whitney (это /же/ Кейт Уитни). How you startled me, Kate (как ты напугала меня, Кейт)! I had not an idea who you were when you came in (я не имела понятия, кто это, когда ты вошла = мне в голову не пришло, что это ты)."
"I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you (я не знала, что делать, поэтому я пошла прямо к тебе)." That was always the way (это был всегда путь = это было обычным явлением). Folk who were in grief (люди, которые были в печали = в беде) came to my wife like birds to a lighthouse (устремлялись к моей жене, как птицы к маяку).
straight [stre*t], grief [*ri:f], wife [wa*f], lighthouse [*la*thaus]
"It was very sweet of you to come (это было очень мило с твоей стороны зайти = ты правильно сделала, что пришла). Now, you must have some wine and water (теперь ты должна выпить немного вина и воды), and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it (садись здесь поудобнее и расскажи нам все об этом). Or should you rather that I sent James off to bed (или ты, может быть, хочешь, чтобы я отправила Джеймса спать)*"
wine [wa*n], water [*w*:t*], comfortably [*k*mf*t*bl*]
"Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when you came in."
"I didn't know what to do, so l came straight to you." That was always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to a lighthouse.
"It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or should you rather that I sent James off to bed*"
"Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too (я хочу совета и помощи /от/ доктора также). It's about Isa (это об Айзе = дело касается Айзы). He has not been home for two days (его не было дома два дня). I am so frightened about him (я так боюсь за него)!"
advice [*d*va*s], frightened [fra*tnd]
It was not the first time (это не было первым временем = не в первый раз) that she had spoken to us of her husband's trouble (/когда/ она говорила с нами о горе своего мужа; to speak — говорить, высказываться), to me as a doctor (со мной как с доктором), to my wife as an old friend and school companion (с моей женой — как со старой подругой и школьной приятельницей). We soothed and comforted her by such words as we could find (мы утешали и успокаивали ее как могли: «такими словами, какие мы могли найти; to soothe — успокаивать, смягчать; to comfort — утешать). Did she know where her husband was (знала ли она, где находится ее муж)* Was it possible that we could bring him back to her (было ли это возможно, что мы можем привести его обратно к ней = нельзя ли привести его обратно домой)*
husband [*h*zb*nd], companion [k*m*p*n**n], soothed [su:*d], comforted [*k*mf*t*d]
"Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about him!"
It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words as we could find. Did she know where her husband was* Was it possible that we could bring him back to her*
It seems that it was (кажется, что возможно). She had the surest information (она имела самую точную информацию = ей было точно известно; sure — верный, несомненный) that of late he had, when the fit was on him (что в последнее время он, когда настроение было на нем = в определенном состоянии), made use of an opium den in the farthest east of the City (пользовался опиумным притоном /расположенным/ на самом востоке Сити; to make use of — применять, употреблять). Hitherto his orgies had always been confined to one day (до настоящего времени его оргии всегда ограничивались одним днем), and he had come back (и он возвращался /домой/), twitching and shattered (подергиваясь и разбитый; to shatter — разбить, разрушить), in the evening (вечером). But now the spell had been upon him eight-and-forty hours (но теперь чары действовали на него в течение сорока восьми часов), and he lay there, doubtless among the dregs of the docks (и он лежал там, несомненно, среди отбросов доков), breathing in the poison or sleeping off the effects (вдыхая яд или отсыпаясь после курения: «от последствий»). There he was to be found (там он мог быть найден), she was sure of it (она была уверена в этом), at the Bar of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane (в «Золотом слитке», на Аппер-Суондем-лейн). But what was she to do (но что она могла сделать)* How could she, a young and timid woman (как могла она, молодая и застенчивая женщина), make her way into such a place (войти: «сделать свой путь» в такое место) and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him (и вырвать своего мужа из числа = толпы тех негодяев, которые его окружали)*
sure [**u*], hitherto [h****tu:], doubtless [*dautl*s], breathing [*bri:***], ruffians [*r*f**nz]
It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do* How could she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him*
There was the case (была /определенная/ ситуация), and of course there was but one way out of it (и, конечно, был лишь один выход из нее). Might I not escort her to this place (мог бы я сопроводить ее к тому месту)* And then, as a second thought (и затем, как вторая мысль = подумал я), why should she come at all (зачем ее идти вообще)* I was Isa Whitney's medical adviser (я был консультирующим врачом Айзы Уитни), and as such I had influence over him (и в этом качестве /будучи врачом/ я оказывал на него влияние). I could manage it better if I were alone (я мог бы справиться с этим /делом/ лучше, если бы был один). I promised her on my word (я дал ей честное слово) that I would send him home in a cab within two hours (что пришлю его домой в кебе в течение двух часов) if he were indeed at the address which she had given me (если он действительно находится по адресу, который она мне дала). And so in ten minutes I had left my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me (и вот, через десять минут я оставил свое кресло и уютную: «веселую» гостиную /позади меня/), and was speeding eastward in a hansom on a strange errand (и мчался: «был мчащимся» в восточном направлении в экипаже по странному поручению = делу), as it seemed to me at the time (как мне казалось в то время), though the future only could show how strange it was to be (хотя только будущее могло показать, насколько странным оно оказалось).
escort [*esk*:t], thought [O*:t], cheery [*t***r*], eastward [*i:stw*d], errand [*er*nd]
There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of it. Might I not escort her to this place* And then, as a second thought, why should she come at all* I was Isa Whitney's medical adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to be.
But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my adventure (но там не было большой сложности на первом этапе моего приключения). Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley (Аппер-Суондем-лейн — мерзкий переулок) lurking behind the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of London Bridge (скрывающаяся позади высоких верфей, которые тянутся вдоль северной стороны реки к востоку от Лондонского моста). Between a slop shop and a gin shop (между грязной лавкой и кабаком; slop — жидкая грязь, слякоть), approached by a steep flight of steps (к которым примыкал крутой лестничный пролет; to approach — подходить, приближаться) leading down to a black gap like the mouth of a cave (спускающийся вниз в черную бездну словно = похожую на рот пещеры), I found the den of which I was in search (я нашел притон, в поисках которого находился). Ordering my cab to wait (приказав моему кебу подождать), I passed down the steps (я спустился по ступеням), worn hollow in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet (/с/ ложбинками в центре /ступеней/, протертыми бесконечной поступью пьяных ног); and by the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door (и в свете дрожащей керосиновой лампы /висящей/ над дверью) I found the latch and made my way (я нашел щеколду и прошел: «сделал путь») into a long, low room (в длинную, низкую комнату), thick and heavy with the brown opium smoke (плотную и густую от коричневого опиумного дыма = полную густого коричневого дыма), and terraced with wooden berths (уставленную деревянными койками; to terrace — устраивать в виде террасы), like the forecastle of an emigrant ship (как на баке эмигрантского корабля).
stage [ste**], lurking [*l*:k**], ceaseless [*si:sl*s], forecastle [*f*uksl]
But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of London Bridge. Between a slop shop and a gin shop, approached by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the forecastle of an emigrant ship.
Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in strange fantastic poses (сквозь мрак кто-то мог = можно было смутно различить: «поймать» силуэты тел, лежащих в странных фантастических позах), bowed shoulders (/с/ сгорбленными плечами), bent knees (согнутыми коленями), heads thrown back (запрокинутыми головами), and chins pointing upward (и с торчащими вверх подбородками), with here and there a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer (местами с темным тусклым глазом = кое-где я видел потухший взгляд, обращенный на пришельца). Out of the black shadows there glimmered little red circles of light (от темных теней = среди тьмы мерцали маленькие красные кружки света = огоньки), now bright, now faint (то яркие, то тусклые), as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the metal pipes (в зависимости от того, прибавлялся или кончался сжигаемый яд в цилиндрах металлических трубок). The most lay silent (большинство лежали молча), but some muttered to themselves (но некоторые бормотали /что-то/ себе /под нос/), and others talked together in a strange, low, monotonous voice (а другие разговаривали друг с другом странным, низким, монотонным голосом), their conversation coming in gushes (их разговор вырывался стремительными потоками /слов/), and then suddenly tailing off into silence (и затем внезапно замирал в тишине; to tail off — истощаться, умолкнуть), each mumbling out his own thoughts (каждый бормотал свои собственные мысли) and paying little heed to the words of his neighbor (и обращал мало внимания на слова своего соседа). At the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal (в самом дальнем конце была маленькая жаровня с пылающим /древесным/ углем), beside which on a three-legged wooden stool (возле которой на трехногом деревянном стуле) there sat a tall, thin old man (сидел высокий худой старик: «старый человек»), with his jaw resting upon his two fists (со своей челюстью, покоящейся на его кулаках = опустив подбородок на кулаки), and his elbows upon his knees, staring into the fire (/положив/ локти на колени, уставившись в огонь).
waned [we*nd], muttered [*m*t*d], farther [*f*:**], brazier [*bre*zj*]
Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbor. At the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his knees, staring into the fire.
As I entered (как /только/ я вошел), a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe for me and a supply of the drug (смуглый малаец-слуга поспешил ко мне с трубкой и порцией наркотика), beckoning me to an empty berth (кивая мне на свободную койку).
"Thank you. I have not come to stay (я не пришел, чтобы остаться = не могу остаться)," said I. "There is a friend of mine here (здесь находится мой друг), Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him (и я желаю = хотел бы поговорить с ним)."
There was a movement and an exclamation from my right (было движение и восклицание справа от меня), and peering through the gloom I saw Whitney (и, вглядываясь через = во тьму, я увидел Уитни), pale, haggard, and unkempt, staring out at me (бледного, изможденного и растрепанного, глядящего пристально на меня).
movement [*mu:vm*nt], haggard [*h***d], staring [*ste*r**]
As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth.
"Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him."
There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and peering through the gloom I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and unkempt, staring out at me.
"My God (о, Боже)! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of reaction (он был в жалком состоянии реакции = спада), with every nerve in a twitter (с каждым нервом в возбуждении = весь трепетал). "I say, Watson, what o'clock is it (послушайте, Ватсон, который час)*"
"Nearly eleven (почти одиннадцать)."
"Of what day (какого дня)*"
"Of Friday, June 19th."
"Good heavens (Боже мой)! I thought it was Wednesday (я думал, среда). It is Wednesday. What d'you want to frighten the chap for (зачем вы хотите напугать парня; d'you = do you)*" He sank his face onto his arms and began to sob in a high treble key (он закрыл лицо ладонями, руками и начал рыдать /в высоком ключе/; treble — тройной; дискантовый).
"My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what o'clock is it*"
"Nearly eleven."
"Of what day*"
"Of Friday, June 19th."
"Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What d'you want to frighten the chap for*" He sank his face onto his arms and began to sob in a high treble key.
"I tell you that it is Friday, man (я говорю вам, что сегодня пятница; man — обращение к знакомому). Your wife has been waiting these two days for you (ваша жена ждет вас /уже/ эти два дня). You should be ashamed of yourself (вам должно быть стыдно /за себя/)!"
"So I am (я и стыжусь). But you've got mixed, Watson (но вы что-то путаете: вы смешаны = сбиты с толку», Ватсон), for I have only been here a few hours (так как я здесь только несколько часов), three pipes (три трубки), four (четыре) pipes — I forget how many (я забыл, сколько). But I'll go home with you (но я отправлюсь домой с вами). I wouldn't frighten Kate (я не хочу пугать Кейт) — poor little Kate (бедная маленькая Кейт). Give me your hand (дайте мне вашу руку)! Have you a cab*"
"I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting these two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here a few hours, three pipes, four pipes — I forget how many. But I'll go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate — poor little Kate. Give me your hand! Have you a cab*"
"Yes, I have one waiting (да, у меня есть один = кеб, ждущий /у дверей)."
"Then I shall go in it (тогда мне следует отправиться в нем). But I must owe something (но я, видимо, что-то должен /им/; to owe — задолжать). Find what I owe, Watson (выясните, что = сколько я должен, Ватсон). I am all off color (я себя плохо чувствую; off color — дефектный, нездорового вида). I can do nothing for myself (я не могу сам ничего сделать)."
owe [*u], color [*k*l*]
"Yes, I have one waiting."
"Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I owe, Watson. I am all off color. I can do nothing for myself."
I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of sleepers (я пошел по узкому проходу между двойным рядом спящих), holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fumes of the drug (задерживая дыхание, чтобы не вдыхать отвратительные, одуряющие пары наркотика), and looking about for the manager (и разыскивая хозяина). As I passed the tall man who sat by the brazier (когда я проходил мимо высокого человека, сидевшего у жаровни) I felt a sudden pluck at my skirt (я почувствовал, как меня внезапно дернули: «внезапный дерг» за полу /пиджака/), and a low voice whispered (и тихий голос прошептал), "Walk past me, and then look back at me (пройдите мимо меня, а затем обернитесь)." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear (эти слова достигли моего уха вполне отчетливо). I glanced down (я глянул вниз). They could only have come from the old man at my side (они могли исходить лишь от старика рядом со мной), and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever (и тем не менее, он сидел по-прежнему погруженным в себя), very thin, very wrinkled, bent with age (очень худой, очень морщинистый, согнутый возрастом = под тяжестью лет), an opium pipe dangling down from between his knees (опиумная трубка свисала у него между колен), as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fingers (словно вывалившись в полной апатии из его пальцев). I took two steps forward and looked back (я сделал два шага вперед и оглянулся). It took all my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of astonishment (потребовалось все мое самообладание, чтобы сдержать крик удивления; to break out into — разразиться /например криком/). He had turned his back so that none could see him but I (он повернул свою спину так, чтобы никто не мог видеть его /лицо/, кроме меня). His form had filled out (его фигура пополнела), his wrinkles were gone (его морщины ушли), the dull eyes had regained their fire (тусклые глаза вновь обрели свой /привычный/ блеск), and there, sitting by the fire and grinning at my surprise (сидящим у огня и ухмыляющимся над моим удивлением), was none other than Sherlock Holmes (был не кто иной, как Шерлок Холмс). He made a slight motion to me to approach him (он сделал легкое движение = знак мне, чтобы я приблизился к нему), and instantly, as he turned his face half round to the company once more (и тотчас, повернувшись снова лицом вполоборота к присутствующим), subsided into a doddering, loose-lipped senility (превратился в дрожащего с отвисшей губой старика; to subside — погрузиться, упасть; senility — старость, дряхлость).
narrow [*n*r*u], breath [breO], wrinkled [r**kld], lassitude [*l*s*tju:d], senility [s**n*l*t*]
I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided into a doddering, loose-lipped senility.
"Holmes!" I whispered (прошептал я), "what on earth are you doing in this den (что, черт возьми, вы делаете в этом притоне)*"
"As low as you can (/говорите/ так тихо, как только можете)," he answered; "I have excellent ears (у меня превосходный слух: «уши»). If you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend of yours (если вы сделаете большое одолжение избавиться от вашего одурманенного друга) I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with you (я буду чрезвычайно рад немного поболтать с вами: «иметь маленький разговор»)."
kindness [*ka*ndn*s], exceedingly [*k*si:d**l*]
"Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den*"
"As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with you."
"I have a cab outside (меня ждет кеб снаружи)."
"Then pray send him home in it (тогда, пожалуйста, отправьте его домой в нем). You may safely trust him (вы можете без риска довериться ему), for he appears to be too limp to get into any mischief (так как он кажется слишком слабым, чтобы попасть в какую-нибудь беду; limp — мягкий, нежесткий; слабый). I should recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife (я бы рекомендовал вам также послать с кучером записку вашей жене) to say that you have thrown in your lot with me (чтобы сказать, что вы остались со мной; to throw in one`s lot with somebody — разделить чью-либо участь; lot — участь, судьба, компания). If you will wait outside, I shall be with you in five minutes (если вы подождете снаружи, я буду с вами через пять минут)."
mischief [*m*st**f], recommend [rek**mend], note [n*ut]
"I have a cab outside."
"Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait outside, I shall be with you in five minutes."
It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes's requests (было трудно отказаться от любой из просьб Шерлока Холмса), for they were always so exceedingly definite (так как они всегда были /так/ исключительно точны), and put forward with such a quiet air of mastery (и выражены с таким властным видом; mastery — мастерство; власть, влияние). I felt, however, that when Whitney was once confined in the cab (я чувствовал, как бы то ни было, что когда Уитни будет усажен в кеб) my mission was practically accomplished (моя миссия будет практически выполнена); and for the rest (что касается остального), I could not wish anything better than to be associated with my friend (я не мог желать чего-либо лучшего, чем принять участие: «быть связанным» вместе с моим другом) in one of those singular adventures which were the normal condition of his existence (в одном из тех необычайных приключений, которые были нормальным состоянием его существования). In a few minutes I had written my note (вскоре я написал записку жене), paid Whitney's bill (заплатил по счету Уитни), led him out to the cab (усадил его в кеб: «вывел его наружу к кебу»), and seen him driven through the darkness (и видел, как он проехал в темноте: «был увезен через тьму»). In a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den (очень скоро дряхлая фигура вышла из опиумного притона), and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes (и я зашагал по улице с Шерлоком Холмсом). For two streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot (две улицы он проковылял с согнутой спиной и неуверенной походкой). Then, glancing quickly round (затем, быстро оглянувшись кругом), he straightened himself out and burst into a hearty fit of laughter (он выпрямил выпрямился и разразился искренним смехом).
refuse [r**fju:z], request [r**kwest], decrepit [d**krep*t], shuffled [**fld]
It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes's requests, for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was once confined in the cab my mission was practically accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and burst into a hearty fit of laughter.
"I suppose, Watson (полагаю, Ватсон)," said he, "that you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cocaine injections (что вы вообразили, будто я добавил курение опия к инъекциям кокаина), and all the other little weaknesses on which you have favored me with your medical views (и ко всем остальным маленьким слабостям, по поводу которых вы были столь любезны высказать мне свои медицинские воззрения)."
injections [*n**ek**z], weaknesses [*wi:kn*s*z], favored [*fe*v*d]
"I was certainly surprised to find you there (я был, конечно, удивлен найти вас там)."
"But not more so than I to find you (но не более, чем я — найти вас)."
"I came to find a friend (я пришел найти друга)."
"And I to find an enemy (а я — найти врага)."
"An enemy*"
"I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weaknesses on which you have favored me with your medical views."
"I was certainly surprised to find you there."
"But not more so than I to find you."
"I came to find a friend."
"And I to find an enemy."
"An enemy*"
"Yes; one of my natural enemies (да, одного из моих кровных: «природных» врагов), or, shall I say, my natural prey (или, можно сказать, мою добычу). Briefly (короче говоря), Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable inquiry (я занят чрезвычайно любопытным расследованием; in the midst of — посреди), and I have hoped to find a clew in the incoherent ramblings of these sots (и я надеялся найти нить, факты = кое-что узнать из бессвязных разговорах этих курильщиков опия: «пьянчуг»), as I have done before now (как я делал это прежде). Had I been recognized in that den (будь я узнан в том притоне = если бы меня узнали) my life would not have been worth an hour's purchase (моя жизнь не стоила бы медяка; purchase — ценность, доход); for I have used it before now for my own purposes (так как я уже бывал там: «использовал это для своих собственных целей раньше»), and the rascally Lascar who runs it (и подлый Ласкар, хозяин притона; to run — владеть) has sworn to have vengeance upon me (поклялся отомстить мне). There is a trap-door at the back of that building (позади того здания есть лазейка), near the corner of Paul's Wharf (рядом с углом Верфи Св. Павла), which could tell some strange tales (которая могла бы рассказать несколько странных историй) of what has passed through it upon the moonless nights (о том, что проходило = что выбрасывали через нее в безлунные ночи)."
natural [*n*t*r*l], incoherent [*nk*u*h*r*nt], purchase [*p*:t**s]
"Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clew in the incoherent ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been recognized in that den my life would not have been worth an hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless nights."
"What! You do not mean bodies (вы имеете в виду тела = трупы)*"
"Aye (да), bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds for every poor devil (мы были бы богачами, если бы получали по 1000 фунтов за каждого несчастного: «бедного дьявола») who has been done to death in that den (который был доведен до смерти в этом притоне). It is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside (это самая коварная ловушка на всем берегу реки), and I fear that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more (и я опасаюсь, что Невилл Сент-Клер вошел = попал в нее, чтобы никогда больше не вернуться). But our trap should be here (но наша ловушка будет здесь)." He put his two forefingers between his teeth (он сунул два указательных пальца между зубов = в рот) and whistled shrilly (и свистнул пронзительно), a signal which was answered by a similar whistle from the distance (сигнал, на который ответили похожим свистом издалека), followed shortly by the rattle of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs (за которым последовал вскоре грохот колес и стук лошадиных копыт).
riverside [*r*v*sa*d], whistled [w*sld], similar [*s*m*l*]
"What! You do not mean bodies*"
"Aye, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his teeth and whistled shrilly, a signal which was answered by a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs.
"Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dogcart dashed up through the gloom (когда высокая двуколка /на большой/ скорости вынырнула из мрака), throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from its side lanterns (бросая два золотых туннеля = полосы желтого света из своих боковых фонарей). "You'll come with me, won't you (вы пойдете со мной, не так ли)*
"If I can be of use (если я могу быть полезен)."
"Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use (надежный товарищ всегда полезен); and a chronicler still more so (а летописец = документалист особенно). My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one (моя комната в «Кедрах» — двухкроватная)."
"The Cedars*"
"Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dogcart dashed up through the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you*
"If I can be of use."
"Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one."
"The Cedars*"
"Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house (да, это дом мистера Сент-Клера). I am staying there while I conduct the inquiry (я живу там, пока веду расследование)."
"Where is it, then (где же это)*"
"Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us (впереди у нас семимильная поездка = нам нужно проехать семь миль)."
"But I am all in the dark (но я совершенно в темноте = ничего не понимаю)."
"Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently (вы узнаете все о этом вскоре). Jump up here (садитесь здесь). All right, John; we shall not need you (хорошо, Джон, вы нам /больше/ не нужны). Here's half a crown (вот полкроны). Look out for me tomorrow, about eleven (найдите меня завтра около одиннадцати). Give her her head (дайте ей ее уздечку = отпустите вожжи). So long, then (ну, до скорого)!"
"Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I conduct the inquiry."
"Where is it, then*"
"Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us."
"But I am all in the dark."
"Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a crown. Look out for me tomorrow, about eleven. Give her her head. So long, then!"
He flicked the horse with his whip (он стегнул лошадь кнутом), and we dashed away through the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets (и мы понеслись /вперед/ по непрерывному ряду темных пустынных улиц), which widened gradually (которые постепенно расширялись), until we were flying across a broad balustraded bridge (пока мы /не/ понеслись по широкому мосту с перилами), with the murky river flowing sluggishly beneath us (с мрачной рекой, вяло текущей под нами). Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and mortar (дальше /за мостом/ лежали еще такие же тусклые кирпичные дома; wilderness — пустыня, дикое место; brick — кирпич, mortar — цементный раствор), its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the policeman (чья тишина нарушалась лишь тяжелыми, размеренными шагами полицейских; to break — ломать, прерывать), or the songs and shouts of some belated party of revellers (или песнями и криками запоздалых /компаний/ гуляк). A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky (темные тучи медленно плыли по небу; wrack — остатки кораблекрушения), and a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the clouds (звезда или две мерцали тускло то тут, то там в разрывах между облаками). Holmes drove in silence (правил в молчании), with his head sunk upon his breast (опустив голову на грудь), and the air of a man who is lost in thought (и с видом человека, погруженного в размышления: «потерянного в мысли»), while I sat beside him (пока я сидел возле него), curious to learn what this new quest might be (любопытный узнать = стараясь отгадать, чем может быть этот поиск = это новое расследование) which seemed to tax his powers so sorely (которое, казалось, напрягло его силы так сильно), and yet afraid to break in upon the current of his thoughts (и все же /я/ боялся вломиться в направление его мыслей = не смея прервать его раздумья). We had driven several miles (мы проехали несколько миль), and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban villas (и уже начинали приближаться к краю пояса пригородных вилл), when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders (когда он очнулся: «встряхнул себя», передернул плечами), and lit up his pipe with the air of a man (и зажег трубку с видом человека) who has satisfied himself that he is acting for the best (который удовлетворил себя = убедился, что он действует самым лучшим образом»).
succession [s*k*se*n], deserted [d**z*:t*d], beneath [b**ni:O], sorely [*s*:l*]
He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he is acting for the best.
"You have a grand gift of silence (у вас великий дар молчания), Watson," said he. "It makes you quite invaluable as a companion (это делает вас совершенно бесценным в качестве товарища). 'Pon my word (честное слово: «на мое слово»), it is a great thing for me to have someone to talk to (это замечательная вещь для меня — иметь кого-то, чтобы поговорить с /ним/), for my own thoughts are not over-pleasant (так как мои собственные мысли не слишком радостные). I was wondering what I should say to this dear little woman tonight (я интересовался = не имею представления, что я скажу этой милой маленькой женщине сегодня вечером) when she meets me at the door (когда она встретит меня на пороге)."
"You forget that I know nothing about it (вы забываете, что я ничего не знаю об этом /деле/)."
silence [*sa*l*ns], invaluable [*n*v*ljubl], wondering [*w*nd*r**]
"You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear little woman tonight when she meets me at the door."
"You forget that I know nothing about it."
"I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before we get to Lee (у меня как раз будет время рассказать вам факты по этому делу, пока мы доберемся до Ли). It seems absurdly simple (оно кажется до смешного простым), and yet, somehow I can get nothing to go upon (и, тем не менее, я не могу узнать ничего, чтобы продолжать = не знаю, как за него взяться). There's plenty of thread, no doubt (там = в деле полно нитей, без сомнения), but I can't get the end of it into my hand (но я не могу ухватиться за ее конец). Now, I'll state the case clearly and concisely to you (я изложу вам дело ясно и в сжатой форме), Watson, and maybe you can see a spark where all is dark to me (и, может быть, вы увидите искру /там/, где все темнота для меня = вам удастся понять что-то, чего не понял я)."
absurdly [*b*s*:dl*], thread [Ored], concisely [k*n*sa*sl*]
"I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a spark where all is dark to me."
"Proceed, then (продолжайте)."
"Some years ago (несколько лет назад) — to be definite, in May (точнее, в мае), 1884 — there came to Lee a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name (в Ли прибыл джентльмен, Невилл Сент-Клер по имени), who appeared to have plenty of money (у которого, казалось, было много денег). He took a large villa (снял виллу), laid out the grounds very nicely (разбил /вокруг нее/ прекрасные сады), and lived generally in good style (и жил, в общем, на широкую ногу: «в хорошем стиле»). By degrees he made friends in the neighborhood (постепенно он завел друзей в соседстве = подружился с соседями), and in 1887 he married the daughter of a local brewer (женился на дочери местного пивовара), by whom he now has two children (от которой теперь имеет двух детей). He had no occupation (у него не было профессии), but was interested in several companies (но интересовался = принимал участие в нескольких предприятиях) and went into town as a rule in the morning (и отправлялся в город, как правило, утром), returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Street every night (возвращаясь с поездом в 5:14 с Кэннон-стрит каждый вечер). Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of age (мистеру Сент-Клеру теперь тридцать семь лет), is a man of temperate habits (человек умеренных привычек), a good husband (хороший муж), a very affectionate father (очень любящий отец), and a man who is popular with all who know him (и популярный = все, кто его знает, отзываются о нем хорошо). I may add that his whole debts at the present moment (могу добавить, что все его долги в настоящий момент), as far as we have been able to ascertain amount to 88 pounds l0s. (насколько мы смогли установить, доходят до 88 фунтов 10 шиллингов), while he has 220 pounds standing to his credit (тогда как у него 220 фунтов на /текущем/ счету) in the Capital and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore (нет основания, таким образом), to think that money troubles have been weighing upon his mind (думать, что финансовые проблемы тяготели над ним: «его разумом»).
neighborhood [*ne*b*hud], brewer [*bru:*], temperate [*tempr*t], weighing [*we***]
"Proceed, then."
"Some years ago — to be definite, in May, 1884 — there came to Lee a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made friends in the neighborhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far as we have been able to ascertain amount to 88 pounds l0s., while he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money troubles have been weighing upon his mind.
"Last Monday (в прошлый понедельник) Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier than usual (уехал в город довольно раньше обычного), remarking before he started that he had two important commissions to perform (заметив, прежде чем уйти, что у него два важных дела = наряда, /чтобы выполнить/), and that he would bring his little boy home a box of bricks (и что он принесет своему маленькому мальчику = сыну коробку с кубиками). Now, by the merest chance (по простому случаю = совершенно случайно), his wife received a telegram upon this same Monday (его жена получила телеграмму в тот же понедельник), very shortly after his departure (очень скоро после его отъезда), to the effect that a small parcel of considerable value (с таким содержанием, что маленькая посылка большой ценности) which she had been expecting (которую она ждала) was waiting for her at the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company (дожидалась ее в Абердинской пароходной компании). Now, if you are well up in your London (если вы хорошо знаете Лондон), you will know that the office of the company is in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane (котороя упирается в Аппер-Суондем-лейн; to branch out — отходить, распространяться), where you found me tonight (где вы нашли меня сегодня вечером). Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch (миссис Сент-Клер позавтракала), started for the City (отправилась в Сити), did some shopping (сделала кое-какие покупки), proceeded to the company's office (заехала в контору компании), got her packet (получила посылку), and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Swandam Lane on her way back to the station (и нашла себя идущей = обнаружила, что идет ровно в 4:35 по Суондем-лейн, на пути к вокзалу). Have you followed me so far (вы проследовали за мной так далеко = до сих пор вам все понятно)*"
perform [p**f*:m], merest [m**st], parcel [p*:sl], value [*v*lju:]
"Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up in your London, you will know that the office of the company is in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where you found me tonight. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me so far*"
"It is very clear (это очень ясно)."
"If you remember (если помните), Monday was an exceedingly hot day (понедельник был чрезвычайно жарким днем), and Mrs. St. Clair walked slowly (шла медленно), glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab (поглядывая по сторонам в надежде увидеть кеб), as she did not like the neighborhood (так как ей не понравился район) in which she found herself (в котором она оказалась). While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane (пока она шла таким образом по Суондем-лейн), she suddenly heard an ejaculation or cry (внезапно она услышала восклицание или крик), and was struck cold to see her husband looking down at her (и похолодела, увидев своего мужа, смотрящего на нее) and, as it seemed to her, beckoning to her from a second-floor window (и, как ей показалось, жестами манящего ее из окна второго этажа). The window was open (окно было открыто), and she distinctly saw his face (и она отчетливо видела его лицо), which she describes as being terribly agitated (которое она описывает как ужасно взволнованное). He waved his hands frantically to her (он неистово махал ей руками), and then vanished from the window so suddenly (и затем исчез из окна так внезапно) that it seemed to her that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind (что ей показалось, будто он был отдернут назад какой-то непреодолимой силой). One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye (одна особая точка = деталь бросилась ее быстрому женскому глазу = привлекла ее взгляд) was that, although he wore some dark coat (что, хотя он носил темное пальто), such as he had started to town in (такое, в котором он отправился в город), he had on neither collar nor necktie (на нем нет ни воротничка, ни галстука).
ejaculation [***kju*le**n], agitated [****te*t*d], frantically [*fr*nt*kl*], necktie [*nekta*]
"It is very clear."
"If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, as she did not like the neighborhood in which she found herself. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town in, he had on neither collar nor necktie.
"Convinced that something was amiss with him (уверенная, что с ним что-то неладно), she rushed down the steps (она сбежала вниз по ступенькам) — for the house was none other than the opium den (так как дом был не чем иным, как опиумным притоном) in which you found me tonight (в котором вы нашли меня сегодня вечером) — and running through the front room (пробежав через переднюю комнату) she attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor (она попыталась подняться по ступеням, которые вели на второй этаж). At the foot of the stairs (у лестницы: «основания лестницы), however (однако), she met this Lascar scoundrel (она встретила этого негодяя Ласкара) of whom I have spoken (о котором я говорил), who thrust her back (который толкнул ее обратно = оттолкнул ее) and, aided by a Dane (с помощью датчанина), who acts as assistant there (который действовал в качестве помощника), pushed her out into the street (вытолкал ее на улицу). Filled with the most maddening doubts and fears (наполненная сводящими с ума сомнениями и страхами = обезумев от страха), she rushed down the lane (побежала по улочке) and, by rare good-fortune (по необыкновенной удаче = к счастью), met (встретила) in Fresno Street a number of constables with an inspector (несколько констеблей с инспектором), all on their way to their beat (все на их пути обхода = во время обхода). The inspector and two men accompanied her back (сопроводили ее назад), and in spite of the continued resistance of the proprietor (несмотря на долгое сопротивление владельца), they made their way to the room (они прошли в помещение) in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen (мистер Сент-Клер был увиден в последний раз). There was no sign of him there (там не было никакого его признака = и следа не было). In fact (более того), in the whole of that floor there was no one to be found (на всем этаже не нашли никого; the whole of — все) save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect (кроме покалеченного бедняги = калеки отвратительной внешности), who, it seems, made his home there (сделал свой дом там = поселился там). Both he and the Lascar stoutly swore (оба: и он, и Ласкар — упорно клялись) that no one else (более никто) had been in the front room during the afternoon (не был в помещении в течение второй половины дня). So determined was their denial (так решительно было их отрицание) that the inspector was staggered (стал сомневаться), and had almost come to believe (и почти начал верить) that Mrs. St. Clair had been deluded (была введена в заблуждение = ошиблась) when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box (когда с криком она бросилась к маленькому деревянному ящичку; deal — древесина, доска /обычно хвойная/) which lay upon the table (которая лежала на столе) and tore the lid from it (и сорвала крышку с него; to tear — рвать, срывать). Out there fell a cascade of children's bricks (оттуда выпал каскад = множество детских кубиков). It was the toy which he had promised to bring home (это была игрушка, которую он обещал привезти домой).