"Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Сборник первый (ASCII-IPA)" - читать интересную книгу автора (A A A, I I I, C C C, Еремин Андрей, Франк Илья...)
II
At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street (в три часа ровно я был на Бейкер-стрит), but Holmes had not yet returned (но Холмс еще не вернулся). The landlady informed me (хозяйка квартиры = домовладелица сообщила мне; landlady: land — земля, недвижимость, lady — дама, госпожа) that he had left the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning (что он вышел из дома вскоре после восьми часов утром = в начале девятого; to leave — покидать, оставлять; short — короткий). I sat down beside the fire (я сел у камина = огня), however (тем не менее), with the intention of awaiting him (с намерением дождаться его; to wait — ждать), however long he might be (несмотря на то, каким медлительным он может быть = сколько бы ни пришлось ждать). I was already deeply interested in his inquiry (я был уже глубоко заинтересован в его расследовании = интересовался его расследованием), for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features (хотя оно не было окружено никакими мрачными и странными чертами = было лишено мрачных и странных черт) which were associated with the two crimes (которые ассоциировались с теми двумя преступлениями) which I have already recorded (о которых я уже писал; to record — записывать), still (все же), the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client (сущность этого дела и высокое положение его клиента; exalted — высокопоставленный) gave it a character of its own (давали ему характер его собственный = придавали делу необычный характер). Indeed (действительно), apart from the nature of the investigation (не говоря уже о сущности расследования; apart from — помимо, не считая) which my friend had on hand (которое производил: «имел на руке» мой друг), there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation (было что-то в его мастерском схватывании ситуации = с каким мастерством он овладел ситуацией), and his keen, incisive reasoning (и в его тонкой проницательной логике; reasoning — логическое мышление), which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work (которые доставляли мне удовольствие изучать его систему работы: «которые сделали это удовольствием для меня»), and to follow the quick, subtle methods (и следовать за быстрыми, неуловимыми приемами; subtle — утонченный, тонкий; неуловимый) by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries (с помощью которых он распутывал самые неразрешимые тайны). So accustomed was I to his invariable success (так привычен был я к его неизменному успеху) that the very possibility of his failing (что сама возможность его неудачи) had ceased to enter into my head (не укладывалась у меня в голове; to cease — перестать, стихать; to enter — входить).
At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head.
It was close upon four before the door opened (было около четырех, когда дверь открылась; close upon — почти, примерно), and a drunken-looking groom (и подвыпивший: «пьяновыглядящий» конюх; to drink — пить), ill-kempt and side-whiskered (нечесаный и с растрепанными бакенбардами; side-whiskered: side — сторона, бок, whiskered — носящий бакенбарды), with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes (с воспаленным лицом и вульгарно одетый; disreputable — позорный, постыдный; clothes — одежда), walked into the room (вошел в комнату). Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of disguises (как ни привык я к удивительным способностям моего друга изменять свой внешний вид; disguise — переодевание), I had to look three times (я должен был = мне пришлось посмотреть три раза) before I was certain that it was indeed he (прежде чем я был уверен, что это был действительно он). With a nod he vanished into the bedroom (с кивком = кивнув, он исчез в спальне), whence he emerged in five minutes (откуда он появился через пять минут) tweed-suited and respectable (одетый в клетчатый костюм и солидный; tweed-suited: tweed — ткань в мелкую клетку, suit — костюм), as of old (как всегда; old — старый). Putting his hands into his pockets (сунув руки в карманы), he stretched out his legs in front of the fire (он вытянул ноги перед камином) and laughed heartily for some minutes (и очень смеялся несколько минут; heartily — сердечно).
"Well, really (ну, право)!" he cried (воскликнул он), and then he choked and laughed again (и затем он поперхнулся и засмеялся вновь) until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair (до тех пор пока он был вынужден откинуться, слабый и беспомощный, в кресле).
It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes.
"Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair.
"What is it (что это = в чем дело)?"
"It's quite too funny (/это/ очень смешно). I am sure you could never guess (я уверен, вы никогда не угадаете) how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing (как я провел: «употребил» мое утро или что я в конце концов сделал)."
"I can't imagine (не могу представить). I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler (я полагаю, что вы наблюдали: «были наблюдающие» за привычками и, возможно, домом мисс Ирэн Адлер)."
"It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing."
"I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler."
"Quite so (совершенно верно); but the sequel was rather unusual (но продолжение было довольно необычным). I will tell you, however (я расскажу вам, однако). I left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning (я вышел из дома в начале девятого этим утром) in the character of a groom out of work (под видом: «в образе» безработного конюха; out of work — безработный). There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsy men (удивительная симпатия и взаимопонимание существуют среди людей, имеющих дело с лошадьми). Be one of them (будьте одним из них), and you will know all that there is to know (и вы узнаете все, что вам надо знать). I soon found Briony Lodge (я вскоре нашел Брайони-лодж). It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back (это маленькая изящная вилла, с садом сзади; bijou — маленький, драгоценный; /«драгоценность» по франц./), but built out in front right up to the road (но пристроенная впереди = выходящая вплотную к дороге), two stories (два этажа). Chubb lock to the door (замóк «Чабб» /фирменное название/ на двери). Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished (большая гостиная на правой стороне, хорошо обставленная; to furnish — меблировать), with long windows almost to the floor (с высокими окнами почти до пола), and those preposterous English window fasteners (и с теми нелепыми английскими оконными задвижками; to fasten — скреплять) which a child could open (которые мог бы открыть ребенок). Behind there was nothing remarkable (позади /дома/ не было ничего замечательного), save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house (за исключением того, что окно галереи может быть достигнуто = можно добраться с крыши каретного сарая; coach — экипаж, карета). I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view (я обошел его кругом и рассмотрел его внимательно с каждой точки зрения = со всех сторон), but without noting anything else of interest (но не заметил ничего интересного: «без замечания чего бы то ни было еще интересного»).
"Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsy men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without noting anything else of interest.
"I then lounged down the street and found (затем я побрел вдоль улицы и нашел = увидел; to lounge — слоняться), as I expected (как я ожидал), that there was a mews in a lane (что там были конюшни в переулке) which runs down by one wall of the garden (который спускается = примыкает к одной из стен сада). I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses (я помог конюхам: «одолжил конюхам руку» с чисткой лошадей; ostler — конюх на постоялом дворе), and received in exchange twopence (и получил взамен два пенса), a glass of half and half (стакан водки; half — половина), two fills of shag tobacco (две щепотки крепкого табаку), and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler (и так много информации об Ирэн Адлер, как я мог желать), to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighborhood (не говоря уже: «сказать ничего» о полудюжине других людей /живущих/ по соседству) in whom I was not in the least interested (в которых я был нисколько не заинтересован; not in the least — вовсе не, ничуть), but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to (но чьи биографии я был вынужден слушать)."
"And what of Irene Adler (а что об Ирэн Адлер)?" I asked.
"I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighborhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to."
"And what of Irene Adler?" I asked.
"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part (она вскружила головы всем мужчинам в этой части /города/; to turn — вращать). She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet (она самое изящное существо, носящее дамскую шляпку: «под дамской шляпкой» на этой планете). So say the Serpentine Mews (так говорят серпентайнские конюхи), to a man (все как один /человек/). She lives quietly (она живет тихо), sings at concerts (поет на концертах), drives out at five every day (выезжает кататься в пять /часов/ каждый день; to drive out — прокатиться /в автомобиле/), and returns at seven sharp for dinner (и возвращается в семь ровно к ужину). Seldom goes out at other times (редко выходит в другое время), except when she sings (кроме /тех случаев/ когда она поет). Has only one male visitor (у нее только один посетитель-мужчина), but a good deal of him (но зато часто; a good deal of — много). He is dark, handsome, and dashing (он брюнет, красив и энергичен), never calls less than once a day, and often twice (никогда не посещает /ее/ меньше одного раза в день, и часто дважды /в день/). He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple (он = его имя мистер Годфри Нортон из Внутреннего Темпла). See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant (видите преимущества кебмана = кучера как доверенного лица = видите, как выгодно войти в доверие к кучерам). They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine Mews (они возили его домой много раз: «дюжину раз» от серпентайнских конюшен), and knew all about him (и знают все о нем). When I had listened to all they had to tell (когда я выслушал все, что у них было сказать), I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more (я начал ходить снова взад и вперед около Брайони-лодж), and to think over my plan of campaign (и обдумывать мой план операции = дальнейшие действия).
"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine Mews, and knew all about him. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign.
"This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter (этот Годфри Нортон был, очевидно, важным фактором = играл существенную роль в деле). He was a lawyer (он был адвокатом; law — закон). That sounded ominous (это звучало зловеще). What was the relation between them (что была за связь между ними = что их связывало), and what the object of his repeated visits (и какова причина его частых посещений; to repeat — повторяться)? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress (была ли она его клиентка, его друг, или его возлюбленная)? If the former (если первая), she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping (она, возможно, передала ему фотографию для хранения). If the latter (если последняя), it was less likely (это /было/ менее вероятно). On the issue of this question depended (от решения этого вопроса зависело; issue — исход, результат) whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge (/следует ли мне/ продолжать работу в Брайони-лодж), or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Temple (или обратить внимание на квартиру этого джентльмена в Темпле). It was a delicate point (это был щекотливый вопрос), and it widened the field of my inquiry (и он расширил поле моего расследования; wide — широкий). I fear that I bore you with these details (я боюсь, что надоедаю вам этими: «с этими» деталями), but I have to let you see my little difficulties (но я должен показать вам: «позволить увидеть» мои маленькие трудности), if you are to understand the situation (чтобы вы поняли ситуацию: «если вы должны понять ситуацию»)."
important [Im'pO:t@nt], lawyer ['lO:je], field [fi:ld]
"I am following you closely (я следую за вами близко = внимательно слежу за вашим рассказом)," I answered (ответил).
"This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the situation."
"I am following you closely," I answered.
"I was still balancing the matter in my mind (я все еще взвешивал: «был взвешивающим» это дело в уме; to balance — обдумывать) when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge (когда двухколесный экипаж подъехал к Брайони-лодж; to drive up — подкатывать), and a gentleman sprang out (и какой-то джентльмен выскочил /из него/). He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached (он был необычайно красивый, смуглый, с орлиным носом и усатый; aquiline — орлиный) — evidently the man of whom I had heard (/совершенно/ очевидно тот человек, о котором я слышал). He appeared to be in a great hurry (он, казалось, очень спешил: «был в великой спешке»), shouted to the cabman to wait (крикнул кучеру ждать), and brushed past the maid (и прошмыгнул мимо горничной; to brush past — пробежать мимо) who opened the door (которая открыла дверь) with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home (с видом человека, который был совершенно дома = чувствовал себя хозяином).
"I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached— evidently the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home.
"He was in the house about half an hour (он был в доме примерно полчаса), and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room (и я мог видеть: «я мог поймать» его мелькания через окна гостиной), pacing up and down (расхаживающего взад и вперед), talking excitedly (разговаривающего возбужденно), and waving his arms (и размахивающего руками). Of her I could see nothing (ее я не видел: «мог видеть ничего»). Presently he emerged (вскоре он вышел), looking even more flurried than before (выглядя еще более взволнованно, чем раньше). As he stepped up to the cab (подойдя к экипажу), he pulled a gold watch from his pocket (он достал золотые часы из кармана) and looked at it earnestly (и озабоченно посмотрел на них; earnest — серьезный), 'Drive like the devil (гоните как дьявол),' he shouted (крикнул он), 'first to Gross amp; Hankey's in Regent Street (сначала к «Гросс энд Хэнкиз» на Риджент-стрит), and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road (а потом к церкви Святой Моники на Эджвер-роуд). Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes (полгинеи, если сделаете это за двадцать минут)!'
excitedly [Ik'saItIdlI], flurried ['flVrid], church [tSV":tS], guinea ['gInI]
"He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shouted, 'first to Gross amp; Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes!'
"Away they went (они умчались), and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them (и я еще задавал себе вопрос, не последовать ли мне за ними; to wonder — интересоваться; whether — ли) when up the lane came a neat little landau (когда вверх по переулку подкатило изящное маленькое ландо), the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned (кучер со своим пальто лишь наполовину застегнутым = пальто на кучере было полузастегнуто; button — пуговица), and his tie under his ear (и узел галстука под ухом), while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles (в то время как все ремни упряжи выскочили из пряжек; tag — свободный конец, петля). It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it (не успело оно останиться, как она выскочила из входной двери и влетела в ландо). I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment (я видел ее лишь одно мгновение), but she was a lovely woman (но она была милая женщина), with a face that a man might die for (с лицом, за которое мужчина мог бы умереть = в которое мужчины влюбляются до смерти).
wonder ['wVnd@], whether ['weD@], buckles [bVklz]
'The Church of St. Monica, John (церковь Святой Моники, Джон),' she cried, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes (и полсоверена, если вы достигнете ее = доедете за двадцать минут).'
"Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for.
'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.'
"This was quite too good to lose, Watson (это было слишком хорошо, чтобы потерять = это был случай, которого нельзя было упустить). I was just balancing whether I should run for it (должен ли я побежать за ним; to run — бегать), or whether I should perch behind her landau (или должен ли я прицепиться к задку ландо; to perch — сесть, взгромоздиться) when a cab came through the street (когда = как вдруг по улице поехал кеб = показался наемный экипаж). The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare (водитель дважды посмотрел на такого убогого седока; shabby — потрепанный), but I jumped in before he could object (но я вскочил = впрыгнул прежде, чем он мог возразить). 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to twelve (было без двадцати пяти минут двенадцать: «двадцать пять минут до двенадцати»), and of course it was clear enough (и, конечно, было достаточно ясно) what was in the wind (в чем дело: «что было в воздухе»; to be in the wind — носиться в воздухе).
lose [lu:z], perch [p@:tS], fare [fe@]
"This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind.
"My cabby drove fast (мой извозчик ехал быстро = мчался). I don't think I ever drove faster (я не думаю, /что/ я когда-либо ехал быстрее), but the others were there before us (но другие /экипажи/ были там раньше нас). The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived (экипаж и ландо с их взмыленными лошадьми были = стояли перед дверью, когда я прибыл). I paid the man and hurried into the church (я заплатил человеку = кучеру и поспешил в церковь). There was not a soul there (там не было ни души) save the two (кроме /тех/ двух) whom I had followed (за которыми я следовал) and a surpliced clergyman (и священника; surplice — стихарь), who seemed to be expostulating with them (который, казалось, спорил с ними; to expostulate — убеждать, увещевать). They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar (они все трое стояли: «были стоящими» перед алтарем; knot — группа людей). I lounged up the side aisle (я побрел по боковому придел храма) like any other idler (как любой другой бездельник) who has dropped into a church (который зашел в церковь; to drop into — заглянуть). Suddenly, to my surprise (внезапно, к моему удивлению), the three at the altar faced round to me (трое у алтаря повернулись ко мне), and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me (и Годфри Нортон бросился так быстро, как только мог, ко мне).
clergyman ['kl@:dZIm@n], altar ['O:lt@], towards [t@'wO:dz]
"Thank God (слава Богу: «спасибо Богу»)," he cried. "You'll do (вы подойдете: «вы сделаете»). Come (идемте)! Come!"
"What then (в чем дело)?" I asked.
"Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal (пойдемте, человек = добрый человек, пойдемте, только три минуты, иначе это не будет законно; won't = will not)."
"My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me.
"Thank God," he cried. "You'll do. Come! Come!"
"What then?" I asked.
"Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal."
"I was half-dragged up to the altar (я был полуподтащен = чуть ли не силой потащен к алтарю; to drag — таскать, волочить), and before I knew where I was (и прежде чем я знал, где нахожусь = не успев опомниться) I found myself mumbling responses (я бормотал ответы: «нашел себя бормочущим ответы»; to mumble — бормотать, мямлить) which were whispered in my ear (которые шептались: «были прошептаны» в мое ухо), and vouching for things of which I knew nothing (и поручался за вещи, о которых я не знал ничего = совершенно не знал; to vouch — подтверждать, поклясться), and generally assisting in the secure tying up (и вообще помогал тайному бракосочетанию: «связыванию») of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor (Ирэн Адлер, девицы, с Годфри Нортоном, холостяком). It was all done in an instant (это все было сделано вмиг), and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side (и там был джентльмен, благодарящий меня с одной стороны) and the lady on the other (и леди — с другой), while the clergyman beamed on me in front (в то время как священник лучезарно улыбался мне, /стоя/ впереди; to beam — сиять). It was the most preposterous position (это было самое нелепое положение) in which I ever found myself in my life (в каком я когда-либо оказывался: «находил себя» в своей жизни), and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now (и это была мысль о том, что заставила меня смеяться прямо сейчас). It seems that there had been some informality about their license (по-видимому, там было какое-то несоблюдение формальностей в их бракосочетании; license — право, свидетельство), that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort (и /поэтому/ священник наотрез отказался поженить их без какого-либо свидетеля), and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom (и мое удачное появление избавило жениха) from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man (от необходимости отправляться на улицу в поисках шафера: «лучшего человека»). The bride gave me a sovereign (невеста дала мне соверен), and I mean to wear it on my watch-chain (и я собираюсь носить ее на часовой цепочке) in memory of the occasion (в память об этом событии)."
"I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion."
"This is a very unexpected turn of affairs (это очень неожиданный оборот дел)," said I; "and what then (и что /случилось/ затем)?"
"Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced (ну, я понял, что мои планы: «нашел мои планы» под серьезной угрозой; to menace — грозить). It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure (это выглядело = казалось, что пара может предпринять немедленное отправление = может немедленно уехать), and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part (и, таким образом, вызвать необходимость очень быстрых и энергичных мер с моей стороны). At the church door, however, they separated (у церковной двери, однако, они разделились), he driving back to the Temple (он вернулся в Темпл), and she to her own house (а она к себе домой). 'I shall drive out in the park at five as usual (я буду кататься в парке в пять, как всегда),' she said as she left him (сказала она, прощаясь с ним). I heard no more (больше я ничего не слышал). They drove away in different directions (они уехали в разных направлениях), and I went off to make my own arrangements (а я ушел = вернулся, чтобы сделать мои собственные приготовления = взяться за свои приготовления)."
"This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what then?"
"Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own arrangements."
"Which are?"
"Some cold beef and a glass of beer (немного холодной говядины и стакан пива)," he answered, ringing the bell (ответил он, звоня в колокольчик). "I have been too busy to think of food (я был слишком занят, чтобы думать о еде), and I am likely to be busier still this evening (и я, вероятно, буду еще более занят этим вечером). By the way, Doctor (кстати, доктор), I shall want your cooperation (я захочу ваше сотрудничество = мне понадобится ваше содействие)."
"I shall be delighted (я буду рад)."
"You don't mind breaking the law (вы не имеете ничего против, чтобы = не боитесь нарушить закон: «сломать закон»)?"
"Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation."
"I shall be delighted."
"You don't mind breaking the law?"
"Not in the least."
"Nor running a chance of arrest (и шанс ареста = и возможность ареста /вас не пугает/)?"
"Not in a good cause (ради хорошего дела готов /и/ на это: in a good cause — чтобы сделать добро)."
"Oh, the cause is excellent (о, дело /повод/ превосходное)!"
"Then I am your man (тогда я к вашим услугам: «ваш человек»)."
"I was sure that I might rely on you (я был уверен = знал, что могу на вас положиться)."
"But what is it you wish (но что это, /то/ что вы желаете = что вы задумали)?"
sure [Su@], rely [rI'laI]
"Nor running a chance of arrest?"
"Not in a good cause."
"Oh, the cause is excellent!"
"Then I am your man."
"I was sure that I might rely on you."
"But what is it you wish?"
"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray (когда миссис Тернер принесет поднос = ужин; to bring in — вносить) I will make it clear to you (я вам все объясню: «сделаю это ясно вам»). Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare (сказал он, накидываясь жадно: «как голодный» на простую пищу; to turn on — включиться, пробуждать интерес) that our landlady had provided (которую предоставила наша домохозяйка), "I must discuss it while I eat (я должен обсудить это /с вами/ во время еды = пока я ем), for I have not much time (так как у меня мало времени). It is nearly five now (сейчас почти пять). In two hours we must be on the scene of action (через два часа мы должны быть на месте действия). Miss Irene, or Madame, rather (мисс Ирэн или, скорее, мадам = миссис) returns from her drive at seven (возвращается со своей прогулки в семь). We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her (мы должны быть в Брайони-лодж, чтобы встретить ее)."
tray [treI], hungrily ['hVNgrIlI], scene [si:n]
"And what then (и что затем)?"
"You must leave that to me (вы должны оставить это мне = предоставьте это мне). I have already arranged what is to occur (я уже подготовил то, что должно произойти). There is only one point on which I must insist (есть только один момент, на котором я должен настаивать). You must not interfere (вы не должны вмешиваться), come what may (что бы ни произошло). You understand (вы понимаете)?"
leave [li:v], occur [@'k@:], interfere [Int@'fI@]
"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."
"And what then?"
"You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere, come what may. You understand?"
"I am to be neutral (я должен быть нейтральным)?"
"To do nothing whatever (вот именно: «делать абсолютно ничего»). There will probably be some small unpleasantness (возможно, там будет = произойдет небольшая неприятность; pleasant — приятный). Do not join in it (не присоединяйтесь к этому = не вмешивайтесь). It will end in my being conveyed into the house (это кончится тем, что меня отнесут в дом; to convey — переправлять). Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open (четыре или пять минут спустя откроют окно гостиной). You are to station yourself close to that open window (вы должны встать: «поставить себя» близко к этому открытому окну)."
"Yes (хорошо)."
"You are to watch me (вы должны наблюдать за мной), for I will be visible to you (так как я буду видимым для вас = у вас на виду)."
"To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to that open window."
"Yes."
"You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you."
"Yes."
"And when I raise my hand — so — (и когда я подниму руку — вот так) you will throw into the room what I give you to throw (вы бросите в комнату /то/ что я вам дам бросить), and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire (и, в то же время, поднимите крик об огне = закричите: «Пожар!»). You quite follow me (вы меня понимаете)?"
"Entirely (вполне)."
"It is nothing very formidable (тут нет ничего страшного; formidable — гигантский; грозный)," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket (доставая из кармана длинный сигарообразный сверток; to shape — придать форму). "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket (это обыкновенная дымовая ракета; plumber — водопроводчик), fitted with a cap at either end (снабженная капсюлем с каждого конца = с обоих концов) to make it self-lighting (чтобы сделать ее самовоспламеняющейся). Your task is confined to that (ваша задача сводится к этому: «приурочена к этому»). When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people (ваш крик будет подхвачен довольно многими людьми = множеством людей). You may then walk to the end of the street (вы можете затем дойти до конца улицы), and I will rejoin you in ten minutes (и я присоединюсь к вам через десять минут). I hope that I have made myself clear (я надеюсь, что вы поняли: «что я сделал себя ясным»)?"
formidable ['fO:mId@bl], either ['aID@], rejoin [rI'dZOInt]
"And when I raise my hand — so — you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me?"
"Entirely."
"It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?"
"I am to remain neutral (должен оставаться нейтральным), to get near the window (стать рядом с окном), to watch you (наблюдать за вами), and at the signal (по сигналу) to throw in this object (забросить эту вещь), then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street (ждать вас на углу улицы)."
"Precisely (совершенно верно)."
"Then you may entirely rely on me (тогда вы можете полностью положиться на меня)."
"That is excellent (/это/ отлично). I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role (я думаю, пожалуй, это почти то время, когда я должен подготовиться = пора подготовиться к новой роли) I have to play (которую я вынужден играть)."
excellent ['eks@l@nt], prepare [pri'pe@]
"I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street."
"Precisely."
"Then you may entirely rely on me."
"That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role I have to play."
He disappeared into his bedroom (он исчез в своей спальне) and returned in a few minutes (и вернулся через несколько минут) in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman (в виде любезного и простодушного нонкомформистского священника; simple-minded: simple — простой, mind — ум). His broad black hat (его широкая черная шляпа), his baggy trousers (мешковатые брюки; bag — мешок), his white tie (белый галстук), his sympathetic smile (привлекательная улыбка), and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity (и общее выражение благожелательного любопытства; to peer — всматриваться) were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled (были бесподобны: «были сравнимы лишь с мистером Джоном Хэром»). It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume (/дело/ было не только лишь в том, что Холмс сменил костюм). His expression, his manner, his very soul (выражение его /лица/, его манеры, самая душа его) seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed (казалось, изменялись с каждой новой: «свежей» ролью, которую он играл: «напускал на себя»). The stage lost a fine actor (сцена потеряла прекрасного актера), even as science lost an acute reasoner (равно как наука потеряла тонкого мыслителя), when he became a specialist in crime (когда он стал специалистом по /расследованию/ преступлений).
He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.
It was a quarter past six (было четверть седьмого: «четверть после шести») when we left Baker Street (когда мы покинули Бэйкер-стрит = вышли из дома), and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour (и это требовало еще десять минут до того часа = до назначенного часа оставалось еще десять минут) when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue (когда мы оказались: «нашли себя» на Серпентайн-авеню). It was already dusk (уже смеркалось; dusk — сумерки), and the lamps were just being lighted (и фонари только что зажглись: «были зажжены») as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge (когда мы расхаживали мимо Брайони-лодж), waiting for the coming of its occupant (ожидая прибытия его жильца). The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes's succinct description (дом был точно такой, как я себе представлял по краткому/сжатому описанию Шерлока Холмса), but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected (но окрестность оказалась не такой безлюдной: «менее закрытой для публики», чем я ожидал). On the contrary (напротив), for a small street in a quiet neighborhood (для маленькой улицы в тихом районе), it was remarkably animated (она была необыкновенно оживленной). There was a group of shabbily dressed men (там была группа убого одетых людей = оборванцев) smoking and laughing in a corner (курящих и смеющихся на углу), a scissors-grinder with his wheel (точильщик /ножниц/ со своим колесом; scissors — ножницы), two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl (два гвардейца, которые флиртовали с нянькой), and several well-dressed young men (и несколько хорошо одетых молодых людей) who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths (которые слонялись туда-сюда с сигарами во рту: «в их ртах»).
It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes's succinct description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighborhood, it was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths.
"You see (видите ли)," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house (заметил Холмс, когда мы бродили туда-сюда перед домом), "this marriage rather simplifies matters (эта свадьба значительно упрощает дело). The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now (фотография стала теперь обоюдоострым оружием; edge — кромка, край). The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton (шансы таковы = возможно, что она так же не хочет, чтобы фотографию увидел Годфри Нортон; averse — неохотный, нерасположенный), as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess (как не хочется нашему клиенту, чтобы она попалась на глаза его принцессе). Now the question is (теперь вопрос такой = в том) — Where are we to find the photograph (где мы найдем фотографию)?"
"You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question is — Where are we to find the photograph?"
"Where, indeed?"
"It is most unlikely (наиболее = совершенно невероятно) that she carries it about with her (что она носит ее с собой). It is cabinet size (/фотография/ кабинетного размера). Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dress (слишком большая для легкого утаивания под женским платьем). She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched (она знает, что король способен ее куда-нибудь заманить и обыскать). Two attempts of the sort have already been made (две попытки такого рода уже были сделаны). We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her (мы можем принять это = заключить, что она не носит это с собой)."
"It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her."
"Where, then?"
"Her banker or her lawyer (ее банкир или ее адвокат = у банкира или адвоката). There is that double possibility (возможно, и то, и другое = двойная возможность). But I am inclined to think neither (но я склонен думать, /что/ ни то, ни другое). Women are naturally secretive (женщины по природе своей скрытны), and they like to do their own secreting (и они любят окружать себя секретами). Why should she hand it over to anyone else (почему она должна передавать это кому-то еще = делиться тайной с кем-то еще)? She could trust her own guardianship (она могла положиться на собственное умение хранить вещи: «довериться своему собственному попечительству»; guardian — опекун), but she could not tell (но она не могла сказать = не была уверена) what indirect or political influence (какое непрямое или политическое влияние) might be brought to bear upon a businessman (может быть оказано: «принесено» в отношении делового человека; to bear upon — касаться, относиться к). Besides (кроме того), remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days (вспомните, что она решила использовать фотографию в ближайшие дни). It must be where she can lay her hands upon it (это должно быть /там/, где она может положить руки на нее = снимок должен быть под рукой). It must be in her own house (он должен быть в ее собственном доме)."
"But it has twice been burgled (но он был дважды подвергнут работе взломщиков)."
"Pshaw (подумаешь!)! They did not know how to look (они не знали, как надо искать)."
"Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a businessman. Besides, remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house."
"But it has twice been burgled."
"Pshaw! They did not know how to look."
"But how will you look (а как вы будете искать)?"
"I will not look."
"What then?"
"I will get her to show me (я сделаю так, что она сама покажет мне: «заставлю ее показать мне»)."
"But she will refuse (но она откажется)."
"She will not be able to (ей это не удастся). But I hear the rumble of wheels (но я слышу грохот колес). It is her carriage (это ее карета). Now carry out my orders to the letter (теперь в точности: «буква в букву» выполняйте мои указания)."
rumble ['rVmbl], carriage ['kamp;rIdZ]
"But how will you look?"
"I will not look."
"What then?"
"I will get her to show me."
"But she will refuse."
"She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter."
As he spoke, the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage (когда он говорил, отблеск боковых фонарей кареты) came round the curve of the avenue (показался на повороте авеню). It was a smart little landau (это было модное маленькое ландо) which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge (которое подкатило к двери Брайони-лодж; to rattle — трещать, грохотать, греметь). As it pulled up (когда оно остановилось), one of the loafing men at the corner (один из бездельников, /стоявших/ на углу; to loaf — бездельничать) dashed forward to open the door (бросился вперед открывать дверь) in the hope of earning a copper (в надежде заработать медяк), but was elbowed away by another loafer (но его оттолкнул локтем другой лентяй), who had rushed up with the same intention (который бросился с тем же намерением). A fierce quarrel broke out (вспыхнула яростная перебранка), which was increased by the two guardsmen (которая была усилена = распалена двумя гвардейцами), who took sides with one of the loungers (принявшими сторону одного из бездельников), and by the scissors-grinder (и точильщиком), who was equally hot upon the other side (который так же горячо встал на другую сторону). A blow was struck (удар был нанесен = завязалась драка), and in an instant the lady (и в одно мгновение леди), who had stepped from her carriage (вышедшая из экипажа), was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men (была = стала центром небольшой кучки возбужденных и дерущихся людей), who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks (которые свирепо били друг друга кулаками и палками). Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady (Холмс бросился в толпу, чтобы защитить леди); but just as he reached her (но как только он достиг ее) he gave a cry and dropped to the ground (он издал крик = вскрикнул и упал на землю), with the blood running freely down his face (с кровью, бегущей свободно вниз по его лицу = с залитым кровью лицом). At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction (после его падения гвардейцы бросились бежать: «взяли свои пятки» в одну сторону) and the loungers in the other (а бездельники — в другую), while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it (в то время как несколько лучше одетых = более приличного вида людей, которые наблюдали потасовку без принятия участия в ней) crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man (скучились = подбежали, чтобы помочь леди и позаботиться о раненом). Irene Adler, as I will still call her (Ирэн Адлер, как я буду по-прежнему называть ее), had hurried up the steps (взбежала быстро по ступеням); but she stood at the top (но она остановилась наверху) with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall (и ее: «с ее» великолепная фигура выделялась на фоне огней гостиной), looking back into the street (оглядываясь на улицу).
As he spoke, the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street.
"Is the poor gentleman much hurt (бедный джентльмен сильно ранен)?" she asked.
"He is dead (он мертв)," cried several voices (прокричало несколько голосов).
"No, no, there's life in him (нет, нет, он еще жив: «есть жизнь в нем»)!" shouted another (крикнул кто-то: «еще один»). "But he'll be gone before you can get him to hospital (но он умрет: «уйдет» раньше, чем вы сможете доставить его в больницу)."
"He's a brave fellow (он смелый парень)," said a woman. "They would have had the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him (они отобрали бы у леди кошелек и часы, если бы не он). They were a gang, and a rough one, too (это была банда = шайка, и притом очень опасная; rough — грубый, жесткий). Ah, he's breathing now (а, он дышит теперь = начал дышать)."
brave [breIv], purse [p@:s], breathing ['bri:DIN]
"He can't lie in the street (он не может лежать на улице). May we bring him in, marm (можно нам внести его внутрь /дома/, мадам)?"
"Surely (конечно). Bring him into the sitting-room (перенесите его в гостиную). There is a comfortable sofa (там удобный диван). This way, please (сюда: «этот путь», пожалуйста!"
"Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked.
"He is dead," cried several voices.
"No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be gone before you can get him to hospital."
"He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now."
"He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?"
"Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sofa. This way, please!"
Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge (медленно и торжественно он был внесен в Брайони-лодж) and laid out in the principal room (уложен в гостиной: «основной комнате»), while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window (в то время, как я все еще наблюдал за происходившим со своего поста у окна; proceeding — акт, действие). The lamps had been lit (лампы были зажжены), but the blinds had not been drawn (но шторы не были опущены), so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch (так что я мог видеть Холмса, лежащего на кушетке). I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing (я не знаю, был ли он захвачен угрызениями совести = упрекала ли его совесть в тот момент за то, что он играл такую роль), but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life (но я знаю, что никогда не испытывал более глубокого стыда в моей жизни) than when I saw the beautiful creature (чем когда я увидел прекрасное существо) against whom I was conspiring (против которого я участвовал в заговоре), or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man (или любезность и доброту, с которыми она ухаживала за раненым /человеком/; to wait upon — прислуживать). And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes (но, тем не менее, это было бы чернейшей изменой = предательством по отношению к Холмсу) to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me (выйти сейчас из роли, которую он мне доверил = не выполнить его поручения). I hardened my heart (я сделал твердым свое сердце = с тяжелым сердцем), and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster (и достал дымовую ракету из-под пальто). After all, I thought (в конечном итоге, подумал я), we are not injuring her (мы не причиняем ей вреда). We are but preventing her from injuring another (мы /только/ мешаем ей: «предохраняем ее от того, чтобы» повредить другому /человеку/).
Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but preventing her from injuring another.
Holmes had sat up upon the couch (Холмс сел прямо = приподнялся на кушетке), and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air (и я увидел, как он делает движение, как задыхающийся человек: «нуждающийся в воздухе»). A maid rushed across and threw open the window (служанка бросилась вперед и распахнула окно). At the same instant I saw him raise his hand (в тот же миг я увидел, как он поднял руку) and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" (и по этому сигналу я бросил свою ракету в комнату с криком: «Пожар!») The word was no sooner out of my mouth (едва это слово слетело с моих губ: «из моего рта») than the whole crowd of spectators (как вся толпа наблюдателей), well dressed and ill (хорошо и плохо одетые) — gentlemen, ostlers, and servant-maids (джентльмены, конюхи и горничные) — joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" (подхватили общий крик: «Пожар!») Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window (густые: «толстые» облака дыма клубились в комнате и вырывались наружу из открытого окна). I caught a glimpse of rushing figures (я видел мелькание мечущихся людей), and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within (и мгновение позже /я услышал/ голос Холмса изнутри) assuring them that it was a false alarm (уверяющего их, что это ложная тревога). Slipping through the shouting crowd (проскальзывая через кричащую толпу) I made my way to the corner of the street (я направился: «сделал свой путь» к углу улицы), and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine (и через десять минут был обрадован найти руку моего друга в моей), and to get away from the scene of uproar (и уйти с места беспорядков). He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes (он шел быстро и молча: «в тишине» несколько минут) until we had turned down one of the quiet streets (пока мы не свернули на одну из тихих улиц) which lead towards the Edgeware Road (которые ведут на Эджвер-роуд).
Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill — gentlemen, ostlers, and servant-maids — joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road.
"You did it very nicely, Doctor (вы сделали это очень хорошо, доктор)," he remarked (заметил он). "Nothing could have been better (ничего не могло бы быть лучше = как нельзя лучше). It is all right (все в порядке)."
"You have the photograph (у вас есть фотография)?"
"I know where it is (я знаю, где она)."
"And how did you find out (и как /же/ вы выяснили /это/)?"
"She showed me, as I told you she would (она показала мне /фотографию/, как я вам говорил, что она это сделает)."
"I am still in the dark (я все еще ничего не понимаю: «все еще в неведении»; dark — тьма, незнание)."
"You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have been better. It is all right."
"You have the photograph?"
"I know where it is."
"And how did you find out?"
"She showed me, as I told you she would."
"I am still in the dark."
"I do not wish to make a mystery (я не хочу делать тайну /из этого/)," said he, laughing (сказал он, смеясь). "The matter was perfectly simple (дело было совершенно простым). You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice (вы, конечно, видели = догадались, что каждый на улице был /моим/ сообщником). They were all engaged for the evening (они все были наняты на тот вечер)."
"I guessed as much (я догадался об этом; as much — именно это, так)."
"Then, when the row broke out (ну, когда ссора вспыхнула), I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand (у меня было немного влажной красной краски в ладони /руки/). I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face (я ринулся вперед, упал, хлопнул рукой по своему лицу), and became a piteous spectacle (и стал жалким зрелищем). It is an old trick (это старый фокус)."
"I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening."
"I guessed as much."
"Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick."
"That also I could fathom (это я тоже мог постигнуть = об этом я тоже догадался)."
"Then they carried me in (затем они внесли меня внутрь). She was bound to have me in (она была вынуждена принять меня; to be bound /to do something/ — быть обязанным /сделать что-то/). What else could she do (что еще могла она сделать = что ей оставалось)? And into her sitting-room which was the very room which I suspected (и в ее гостиной, которая была именно той комнатой, которую я подозревал). It lay between that and her bedroom (это /фотография/ лежит либо там, либо в ее спальне), and I was determined to see which (и я решил выяснить = увидеть, где). They laid me on a couch (они уложили меня на кушетку), I motioned for air (я двинулся за воздухом = притворился, что задыхаюсь), they were compelled to open the window (они вынуждены были открыть окно) and you had your chance (и вы получили возможность /сделать свое дело/)."
"Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window and you had your chance."
"How did that help you?"
"It was all-important (это было крайне важным). When a woman thinks that her house is on fire (когда женщина думает, что ее дом горит: «в огне»), her instinct is at once to rush to the thing (ее инстинкт — моментально броситься к вещи) which she values most (которую она ценит больше всего). It is a perfectly overpowering impulse (это чрезвычайно непреодолимый = очень властный импульс), and I have more than once taken advantage of it (и я не раз: «больше, чем однажды» извлекал пользу из него). In the case of the Darlington substitution scandal (в случае дарлингтонского скандала; substitution — замена) it was of use to me (это было полезно для меня), and also in the Arnsworth Castle business (и так же в деле с арнсворским замком). A married woman grabs at her baby (замужняя женщина хватает своего ребенка); an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box (незамужняя — свою шкатулку с драгоценностями; jewel-box: jewel — драгоценность, box — коробка). Now it was clear to me (теперь мне было ясно) that our lady of today (что наша современная леди: «леди сегодняшнего дня») had nothing in the house more precious to her (не имеет в доме ничего более ценного для себя) than what we are in quest of (чем то, что мы ищем; in quest of — в поисках). She would rush to secure it (она бросилась бы спасать это). The alarm of fire was admirably done (пожарная тревога была отлично сделана = разыграна). The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel (дыма и крика было достаточно, чтобы потрясти стальные нервы). She responded beautifully (она среагировала превосходно). The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel (фотография находится в тайнике позади выдвижной дощечки) just above the right bell-pull (как раз над правым шнурком звонка). She was there in an instant (она была там в одно мгновение), and I caught a glimpse of it (и я поймал мелькание фотографии = увидел краешек) as she half-drew it out (когда она наполовину вытащила ее). When I cried out that it was a false alarm (когда я выкрикнул, что что это ложная тревога), she replaced it (она вернула ее на место), glanced at the rocket (взглянула мельком на ракету), rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since (стремительно выбежала из комнаты, и я не видел ее с тех пор). I rose, and, making my excuses (я встал и, извиняясь: «делая извинения»), escaped from the house (сбежал из дома). I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once (я колебался, попытаться ли достать фотографию сразу); but the coachman had come in (но вошел кучер), and as he was watching me narrowly (и так как он пристально следил за мной; narrow — узкий) it seemed safer to wait (/мне/ безопаснее показалось подождать). A little over-precipitance may ruin all (небольшая излишняя поспешность может погубить все; over- — избыточный, чрезмерный) ."
value ['vamp;lju:], advantage [@d'vA:ntIdZ], hesitated ['hezIteItId]
"And now (а теперь = дальше)?" I asked.
"It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to me that our lady of today had nothing in the house more precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all."
"And now?" I asked.
"Our quest is practically finished (наши поиски практически закончены). I shall call with the King tomorrow (я навещу /Ирэн Адлер/ с королем завтра), and with you, if you care to come with us (и с вами, если вы захотите пойти с нами). We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady (нас попросят подождать леди в гостиной: «мы будем проведены в гостиную, чтобы подождать леди»); but it is probable that when she comes (но, вероятно, что когда она придет) she may find neither us nor the photograph (она может не найти ни нас, ни фотографии; neither… nor — ни тот, ни другой). It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty (это может быть удовлетворением для его величества = его величеству, возможно, будет приятно) to regain it with his own hands (достать ее своими собственными руками; to regain — получить обратно)."
"And when will you call (а когда вы отправитесь /туда/)?"
"Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King tomorrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady; but it is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands."
"And when will you call?"
"At eight in the morning (в восемь, утром). She will not be up (она еще будет в постели; to be up — проснуться; быть на ногах; бодрствовать), so that we shall have a clear field (так что нам обеспечена полная свобода действий: «у нас будет чистое поле»). Besides, we must be prompt (кроме того, мы должны быть быстрыми), for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits (потому что эта свадьба может означать полное изменение = могла полностью изменить ее жизнь и привычки). I must wire to the King without delay (я должен телеграфировать королю немедленно: «без задержки»)."
field [fi:ld], habits ['hamp;bIts], delay [dI'leI]
We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door (мы достигли = добрались до Бэйкер-стрит и остановились у двери). He was searching his pockets for the key (он искал: «был ищущим» в карманах свой ключ), when someone passing said (когда кто-то проходящий = какой-то прохожий сказал):
"Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes (доброй ночи, мистер Шерлок Холмс)."
There were several people on the pavement at the time (на мостовой в это время было несколько человек), but the greeting appeared to come (но приветствие, видимо, исходило) from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by (от стройного юноши в длинном пальто, который быстро прошел мимо).
several ['sev@r@l], pavement ['peIvm@nt], youth [ju:T]
"I've heard that voice before (я слышал этот голос раньше)," said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street (сказал Холмс, оглядывая тускло освещенную улицу). "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been (и вот я не понимаю, кто, черт возьми, это мог бы быть)."
voice [vOIs], deuce [dju:s]
"At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without delay."
We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets for the key, when someone passing said:
"Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes."
There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by.
"I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been."