Артур Конан Дойл
Английский с Шерлоком Холмсом. Человек с рассеченной губой / Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes

Как читать эту книгу

   Уважаемые читатели!
   Перед вами – НЕ очередное учебное пособие на основе исковерканного (сокращенного, упрощенного и т. п.) авторского текста.
   Перед вами прежде всего – интересная книга на иностранном языке, причем на настоящем, «живом» языке, в оригинальном, авторском варианте.
   От вас вовсе не требуется «сесть за стол и приступить к занятиям». Эту книгу можно читать где угодно, например, в метро или лежа на диване, отдыхая после работы. Потому что уникальность метода как раз и заключается в том, что запоминание иностранных слов и выражений происходит подспудно, за счет их повторяемости, без СПЕЦИАЛЬНОГО заучивания и необходимости использовать словарь.
   Существует множество предрассудков на тему изучения иностранных языков. Что их могут учить только люди с определенным складом ума (особенно второй, третий язык и т. д.), что делать это нужно чуть ли не с пеленок и, самое главное, что в целом это сложное и довольно-таки нудное занятие.
   Но ведь это не так! И успешное применение Метода чтения Ильи Франка в течение многих лет доказывает: начать читать интересные книги на иностранном языке может каждый!
   Причем
   на любом языке,
   в любом возрасте,
   а также с любым уровнем подготовки (начиная с «нулевого»)!
   Сегодня наш Метод обучающего чтения – это четыреста книг на шестидесяти языках мира. И миллионы читателей, поверивших в свои силы!
   Итак, «как это работает»?
   Откройте, пожалуйста, любую страницу этой книги. Вы видите, что текст разбит на отрывки. Сначала идет адаптированный отрывок – текст с вкрапленным в него дословным русским переводом и небольшим лексико-грамматическим комментарием. Затем следует тот же текст, но уже неадаптированный, без подсказок.
   Если вы только начали осваивать английский язык, то вам сначала нужно читать текст с подсказками, затем — тот же текст без подсказок. Если при этом вы забыли значение какого-либо слова, но в целом все понятно, то не обязательно искать это слово в отрывке с подсказками. Оно вам еще встретится. Смысл неадаптированного текста как раз в том, что какое-то время – пусть короткое – вы «плывете без доски». После того как вы прочитаете неадаптированный текст, нужно читать следующий, адаптированный. И так далее. Возвращаться назад – с целью повторения – НЕ НУЖНО! Просто продолжайте читать ДАЛЬШЕ.
   Сначала на вас хлынет поток неизвестных слов и форм. Не бойтесь: вас же никто по ним не экзаменует! По мере чтения (пусть это произойдет хоть в середине или даже в конце книги) все «утрясется», и вы будете, пожалуй, удивляться: «Ну зачем опять дается перевод, зачем опять приводится исходная форма слова, все ведь и так понятно!» Когда наступает такой момент, «когда и так понятно», вы можете поступить наоборот: сначала читать неадаптированную часть, а потом заглядывать в адаптированную. Этот же способ чтения можно рекомендовать и тем, кто осваивает язык не «с нуля».

   Язык по своей природе – средство, а не цель, поэтому он лучше всего усваивается не тогда, когда его специально учат, а когда им естественно пользуются – либо в живом общении, либо погрузившись в занимательное чтение. Тогда он учится сам собой, подспудно.
   Для запоминания нужны не сонная, механическая зубрежка или вырабатывание каких-то навыков, а новизна впечатлений. Чем несколько раз повторять слово, лучше повстречать его в разных сочетаниях и в разных смысловых контекстах. Основная масса общеупотребительной лексики при том чтении, которое вам предлагается, запоминается без зубрежки, естественно – за счет повторяемости слов. Поэтому, прочитав текст, не нужно стараться заучить слова из него. «Пока не усвою, не пойду дальше» – этот принцип здесь не подходит. Чем интенсивнее вы будете читать, чем быстрее бежать вперед, тем лучше для вас. В данном случае, как ни странно, чем поверхностнее, чем расслабленнее, тем лучше. И тогда объем материала сделает свое дело, количество перейдет в качество. Таким образом, все, что требуется от вас, – это просто почитывать, думая не об иностранном языке, который по каким-либо причинам приходится учить, а о содержании книги!
   Главная беда всех изучающих долгие годы какой-либо один язык в том, что они занимаются им понемножку, а не погружаются с головой. Язык – не математика, его надо не учить, к нему надо привыкать. Здесь дело не в логике и не в памяти, а в навыке. Он скорее похож в этом смысле на спорт, которым нужно заниматься в определенном режиме, так как в противном случае не будет результата. Если сразу и много читать, то свободное чтение по-английски – вопрос трех-четырех месяцев (начиная «с нуля»). А если учить помаленьку, то это только себя мучить и буксовать на месте. Язык в этом смысле похож на ледяную горку – на нее надо быстро взбежать! Пока не взбежите – будете скатываться. Если вы достигли такого момента, когда свободно читаете, то вы уже не потеряете этот навык и не забудете лексику, даже если возобновите чтение на этом языке лишь через несколько лет. А если не доучили – тогда все выветрится.
   А что делать с грамматикой? Собственно, для понимания текста, снабженного такими подсказками, основательное знание грамматики не требуется – и так все будет понятно. А затем происходит привыкание к определенным формам – и грамматика усваивается тоже подспудно. Ведь осваивают же язык люди, которые никогда не учили его грамматику, а просто попали в соответствующую языковую среду. Это говорится не к тому, чтобы вы держались подальше от грамматики (грамматика – очень интересная вещь, занимайтесь ею тоже), а к тому, что приступать к чтению данной книги можно, зная всего лишь правила чтения и самые азы грамматики.
   Эта книга поможет вам преодолеть важный барьер: вы наберете лексику и привыкнете к логике языка, сэкономив много времени и сил. Но, прочитав ее, не нужно останавливаться, продолжайте читать на иностранном языке (теперь уже действительно просто поглядывая в словарь)!

   Отзывы и замечания присылайте, пожалуйста, по электронному адресу frank@franklang.ru

Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes

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 был = 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 табак 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 ['prɪnsɪpl], addicted [ə'dɪktɪd], opium ['əʋpɪəm], laudanum ['lɔ:dnəm], 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).
   “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»).

   yawn [jɔ:n], needlework ['ni:dlwɜ:k], disappointment [,dɪsə'pɔɪntmənt], groan [ɡrəʋn], newly ['nju:lɪ], weary ['wɪərɪ]

   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).
   “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).”

   linoleum [lɪ'nəʋljəm], stuff [stʌf], veil [veɪl],excuse /гл./ [ɪk'skju:z], forward ['fɔ:wəd], trouble ['trʌbl]

   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 идеи, кем ты была, когда 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).
   “It was very sweet of you to come (это было очень приятно зайти с твоей стороны = 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)?”

   straight [streɪt], grief [ɡri:f], wife [waɪf], lighthouse ['laɪthaʋs], wine [waɪn], water ['wɔ:tə], comfortably ['kʌmfətəblɪ]

   “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)!”
   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: «беде» 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)?

   advice [əd'vaɪs], frightened ['fraɪtnd], husband ['hʌzbənd], companion [kəm'pænɪən], soothed [su:ðd], comforted ['kʌmfətɪd]

   “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 следствий»). 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 [ʃʋə], hitherto [,hɪðə'tu:], doubtless ['daʋtlɪs], breathing ['bri:ðɪŋ], ruffians ['rʌfɪənz]

   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 ей 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 кэбе 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 ['eskɔ:t], thought [θɔ:t], cheery ['tʃɪərɪ], eastward ['i:stwəd], errand ['erənd]

   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 – мерзкая аллея: «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 кэбу подождать), I passed down the steps (я спустился), 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 [steɪʤ], lurking ['lɜ:kɪŋ], ceaseless ['si:slɪs], forecastle ['fəʋksl]

   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: «чашках» 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 до тишины; 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 = опустив подбородок на кулаки), and his elbows upon his knees, staring into the fire (/положив/ локти на колени, уставившись в огонь).

   waned [weɪnd], muttered ['mʌtəd], farther ['fɑ:ðə], brazier ['breɪzjə]

   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: «с моего права»), 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:vmənt], haggard ['hæɡəd], staring ['steərɪŋ]

   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 (у вас есть кэб)?”

   “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 = кэб, 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 [əʋ], color ['kʌlə]

   “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 меня от того, чтобы я разразился криком удивления). 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 ['nærəʋ], breath [breθ], wrinkled ['rɪŋkld], lassitude ['læsɪtju:d], senility [sɪ'nɪlǝtɪ]

   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 ['kaɪndnɪs], exceedingly [ɪk'si:dɪŋlɪ]

   “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 кэб 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 ['mɪstʃɪf], recommend [,rekə'mend], note [nəʋt]

   “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 кэб) 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), paid Whitney's bill (заплатил по счету Уитни), led him out to the cab (усадил его в кэб: «вывел его наружу к кэбу»), and seen him driven through the darkness (и видел его = 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 выпрямился и взорвался искренним смехом).

   refuse [rɪ'fju:z], request [rɪ'kwest], decrepit [dɪ'krepɪt], shuffled ['ʃʌfld]

   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).”
   “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?”

   injections [ɪn'ʤekʃnz], weaknesses ['wi:knɪsɪz], favored ['feɪvəd]

   “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 ['nætʃrəl], incoherent [,ɪnkəʋ'hɪərənt], purchase ['pɜ:tʃɪs]

   “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 (с последовавшим = за которым последовал вскоре грохот колес и звон лошадиных копыт).

   riverside ['rɪvəsaɪd], whistled ['wɪsld], similar ['sɪmɪlə]

   “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 об 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/ через = по бесконечному, 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 [sək'seʃn], deserted [dɪ'zɜ:tɪd], beneath [bɪ'ni:θ], sorely ['sɔ:lɪ]

   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 (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»; 'pon = upon), 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 ['saɪlǝns], invaluable [ɪn'væljʋbl], wondering ['wʌndǝrɪŋ]

   “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 (это кажется до смешного простым), and yet, somehow I can get nothing to go upon (и, тем не менее, я могу достать 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 [əb'sɜ:dlɪ], thread [θred], concisely [kən'saɪslɪ]

   “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 сделал 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 занятия: «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 на 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 l0 s. (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 ['neɪbəhʋd], brewer ['bru:ə], temperate ['temprɪt], weighing ['weɪɪŋ]

   “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 10s., 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 (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 Эбердинской 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 Streetg (вы знаете, что контора компании расположена на Фресно-Стрит), which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane (которая 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 [pǝ'fɔ:m], merest [mɪǝst], parcel ['pɑ:sl], value ['vælju:]

   “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 (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 кэб), 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 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 не было ни воротничка, ни галстука).

   ejaculation [ɪ,ʤækjʋ'leɪʃn], agitated ['æʤɪteɪtɪd], frantically ['fræntɪklɪ], necktie ['nektaɪ]

   “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 что-то неладное было с ним), 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 (во 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 (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).

   convinced [kən'vɪnst], ascend [ə'send], scoundrel ['skaʋndrəl], constables ['kʌnstəblz]

   “Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the steps – for the house was none other than the opium den in which you found me tonight – and running through the front room she attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly swore that no one else had been in the front room during the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had promised to bring home.

   “This discovery (находка), and the evident confusion which the cripple showed (и явное смущение, которое показал калека), made the inspector realize (убедили инспектора: «заставили осознать») that the matter was serious. The rooms were carefully examined (тщательно обысканы), and results all pointed to an abominable crime (и все результаты указывали на гнусное преступление). The front room was plainly furnished as a sitting-room (комната, выходящая окнами на улицу: «передняя комната» была обставлена просто, вроде гостиной) and led into a small bedroom (и вела в = рядом была небольшая спальня), which looked out upon the back of one of the wharves (окно которой выходит на задворки одной из верфей). Between the wharf and the bedroom window is a narrow strip (узкий канал), which is dry at low tide (который высыхает во время отлива: «сухой при отливе») but is covered at high tide (но покрыт = наполняется водой во время прилива) with at least four and a half feet of water (по крайней мере, на четыре с половиной фута). The bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below (было широким и открывалось снизу). On examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill (при осмотре были обнаружены следы крови на подоконнике), and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the bedroom (и несколько разбросанных = разбрызганных капель /крови/ были видимы = найдены на деревянном полу спальни). Thrust away behind a curtain (за шторой; to thrust away – отодвигать) in the front room were all the clothes (была вся одежда) of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his coat (за исключением его пальто). His boots (ботинки), his socks (носки), his hat (шляпа), and his watch (часы) – all were there (все было там). There were no signs of violence (не было следов насилия) upon any of these garments (на всех этих предметах одежды), and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Clair (и не было других следов). Out of the window he must apparently have gone (через окно он, должно быть, ушел) for no other exit could be discovered (так как никакого другого выхода не было найдено), and the ominous bloodstains upon the sill (зловещие кровавые пятна на подоконнике) gave little promise that he could save himself by swimming (давали мало обещания, что он мог спасти себя с помощью плавания = плаванием), for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the tragedy (потому что прилив достиг наивысшего уровня в момент трагедии).

   evident ['evɪdənt], abominable [ə'bɒmɪnəbl], wharf [wɔ:f], ominous ['ɒmɪnəs]

   “This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple showed, made the inspector realize that the matter was serious. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch – all were there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the tragedy.

   “And now as to the villains (теперь обратимся к негодяям: «что касается негодяев») who seemed to be immediately implicated in the matter (которые, видимо: «казались», были непосредственно впутаны в это дело = имели к этому непосредственное отношение). The Lascar was known to be a man of the vilest antecedents (был известен как человек подлейшего прошлого; vile – низкий, гнусный), but as by Mrs. St. Clair's story (как следует из рассказа миссис Сент-Клер), he was known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few seconds of her husband's appearance at the window (был у подножия = внизу лестницы в течение нескольких секунд появления в окне ее мужа), he could hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime (он мог едва ли быть больше, чем соучастник = его можно считать лишь соучастником преступления). His defense was one of absolute ignorance (его защита была защитой абсолютного незнания = он все отрицал), and he protested that he had no knowledge (протестовал, что не знает: «не имеет знания») as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger (относительно занятий Хью Буна, его жильца), and that he could not account in any way for the presence of the missing gentleman's clothes (и что он не мог объяснить, в любом случае, присутствие = наличие одежды пропавшего джентльмена).

   villains ['vɪlənz], antecedents [,æntɪ'si:dnts], accessory [ək'sesərɪ], lodger ['lɒʤə]

   “And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the vilest antecedents, but as by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defense was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he could not account in any way for the presence of the missing gentleman's clothes.

   “So much for the Lascar manager (это все, что касается хозяина-Ласкара). Now for the sinister cripple (теперь обратимся к зловещему калеке) who lives upon the second floor (который живет на третьем этаже) of the opium den, and who was certainly the last human being (и, безусловно, является последним человеком: «человеческим существом») whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Clair (который видел: «чьи глаза останавливались на» Невилла Сент-Клера). His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which is familiar to every man who goes much to the City (его отвратительное лицо знакомо каждому, кто много ходит = часто бывает в Сити). He is a professional beggar (он профессиональный нищий), though in order to avoid the police regulations (впрочем, чтобы избежать = обойти полицейские правила) he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas (он притворяется, что продает восковые спички; trade – занятие; лавка). Some little distance down Threadneedle Street (недалеко по Трэднидл-Стрит), upon the left-hand side (на левой стороне), there is, as you may have remarked (как вы могли заметить), a small angle in the wall (небольшой угол = ниша в стене). Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat (здесь это существо сидит днем: «занимает свое каждодневное место»), cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap (поджав ноги «по-турецки» с несколькими коробками спичек на коленях; stock – ассортимент), and as he is a piteous spectacle (так как он жалкое зрелище) a small rain of charity descends into the greasy leather cap (маленький дождь благотворительности = милостыни льется в его засаленную кожаную кепку) which lies upon the pavement beside him (что лежит на мостовой рядом с ним). I have watched the fellow more than once (я наблюдал за этим парнем не раз: «больше, чем однажды»), before ever I thought of making his professional acquaintance (не предполагая, что мне придется познакомиться с ним профессионально = встретиться как с преступником), and I have been surprised at the harvest (был удивлен жатве) which he has reaped in a short time (которую он пожинал в короткое время). His appearance (внешность), you see, is so remarkable (столь примечательна) that no one can pass him without observing him (что никто не может пройти мимо без наблюдения его = не обратив на него внимания). A shock of orange hair (копна оранжевых = рыжих волос), a pale face disfigured by a horrible scar (бледное лицо, обезображенное ужасным шрамом), which, by its contraction (своим сужением = сужаясь), has turned up the outer edge of his upper lip (завернул внешний край верхней губы), a bulldog chin (бульдожий подбородок), and a pair of very penetrating dark eyes (и пара очень проницательных темных глаз), which present a singular contrast to the color of his hair (которые представляют необычный контраст с цветом его волос), all mark him out from amid the common crowd of mendicants (все это выделяет его из простой толпы попрошаек) and so, too, does his wit (и это же делает его остроумие), for he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff (всегда готов с ответом на всякий кусок насмешки = на любое подшучивание) which may be thrown at him by the passers-by (которое может быть брошено = сказано ему прохожими). This is the man whom we now learn to have been the lodger at the opium den (о котором мы сейчас узнали, что он жилец в опиумном притоне), and to have been the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest (которого мы ищем).”
   “But a cripple (но /ведь он/ калека)!” said I. “What could he have done single-handed against a man in the prime of life (что он мог сделать один: «однорукий» против человека в расцвете сил)?”

   sinister ['sɪnɪstə], beggar ['beɡə], creature ['kri:tʃə], charity ['tʃærɪtɪ], scar [skɑ:], chaff [tʃɑ:f]

   “So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have watched the fellow more than once, before ever I thought of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular contrast to the color of his hair, all mark him out from amid the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest.”
   “But a cripple!” said I. “What could he have done single-handed against a man in the prime of life?”

   “He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp (он калека в том смысле, что ходит с трудом = прихрамывает); but in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man (во всех других отношениях он кажется/является мощным и здоровым человеком = он, видимо…; nurtured – выращенный, обученный; to nurture – кормить, питать). Surely your medical experience would tell you (конечно ваш медицинский опыт сказал бы вам), Watson, that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional strength in the others (что слабость /в/ одной конечности часто компенсируется необычайной силой /в/ других).”
   “Pray continue your narrative (пожалуйста, продолжайте ваш рассказ).”

   nurtured ['nɜ:tʃəd], surely ['ʃʋəlɪ], weakness ['wi:knɪs], limb [lɪm], strength [streŋθ]

   “He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional strength in the others.”
   “Pray continue your narrative.”

   “Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the window (упала в обморок при виде крови на окне), and she was escorted home in a cab by the police (была сопровождена полицией в кэбе домой), as her presence could be of no help (так как ее присутствие не было необходимо) to them in their investigations (им в их расследованиях). Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case (принявший ведение этого дела: «который имел ответственность дела»), made a very careful examination of the premises (очень тщательно обыскал помещения), but without finding anything which threw any light upon the matter (но без нахождения = не найдя ничего, что могло бы пролить: «бросить» свет на это дело). One mistake had been made in not arresting Boone instantly (одна ошибка была сделана в том, что не арестовали немедленно Хью Буна), as he was allowed some few minutes (был позволен = получил возможность несколько минут) during which he might have communicated (переговорить) with his friend the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied (эта ошибка была вскоре исправлена; remedy – средство, лекарство), and he was seized and searched (был схвачен и обыскан), without anything being found which could incriminate him (без того, чтобы было найдено что-то, что могло бы уличить его). There were, it is true (правда), some blood-stains upon his right shirt-sleeve (следы крови на правом рукаве рубашки), but he pointed to his ring-finger (указал на свой безымянный палец), which had been cut near the nail (был порезан возле ногтя), and explained that the bleeding came from there (и объяснил, что кровотечение происходило оттуда), adding that he had been to the window not long before (добавив, что он был у окна незадолго до того), and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the same source (пятна /крови/, обнаруженные там, несомненно, того же происхождения: «источника»). He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Neville St. Clair (энергично отрицал, что когда-либо видел мистера Сент-Клера) and swore that the presence of the clothes in his room (и клялся, что присутствие в комнате его одежды; to swear – клясться) was as much a mystery to him as to the police (было для него такой же тайной, как и для полиции). As to Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband at the window (что до утверждения = на утверждение миссис Сент-Клер, что она действительно видела мужа у окна), he declared that she must have been either mad or dreaming (он заявил, что она либо сумасшедшая, либо /ей это/ приснилось). He was removed, loudly protesting, to the police station (он был уведен, громко протестующий, в полицейский участок), while the inspector remained upon the premises (в то время как инспектор остался в помещениях) in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clew (в надежде, что убывающий прилив может предоставить какие-нибудь свежие зацепки = улики).

   sight [saɪt], remedied ['remɪdɪd], seized [si:zd], strenuously ['strenjʋəslɪ], afford [ə'fɔ:d]

   “Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful examination of the premises, but without finding anything which threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes during which he might have communicated with his friend the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and searched, without anything being found which could incriminate him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the police station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clew.

   “And it did (и действительно), though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they had feared to find (хотя они едва нашли на грязевой отмели /то/, что они боялись найти = хотя и нашли кое-что, но совсем не то, чего они так боялись найти). It was Neville St. Clair's coat (пиджак), and not Neville St. Clair (а не Невилл Сент-Клер), which lay uncovered as the tide receded (который лежал открыто, когда прилив снизился = отхлынула вода; to uncover – обнаруживать, открывать, обнажать). And what do you think they found in the pockets (в карманах)?”
   “I cannot imagine (не могу /себе/ представить).”
   “No, I don't think you would guess (не думаю, что вы догадаетесь). Every pocket stuffed with pennies and halfpennies (каждый карман /был/ набит /монетами в/ пенни и полпенни) – 421 pennies and 270 halfpennies. It was no wonder (не удивительно) that it had not been swept away (не было смыто; to sweep away – смывать, сносить) by the tide. But a human body is a different matter (но человеческое тело – другое дело). There is a fierce eddy (сильный водоворот = течение) between the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough (вполне допустимо) that the weighted coat had remained (что отягощенное пальто осталось) when the stripped body had been sucked away into the river (тогда как раздетое тело было унесено в реку; to suck – поглощать, всасывать).”

   though [ðəʋ], feared [fɪəd], receded [rɪ'si:dɪd], stuffed [stʌft], wonder ['wʌndə], weighted ['weɪtɪd]

   “And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And what do you think they found in the pockets?”
   “I cannot imagine.”
   “No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with pennies and halfpennies – 421 pennies and 270 halfpennies. It was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked away into the river.”

   “But I understand that all the other clothes (но /как/ я понимаю, вся остальная одежда) were found in the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone (неужели тело было одето = на трупе был только пиджак)?”
   “No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough (но факты могли быть встречены достаточно правдоподобно = этому можно найти объяснение). Suppose (предположим) that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the window (выбросил Невилла Сент-Клера в: «через» окно; to thrust – толкать, выбрасывать), there is no human eye (там нет человеческого глаза = свидетеля) which could have seen the deed (который мог бы видеть /это/ действие). What would he do then (что бы он сделал затем)? It would of course instantly strike him (ему сразу пришло бы в голову, конечно) that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments (что он должен избавиться от выдающей его одежды; tell-tale – указатель, доносчик). He would seize the coat (схватил бы = хватает пиджак), then, and be in the act of throwing it out (во время выкидывания его), when it would occur to him (ему пришло бы в голову) that it would swim and not sink (что он поплывет, а не потонет). He has little time (у него мало времени: «маленькое время»), for he has heard the scuffle downstairs (услышал потасовку внизу) when the wife tried to force her way up (когда жена пыталась прорваться наверх), and perhaps (возможно) he has already heard from his Lascar confederate (от своего сообщника-Ласкара) that the police are hurrying up the street (что полиция спешит /сюда/ по улице). There is not an instant to be lost (тут нет ни одного мига, чтобы был потерян = нельзя терять ни минуты). He rushes to some secret hoard (он кидается к тайному складу = углу), where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary (где он накопил плоды своего нищенства), and he stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands (набивает все монеты, на которые может положить свои руки = которые первыми попались под руку) into the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking (в карманы, чтобы быть уверенным в погружении пиджака = что пиджак потонет). He throws it out (выбрасывает), and would have done the same with the other garments (и сделал бы то же самое с другими предметами одежды) had not he heard the rush of steps below (не услышь он шум шагов внизу), and only just had time (и имел только время) to close the window when the police appeared (закрыть окно, когда появилась полиция).”

   speciously ['spi:ʃəslɪ], occur [ə'kɜ:], confederate [kən'fedərət], hoard [hɔ:d]

   “But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?”
   “No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the window when the police appeared.”

   “It certainly sounds feasible (это вполне звучит правдоподобно).”
   “Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a better (мы возьмем = примем это как рабочую гипотезу из-за отсутствия более хорошей). Boone, as I have told you (как я вам сказал), was arrested (арестован) and taken to the station (доставлен в участок), but it could not be shown that there had ever before been anything against him (но это не могло быть показано, что когда-либо раньше было что-то против него = его прошлая жизнь – безупречна). He had for years been known as a professional beggar (он в течение многих лет известен как профессиональный нищий), but his life appeared to have been a very quiet and innocent one (но его жизнь кажется очень тихой и безобидной). There the matter stands at present (там дело стоит сейчас = вот в каком положении находится дело в настоящий момент), and the questions which have to be solved (которые должны быть решены) – what Neville St. Clair was doing (делал: «был делающим») in the opium den, what happened to him when there (что случилось с ним, когда /он был/ там), where is he now (где он сейчас), and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance (какое отношение имел к его исчезновению) – are all as far from a solution as ever (все /эти вопросы/ так далеки от решения, как всегда = по-прежнему не решены). I confess that I cannot recall any case within my experience (признаюсь, что не могу вспомнить какое-либо дело в: «внутри, в пределах» моей практике) which looked at the first glance so simple (которое выглядело бы на первый взгляд таким простым) and yet which presented such difficulties (и, тем не менее, представляло бы такие трудности).”

   hypothesis [haɪ'pɒθǝsɪs], innocent ['ɪnəsənt], glance [ɡlɑ:ns]

   “It certainly sounds feasible.”
   “Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before been anything against him. He had for years been known as a professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the questions which have to be solved – what Neville St. Clair was doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance – are all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot recall any case within my experience which looked at the first glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties.”

   While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of events (подробно рассказывал эти необычные последовательности событий), we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great town (мы мчались по окрестностям/предместьям большого города) until the last straggling houses had been left behind (пока последние разбросанные = одиночные дома были оставлены позади), and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us (и мы мчались с грохотом с деревенской изгородью по обе стороны от нас). Just as he finished (закончил), however, we drove through two scattered villages (мы проехали через две отдельные деревушки; to scatter – разбрасывать, раскидывать), where a few lights still glimmered in the windows (где несколько огней еще мерцали в окнах).

   whirling ['wɜ:lɪŋ], outskirts ['aʋtskɜ:ts], hedge [heʤ]

   While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows.

   “We are on the outskirts of Lee (в предместье Ли),” said my companion. “We have touched on three English counties in our short drive (мы побывали в трех английских графствах в нашей = во время нашей маленькой поездки; to touch – тронуть, прикоснуться), starting in Middlesex (начав в Мидлсексе), passing over an angle of Surrey (переехав угол Сэрри), and ending in Kent (и закончив в Кенте). See that light among the trees (видите тот огонь посреди деревьев)? That is The Cedars (это «Кедры»), and beside that lamp sits a woman (возле той лампы сидит женщина) whose anxious ears (чьи тревожные уши = настороженный слух) have already, I have little doubt (имею мало сомнений = почти не сомневаюсь), caught the clink of our horse's feet (уловил звон ног = стук копыт нашей лошади; to catch – ловить).”
   “But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street (но почему вы не ведете это дело с Бейкер-Стрит)?” I asked.

   counties ['kaʋntɪz], anxious ['æŋkʃəs], horse [hɔ:s]

   “We are on the outskirts of Lee,” said my companion. “We have touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet.”
   “But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?” I asked.

   “Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here (много расследований, которые должны быть проведены здесь). Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal (наиболее любезно предоставила две комнаты в мое распоряжение), and you may rest assured (вы можете быть уверены) that she will have nothing but a welcome for my friend and colleague (что у нее нет ничего, кроме гостеприимства для моего друга и коллеги). I hate to meet her (очень не хочу встретить ее; to hate – ненавидеть), Watson, when I have no news of her husband (когда у меня нет новостей о ее муже). Here we are (вот мы и на месте). Whoa (тпру), there, whoa!”

   kindly ['kaɪndlɪ], disposal [dɪs'pəʋzl], colleague ['kɒli:ɡ]

   “Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!”

   We had pulled up in front of a large villa (остановились перед большой виллой) which stood within its own grounds (которая стояла внутри = была окружена садом). A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head (конюх подбежал: «выбежал» к голове лошади), and springing down (спрыгивая вниз), I followed Holmes up the small, winding gravel drive (по маленькой, извилистой, посыпанной гравием: «гравийной» дорожке) which led to the house (которая вела к дому). As we approached (когда мы приблизились), the door flew open (распахнулась), and a little blonde woman stood in the opening (и маленькая белокурая женщина встала на пороге), clad in some sort of light mousseline-de-soie (одетая в светлое шелковое платье), with a touch of fluffy pink chiffon at her neck and wrists (с оттенком пышного розового шифона на шее = у горла и запястьях = рукавах; touch – примесь, штрих, оттенок). She stood with her figure outlined against the flood of light (с фигурой очерченной = высвеченной потоком света), one hand upon the door (одна рука на двери), one half-raised in her eagerness (другая – полуподнята в /ее/ нетерпении), her body slightly bent (ее тело слегка наклонено), her head and face protruded (ее голова и лицо выдавались вперед = вытянув вперед голову), with eager eyes and parted lips (с нетерпеливыми глазами и полураскрытыми губами), a standing question («стоящий вопрос» = с вопросительным видом).

   winding ['waɪndɪŋ], touch [tʌtʃ], flood [flʌd], eagerness ['i:ɡǝnɪs], parted ['pɑ:tɪd]

   We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding gravel drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad in some sort of light mousseline-de-soie, with a touch of fluffy pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing question.

   “Well (ну)?” she cried, “well?” And then, seeing that there were two of us (видя, что нас двое), she gave a cry of hope (издала крик надежды) which sank into a groan (который превратился в стон; to sink – опускаться) as she saw that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders (когда она увидела, что мой товарищ покачал головой и пожал плечами).
   “No good news (нет хороших новостей)?”
   “None (нет).”
   “No bad (а плохих)?”
   “No.”

   “Well?” she cried, “well?” And then, seeing that there were two of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
   “No good news?”
   “None.”
   “No bad?”
   “No.”

   “Thank God for that (слава Богу за это). But come in (но входите). You must be weary (вы, должно быть, устали), for you have had a long day (так как у вас был долгий день).”
   “This is my friend (друг), Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to me in several of my cases (он был самой жизненно важной пользы = чрезвычайно полезен в нескольких моих делах = расследованиях), and a lucky chance has made it possible for me (и счастливый случай сделал это возможным для меня = по счастливой случайности мне удалось) to bring him out and associate him with this investigation (привести его сюда и подключить его к этому расследованию; to associate – присоединить, действовать совместно).”
   “I am delighted to see you (я рада видеть вас),” said she, pressing my hand warmly (пожимая мою руку тепло = приветливо). “You will, I am sure (уверена), forgive anything that may be wanting in our arrangements (вы простите все, чего может не хватать в наших расположениях = вам у нас будет неуютно), when you consider the blow which has come so suddenly upon us (когда вы учтете несчастье: «удар», которое так внезапно обрушилось на нас).”

   vital ['vaɪtl], chance [tʃɑ:ns], associate [ə'səʋʃɪeɪt], delighted [dɪ'laɪtɪd], arrangements [ə'reɪnʤmənts], consider [kən'sɪdə]

   “Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have had a long day.”
   “This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this investigation.”
   “I am delighted to see you,” said she, pressing my hand warmly. “You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so suddenly upon us.”

   “My dear madam (дорогая сударыня),” said I, “I am an old campaigner (я старый участник похода = служака), and if I were not (и /даже/ если бы я не был /им/) I can very well see that no apology is needed (я могу хорошо видеть, что никаких извинений не требуется). If I can be of any assistance (если я могу принести хоть какую-нибудь пользу), either to you or to my friend here (вам или моему другу здесь = вот этому моему другу), I shall be indeed happy (я буду действительно счастлив).”
   “Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said the lady as we entered a well-lit dining-room (когда мы вошли в ярко освещенную столовую), upon the table of which (на столе /в/ которой) a cold supper had been laid out (холодный ужин был выставлен/положен = накрыт), “I should very much like to ask you one or two plain questions (я очень хочу задать вам один или два простых = откровенных вопроса), to which I beg that you will give a plain answer (на которые я прошу, чтобы вы дали откровенный ответ).”

   campaigner [kæm'peɪnə], apology [ə'pɒləʤɪ], assistance [ə'sɪstəns], supper ['sʌpə], plain [pleɪn], answer ['ɑ:nsə]

   “My dear madam,” said I, “I am an old campaigner, and if I were not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be indeed happy.”
   “Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said the lady as we entered a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had been laid out, “I should very much like to ask you one or two plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain answer.”

   “Certainly, madam (конечно, мадам).”
   “Do not trouble about my feelings (не щадите моих чувств). I am not hysterical, nor given to fainting (я не истерична, не склонна к обморокам). I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion (я просто желаю услышать ваше настоящее, подлинное мнение).”
   “Upon what point (по какому пункту = о чем)?”
   “In your heart of hearts (в глубине души), do you think that Neville is alive (жив)?”

   “Certainly, madam.”
   “Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion.”
   “Upon what point?”
   “In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?”

   Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question (казалось, был смущен этим вопросом). “Frankly (откровенно), now!” she repeated (повторила), standing upon the rug and looking keenly down at him (стоя на ковре и глядя пристально на него) as he leaned back in a basket-chair (откинулся в плетеном кресле: «корзинке-кресле»).
   “Frankly, then, madam, I do not (откровенно /говоря/, мадам, я не думаю /что он жив/).”
   “You think that he is dead (думаете, что он мертв)?”
   “I do (да).”
   “Murdered (убит)?”

   embarrassed [ɪm'bærəst], frankly ['fræŋklɪ], basket ['bɑ:skɪt]

   Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. “Frankly, now!” she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair.
   “Frankly, then, madam, I do not.”
   “You think that he is dead?”
   “I do.”
   “Murdered?”

   “I don't say that (я этого не говорю = не утверждаю). Perhaps (возможно).”
   “And on what day did he meet his death (и в какой день встретил он свою смерть)?”
   “On Monday (в понедельник).”
   “Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain (будьте любезны объяснить) how it is that I have received a letter from him today (как это /произошло/, что я получила письмо от него сегодня).”
   Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair (вскочил с кресла) as if he had been galvanized (словно его ударило током).

   “I don't say that. Perhaps.”
   “And on what day did he meet his death?”
   “On Monday.”
   “Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how it is that I have received a letter from him today.”
   Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been galvanized.

   “What!” he roared (взревел).
   “Yes, today.” She stood smiling (стояла, улыбаясь), holding up a little slip of paper in the air (держа маленький листок бумаги в воздухе).
   “May I see it (можно взглянуть)?”
   “Certainly (конечно).”
   He snatched it from her in his eagerness (выхватил его у нее в своем рвении = нетерпеливо), and smoothing it out upon the table (разглаживая на столе) he drew over the lamp (придвинул лампу; to draw over) and examined it intently (пристально). I had left my chair (оставил = поднялся из кресла) and was gazing at it over his shoulder (и /пристально/ смотрел на письмо через его плечо). The envelope was a very coarse one (конверт был очень грубым) and was stamped with the Gravesend postmark (был проштампован штемпелем Гревзенда) and with the date of that very day (и с датой того самого дня), or rather of the day before (или, вернее, вчерашнего), for it was considerably after midnight (так как это было значительно после полуночи).

   smoothing ['smu:ðɪŋ], envelope ['ənvələʋp], coarse [kɔ:s], considerably [kən'sɪdrəblɪ]

   “What!” he roared.
   “Yes, today.” She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of paper in the air.
   “May I see it?”
   “Certainly.”
   He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day before, for it was considerably after midnight.

   “Coarse writing (грубый почерк),” murmured Holmes (пробормотал Холмс). “Surely this is not your husband's writing (конечно, это не почерк вашего мужа), madam.”
   “No, but the enclosure is (но вложенное /в конверт/ содержимое – его почерк).”
   “I perceive also (я думаю также; to perceive – чувствовать, понимать) that whoever addressed the envelope (что кто бы ни отправил = надписал конверт) had to go and inquire as to the address (должен был пойти и узнать /ваш/ адрес).”
   “How can you tell that (как вы это определили)?”

   “Coarse writing,” murmured Holmes. “Surely this is not your husband's writing, madam.”
   “No, but the enclosure is.”
   “I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and inquire as to the address.”
   “How can you tell that?”

   “The name (имя), you see, is in perfectly black ink (/написано/ совершенно черными чернилами), which has dried itself (которые высохли сами: «высушили сами себя»). The rest is of the grayish color (остальное – сероватого цвета), which shows that blotting-paper has been used (что показывает, что промокательная бумага была использована). If it had been written straight off (если бы это было написано сразу), and then blotted (и затем промокнуто), none would be of a deep black shade (никакие /слова/ не были бы глубокого черного оттенка = все слова были бы одного цвета). This man has written the name (написал имя), and there has then been a pause (пауза) before he wrote the address, which can only mean (что может значить только) that he was not familiar with it (что он не был знаком с ним). It is, of course, a trifle (пустяк), but there is nothing so important as trifles (но нет ничего, что было бы столь важно, как пустяки). Let us now see the letter (давайте теперь посмотрим на письмо). Ha! there has been an enclosure here (здесь было вложение/приложение)!”

   pause [pɔ:z], familiar [fə'mɪlɪə], trifle ['traɪfl], enclosure [ɪn'kləʋʒə]

   “The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried itself. The rest is of the grayish color, which shows that blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! there has been an enclosure here!”

   “Yes, there was a ring (кольцо). His signet-ring (его кольцо с печаткой).”
   “And you are sure (уверены) that this is your husband's hand (рука = почерк)?”
   “One of his hands (один из его почерков).”
   “One?”
   “His hand when he wrote hurriedly (почерк, когда он писал торопливо). It is very unlike his usual writing (очень непохоже на его обычный почерк), and yet I know it well (знаю хорошо).”

   “Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring.”
   “And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?”
   “One of his hands.”
   “One?”
   “His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual writing, and yet I know it well.”

   “'Dearest do not be frightened (дорогая, не волнуйся: «не будь напугана»). All will come well (все кончится хорошо). There is a huge error (огромная ошибка) which it may take some little time to rectify (которая может потребовать некоторое время для исправления). Wait in patience (жди в терпении = терпеливо). Neville.' Written in pencil (карандашом) upon the flyleaf of a book (на форзаце книги), octavo size (восьмая часть листа размером), no watermark (без водяных знаков). Hum (гм)! Posted today (отправлено сегодня) in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb (человеком с грязным большим пальцем). Ha! And the flap has been gummed (и клапан /конверта/ был покрыт клеем), if I am not very much in error (если я не слишком в ошибке = ошибаюсь), by a person who had been chewing tobacco (человеком, который жевал табак). And you have no doubt (вы убеждены = не имеете сомнения) that it is your husband's hand (что это почерк вашего мужа), madam?”
   “None (никакого /сомнения/). Neville wrote those words (написал те слова).”

   frightened ['fraɪtnd], huge [hju:ʤ], error ['erə], patience ['peɪʃns], thumb [θʌm]

   “'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Wait in patience. Neville.' Written in pencil upon the flyleaf of a book, octavo size, no watermark. Hum! Posted today in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's hand, madam?”
   “None. Neville wrote those words.”

   “And they were posted today at Gravesend (были отправлены сегодня из Гревзенда). Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the clouds lighten (тучи светлеют = рассеиваются), though I should not venture to say that the danger is over (хотя я не рискую сказать, что опасность закончилась).”
   “But he must be alive (он должен быть жив = должно быть, он жив), Mr. Holmes.”
   “Unless this is a clever forgery (если только это не ловкая подделка) to put us on the wrong scent (чтобы послать нас по ложному следу). The ring, after all (кольцо, в конце концов), proves nothing (ничего не доказывает). It may have been taken from him (оно могло быть отобрано у него).”
   “No, no; it is, it is his very own writing (это его, его собственный почерк)!”
   “Very well (отлично). It may, however, have been written on Monday (могло быть, однако, написано в понедельник) and only posted today (а послано только сегодня).”

   forgery ['fɔ:ʤərɪ], scent [sent]

   “And they were posted today at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the danger is over.”
   “But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes.”
   “Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from him.”
   “No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!”
   “Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only posted today.”

   “That is possible (это возможно).”
   “If so, much may have happened between (многое могло случиться между /этими датами/).”
   “Oh, you must not discourage me (вы не должны приводить меня в уныние), Mr. Holmes. I know that all is well with him (что все хорошо с ним). There is so keen a sympathy between us (между нами такое сильное «взаимочувствие») that I should know if evil came upon him (что я узнаю, если несчастье случится с ним). On the very day that I saw him last (в тот самый день, когда я видела его в последний /раз/) he cut himself in the bedroom (он порезался в спальне), and yet I in the dining-room (в столовой) rushed upstairs instantly (бросилась наверх сразу же) with the utmost certainty that something had happened (с величайшей уверенностью, что что-то случилось). Do you think that I would respond to such a trifle (ответила бы = отреагировала бы на такой пустяк) and yet be ignorant of his death (и все же не знала бы о его смерти)?”

   discourage [dɪs'kʌrɪʤ], utmost ['ʌtməʋst], death [deθ]

   “That is possible.”
   “If so, much may have happened between.”
   “Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?”

   “I have seen too much (я видел слишком много) not to know that the impression of a woman may be more valuable (чтобы не знать, что ощущение = чутье женщины может быть более ценным) than the conclusion of an analytical reasoner (чем заключение аналитического мыслителя). And in this letter you certainly have a very strong piece of evidence (очень сильное доказательство) to corroborate your view (чтобы подтвердить/подкрепить ваш взгляд = мнение). But if your husband is alive (жив) and able to write letters (способен писать письма), why should he remain away from you (почему он остается вдали от вас = отчего он не с вами)?”

   valuable ['væljʋəbl], conclusion [kən'klu:ʒn], evidence ['evɪdəns]

   “I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away from you?”

   “I cannot imagine (не могу представить). It is unthinkable (это немыслимо).”
   “And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you (он не сделал никаких замечаний перед оставлением вас = отбытием)?”
   “No.”
   “And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane (и вы были удивлены увидеть его на Суондем-Лейн)?”
   “Very much so (очень сильно так = именно).”
   “Was the window open (открыто)?”

   “I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable.”
   “And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?”
   “No.”
   “And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?”
   “Very much so.”
   “Was the window open?”

   “Yes.”
   “Then he might have called to you (он мог окликнуть вас)?”
   “He might (он мог).”
   “He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry (он только, как я понимаю, издал бессвязный крик)?”
   “Yes.”

   “Yes.”
   “Then he might have called to you?”
   “He might.”
   “He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?”
   “Yes.”

   “A call for help (зов о помощи), you thought?”
   “Yes. He waved his hands (он махал руками).”
   “But it might have been a cry of surprise (но это могло быть криком удивления). Astonishment at the unexpected sight of you (изумление от внезапного вида вас) might cause him to throw up his hands (могло заставить его вскинуть руки)?”
   “It is possible (возможно).”

   astonishment [ǝ'stɒnɪʃmənt], unexpected [,ʌnɪk'spektɪd], cause [kɔ:z]

   “A call for help, you thought?”
   “Yes. He waved his hands.”
   “But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?”
   “It is possible.”

   “And you thought he was pulled back (что его оттащили)?”
   “He disappeared so suddenly (он исчез так неожиданно).”
   “He might have leaped back (он мог отпрыгнуть назад = возможно, отпрыгнул назад). You did not see anyone in the room else (вы не видели кого-нибудь еще в помещении)?”
   “No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there (но этот ужасный человек признался, что был там), and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs (стоял внизу у лестницы).”
   “Quite so (совершенно верно). Your husband, as far as you could see (насколько вы могли видеть), had his ordinary clothes on (был одет в свою обычную одежду)?”
   “But without his collar or tie (но без воротничка и галстука). I distinctly saw his bare throat (я отчетливо видела его голое горло).”

   “And you thought he was pulled back?”
   “He disappeared so suddenly.”
   “He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the room?”
   “No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs.”
   “Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his ordinary clothes on?”
   “But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare throat.”

   “Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane (говорил ли он когда-либо о Суондем-Лейн)?”
   “Never (никогда).”
   “Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium (показывал ли он какие-либо признаки употребления опия)?”
   “Never.”
   “Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points (это главные пункты) about which I wished to be absolutely clear (в отношении которых я хотел бы абсолютной ясности). We shall now have a little supper (небольшой ужин) and then retire (отдохнем), for we may have a very busy day tomorrow (так как мы можем иметь очень занятой день завтра).”

   principal ['prɪnsɪpl], clear [klɪə], retire [rɪ'taɪə], busy ['bɪzɪ]

   “Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?”
   “Never.”
   “Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?”
   “Never.”
   “Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day tomorrow.”

   A large and comfortable double-bedded room (большая и комфортабельная двухкроватная комната) had been placed at our disposal (помещена = передана в наше распоряжение), and I was quickly between the sheets (я был быстро между простынями = сразу улегся), for I was weary (был усталым) after my night of adventure (после ночи приключений). Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind (когда имел неразрешенную проблему на уме), would go for days, and even for a week, without rest (мог дни напролет, и даже целую неделю, обходиться без отдыха), turning it over (обдумывая ее), rearranging his facts (перестраивая факты), looking at it from every point of view (с каждой точки зрения) until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself (либо «исследовал /до конца/» – разрешал ее, либо убеждался; to fathom – измерять глубину; исследовать, разузнавать; fathom – морская сажень) that his data were insufficient (что данные были недостаточными). It was soon evident to me (вскоре для меня стало очевидно) that he was now preparing for an all-night sitting (готовился /к/ просидеть всю ночь). He took off his coat and waistcoat (снял пиджак и жилет), put on a large blue dressing-gown (надел просторный синий халат), and then wandered about the room (бродил по комнате) collecting pillows from his bed (собирая подушки с кровати) and cushions from the sofa and armchairs (и диванные подушки с дивана и кресел). With these he constructed a sort of Eastern divan (соорудил что-то вроде восточного дивана), upon which he perched himself cross-legged (уселся/взгромоздился, поджав ноги; perch – жердочка, насест /для птиц/), with an ounce of shag tobacco (с унцией табака) and a box of matches laid out in front of him (и коробкой спичек, положенными перед ним). In the dim light of the lamp (в тусклом свете лампы) I saw him sitting there, an old briar pipe between his lips (старая вересковая трубка между его губ), his eyes fixed vacantly upon the corner of the ceiling (его глаза уставились бессмысленно в угол потолка), the blue smoke curling up from him (голубой дым клубился: «скручивался» над ним), silent (тихим), motionless (неподвижным), with the light shining upon his strong-set aquiline features (со светом, освещающим резкоочерченные орлиные черты /его лица/; strong – сильный, насыщенный; to set – определять, устанавливать). So he sat as I dropped off to sleep (так он сидел, когда я заснул), and so he sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up (когда внезапное восклицание заставило меня проснуться), and I found the summer sun (летнее солнце) shining into the apartment (светившее в комнату). The pipe was still (по-прежнему) between his lips, the smoke still curled upward (вился кверху), and the room was full of a dense tobacco haze (была полна густого табачного тумана), but nothing remained of the heap of shag (ничто не осталось от кучи табака / махорки) which I had seen upon the previous night (которую я видел прошлой ночью).

   rearranging [,ri:ə'reɪnʤɪŋ], fathomed ['fæðəmd], cushions ['kʋʃnz], aquiline ['ækwɪlaɪn]

   A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of shag which I had seen upon the previous night.

   “Awake (проснулись), Watson?” he asked.
   “Yes.”
   “Game for a morning drive (готовы к утренней поездке)?”
   “Certainly (конечно).”
   “Then dress (одевайтесь). No one is stirring yet (никто не движется еще = все спят), but I know where the stable-boy sleeps (где конюх спит), and we shall soon have the trap out (двуколку /снаружи/).” He chuckled to himself as he spoke (усмехнулся себе, когда он сказал = при этих словах), his eyes twinkled (сверкнули), and he seemed a different man to the sombre thinker (казался другим человеком к = непохожим на мрачного мыслителя) of the previous night (прошлой ночи).
   As I dressed I glanced at my watch (взглянул на часы). It was no wonder (не удивительно) that no one was stirring (что никто не шевелился). It was twenty-five minutes past four (двадцать пять минут после четырех = двадцать пять минут пятого). I had hardly finished (едва закончил /одеваться/) when Holmes returned with the news (вернулся с новостью) that the boy was putting in the horse (закладывал лошадь).

   stirring ['stɜ:rɪŋ], chuckled ['tʃʌkld], sombre ['sɒmbə], previous ['pri:vɪəs], four [fɔ:], news [nju:z]

   “Awake, Watson?” he asked.
   “Yes.”
   “Game for a morning drive?”
   “Certainly.”
   “Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out.” He chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night.
   As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was putting in the horse.

   “I want to test a little theory of mine (проверить небольшую свою теорию),” said he, pulling on his boots (надевая ботинки). “I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe (стоите в присутствии одного из самых полных дураков в Европе). I deserve to be kicked from here to Charing Cross (я заслуживаю того, чтобы мне дали /такого/ пинка, /чтобы я улетел/ отсюда до Чаринг-Кросса). But I think I have the key of the affair now (ключ к этому делу теперь).”
   “And where is it (где он)?” I asked, smiling (улыбаясь).
   “In the bathroom (в ванной),” he answered. “Oh, yes, I am not joking (я не шучу),” he continued (он продолжил), seeing my look of incredulity (видя мой взгляд недоверия). “I have just been there, and I have taken it out (вынес = взял его), and I have got it in this Gladstone bag (в этом кожаном саквояже). Come on, my boy (поедем, мой мальчик = друг), and we shall see whether it will not fit the lock (увидим, подойдет ли он к замку).”

   boots [bu:ts], absolute ['æbsəlu:t], Europe ['jʋərəp], deserve [dɪ'zɜ:v], bathroom ['bɑ:θrʋm], joking ['ʤəʋkɪŋ], incredulity [,ɪnkrɪ'dju:lǝtɪ]

   “I want to test a little theory of mine,” said he, pulling on his boots. “I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the key of the affair now.”
   “And where is it?” I asked, smiling.
   “In the bathroom,” he answered. “Oh, yes, I am not joking,” he continued, seeing my look of incredulity. “I have just been there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will not fit the lock.”

   We made our way downstairs (спустились) as quietly as possible (так тихо, как /только/ возможно), and out into the bright morning sunshine (и вышли на яркий утренний солнечный свет = на залитую солнцем улицу). In the road stood our horse and trap (на дороге стояли наши лошадь и экипаж), with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head (с полуодетым конюхом, ждущим в голове = держащим под уздцы лошадь). We both sprang in (оба вскочили), and away we dashed (и помчались) down the London Road. A few country carts were stirring (несколько деревенских телег двигались), bearing in vegetables to the metropolis (везущие овощи в столицу), but the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless (границы = окрестности вилл по обе стороны были такими тихими и безжизненными) as some city in a dream (как какой-то город в сновидении).

   sunshine ['sʌnʃaɪn], vegetables ['veʤtəblz], metropolis [mɪ'trɒpəlɪs]

   We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as some city in a dream.

   “It has been in some points a singular case (в некоторых точках/моментах = отношениях необычайное дело),” said Holmes, flicking the horse on into a gallop (пуская лошадь галопом; to flick – слегка ударить, стегнуть). “I confess (признаюсь) that I have been as blind as a mole (был слепым, как крот), but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all (но лучше поумнеть: «научиться мудрости» поздно, чем никогда /не поумнеть/ вообще).”
   In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily from their windows (в городе самые рано вставшие/встающие только начинали выглядывать сонно из окон; to rise – вставать, подниматься) as we drove through the streets of the Surrey side. Passing down (миновав) the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the river (пересекли реку), and dashing up (проехав на большой скорости) Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the right (свернули резко направо) and found ourselves (очутились) in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well known to the force (был хорошо известен полиции; force – сила; вооруженная группа людей), and the two constables at the door saluted him (два констебля у двери отдали ему честь). One of them held the horse's head (взял лошадь под уздцы) while the other led us in (другой повел нас внутрь).

   singular ['sɪŋɡjʋlə], blind [blaɪnd], wisdom ['wɪzdəm], riser ['raɪzə], river ['rɪvə], wheeled [wi:ld]

   “It has been in some points a singular case,” said Holmes, flicking the horse on into a gallop. “I confess that I have been as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all.”
   In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in.

   “Who is on duty (кто на дежурстве = дежурный)?” asked Holmes.
   “Inspector Bradstreet, sir.”
   “Ah, Bradstreet, how are you (как поживаете)?” A tall, stout official (высокий, полный сотрудник) had come down the stone-flagged passage (пришел из вымощенного камнем коридора), in a peaked cap and frogged jacket (в форменной фуражке и зеленом пиджаке). “I wish to have a quiet word with you (хочу поговорить c вами: «иметь спокойное слово»), Bradstreet.” “Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here (зайдите в мою комнату).” It was a small, office-like room (похожая на контору комната), with a huge ledger upon the table (с огромной книгой для записей на столе), and a telephone projecting from the wall (висящем на стене; to project – выступать, нависать). The inspector sat down at his desk (сел за стол).

   official [ə'fɪʃl], passage ['pæsɪʤ], ledger ['leʤə]

   “Who is on duty?” asked Holmes.
   “Inspector Bradstreet, sir.”
   “Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?” A tall, stout official had come down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged jacket. “I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet.” “Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here.” It was a small, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his desk.

   “What can I do for you (что я могу сделать для вас), Mr. Holmes?”
   “I called about that beggarman, Boone (я спрашивал о том нищем, Буне) – the one who was charged with being concerned in the disappearance (который обвинен в том, что имел дело с = замешан в /деле/ исчезновения) of Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lee.”
   “Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries (он был арестован и привезен сюда для доследования = допроса; to remand – отсылать обратно на доследование).”
   “So I heard (так я слышал = знаю). You have him here?”

   “What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?”
   “I called about that beggarman, Boone – the one who was charged with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lee.”
   “Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries.”
   “So I heard. You have him here?”

   “In the cells (в камере).”
   “Is he quiet (он тихий = не буянит)?”
   “Oh, he gives no trouble (не доставляет хлопот). But he is a dirty scoundrel (грязный негодяй).”
   “Dirty?”
   “Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands (все, что мы могли сделать – так это заставить его вымыть руки), and his face is as black as a tinker's (его лицо такое же черное, как у медника). Well, when once his case has been settled (когда его дело /будет/ завершено), he will have a regular prison bath (он примет обычную тюремную ванну); and I think, if you saw him (если бы вы видели его), you would agree with me that he needed it (вы согласились бы со мной, что он нуждается в ней).”
   “I should like to see him very much (я очень хотел бы увидеть его).”

   tinker ['tɪŋkǝ], regular ['reɡjʋlǝ], prison ['prɪzn]

   “In the cells.”
   “Is he quiet?”
   “Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel.”
   “Dirty?”
   “Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it.”
   “I should like to see him very much.”

   “Would you (хотите)? That is easily done (это легко сделано = нетрудно устроить). Come this way (идите сюда). You can leave your bag (можете оставить свою сумку).”
   “No, I think that I'll take it (возьму).”
   “Very good. Come this way, if you please (будьте добры).” He led us down a passage, opened a barred door (дощатую дверь), passed down a winding stair (спустился по винтовой лестнице), and brought us to a whitewashed corridor (привел нас в побеленный коридор) with a line of doors on each side (с рядом дверей на каждой стороне).
   “The third on the right is his (третья справа – его /камера/),” said the inspector. “Here it is!” He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door (тихо отодвинул дощечку в верхней части двери) and glanced through (заглянул /в отверстие/).

   barred [bɑ:d], winding ['waɪndɪŋ], whitewashed ['waɪtwɒʃt]

   “Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave your bag.”
   “No, I think that I'll take it.”
   “Very good. Come this way, if you please.” He led us down a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each side.
   “The third on the right is his,” said the inspector. “Here it is!” He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and glanced through.

   “He is asleep (спит),” said he. “You can see him very well.”
   We both put our eyes to the grating (мы оба приникли к решетке). The prisoner lay with his face towards us (заключенный лежал /с/ лицом к нам), in a very deep sleep (в очень глубоком сне), breathing slowly and heavily (дыша медленно и тяжело). He was a middle-sized man (среднего размера = роста мужчина), coarsely clad as became his calling (грубо одет, как подобает его профессии), with a colored shirt (с цветной рубашкой) protruding through the rent in his tattered coat (торчащей через дыры его порванного пиджака). He was, as the inspector had said, extremely dirty (чрезвычайно грязный), but the grime which covered his face (но глубоко въевшаяся грязь, которая покрывала его лицо) could not conceal its repulsive ugliness (не могла скрыть отталкивающего безобразия). A broad wheal from an old scar (широкий старый шрам; wheal – волдырь) ran right across it from eye to chin (шел от глаза к подбородку), and by its contraction (по этому уплотнению) had turned up one side of the upper lip (поднимал вверх одну сторону верхней губы), so that three teeth were exposed in a perpetual snarl (так, что три зуба были выставлены в бесконечном рычании = торчали постоянным оскалом). A shock (клок) of very bright red hair grew low over his eyes and forehead (падал на глаза и лоб; to grow over – зарастать).
   “He's a beauty, isn't he (он красавец, не правда ли)?” said the inspector.

   grating ['ɡreɪtɪŋ], breathing ['bri:ðɪŋ], coarsely ['kɔ:slɪ], grime [ɡraɪm], repulsive [rɪ'pʌlsɪv]

   “He is asleep,” said he. “You can see him very well.”
   We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his calling, with a colored shirt protruding through the rent in his tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over his eyes and forehead.
   “He's a beauty, isn't he?” said the inspector.

   “He certainly needs a wash (он определенно нуждается в мытье),” remarked Holmes. “I had an idea that he might (он мог бы /помыться/), and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me (взял на себя волю принесения = принес инструменты /для этого/ с собой).” He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out (вытащил), to my astonishment (к моему удивлению), a very large bath-sponge (очень большую губку).
   “He! he! You are a funny one (вы шутник),” chuckled the inspector (хихикнул инспектор).
   “Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door (если вы соблаговолите открыть дверь) very quietly (очень тихо), we will soon make him cut a much more respectable figure (быстро придадим ему намного более респектабельный вид).”

   liberty ['lɪbətɪ], sponge [spʌnʤ]

   “He certainly needs a wash,” remarked Holmes. “I had an idea that he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me.” He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge.
   “He! he! You are a funny one,” chuckled the inspector.
   “Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable figure.”

   “Well, I don't know why not (не знаю, почему нет = согласен),” said the inspector. “He doesn't look a credit to the Bow Street cells (он не делает чести /своим видом/ тюрьме на Боу-Стрит; credit – хорошая репутация, честь), does he?” He slipped his key into the lock (сунул ключ в замок), and we all very quietly entered the cell (вошли в камеру). The sleeper half turned (спящий повернулся наполовину = шевельнулся), and then settled down once more into a deep slumber (затем снова погрузился в глубокий сон; to settle down – осесть, поселиться). Holmes stooped to the water jug (наклонился к кувшину для воды), moistened his sponge (смочил губку), and then rubbed it twice vigorously (потер ею дважды энергично) across and down the prisoner's face.
   “Let me introduce you (позвольте мне представить вас),” he shouted (крикнул), “to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lee, in the county of Kent (мистеру Невиллу Сент-Клеру из Ли, в графстве Кент).”

   credit ['kredɪt], key [ki:], slumber ['slʌmbə], vigorously ['vɪɡərəslɪ]

   “Well, I don't know why not,” said the inspector. “He doesn't look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?” He slipped his key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep slumber. Holmes stooped to the water jug, moistened his sponge, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the prisoner's face.
   “Let me introduce you,” he shouted, “to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lee, in the county of Kent.”

   Never in my life have I seen such a sight (никогда в жизни не видел я такого зрелища). The man's face peeled off under the sponge like the bark from a tree (лицо снялось под /действием/ губки, как кора с дерева; peel – кожица, корка; to peel – снимать кожицу, кору). Gone was the coarse brown tint (исчез грубый коричневый оттенок = загар)! Gone, too, the horrid scar (исчез также ужасный шрам) which had seamed it across (бороздил /все лицо/; seam – шов), and the twisted lip (разрезанная: «скрученная/изогнутая» губа) which had given the repulsive sneer to the face (которая придавала отталкивающую ухмылку лицу)! A twitch brought away the tangled red hair (резкое движение /Холмса/ убрало спутанные рыжие волосы), and there, sitting up in his bed (сидя в кровати), was a pale (бледный), sad-faced (печальный), refined-looking man (утонченно выглядящий человек), black-haired and smooth-skinned (черноволосый и нежнокожий), rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment (потирающий глаза и глядящий вокруг себя с сонным недоумением). Then suddenly realizing the exposure (внезапно осознав «выставление на вид» = что его выставили на вид/раскрыли), he broke into a scream (вскрикнул) and threw himself down with his face to the pillow (и зарылся головой в подушку).

   sneer [snɪə], tangled ['tæŋɡld], bewilderment [bɪ'wɪldəmənt], exposure [ɪk'spəʋʒə]

   Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, the horrid scar which had seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Then suddenly realizing the exposure, he broke into a scream and threw himself down with his face to the pillow.

   “Great heavens (о Господи: «великие небеса»)!” cried the inspector, “it is, indeed, the missing man (пропавший человек). I know him from the photograph (я узнаю его благодаря фотографии).”
   The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man (повернулся с безнадежным видом человека; reckless – бездумный; безразличный) who abandons himself to his destiny (который предает себя своей судьбе = не противится судьбе). “Be it so (будь что будет),” said he. “And pray what am I charged with (пожалуйста /объясните/, в чем я обвиняюсь)?”
   “With making away with Mr. Neville St. (в убийстве мистера Невилла Сент – …). Oh, come (ну), you can't be charged with that (вы не можете быть обвинены в этом) unless they make a case of attempted suicide of it (если только они заведут дело о попытке самоубийства),” said the inspector with a grin (с усмешкой). “Well, I have been twenty-seven years in the force (я двадцать семь лет /служу/ в полиции), but this really takes the cake (действительно занимает первое место: «берет пирог» = ничего подобного не видел).”

   abandon [ə'bændən], destiny ['destɪnɪ], charged [tʃɑ:ʤd],suicide ['su:ɪsaɪd], cake [keɪk]

   “Great heavens!” cried the inspector, “it is, indeed, the missing man. I know him from the photograph.”
   The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons himself to his destiny. “Be it so,” said he. “And pray what am I charged with?”
   “With making away with Mr. Neville St. – Oh, come, you can't be charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of it,” said the inspector with a grin. “Well, I have been twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake.”

   “If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious (очевидно) that no crime has been committed (что никакого преступления не было совершено), and that, therefore (следовательно), I am illegally detained (незаконно задержан).”
   “No crime, but a very great error (очень большая ошибка) has been committed,” said Holmes. “You would have done better to have trusted your wife (вы сделали бы лучше, если = зря вы не доверились вашей жене).”
   “It was not the wife (это была не жена = дело не в жене); it was the children,” groaned the prisoner (простонал заключенный). “God help me (да поможет мне Бог), I would not have them ashamed of their father (я не хотел /бы/, чтобы они стыдились своего отца). My God! What an exposure (какой позор)! What can I do?”

   obvious ['ɒbvɪəs], therefore ['ðeəfɔ:], detained [dɪ'teɪnd]

   “If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally detained.”
   “No crime, but a very great error has been committed,” said Holmes. “You would have done better to have trusted your wife.”
   “It was not the wife; it was the children,” groaned the prisoner. “God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My God! What an exposure! What can I do?”

   Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch (сел рядом с ним на койку) and patted him kindly on the shoulder (похлопал его ласково по плечу).
   “If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up (если вы оставите /это/ суду /общей юрисдикции/ разбираться в этом деле),” said he, “of course you can hardly avoid publicity (едва ли избежите огласки). On the other hand (с другой стороны), if you convince the police authorities (если вы убедите полицейские органы) that there is no possible case against you (что нет возможного дела против вас = нет никакой вины), I do not know that there is any reason (я не знаю, какое есть основание) that the details should find their way into the papers (чтобы подробности нашли путь в газеты = то газеты ничего не узнают). Inspector Bradstreet would, I am sure (уверен), make notes upon anything which you might tell us (сделает записи = запишет все, что вы можете рассказать нам) and submit it to the proper authorities (и предоставит это надлежащим властям). The case would then never go into court at all (дело тогда никогда не попадет в суд вообще).”

   court [kɔ:t], publicity [pʌb'lɪsǝtɪ], authorities [ɔ:'θɒrǝtɪz], proper ['prɒpə]

   Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him kindly on the shoulder.
   “If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up,” said he, “of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case would then never go into court at all.”

   “God bless you (благослови вас Бог)!” cried the prisoner passionately (горячо). “I would have endured imprisonment (я бы вынес заключение), aye (да), even execution (даже казнь), rather than have left my miserable secret as a family blot to my children (вместо того, чтобы = только бы не оставить моей жалкой тайны как семейное бесчестье моим детям = лишь бы не опозорить детей; blot – пятно).
   “You are the first (вы первые) who have ever heard my story (кто когда-либо слышал = кто услышит мою историю). My father was a schoolmaster (был школьным учителем) in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent education (где я получил превосходное образование). I travelled in my youth (путешествовал в молодости), took to the stage (поступил в театр), and finally became a reporter (наконец стал репортером) on an evening paper in London (в вечерней газете в Лондоне). One day my editor (редактор) wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the metropolis (серию статей о нищенстве в столице), and I volunteered to supply them (вызвался добровольно написать: «поставить» их). There was the point from which all my adventures started (точка, с которой все мои приключения начались). It was only by trying begging as an amateur (только пробованием попрошайничества как любитель) that I could get the facts upon which to base my articles (я мог добыть факты, чтобы основать = написать статьи). When an actor (как актер) I had, of course, learned all the secrets of making up (изучил все секреты гримирования), and had been famous in the greenroom (славился в артистической среде /грим-уборной/) for my skill (за мое умение). I took advantage now of my attainments (извлек выгоду из моих знаний; attainment – достижение, приобретение; attainments – образованность, знание). I painted my face (раскрасил лицо), and to make myself as pitiable as possible (и чтобы сделать себя таким жалким, как только возможно = для большей жалости) I made a good scar (сделал = нарисовал изрядный шрам) and fixed one side of my lip in a twist (установил одну сторону губы в искривленном положении) by the aid of a small slip of flesh-colored plaster (с помощью маленькой полоски телесного цвета пластыря). Then with a red head of hair (с красной головой волос = рыжим париком), and an appropriate dress (соответствующей одеждой), I took my station in the business part of the city (занял положение в деловой части города), ostensibly as a match-seller (якобы: «по видимости» как продавец спичек) but really as a beggar (на самом деле – как нищий). For seven hours I plied my trade (семь часов я занимался моим ремеслом), and when I returned home (возвратился домой) in the evening I found, to my surprise (обнаружил, к своему удивлению), that I had received no less than 26 shillings and fourpence (что получил не меньше 26 шиллингов и четырех пенсов).

   passionately ['pæʃənɪtlɪ], endured [ɪn'djʋəd], execution [,eksɪ'kju:ʃn], schoolmaster ['sku:lmɑ:stə], article ['ɑ:tɪkl], volunteered [,vɒlən'tɪəd], amateur ['æmətə]

   “God bless you!” cried the prisoner passionately. “I would have endured imprisonment, aye, even execution, rather than have left my miserable secret as a family blot to my children.
   “You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the greenroom for my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a small slip of flesh-colored plaster. Then with a red head of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned home in the evening I found, to my surprise, that I had received no less than 26 shillings and fourpence.

   “I wrote my articles (написал статьи) and thought little more of the matter until (почти позабыл: «думал мало больше» об этом, пока), some time later (некоторое время спустя), I backed a bill for a friend (поручился заплатить за приятеля: «поддержал счет»; bill – счет) and had a writ served upon me for 25 pounds (иск/извещение, врученное мне на /уплату/ 25 фунтов). I was at my wit's end (понятия не имел: «был на краю ума») where to get the money (где достать деньги), but a sudden idea came to me (неожиданная идея пришла ко мне). I begged a fortnight's grace from the creditor (попросил двухнедельную отсрочку у кредитора), asked for a holiday from my employers (попросил об отпуске у работодателей), and spent the time (провел это время) in begging in the City (нищенствуя в Сити) under my disguise (под маскировкой = переодетым; to disguise – переодевать, маскировать). In ten days (за десять дней) I had the money and had paid the debt (уплатил долг).

   idea [aɪ'dɪə], fortnight ['fɔ:tnaɪt], employers [ɪm'plɔɪəz], debt [det]

   “I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In ten days I had the money and had paid the debt.

   “Well, you can imagine (можете представить) how hard it was to settle down to arduous work at 2 pounds a week (как трудно было засесть за тяжелую работу за два фунта в неделю) when I knew that I could earn as much in a day (мог бы заработать столько же за день) by smearing my face with a little paint (вымазав лицо небольшим количеством краски), laying my cap on the ground (положив кепку на землю), and sitting still (и сидя тихо). It was a long fight (долгая борьба) between my pride and the money (между моей гордостью и деньгами), but the dollars won at last (деньги: «доллары» победили в конце концов; to win), and I threw up reporting (забросил репортерство) and sat day after day in the corner (сидел день за днем на углу) which I had first chosen (который я /с самого/ начала выбрал), inspiring pity by my ghastly face (внушая жалость жутким/наводящим ужас лицом) and filling my pockets with coppers (и наполняя карманы медяками). Only one man knew my secret (только один человек знал мою тайну). He was the keeper of a low den (владелец низкопробного: «низкого» притона) in which I used to lodge (в котором я снимал комнату) in Swandam Lane, where I could every morning emerge as a squalid beggar (где я мог каждое утро появляться как грязный нищий) and in the evenings transform myself (по вечерам превращаться) into a well-dressed man about town (в хорошо одетого городского человека: «около города»; about town – известный; светский). This fellow (этот парень), a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms (хорошо получал от меня за свои комнаты), so that I knew that my secret was safe in his possession (потому я знал, что моя тайна была в безопасности в его владении = он ничего никому не скажет).

   arduous ['ɑ:djʋǝs], inspiring [ɪn'spaɪǝrɪŋ], possession [pǝ'zeʃn]

   “Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that my secret was safe in his possession.

   “Well, very soon I found (очень скоро я обнаружил) that I was saving considerable sums of money (что я откладывал значительные суммы денег; to save – спасать, сохранять; экономить). I do not mean (не имею в виду = не думаю) that any beggar in the streets of London could earn (мог заработать) 700 pounds a year – which is less than my average takings (что меньше, чем мои средние сборы) – but I had exceptional advantages (исключительные преимущества) in my power of making up (в моем мастерстве гримирования), and also in a facility of repartee (в способности остроумия), which improved by practice (улучшилось практикой) and made me quite a recognized character in the City (сделало меня довольно узнаваемым персонажем в Сити). All day a stream of pennies (поток пенсов), varied by silver (вперемешку с серебром), poured in upon me (лился на меня), and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds (в который я не мог собрать двух фунтов).
   “As I grew richer I grew more ambitious (чем богаче я становился, тем более честолюбивым /становился/; to grow – расти), took a house in the country (снял дом в деревне = за городом), and eventually married (со временем женился), without anyone having a suspicion as to my real occupation (без кого-либо, имеющего подозрение о моем настоящем занятии). My dear wife knew that I had business in the City (что у меня были дела в Сити). She little knew what (она мало знала какие /именно/).

   earn [ɜ:n], average ['ævərɪʤ], exceptional [ɪk'sepʃənl], facility [fə'sɪlǝtɪ], poured [pɔ:d], ambitious [æm'bɪʃəs], eventually [ɪ'ventʃʋəlɪ], suspicion [sə'spɪʃn]

   “Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London could earn 700 pounds a year – which is less than my average takings – but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by practice and made me quite a recognized character in the City. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds.
   “As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had business in the City. She little knew what.

   “Last Monday (в прошлый понедельник) I had finished for the day (закончил /работу/ на тот день) and was dressing in my room above the opium den (одевался в моей комнате над опиумным приютом) when I looked out of my window (выглянул в окно) and saw, to my horror and astonishment (к своему ужасу и удивлению), that my wife was standing in the street (что моя жена стояла на улице), with her eyes fixed full upon me (с глазами, устремленными прямо на меня). I gave a cry of surprise (издал крик = вскрикнул от удивления), threw up my arms to cover my face (/резко/ поднял руки, чтобы закрыть лицо; to throw – бросать), and, rushing to my confidant (бросившись к моему доверенному лицу), the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from coming up to me (умолял его не пускать никого наверх ко мне; to prevent – предотвратить). I heard her voice downstairs (слышал ее голос внизу), but I knew that she could not ascend (не может подняться). Swiftly I threw off my clothes (быстро я сбросил одежду), pulled on those of a beggar (натянул одежду нищего), and put on my pigments and wig (нанес краску и /надел/ парик). Even a wife's eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise (даже глаза жены не могли узнать меня в такой глубокой маскировке; to pierce – протыкать, пронизывать). But then it occurred to me (мне пришло в голову) that there might be a search (обыск) in the room, and that the clothes might betray me (одежда может выдать меня). I threw open the window (распахнул окно), reopening by my violence a small cut (вновь открывшее = заставившее из-за моей стремительности /кровоточить/ маленький порез) which I had inflicted upon myself (нанес: «причинил» себе) in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat (схватил пиджак), which was weighted by the coppers (нагружен медяками) which I had just transferred (переложил) to it from the leather bag (из кожаной сумки) in which I carried my takings (в которой носил свои сборы). I hurled it out of the window (швырнул из окна), and it disappeared into the Thames (исчез в Темзе). The other clothes would have followed (остальная одежда последовала бы), but at that moment there was a rush of constables (спешка, суета констеблей) up the stair (вверх по лестнице), and a few minutes after I found (спустя несколько минут я обнаружил), rather, I confess, to my relief (скорее, должен сказать, к своему облегчению; to confess – исповедоваться; признаваться), that instead of being identified as Mr. Neville St. Clair (вместо того, чтобы быть опознанным как…), I was arrested as his murderer (я был арестован как его убийца).

   confidant ['kɒnfɪdənt], leather ['leðə], violence ['vaɪələns], murderer ['mɜ:dərə]

   “Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer.

   “I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain (я не знаю, чтобы было здесь что-то еще для меня, чтобы объяснить = больше мне нечего прибавить). I was determined to preserve (решил сохранить) my disguise as long as possible (мое переодевание: «маскировку» так долго, как /только/ возможно), and hence my preference for a dirty face (и оттого мое предпочтение грязному лицу = поэтому не умывался). Knowing that my wife would be terribly anxious (зная, что моя жена будет ужасно обеспокоена), I slipped off my ring (снял кольцо; to slip – скользить) and confided it (доверил его) to the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me (в тот момент, когда никакой констебль не был наблюдающим за мной = тайком от полиции), together with a hurried scrawl (вместе с торопливой запиской), telling her that she had no cause to fear (говорящей ей, что у нее нет причины бояться).”
   “That note only reached her yesterday (эта записка только сегодня достигла ее),” said Holmes.
   “Good God (о Боже)! What a week she must have spent (что за неделю она, должно быть, провела; to spend)!”

   preserve [prɪ'zɜ:v], preference ['prefərəns], anxious ['æŋkʃəs], scrawl [skrɔ:l], cause [kɔ:z]

   “I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to fear.”
   “That note only reached her yesterday,” said Holmes.
   “Good God! What a week she must have spent!”

   “The police have watched this Lascar (полиция следила за этим Ласкаром),” said Inspector Bradstreet, “and I can quite understand (вполне понимаю) that he might find it difficult (что он мог найти это трудно = было трудно) to post a letter unobserved (отправить письмо незамеченным). Probably he handed it to some sailor customer of his (возможно, он передал его какому-нибудь матросу, посетителю /притона/), who forgot all about it for some days (который забыл все = совершенно об этом на несколько дней; to forget – забывать).”
   “That was it (так и было),” said Holmes, nodding approvingly (кивая одобрительно; to approve – одобрять); “I have no doubt of it (я не имею сомнения насчет этого). But have you never been prosecuted for begging (но разве вас никогда не привлекали к суду за попрошайничество)?”

   unobserved [,ʌnəb'zɜ:vd], sailor ['seɪlə], customer ['kʌstəmə]

   “The police have watched this Lascar,” said Inspector Bradstreet, “and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days.”
   “That was it,” said Holmes, nodding approvingly; “I have no doubt of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?”

   “Many times (много раз); but what was a fine to me (но что был штраф = но что значил штраф для меня)?”
   “It must stop here, however (это должно кончиться здесь, как бы то ни было),” said Bradstreet. “If the police are to hush this thing up (если полиция должна замять эту вещь = историю), there must be no more of Hugh Boone (не должно быть больше Хью Буна).”
   “I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take (я /уже/ поклялся /себе/ самыми торжественными клятвами, какие /только/ человек может дать; to swear – клясться).”

   “Many times; but what was a fine to me?”
   “It must stop here, however,” said Bradstreet. “If the police are to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone.”
   “I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take.”

   “In that case (в таком случае) I think that it is probable (я полагаю вероятным) that no further steps may be taken (что никакие дальнейшие шаги могут быть приняты = не будут приняты). But if you are found again (но если вы будете найдены = замечены снова), then all must come out (тогда все выйдет наружу). I am sure (я уверен), Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you (очень в долгу перед вами = признательны вам) for having cleared the matter up (за раскрытие дела). I wish I knew how you reach your results (хотел бы я знать, как вы достигаете ваших результатов).”
   “I reached this one (достиг этого),” said my friend, “by sitting upon five pillows (сидением на пяти подушках) and consuming an ounce of shag (и потреблением = выкуриванием унции табака). I think, Watson, that if we drive to Baker Street (если мы поедем на Бейкер-Стрит) we shall just be in time for breakfast (мы будем как раз /вовремя/ к завтраку).”

   probable ['prɒbəbl], indebted [ɪn'detɪd]

   “In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your results.”
   “I reached this one,” said my friend, “by sitting upon five pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast.”

The Musgrave ritual [1 - Ritual – ритуал; церемония.]
(Обряд дома Месгрейвов)

   An anomaly which often struck me in the character of my friend Sherlock Holmes (одна странная особенность в характере моего друга Шерлока Холмса, которая часто поражала меня; anomaly – аномалия, отклонение от нормы, неправильность) was that, although in his methods of thought (хотя в своей методике мысли = системе умозаключений) he was the neatest and most methodical of mankind (он был самым искусным и методичным из людей: «из человечества»; neat – чистый, опрятный, аккуратный; искусный, ловкий), and although also he affected a certain quiet primness of dress (и хотя он придерживался некоторой строгости и аккуратности в одежде; primness – чопорность; строгость; аккуратность; to affect – воздействовать, влиять; любить /пользоваться чем-либо/, предпочитать /что-либо/), he was none the less in his personal habits (тем не менее в своих индивидуальных привычках он был) one of the most untidy men that ever drove a fellow-lodger to distraction (самым беспорядочным человеком, который когда-либо сводил с ума жильца, снимающего комнаты вместе с ним; untidy – неопрятный, неаккуратный, неряшливый; distraction – отвлечение внимания; то, что отвлекает внимание; беспорядок; раздоры; возбуждение, помрачение рассудка, безумие: to drive somebody to distraction – сводить кого-либо с ума; доводить до отчаяния). Not that I am in the least conventional in that respect myself (не то чтобы я сам был безупречен в этом отношении; not in the least – ни в малейшей степени, нисколько; conventional – обычный, привычный, общепринятый; приличный, вежливый). The rough-and-tumble work in Afghanistan (сумбурная работа в Афганистане; rough-and-tumble – грубый, агрессивный; беспорядочный; rough – грубый, резкий, суровый; tumble – беспорядок, смятение), coming on the top of a natural Bohemianism of disposition (помимо врожденного пристрастия к кочевому образу жизни; on the top of – сверх, вдобавок, помимо; следом за; Bohemian – богемский; цыганский; disposition – характер; настроение, расположение /духа/; склонность; расположение, размещение), has made me rather more lax than befits a medical man (сделала меня немного более безалаберным, чем позволительно врачу; lax – слабый, вялый; небрежный; неряшливый; benefit – выгода, польза; to benefit – приносить пользу, извлекать выгоду).
   But with me there is a limit (но, что касается меня, есть граница = но моя неаккуратность имеет границы), and when I find a man who keeps his cigars in the coal-scuttle (и когда я вижу человека, который держит сигары в ведерке для угля), his tobacco in the toe end of a Persian slipper (табак – в носке персидской туфли; slippers – комнатные туфли, тапочки), and his unanswered correspondence transfixed by a jack-knife into the very centre of his wooden mantelpiece (а свою ожидающую ответа корреспонденцию прикалывает карманным ножом к центру деревянной каминной полки; unanswered – оставшийся без ответа /о письмах, просьбах/, безответный; to transfix – пронзать, прокалывать; пригвождать; jack-knife – большой складной карманный нож), then I begin to give myself virtuous airs (то я начинаю гордиться своей добродетелью; to give oneself airs – задаваться, важничать; virtuous – добродетельный; virtue – добродетель, достоинство).

   rough [rʌf], Bohemian [bǝʋ'hi:mɪǝn], cigar [sɪ'ɡɑ:], virtuous ['vɜ:ʧʋǝs; 'vɜ:tjʋǝs]

   An anomaly which often struck me in the character of my friend Sherlock Holmes was that, although in his methods of thought he was the neatest and most methodical of mankind, and although also he affected a certain quiet primness of dress, he was none the less in his personal habits one of the most untidy men that ever drove a fellow-lodger to distraction. Not that I am in the least conventional in that respect myself. The rough-and-tumble work in Afghanistan, coming on the top of a natural Bohemianism of disposition, has made me rather more lax than befits a medical man.
   But with me there is a limit, and when I find a man who keeps his cigars in the coal-scuttle, his tobacco in the toe end of a Persian slipper, and his unanswered correspondence transfixed by a jack-knife into the very centre of his wooden mantelpiece, then I begin to give myself virtuous airs.

   I have always held, too (также я всегда считал), that pistol practice should be distinctly an open-air pastime (что стрельба из пистолета, несомненно, должна быть занятием на открытом воздухе; practice – практика; тренировка, упражнение; учебная стрельба; pastime – занятие, хобби; приятное времяпрепровождение); and when Holmes, in one of his queer humors (и когда Холмс во время одной из своих непонятных причуд; humour – юмор; настроение, расположение духа; прихоть; причуда), would sit in an arm-chair with his hair-trigger (садился в кресло со своим револьвером; hair-trigger – спусковой крючок, требующий слабого нажатия; hair – волосок; trigger – спусковой крючок) and a hundred Boxer cartridges (и сотней патронов; Boxer – боксер /член тайного общества в Китае, поднявшего боксерское восстание в 1899–1901 гг./; cartridge – патрон; гильза; cartridge box – патронный ящик), and proceed to adorn the opposite wall with a patriotic V. R. done in bullet-pocks (и начинал украшать противоположную стену патриотическим /вензелем/ «V. R.» при помощи пуль;to proceed to – переходить, приступать к чему-либо; bullet – пуля; pock – оспина, выбоина; V. R. = Victoria Regina /лат./ – королева Виктория), I felt strongly that neither the atmosphere nor the appearance of our room was improved by it (я был твердо убежден, что это не улучшает ни воздух, ни внешний вид нашей комнаты; atmosphere – атмосфера; воздух /в помещении, городе и т. д./).
   Our chambers were always full of chemicals and of criminal relics (наши комнаты всегда были полны химических препаратов и связанных с преступниками вещей; relic – след, остаток; сувенир) which had a way of wandering into unlikely positions (которые оказывались в неожиданных местах; to wander – бродить, странствовать; unlikely – неправдоподобный, невероятный, маловероятный), and of turning up in the butter-dish (то появлялись в масленке; to turn up – случайно найти, натолкнуться /на что-либо/; неожиданно появляться, обнаруживаться) or in even less desirable places (а то и в еще менее подходящих местах; desirable – желанный; подходящий; to desire – желать). But his papers were my great crux (но его бумаги были для меня самой большой проблемой; crux – крест /уст./; затруднение, трудный вопрос; главный вопрос, основная проблема).

   patriotic [,pætrɪ'ɒtɪk], bullet ['bʋlɪt], chemical ['kemɪk(ǝ)l], desirable [dɪ'zaɪrǝbl]

   I have always held, too, that pistol practice should be distinctly an open-air pastime; and when Holmes, in one of his queer humors, would sit in an arm-chair with his hair-trigger and a hundred Boxer cartridges, and proceed to adorn the opposite wall with a patriotic V. R. done in bullet-pocks, I felt strongly that neither the atmosphere nor the appearance of our room was improved by it.
   Our chambers were always full of chemicals and of criminal relics which had a way of wandering into unlikely positions, and of turning up in the butter-dish or in even less desirable places. But his papers were my great crux.

   He had a horror of destroying documents (он терпеть не мог уничтожать документы; horror – ужас, страх; сильное отвращение, антипатия /к чему-либо/), especially those which were connected with his past cases (особенно те, которые были связаны с его прошлыми делами), and yet it was only once in every year or two (однако лишь один раз за год-два) that he would muster energy to docket and arrange them (он собирался с силами, чтобы разобрать их и привести в порядок; to docket – снабжать документ выпиской с кратким изложением его содержания; docket – опись /содержимое партии товара с указанием владельца/; книга записей по делу); for, as I have mentioned somewhere in these incoherent memoirs (как я уже упоминал где-то в этих бессвязных записках; memoirs – мемуары, воспоминания; записки /научного общества/), the outbursts of passionate energy when he performed the remarkable feats (что за вспышками горячей, кипучей энергии, когда Холмс совершал свои удивительные подвиги) with which his name is associated (с которыми связывается его имя) were followed by reactions of lethargy (следовали периоды апатии = упадка сил; reaction – реакция; противодействие; упадок сил; lethargy – летаргия; вялость, апатичность) during which he would lie about with his violin and his books (во время которых он полеживал /на диване/ со скрипкой и книгами), hardly moving save from the sofa to the table (почти не передвигаясь, разве что от дивана до стола). Thus month after month his papers accumulated (таким образом, месяц за месяцем его бумаги накапливались), until every corner of the room was stacked with bundles of manuscript (пока все углы комнаты не были заставлены пачками рукописей; to stack – складывать в стог, в кучу) which were on no account to be burned (которые ни в коем случае не разрешалось жечь), and which could not be put away save by their owner (и которые никто не мог убрать, кроме их владельца).

   incoherent [,ɪnkǝʋ'hɪǝrǝnt], memoir ['memwɑ:], lethargy ['leθǝʤɪ], violin [,vaɪǝ'lɪn]

   He had a horror of destroying documents, especially those which were connected with his past cases, and yet it was only once in every year or two that he would muster energy to docket and arrange them; for, as I have mentioned somewhere in these incoherent memoirs, the outbursts of passionate energy when he performed the remarkable feats with which his name is associated were followed by reactions of lethargy during which he would lie about with his violin and his books, hardly moving save from the sofa to the table. Thus month after month his papers accumulated, until every corner of the room was stacked with bundles of manuscript which were on no account to be burned, and which could not be put away save by their owner.

   One winter's night (в один зимний вечер), as we sat together by the fire (когда мы сидели вдвоем у камина), I ventured to suggest to him (я решился намекнуть Холмсу) that, as he had finished pasting extracts into his common-place book (что, поскольку он закончил вносить заметки в тетрадь для записей; to paste – наклеивать, приклеивать; to extract – вытаскивать, извлекать; делать выписки /из книги/; extract – выдержка, извлечение, фрагмент; common-place book – тетрадь для записи любимых стихов, памятных афоризмов и цитат), he might employ the next two hours in making our room a little more habitable (он мог бы использовать следующие два часа для того, чтобы сделать нашу комнату более пригодной для жилья; habitable – обитаемый; пригодный, удобный для жилья, жилой). He could not deny the justice of my request (он не мог отрицать справедливости моей просьбы), so with a rather rueful face he went off to his bedroom (и потому с довольно унылым лицом отправился к себе в спальню), from which he returned presently pulling a large tin box behind him (откуда вскоре возвратился, таща за собой большой жестяной ящик; tin – оловянный; жестяной). This he placed in the middle of the floor (он поставил его посреди комнаты: «пола») and, squatting down upon a stool in front of it (и, усевшись на табурет перед ним; to squat down – садиться на корточки, приседать), he threw back the lid (он откинул крышку; to throw back). I could see that it was already a third full of bundles of paper (я увидел, что ящик был уже на треть заполнен пачками бумаг) tied up with red tape into separate packages (связанных красной тесьмой в отдельные стопы; tape – тесьма; лента; package – пакет, сверток; пачка).
   “There are cases enough here, Watson (здесь находится немало дел, Ватсон),” said he, looking at me with mischievous eyes (сказал он, глядя на меня лукаво: «озорными глазами»). “I think that if you knew all that I had in this box (думаю, если бы вы знали обо всем, что я храню в этом ящике) you would ask me to pull some out (вы бы попросили меня извлечь кое-какие /бумаги/) instead of putting others in (а не складывать туда новые; instead of – взамен, вместо того, чтобы; other – другой; дополнительный).”
   “These are the records of your early work, then (значит, там лежат отчеты о ваших ранних = прежних делах)?” I asked. “I have often wished that I had notes of those cases (я часто хотел, чтобы у меня были записи о тех случаях = я часто жалел, что у меня нет этих записей).”

   ventured ['venʧǝd], deny [dɪ'naɪ], rueful ['ru:f(ǝ)l], mischievous ['mɪsʧɪvǝs]

   One winter's night, as we sat together by the fire, I ventured to suggest to him that, as he had finished pasting extracts into his common-place book, he might employ the next two hours in making our room a little more habitable. He could not deny the justice of my request, so with a rather rueful face he went off to his bedroom, from which he returned presently pulling a large tin box behind him. This he placed in the middle of the floor and, squatting down upon a stool in front of it, he threw back the lid. I could see that it was already a third full of bundles of paper tied up with red tape into separate packages.
   “There are cases enough here, Watson,” said he, looking at me with mischievous eyes. “I think that if you knew all that I had in this box you would ask me to pull some out instead of putting others in.”
   “These are the records of your early work, then?” I asked. “I have often wished that I had notes of those cases.”

   “Yes, my boy, these were all done prematurely (да, дорогой мой, все они произошли преждевременно; my boy – мой мальчик; дружище, парень) before my biographer had come to glorify me (до того, как появился мой биограф, чтобы прославить меня; to glorify – прославлять; превозносить, хвалить).”
   He lifted bundle after bundle in a tender, caressing sort of way (он мягко, ласково доставал пачку за пачкой; to lift – поднимать/ся/, снимать; tender – нежный, мягкий, легкий; caressing – ласковый, нежный; ласкающий; in a sort of way – в некоторой степени; в некотором смысле).
   “They are not all successes, Watson (не все они были успешными, Ватсон; success – успех, удача),” said he. “But there are some pretty little problems among them (но среди них есть несколько любопытных маленьких задач; pretty – милый, прелестный, приятный, хороший). Here's the record of the Tarleton murders (вот отчет об убийстве Тарлтона), and the case of Vamberry, the wine merchant (/вот/ дело Вамберри, виноторговца), and the adventure of the old Russian woman (происшествие с одной русской старухой), and the singular affair of the aluminium crutch (странная история алюминиевого костыля), as well as a full account of Ricoletti of the club-foot (а также полный отчет о косолапом Риколетти; club-foot – косолапость, деформированная стопа), and his abominable wife (и его отвратительной жене). And here – ah, now, this really is something a little recherché (а вот… о, это действительно прелестно; recherché – /фр./ изысканный, тонкий /о вкусе/; для знатоков).”
   He dived his arm down to the bottom of the chest (он сунул руку на самое дно ящика; to dive – нырять, бросаться в воду; засовывать, запускать руку), and brought up a small wooden box with a sliding lid (и вытащил небольшую деревянную коробочку с выдвижной крышкой; to slide – скользить; двигаться плавно), such as children's toys are kept in (похожую на /ту/, в которой хранятся детские игрушки). From within he produced a crumpled piece of paper (из нее: «изнутри» он достал мятый листок бумаги), an old-fashioned brass key (старинный медный ключ; old-fashioned – старомодный, устарелый, вышедший из употребления; brass – латунь, желтая медь), a peg of wood with a ball of string attached to it (деревянный колышек с клубком бечевки, привязанным к нему), and three rusty old disks of metal (и три старых ржавых металлических кружка; disk – диск, круг).

   prematurely ['premǝʧʋǝlɪ], glorify ['ɡlɔ:rɪfaɪ], merchant ['mɜ:ʧ(ǝ)nt], aluminium [,æljʋ'mɪnɪǝm], recherché [rǝ'ʃeǝʃeɪ]

   “Yes, my boy, these were all done prematurely before my biographer had come to glorify me.”
   He lifted bundle after bundle in a tender, caressing sort of way.
   “They are not all successes, Watson,” said he. “But there are some pretty little problems among them. Here's the record of the Tarleton murders, and the case of Vamberry, the wine merchant, and the adventure of the old Russian woman, and the singular affair of the aluminium crutch, as well as a full account of Ricoletti of the club-foot, and his abominable wife. And here – ah, now, this really is something a little recherché.”
   He dived his arm down to the bottom of the chest, and brought up a small wooden box with a sliding lid, such as children's toys are kept in. From within he produced a crumpled piece of paper, an old-fashioned brass key, a peg of wood with a ball of string attached to it, and three rusty old disks of metal.

   “Well, my boy, what do you make of this lot (ну, мой друг, что вы думаете об этих вещах; lot – партия, серия /товаров, изделий/)?” he asked, smiling at my expression (спросил он, улыбаясь /недоуменному/ выражению /моего лица/).
   “It is a curious collection (любопытная коллекция).”
   “Very curious, and the story that hangs round it (очень любопытная, а история, связанная с ней; to hang round – быть близко, держаться недалеко; приближаться) will strike you as being more curious still (поразит вас, поскольку она еще любопытнее).”
   “These relics have a history then (так у этих реликвий есть /своя/ история)?”
   “So much so that they are history (более того, они сами история; so much so that – до такой степени, что; так, что).”
   “What do you mean by that (что вы хотите этим сказать)?”
   Sherlock Holmes picked them up one by one (Шерлок Холмс достал эти предметы один за другим; to pick up – поднимать, подбирать), and laid them along the edge of the table (и разложил их на краю стола). Then he reseated himself in his chair (затем он снова уселся в свое кресло) and looked them over with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes (и /принялся/ разглядывать их блестевшими от удовольствия глазами: «с блеском удовольствия в глазах»).

   curious ['kjʋǝrɪǝs], history ['hɪst(ǝ)rɪ], satisfaction [,sætɪs'fækʃn]

   “Well, my boy, what do you make of this lot?” he asked, smiling at my expression.
   “It is a curious collection.”
   “Very curious, and the story that hangs round it will strike you as being more curious still.”
   “These relics have a history then?”
   “So much so that they are history.”
   “What do you mean by that?”
   Sherlock Holmes picked them up one by one, and laid them along the edge of the table. Then he reseated himself in his chair and looked them over with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

   “These,” said he, “are all that I have left to remind me of the adventure of the Musgrave Ritual (это все, что я оставил себе на память: «чтобы напоминать себе» о деле, /связанном/ с Обрядом /дома/ Месгрейвов).”
   I had heard him mention the case more than once (я слышал, как он упоминал об этом деле не раз), though I had never been able to gather the details (хотя я никак не мог добиться подробностей /от него/; to gather – собирать, накоплять, приобретать).
   “I should be so glad (я был бы очень рад),” said I, “if you would give me an account of it (если бы вы рассказали мне о нем).”
   “And leave the litter as it is (и оставил этот беспорядок; litter – разбросанные вещи, беспорядок; мусор; as it is – и так; как есть)?” he cried, mischievously (насмешливо воскликнул он; mischievous – озорной; непослушный). “Your tidiness won't bear much strain after all, Watson (все-таки ваша аккуратность не выдержит большого напряжения, Ватсон = а как же ваша любовь к порядку?; won't = will not; strain – напряжение, нагрузка). But I should be glad that you should add this case to your annals (однако я буду рад, если вы добавите это дело к своим записям; annals – летописи, анналы; исторические хроники), for there are points in it (потому что в нем есть /такие/ моменты) which make it quite unique in the criminal records (которые делают его совершенно уникальным в хронике преступлений; records – архив, документы; материалы судебного дела) of this or, I believe, of any other country (этой, да и, полагаю, любой другой страны). A collection of my trifling achievements would certainly be incomplete (коллекция моих мелких/незначительных достижений, несомненно, была бы неполной) which contained no account of this very singular business (если бы не включала в себя описание этой очень необычной истории; singular – единичный; необычный, своеобразный, странный).

   annals ['æn(ǝ)lz], country ['kʌntrɪ], achievement [ǝ'ʧi:vmǝnt], singular ['sɪŋɡjʋlǝ]

   “These,” said he, “are all that I have left to remind me of the adventure of the Musgrave Ritual.”
   I had heard him mention the case more than once, though I had never been able to gather the details.
   “I should be so glad,” said I, “if you would give me an account of it.”
   “And leave the litter as it is?” he cried, mischievously. “Your tidiness won't bear much strain after all, Watson. But I should be glad that you should add this case to your annals, for there are points in it which make it quite unique in the criminal records of this or, I believe, of any other country. A collection of my trifling achievements would certainly be incomplete which contained no account of this very singular business.

   “You may remember how the affair of the Gloria Scott (вы, вероятно, помните, как происшествие с «Глорией Скотт»), and my conversation with the unhappy man whose fate I told you of (и мой разговор с тем несчастным человеком, о судьбе которого я вам рассказывал), first turned my attention in the direction of the profession (впервые повернули мое внимание в направлении профессии = натолкнули меня на мысль о профессии) which has become my life's work (которая стала делом моей жизни). You see me now when my name has become known far and wide (вы знаете меня теперь, когда мое имя стало широко известно: «далеко и широко известно»), and when I am generally recognized both by the public and by the official force (и когда как общественность, так и официальная полиция признали меня; generally – в целом, широко, вообще) as being a final court of appeal in doubtful cases (судом последней инстанции в спорных делах; final court – суд последней инстанции; court of appeal – апелляционный суд; суд высшей инстанции; to appeal – взывать; апеллировать, подавать жалобу; doubtful – сомнительный, неясный). Even when you knew me first (даже когда вы только познакомились со мной), at the time of the affair which you have commemorated in 'A Study in Scarlet (во время той истории, которую вы увековечили в «Этюде в багровых тонах»; to commemorate – праздновать, отмечать /годовщину, какое-либо событие/; устраивать в память, в честь),' I had already established a considerable (у меня уже была значительная; to establish – основывать; создавать; устанавливать, укреплять /репутацию/), though not a very lucrative, connection (хотя и не очень выгодная практика; connection – связь, соединение; клиентура, покупатели: to establish a connection – создать клиентуру). You can hardly realize, then (едва ли вы можете себе представить), how difficult I found it at first (как трудно мне было вначале), and how long I had to wait before I succeeded in making any headway (и как долго мне пришлось ждать, прежде чем удалось добиться успеха; to make headway – делать успехи; преуспевать; продвигаться вперед; headway – движение вперед; прогресс, развитие; успех).

   recognized ['rekǝɡnaɪzd], court [kɔ:t], lucrative ['lu:krǝtɪv], though [ðǝʋ]

   “You may remember how the affair of the Gloria Scott, and my conversation with the unhappy man whose fate I told you of, first turned my attention in the direction of the profession which has become my life's work. You see me now when my name has become known far and wide, and when I am generally recognized both by the public and by the official force as being a final court of appeal in doubtful cases. Even when you knew me first, at the time of the affair which you have commemorated in 'A Study in Scarlet,' I had already established a considerable, though not a very lucrative, connection. You can hardly realize, then, how difficult I found it at first, and how long I had to wait before I succeeded in making any headway.

   “When I first came up to London I had rooms in Montague Street (когда я впервые приехал в Лондон, я снимал комнаты на Монтегю-Стрит), just round the corner from the British Museum (совсем рядом с Британским музеем; round the corner – за углом; совсем близко, рядом), and there I waited, filling in my too abundant leisure time (и там я ждал, заполняя свое слишком обширное свободное время; abundant – обильный, в избытке) by studying all those branches of science (изучая все те отрасли науки) which might make me more efficient (которые могли бы сделать меня более квалифицированным; efficient – эффективный, действенный; квалифицированный, умелый, знающий свое дело). Now and again cases came in my way (время от времени ко мне попадали разные дела; to come in somebody's way – попадаться, встречаться кому-либо /на пути/), principally through the introduction of old fellow-students (главным образом по рекомендации: «через представление» моих бывших сокурсников), for during my last years at the University (поскольку в последние годы /учебы/ в университете) there was a good deal of talk there about myself and my methods (там много говорили обо мне и моей методике; a good deal of – много, значительное количество). The third of these cases was that of the Musgrave Ritual (третьим из тех дел было дело «Обряд дома Месгрейвов»), and it is to the interest which was aroused (и тот интерес, который был возбужден) by that singular chain of events (цепью странных событий), and the large issues which proved to be at stake (и важные вопросы, оказавшиеся под угрозой; issue – вопрос, проблема; результат), that I trace my first stride towards to position which I now hold (явились моим первым шагом к тому положению, которое я сейчас занимаю).

   museum [mju:'zɪǝm], leisure ['leʒǝ], science ['saɪǝns], aroused [ǝ'raʋzd]

   “When I first came up to London I had rooms in Montague Street, just round the corner from the British Museum, and there I waited, filling in my too abundant leisure time by studying all those branches of science which might make me more efficient. Now and again cases came in my way, principally through the introduction of old fellow-students, for during my last years at the University there was a good deal of talk there about myself and my methods. The third of these cases was that of the Musgrave Ritual, and it is to the interest which was aroused by that singular chain of events, and the large issues which proved to be at stake, that I trace my first stride towards to position which I now hold.

   “Reginald Musgrave had been in the same college as myself (Реджинальд Месгрейв учился в том же колледже, что и я), and I had some slight acquaintance with him (и мы с ним были немного знакомы; slight – слабый, легкий, незначительный). He was not generally popular among the undergraduates (он не был особенно популярен среди студентов), though it always seemed to me that what was set down as pride (хотя мне всегда казалось, что то, что считали /его/ надменностью; pride – гордость, заносчивость; гордыня; to set down – класть, ставить /на землю, на стол и т. п./; устанавливать, вырабатывать, фиксировать /правила, соглашение и т. п./; считать /кого-либо кем-либо – smb. for smb./) was really an attempt to cover extreme natural diffidence (на самом деле было попыткой прикрыть крайнюю врожденную застенчивость; diffidence – робость, скромность, неуверенность в себе; уст. недоверие; подозрительность). In appearance he was a man of exceedingly aristocratic type (по наружности это был человек чрезвычайно аристократического типа), thin (худой), high-nosed (с благородным носом), and large-eyed (с большими глазами), with languid and yet courtly manners (с вялыми, но утонченными манерами). He was indeed a scion of one of the very oldest families in the kingdom (он и в самом деле был отпрыском одного из древнейших родов в королевстве; scion – отпрыск, потомок; наследник), though his branch was a cadet one (хотя его ветвь и была младшей; cadet – кадет; младшая линия /в генеалогии/; представитель младшей линии) which had separated from the northern Musgraves some time in the sixteenth century (которая отделилась от северных Месгрейвов в шестнадцатом веке; sometime – когда-то, как-то), and had established itself in western Sussex (и обосновалась в западном Суссексе), where the Manor House of Hurlstone is perhaps the oldest inhabited building in the county (где замок Херлстон, вероятно, является самым старинным обитаемым зданием графства; manor-house – помещичий, барский дом; замок /феодала/).

   acquaintance [ǝ'kweɪntǝns], extreme [ɪk'stri:m], courtly ['kɔ:tlɪ], scion ['saɪǝn], inhabited [ɪn'hæbɪtɪd]

   “Reginald Musgrave had been in the same college as myself, and I had some slight acquaintance with him. He was not generally popular among the undergraduates, though it always seemed to me that what was set down as pride was really an attempt to cover extreme natural diffidence. In appearance he was a man of exceedingly aristocratic type, thin, high-nosed, and large-eyed, with languid and yet courtly manners. He was indeed a scion of one of the very oldest families in the kingdom, though his branch was a cadet one which had separated from the northern Musgraves some time in the sixteenth century, and had established itself in western Sussex, where the Manor House of Hurlstone is perhaps the oldest inhabited building in the county.

   “Something of his birth place seemed to cling to the man (казалось, что-то = какой-то отпечаток от места рождения остался на /внешности/ этого человека; to cling to – прилипать; цепляться; держаться; оставаться верным /друзьям, дому, воспоминаниям/), and I never looked at his pale, keen face or the poise of his head (и я никогда не смотрел на его бледное, с острыми чертами лицо и манеру держать голову) without associating him with gray archways (чтобы не ассоциировать его с серыми сводами; archway – проход под аркой, сводчатый проход) and mullioned windows (и многостворчатыми окнами; mullion – средник /средний вертикальный брусок оконной рамы или двери/) and all the venerable wreckage of a feudal keep (и всеми этими = и тому подобными древними, благородными остатками феодального замка; venerable – почтенный, достойный почитания; древний; keep – центральная, хорошо укрепленная часть или башня средневекового замка). Once or twice we drifted into talk (несколько раз нам случалось беседовать: «впадали в беседу»; to drift – относить, гнать /ветром, течением/; переходить /из одного состояния в другое/: to drift into sleep – погрузиться в сон), and I can remember that more than once he expressed a keen interest in my methods of observation and inference (и я помню, что он неоднократно проявлял живой интерес к моим методам наблюдения и выводов/умозаключений).
   “For four years I had seen nothing of him (четыре года я его не видел) until one morning he walked into my room in Montague Street (пока однажды утром он не вошел в мою комнату на Монтегю-Стрит). He had changed little (он мало изменился), was dressed like a young man of fashion (был одет как модный молодой человек; man of fashion – светский человек; человек, во всем следующий моде) – he was always a bit of a dandy (он всегда был немного франтом; dandy – денди, щеголь, франт) – and preserved the same quiet, suave manner (и сохранил те же спокойные, обходительные манеры) which had formerly distinguished him (которые прежде отличали его).
   “'How has all gone with you, Musgrave (как поживаете/как ваши дела, Месгрейв)?” I asked, after we had cordially shaken hands (спросил я после того, как мы сердечно пожали руки; cordially – сердечно, радушно).

   venerable ['ven(ǝ)rǝbl], feudal ['fju:dl], suave [swɑ:v]

   “Something of his birth place seemed to cling to the man, and I never looked at his pale, keen face or the poise of his head without associating him with gray archways and mullioned windows and all the venerable wreckage of a feudal keep. Once or twice we drifted into talk, and I can remember that more than once he expressed a keen interest in my methods of observation and inference.
   “For four years I had seen nothing of him until one morning he walked into my room in Montague Street. He had changed little, was dressed like a young man of fashion – he was always a bit of a dandy – and preserved the same quiet, suave manner which had formerly distinguished him.
   “'How has all gone with you, Musgrave?” I asked, after we had cordially shaken hands.

   “'You probably heard of my poor father's death (вероятно, вы слышали о смерти моего бедного отца),' said he; 'he was carried off about two years ago (это случилось около двух лет назад; to carry off – унести чью-либо жизнь, свести в могилу). Since then I have of course had the Hurlstone estates to manage (с тех пор мне, разумеется, пришлось взять на себя управление Херлстонским поместьем; estate – поместье; земельное владение; имущество; to manage – управлять; заведовать, стоять во главе), and as I am member for my district as well (а поскольку я также являюсь депутатом от своего округа; member – член; депутат), my life has been a busy one (моя жизнь была очень занятой). But I understand, Holmes, that you are turning to practical ends those powers (но /насколько/ я понимаю, Холмс, вы применяете на практике: «обращаете на практические цели» те способности) with which you used to amaze us (которыми так удивляли нас)?'
   “'Yes,' said I, 'I have taken to living by my wits (да, я решил зарабатывать на жизнь собственным умом; to take to – обращаться, прибегать к /чему-либо/; начинать заниматься /чем-либо/: to take to literature – заняться литературой, стать писателем; to live by one's wits – кое-как выкручиваться, изворачиваться /чтобы раздобыть средства к существованию/).'
   “'I am delighted to hear it (рад это слышать), for your advice at present would be exceedingly valuable to me (поскольку ваш совет в настоящее время был бы чрезвычайно ценным для меня). We have had some very strange doings at Hurlstone (у нас в Херлстоне произошли очень странные вещи), and the police have been able to throw no light upon the matter (и полиция не сумела пролить хоть какой-то свет на это дело). It is really the most extraordinary and inexplicable business (это действительно крайне необычная, необъяснимая история; to explicate – объяснять, развивать /идею/).'
   “You can imagine with what eagerness I listened to him, Watson (можете себе представить, с каким интересом я слушал его, Ватсон; eagerness – пыл, рвение, старание; eager – страстно желающий, жаждущий), for the very chance (ведь тот самый шанс) for which I had been panting during all those months of inaction (которого я так нетерпеливо ждал в течение всех этих месяцев бездеятельности; to pant – пыхтеть, тяжело дышать; to pant for smth. – страстно желать чего-либо) seemed to have come within my reach (казалось, был передо мной: «в пределах моей досягаемости»). In my inmost heart I believed (в глубине души я полагал; inmost – находящийся в самой глубине; глубочайший, сокровенный) that I could succeed where others failed (что могу добиться успеха /там/, где другие потерпели неудачу), and now I had the opportunity to test myself (и теперь у меня была возможность испытать себя).

   estate [ɪ'steɪt], inexplicable [,ɪnɪk'splɪkǝbl], opportunity [,ɒpǝ'tju:nǝtɪ]

   “'You probably heard of my poor father's death,' said he; 'he was carried off about two years ago. Since then I have of course had the Hurlstone estates to manage, and as I am member for my district as well, my life has been a busy one. But I understand, Holmes, that you are turning to practical ends those powers with which you used to amaze us?'
   “'Yes,' said I, 'I have taken to living by my wits.'
   “'I am delighted to hear it, for your advice at present would be exceedingly valuable to me. We have had some very strange doings at Hurlstone, and the police have been able to throw no light upon the matter. It is really the most extraordinary and inexplicable business.'
   “You can imagine with what eagerness I listened to him, Watson, for the very chance for which I had been panting during all those months of inaction seemed to have come within my reach. In my inmost heart I believed that I could succeed where others failed, and now I had the opportunity to test myself.

   “'Pray, let me have the details (прошу вас, расскажите мне все подробности),' I cried (вскричал я).
   “Reginald Musgrave sat down opposite to me (Реджинальд Месгрейв сел напротив меня), and lit the cigarette which I had pushed towards him (и закурил сигарету, которую я пододвинул к нему; to light – зажигать; закуривать).
   “'You must know (вы должны знать),' said he, 'that though I am a bachelor (что хотя я и холостяк), I have to keep up a considerable staff of servants at Hurlstone (мне приходится держать значительный штат прислуги в Херлстоне), for it is a rambling old place (поскольку это старая, беспорядочно построенная усадьба; rambling – бродячий; разбросанный /о строениях/; беспорядочный; to ramble – бродить без цели; говорить бессвязно; place – место; имение, загородный дом), and takes a good deal of looking after (и требует постоянного присмотра; to look after – заботиться, присматривать; a good deal = a great deal – много, множество; сильно). I preserve, too, and in the pheasant months I usually have a house-party (я слежу за ней, а в сезон охоты на фазанов: «в фазаньи месяцы» обычно принимаю гостей; to preserve – сохранять, оберегать; поддерживать; house party – гости, приглашенные на несколько дней /особенно в загородный дом/), so that it would not do to be short-handed (так что нельзя быть без прислуги; short-handed – испытывающий недостаток в рабочей силе; short – короткий, неполный; испытывающий нехватку; hand – рука; рабочий, работник: hands wanted! – требуется рабочая сила!). Altogether there are eight maids (всего там восемь горничных), the cook (повар; to cook – готовить), the butler (дворецкий), two footmen (два лакея), and a boy (рассыльный). The garden and the stables of course have a separate staff (в саду и конюшнях имеется, конечно, отдельный штат /прислуги/).

   cigarette [,sɪɡǝ'ret], bachelor ['bæʧ(ǝ)lǝ], pheasant ['fez(ǝ)nt], garden ['ɡɑ:d(ǝ)n]

   “'Pray, let me have the details,' I cried.
   “Reginald Musgrave sat down opposite to me, and lit the cigarette which I had pushed towards him.
   “'You must know,' said he, 'that though I am a bachelor, I have to keep up a considerable staff of servants at Hurlstone, for it is a rambling old place, and takes a good deal of looking after. I preserve, too, and in the pheasant months I usually have a house-party, so that it would not do to be short-handed. Altogether there are eight maids, the cook, the butler, two footmen, and a boy. The garden and the stables of course have a separate staff.

   “'Of these servants the one (из этих слуг один) who had been longest in our service was Brunton the butler (прослужил у нас дольше всех – Брантон, дворецкий; service – служба, работа). He was a young schoolmaster out of place (он был молодым школьным учителем без места; out of place – неподходящий, не к месту; безработный) when he was first taken up by my father (когда отец только взял его на службу; to take up – поднимать; принимать, занимать), but he was a man of great energy and character (но это был человек очень энергичный и с сильным характером), and he soon became quite invaluable in the household (и скоро он стал просто незаменим в нашем доме; invaluable – неоценимый, бесценный; value – ценность, важность; household – семейство; дом, /домашнее/ хозяйство). He was a well-grown (это был рослый), handsome man (красивый мужчина), with a splendid forehead (с великолепным лбом), and though he has been with us for twenty years (и хотя он /прожил/ с нами двадцать лет) he cannot be more than forty now (ему и сейчас не /может быть/ больше сорока).
   “'With his personal advantages and his extraordinary gifts (при своих личных преимуществах = качествах и необычайных способностях; gift – дар, дарование; талант; способность) – for he can speak several languages (ибо он может говорить на нескольких языках) and play nearly every musical instrument (и играть чуть ли не на всех музыкальных инструментах) – it is wonderful that he should have been satisfied so long in such a position (удивительно, что он так долго был удовлетворен своим положением), but I suppose that he was comfortable (но, полагаю, ему этого было достаточно/жилось хорошо; comfortable – удобный; довольный; достаточный, приличный, хороший /о заработке/), and lacked energy to make any change (и недоставало энергии, чтобы сделать какую-либо перемену = он не стремился ничего менять). The butler of Hurlstone is always a thing (дворецкий Херлстона всегда был тем) that is remembered by all who visit us (что запоминается всем, кто посещает нас = все наши гости обращали внимание на него).

   schoolmaster ['sku:l,mɑ:stǝ], forehead ['fɔ:hed; 'fɒrɪd], musical ['mju:zɪk(ǝ)l]

   “'Of these servants the one who had been longest in our service was Brunton the butler. He was a young schoolmaster out of place when he was first taken up by my father, but he was a man of great energy and character, and he soon became quite invaluable in the household. He was a well-grown, handsome man, with a splendid forehead, and though he has been with us for twenty years he cannot be more than forty now.
   “'With his personal advantages and his extraordinary gifts – for he can speak several languages and play nearly every musical instrument – it is wonderful that he should have been satisfied so long in such a position, but I suppose that he was comfortable, and lacked energy to make any change. The butler of Hurlstone is always a thing that is remembered by all who visit us.

   “'But this paragon has one fault (но у этого совершенства есть один недостаток; paragon – образец, модель совершенства). He is a bit of a Don Juan (он немного донжуан), and you can imagine that for a man like him (и вы можете себе представить, что для такого человека, как он) it is not a very difficult part to play in a quiet country district (не очень трудно играть эту роль в тихой сельской местности; country – страна; сельская местность; district – округ, район; местность). When he was married it was all right (пока он был женат, все шло хорошо), but since he has been a widower (но с тех пор, как он стал вдовцом) we have had no end of trouble with him (у нас с ним масса хлопот/неприятностей; no end of – бесконечно много; масса, множество). A few months ago we were in hopes (несколько месяцев назад мы стали надеяться) that he was about to settle down again (что он снова остепенится; to be about to do something – намереваться сделать что-либо; to settle down – осесть, поселиться; остепениться) for he became engaged to Rachel Howells (так как он обручился с Рейчел Хауэллс), our second house-maid (нашей младшей горничной; second – второй; второстепенный, подчиненный); but he has thrown her over since then (однако затем он бросил ее; to throw over) and taken up with Janet Tregellis (и увлекся Дженет Треджелис; to take up with – встречаться, увлечься), the daughter of the head game-keeper (дочерью главного егеря: «хранителя дичи»). Rachel – who is a very good girl (Рейчел – прекрасная девушка), but of an excitable Welsh temperament (но легковозбудимого/горячего уэльского нрава) – had a sharp touch of brain-fever (перенесла острый приступ воспаления мозга), and goes about the house now (и она теперь ходит по дому) – or did until yesterday (вернее, ходила до вчерашнего дня) – like a black-eyed shadow of her former self (как тень; от ее прежнего облика остались одни черные глаза; shadow – тень, призрак, привидение; self – свое «я»; сущность, облик: one's former self – то, чем человек был раньше).

   paragon ['pærǝɡǝn], country ['kʌntrɪ], daughter ['dɔ:tǝ], fever ['fi:vǝ]

   “'But this paragon has one fault. He is a bit of a Don Juan, and you can imagine that for a man like him it is not a very difficult part to play in a quiet country district. When he was married it was all right, but since he has been a widower we have had no end of trouble with him. A few months ago we were in hopes that he was about to settle down again for he became engaged to Rachel Howells, our second house-maid; but he has thrown her over since then and taken up with Janet Tregellis, the daughter of the head game-keeper. Rachel – who is a very good girl, but of an excitable Welsh temperament – had a sharp touch of brain-fever, and goes about the house now – or did until yesterday – like a black-eyed shadow of her former self.

   “'That was our first drama at Hurlstone (такова была наша первая драма в Херлстоне); but a second one came to drive it from our minds (но вторая стерла ее из нашей памяти; to drive – гнать, прогонять), and it was prefaced by the disgrace and dismissal of butler Brunton (и ей предшествовали позор и увольнение дворецкого Брантона; preface – предисловие; вступление; пролог).
   “'This was how it came about (вот как это произошло). I have said that the man was intelligent (я уже говорил, что этот человек очень умен), and this very intelligence has caused his ruin (и именно его ум стал причиной его гибели), for it seems to have led to an insatiable curiosity about things (так как, видимо, вызвал жадное любопытство к вещам; insatiable – ненасытный, жадный; неутолимый) which did not in the least concern him (которые не имели к нему ни малейшего отношения). I had no idea of the lengths to which this would carry him (я и понятия не имел о том, как далеко это могло завести его; length – длина, расстояние), until the merest accident opened my eyes to it (пока чистый случай не открыл мне глаза /на это/).
   “'I have said that the house is a rambling one (я говорил, что дом построен бестолково). One day last week (в один день на прошлой неделе) – on Thursday night, to be more exact (точнее, в четверг ночью) – I found that I could not sleep (я понял, что не могу уснуть), having foolishly taken a cup of strong café noir after my dinner (потому что по глупости выпил чашку крепкого черного кофе /франц./ после ужина). After struggling against it until two in the morning (промучившись: «проборовшись против него» до двух часов ночи: «утра»; to struggle – бороться), I felt that it was quite hopeless (я почувствовал, что это безнадежно), so I rose and lit the candle (и потому поднялся и зажег свечу) with the intention of continuing a novel which I was reading (с намерением продолжить роман, который я читал = намереваясь продолжить чтение романа). The book, however, had been left in the billiard-room (однако я забыл книгу в бильярдной), so I pulled on my dressing-gown and started off to get it (поэтому я надел халат и отправился за ней; to pull on – натягивать).

   prefaced ['prefɪst], insatiable [ɪn'seɪʃǝbl], gown [ɡaun]

   “'That was our first drama at Hurlstone; but a second one came to drive it from our minds, and it was prefaced by the disgrace and dismissal of butler Brunton.
   “'This was how it came about. I have said that the man was intelligent, and this very intelligence has caused his ruin, for it seems to have led to an insatiable curiosity about things which did not in the least concern him. I had no idea of the lengths to which this would carry him, until the merest accident opened my eyes to it.
   “'I have said that the house is a rambling one. One day last week – on Thursday night, to be more exact – I found that I could not sleep, having foolishly taken a cup of strong café noir after my dinner. After struggling against it until two in the morning, I felt that it was quite hopeless, so I rose and lit the candle with the intention of continuing a novel which I was reading. The book, however, had been left in the billiard-room, so I pulled on my dressing-gown and started off to get it.

   “'In order to reach the billiard-room (чтобы добраться до бильярдной) I had to descend a flight of stairs (мне нужно было спуститься на один лестничный пролет) and then to cross the head of a passage (и затем пересечь переднюю часть коридора; passage – коридор; проход; переход) which led to the library and the gun-room (ведущего в библиотеку и в комнату для ружей; gun-room – комната для хранения охотничьих ружей). You can imagine my surprise (можете представить мое изумление) when, as I looked down this corridor (когда, заглянув в коридор), I saw a glimmer of light coming from the open door of the library (я увидел тусклый свет, исходивший из открытой двери библиотеки). I had myself extinguished the lamp (я сам погасил лампу) and closed the door before coming to bed (и закрыл дверь, прежде чем отправиться спать). Naturally my first thought was of burglars (разумеется, первой моей мыслью была /мысль/ о грабителях; burglar – ночной грабитель, взломщик). The corridors at Hurlstone have their walls largely decorated with trophies of old weapons (стены коридоров в Херлстоне щедро украшены трофейным старинным оружием; largely – в значительной степени, щедро, обильно). From one of these I picked a battle-axe (с одной из них я схватил боевой топор), and then, leaving my candle behind me (и, оставив свечу), I crept on tiptoe down the passage (я прокрался на цыпочках по коридору; to creep – ползать; красться) and peeped in at the open door (и заглянул в открытую дверь).
   “'Brunton, the butler, was in the library (Брантон, дворецкий, был в библиотеке). He was sitting, fully dressed, in an easy-chair (он сидел, совершенно одетый, в мягком кресле), with a slip of paper which looked like a map upon his knee (с листом бумаги на колене, похожим на какую-то карту), and his forehead sunk forward upon his hand in deep thought (лоб он опер: «опустил» на руку в глубокой задумчивости). I stood dumb with astonishment (я стоял, онемев от изумления; dumb – немой; онемевший /от внезапных чувств/), watching him from the darkness (и наблюдал за ним из темноты).

   library ['laɪbr(ǝ)rɪ], extinguished [ɪk'stɪŋɡwɪʃt], burglar ['bɜ:ɡlǝ], weapon ['wepǝn]

   “'In order to reach the billiard-room I had to descend a flight of stairs and then to cross the head of a passage which led to the library and the gun‑room. You can imagine my surprise when, as I looked down this corridor, I saw a glimmer of light coming from the open door of the library. I had myself extinguished the lamp and closed the door before coming to bed. Naturally my first thought was of burglars. The corridors at Hurlstone have their walls largely decorated with trophies of old weapons. From one of these I picked a battle-axe, and then, leaving my candle behind me, I crept on tiptoe down the passage and peeped in at the open door.
   “'Brunton, the butler, was in the library. He was sitting, fully dressed, in an easy-chair, with a slip of paper which looked like a map upon his knee, and his forehead sunk forward upon his hand in deep thought. I stood dumb with astonishment, watching him from the darkness.

   “'A small taper on the edge of the table shed a feeble light (маленькая свечка на краю стола отбрасывала слабый свет; taper – конус; тонкая свечка) which sufficed to show me that he was fully dressed (которого было достаточно, чтобы показать мне, что дворецкий совершенно одет). Suddenly, as I looked, he rose from his chair (вдруг, в то время как я продолжал смотреть, он встал с кресла), and walking over to a bureau at the side (и, подойдя к бюро в стороне), he unlocked it and drew out one of the drawers (отпер его и выдвинул один из ящиков). From this he took a paper (из него он вытащил какую-то бумагу), and returning to his seat (и, вернувшись на место) he flattened it out beside the taper on the edge of the table (он разгладил ее возле свечи на углу стола), and began to study it with minute attention (и стал рассматривать ее очень внимательно; minute – мелкий; детальный, обстоятельный). My indignation at this calm examination of our family documents overcame me so far (ярость из-за этого спокойного изучения наших фамильных документов настолько: «так далеко» переполнила меня; indignation – негодование, возмущение; to overcome – побороть, преодолеть; охватить, обуять; переполнять /о чувстве, эмоции/) that I took a step forward (что я шагнул вперед), and Brunton, looking up, saw me standing in the doorway (и Брантон, подняв глаза, увидел, что я стою в дверях). He sprang to his feet (он вскочил на ноги), his face turned livid with fear (его лицо побледнело от страха; livid – синевато-багровый; мертвенно-бледный), and he thrust into his breast the chart-like paper (и он сунул в нагрудный /карман/ похожий на карту /лист/ бумаги) which he had been originally studying (который он только что изучал; originally – в начале, первоначально).
   “'So (так)!' said I. “This is how you repay the trust (вот как вы отплачиваете за доверие) which we have reposed in you (оказанное вам; to repose – наделять /кого-либо чем-либо/, возлагать /что-либо на кого-либо/; вручать полномочия /кому-либо/). You will leave my service tomorrow (завтра же вы уйдете со службы: «оставите мою службу»).”

   sufficed [sǝ'faɪst], bureau ['bjʋ(ǝ)rǝʋ], originally [ǝ'rɪʤ(ǝ)n(ǝ)lɪ]

   “'A small taper on the edge of the table shed a feeble light which sufficed to show me that he was fully dressed. Suddenly, as I looked, he rose from his chair, and walking over to a bureau at the side, he unlocked it and drew out one of the drawers. From this he took a paper, and returning to his seat he flattened it out beside the taper on the edge of the table, and began to study it with minute attention. My indignation at this calm examination of our family documents overcame me so far that I took a step forward, and Brunton, looking up, saw me standing in the doorway. He sprang to his feet, his face turned livid with fear, and he thrust into his breast the chart-like paper which he had been originally studying.
   “'So!' said I. “This is how you repay the trust which we have reposed in you. You will leave my service tomorrow.”

   “'He bowed with the look of a man who is utterly crushed (он поклонился с видом человека, который совершенно подавлен), and slunk past me without a word (и проскользнул мимо меня без единого слова; to slink – красться). The taper was still on the table (свеча по-прежнему стояла на столе; taper – свечка /тонкая/), and by its light I glanced to see (и при ее свете я посмотрел) what the paper was which Brunton had taken from the bureau (что это за бумага, которую Брантон достал из бюро). To my surprise it was nothing of any importance at all (к моему удивлению, она не представляла никакой ценности), but simply a copy of the questions and answers (а была копией вопросов и ответов) in the singular old observance called the Musgrave Ritual (/произносимых/ при необычном старинном обряде, называемом «Обряд дома Месгрейвов»; observance – соблюдение /закона, обычая, религиозного обряда, праздника/; обряд, ритуал, церемония). It is a sort of ceremony peculiar to our family (это своего рода ритуал, характерный для нашего рода), which each Musgrave for centuries past (который каждый Месгрейв уже несколько веков) has gone through on his coming of age (проходит при достижении совершеннолетия) – a thing of private interest (он представляет частный интерес = интерес для членов нашей семьи), and perhaps of some little importance to the archaeologist (и, возможно, имеет небольшое значение для археолога), like our own blazonings and charges (как /вообще/ наша геральдика; blazon – герб, эмблема; описание герба; charge – девиз, символ, фигура /на щите/), but of no practical use whatever (но никакого практического применения не имеет).'
   “'We had better come back to the paper afterwards (лучше вернуться к этой бумаге позже),' said I.

   observance [ǝb'zɜ:v(ǝ)ns], ceremony ['serɪmǝnɪ], archaeologist [,ɑ:kɪ'ɒlǝʤɪst]

   “'He bowed with the look of a man who is utterly crushed, and slunk past me without a word. The taper was still on the table, and by its light I glanced to see what the paper was which Brunton had taken from the bureau. To my surprise it was nothing of any importance at all, but simply a copy of the questions and answers in the singular old observance called the Musgrave Ritual. It is a sort of ceremony peculiar to our family, which each Musgrave for centuries past has gone through on his coming of age – a thing of private interest, and perhaps of some little importance to the archaeologist, like our own blazonings and charges, but of no practical use whatever.'
   “'We had better come back to the paper afterwards,' said I.

   “'If you think it really necessary (если вы считаете, что это действительно необходимо),' he answered, with some hesitation (ответил он с некоторым колебанием).
   “'To continue my statement, however (однако продолжу изложение /фактов/; statement – заявление, утверждение; изложение, отчет): I relocked the bureau, using the key which Brunton had left (я снова запер бюро, используя ключ, оставленный Брантоном), and I had turned to go when I was surprised to find (и я обернулся, чтобы уйти, как вдруг с удивлением обнаружил) that the butler had returned (что дворецкий вернулся), and was standing before me (и стоит передо мной).
   “'Mr. Musgrave, sir,' he cried, in a voice which was hoarse with emotion (вскричал он голосом, хриплым от волнения), 'I can't bear disgrace, sir (я не вынесу позора, сэр). I've always been proud above my station in life (я всегда гордился выше своего положения в жизни = хоть занимал небольшое место, но у меня есть гордость), and disgrace would kill me (и бесчестье убьет меня). My blood will be on your head, sir – it will, indeed (моя кровь будет на вашей совести, сэр, именно так) – if you drive me to despair (если вы доведете меня до отчаяния). If you cannot keep me after what has passed (если вы не можете оставить меня /на службе/ после того, что случилось), then for God's sake let me give you notice and leave in a month (тогда, ради Бога, позвольте мне уведомить вас об уходе и уйти в течение месяца; to give notice – извещать, уведомлять; предупреждать /об увольнении/), as if of my own free will (будто по собственному желанию; free will – свободная воля, свобода воли: of one's own free will – добровольно, по собственному желанию). I could stand that, Mr. Musgrave (я могу это вынести, мистер Месгрейв), but not to be cast out before all the folk that I know so well (но /только/ не изгнание на глазах всех этих людей, которых я так хорошо знаю; to cast out – выгонять, изгонять).'

   hoarse [hɔ:s], blood [blʌd], folk [fǝʋk]

   “'If you think it really necessary,' he answered, with some hesitation.
   “'To continue my statement, however: I relocked the bureau, using the key which Brunton had left, and I had turned to go when I was surprised to find that the butler had returned, and was standing before me.
   “'Mr. Musgrave, sir,' he cried, in a voice which was hoarse with emotion, 'I can't bear disgrace, sir. I've always been proud above my station in life, and disgrace would kill me. My blood will be on your head, sir – it will, indeed – if you drive me to despair. If you cannot keep me after what has passed, then for God's sake let me give you notice and leave in a month, as if of my own free will. I could stand that, Mr. Musgrave, but not to be cast out before all the folk that I know so well.'

   “'You don't deserve much consideration, Brunton (вы не заслуживаете того, чтобы с вами много церемонились, Брантон; consideration – рассмотрение; внимание, уважение),' I answered (ответил я). 'Your conduct has been most infamous (ваше поведение было крайне постыдным; infamous – пользующийся дурной славой; позорный, постыдный, низкий). However, as you have been a long time in the family (тем не менее, поскольку вы так долго прослужили в нашей семье), I have no wish to bring public disgrace upon you (я не хочу подвергать вас общественному позору). A month, however is too long (однако месяц – это слишком долго). Take yourself away in a week (уходите через неделю), and give what reason you like for going (причину назовите какую угодно).'
   “'Only a week, sir (только неделя, сэр)?' he cried, in a despairing voice (вскричал он с отчаянием: «отчаянным голосом»). 'A fortnight – say at least a fortnight (две недели – дайте хотя бы две недели)!'
   “'A week,' I repeated (повторил я), 'and you may consider yourself to have been very leniently dealt with (и можете считать, что с вами обошлись очень мягко; lenient – мягкий, снисходительный; терпимый; to deal with – иметь дело с; обходиться с).'
   “'He crept away, his face sunk upon his breast (он медленно побрел прочь, опустив голову на грудь), like a broken man (в полном унынии/совершенно уничтоженный; to break-broke-broken; broken – разбитый, сломанный; сломленный, сокрушенный), while I put out the light and returned to my room (а я погасил свет и вернулся к себе в комнату).

   conduct ['kɒndʌkt], infamous ['ɪnfǝmǝs], leniently ['li:nɪǝntlɪ]

   “'You don't deserve much consideration, Brunton,' I answered. “Your conduct has been most infamous. However, as you have been a long time in the family, I have no wish to bring public disgrace upon you. A month, however is too long. Take yourself away in a week, and give what reason you like for going.'
   “'Only a week, sir?' he cried, in a despairing voice. 'A fortnight – say at least a fortnight!'
   “'A week,” I repeated, “and you may consider yourself to have been very leniently dealt with.'
   “'He crept away, his face sunk upon his breast, like a broken man, while I put out the light and returned to my room.

   “'For two days after this Brunton was most assiduous in his attention to his duties (два дня после этого Брантон очень усердно выполнял свои обязанности; assiduous – усердный, прилежный, старательный). I made no allusion to what had passed (я не напоминал /ему/ о том, что произошло), and waited with some curiosity to see (и ждал с любопытством) how he would cover his disgrace (как он скроет свой позор). On the third morning, however he did not appear (однако на третье утро он не явился), as was his custom (по своему обыкновению), after breakfast to receive my instructions for the day (после завтрака, чтобы получить мои указания на день). As I left the dining-room I happened to meet Rachel Howells, the maid (выходя из столовой, я встретил Рейчел Хауэллс, горничную). I have told you that she had only recently recovered from an illness (/как/ я уже вам говорил, она только недавно оправилась от болезни), and was looking so wretchedly pale and wan (и была так бледна, у нее был такой болезненный/изнуренный вид: «выглядела столь по-жалкому бледной и изнуренной»; wretched – несчастный, жалкий) that I remonstrated with her for being at work (что я сделал ей выговор за то, что она принялась за работу; to remonstrate – протестовать, возражать; уговаривать).
   “'You should be in bed (вам следует оставаться в постели),' I said. “Come back to your duties when you are stronger (вернитесь к исполнению своих обязанностей, когда будете сильнее = окрепнете).'
   “'She looked at me with so strange an expression (она посмотрела на меня с таким странным выражением) that I began to suspect that her brain was affected (что я начал думать, не подействовала ли /болезнь/ на ее рассудок; to affect – оказывать воздействие, влияние; затрагивать; поражать /о болезни/).
   “'I am strong enough, Mr. Musgrave (я вполне окрепла, мистер Месгрейв),' said she.

   assiduous [ǝ'sɪdjʋǝs], recovered [rɪ'kʌvǝd], wretchedly ['reʧɪdlɪ]

   “'For two days after this Brunton was most assiduous in his attention to his duties. I made no allusion to what had passed, and waited with some curiosity to see how he would cover his disgrace. On the third morning, however he did not appear, as was his custom, after breakfast to receive my instructions for the day. As I left the dining-room I happened to meet Rachel Howells, the maid. I have told you that she had only recently recovered from an illness, and was looking so wretchedly pale and wan that I remonstrated with her for being at work.
   “'You should be in bed,' I said. 'Come back to your duties when you are stronger.'
   “She looked at me with so strange an expression that I began to suspect that her brain was affected.
   “'I am strong enough, Mr. Musgrave,' said she.

   “'We will see what the doctor says (посмотрим, что скажет врач),' I answered (ответил я). “You must stop work now (вы должны прекратить работать), and when you go downstairs just say that I wish to see Brunton (а когда пойдете вниз, скажите, что я желаю видеть Брантона).”
   “'The butler is gone (дворецкий пропал),' said she.
   “'Gone! Gone where (куда пропал)?”
   “'He is gone (он пропал). No one has seen him (никто его не видел). He is not in his room (в комнате его нет). Oh, yes, he is gone, he is gone (о да, он пропал, пропал)!' She fell back against the wall with shriek after shriek of laughter (она прислонилась к стене и начала истерически хохотать; to shriek – пронзительно кричать, орать; визжать; громко, истерически хохотать; laughter – смех, хохот), while I, horrified at this sudden hysterical attack (а я, напуганный этим внезапным истерическим припадком), rushed to the bell to summon help (бросился к колокольчику, чтобы позвать на помощь; to summon – вызвать, позвать). The girl was taken to her room (девушку увели в ее комнату), still screaming and sobbing (все еще хохочущую и рыдающую), while I made inquiries about Brunton (а я тем временем стал расспрашивать о Брантоне; to make inquiries about – расспрашивать, наводить справки). There was no doubt about it that he had disappeared (несомненно, он исчез). His bed had not been slept in (его постель оказалась нетронутой: «в постели никто не спал»), he had been seen by no one since he had retired to his room the night before (его никто не видел с тех пор, как он ушел к себе в комнату накануне вечером), and yet it was difficult to see how he could have left the house (однако трудно было понять, как он вышел из дома), as both windows and doors were found to be fastened in the morning (потому что как окна, так и двери оказались запертыми утром).

   laughter ['lɑ:ftǝ], hysterical [hɪ'sterɪk(ǝ)l], doubt [daʋt], fastened ['fɑ:s(ǝ)nd]

   “'We will see what the doctor says,' I answered. “You must stop work now, and when you go downstairs just say that I wish to see Brunton.'
   “'The butler is gone,' said she.
   “'Gone! Gone where?”
   “'He is gone. No one has seen him. He is not in his room. Oh, yes, he is gone, he is gone!' She fell back against the wall with shriek after shriek of laughter, while I, horrified at this sudden hysterical attack, rushed to the bell to summon help. The girl was taken to her room, still screaming and sobbing, while I made inquiries about Brunton. There was no doubt about it that he had disappeared. His bed had not been slept in, he had been seen by no one since he had retired to his room the night before, and yet it was difficult to see how he could have left the house, as both windows and doors were found to be fastened in the morning.

   “'His clothes (его одежда), his watch (часы), and even his money were in his room (и даже деньги были в его комнате), but the black suit which he usually wore was missing (но черного костюма, который он обычно носил, не было). His slippers, too, were gone (его комнатные туфли тоже пропали), but his boots were left behind (но ботинки остались: «были оставлены»). Where then could butler Brunton have gone in the night (куда же мог деться дворецкий Брантон ночью), and what could have become of him now (и что с ним стало теперь)?
   “'Of course we searched the house from cellar to garret (разумеется, мы обыскали /весь/ дом от подвала до чердака), but there was no trace of him (но там не оказалось никаких его следов). It is, as I have said, a labyrinth of an old house (как я говорил, этот старинный дом – /настоящий/ лабиринт), especially the original wing (особенно самое старое крыло; original – первоначальный), which is now practically uninhabited (которое теперь практически необитаемо); but we ransacked every room and cellar without discovering the least sign of the missing man (однако мы обыскали каждую комнату и подвал, но не обнаружили ни малейшего следа пропавшего человека; to ransack – обыскивать, обшаривать). It was incredible to me (мне казалось немыслимым) that he could have gone away leaving all his property behind him (что он мог уйти, оставив все свое имущество), and yet where could he be (и все-таки где он мог быть)? I called in the local police, but without success (я вызвал местную полицию, но без результата). Rain had fallen on the night before (дождь прошел накануне вечером) and we examined the lawn and the paths all round the house, but in vain (мы осмотрели лужайку и дорожки вокруг дома, но это ни к чему не привело; in vain – напрасно, тщетно, безуспешно). Matters were in this state (дела находились в этом состоянии = так обстояло дело), when a new development quite drew our attention away from the original mystery (когда новое событие отвлекло наше внимание от первоначальной загадки).

   money ['mʌnɪ], cellar ['selǝ], labyrinth ['læbǝrɪnθ], property ['prɒpǝtɪ]

   “'His clothes, his watch, and even his money were in his room, but the black suit which he usually wore was missing. His slippers, too, were gone, but his boots were left behind. Where then could butler Brunton have gone in the night, and what could have become of him now?
   “'Of course we searched the house from cellar to garret, but there was no trace of him. It is, as I have said, a labyrinth of an old house, especially the original wing, which is now practically uninhabited; but we ransacked every room and cellar without discovering the least sign of the missing man. It was incredible to me that he could have gone away leaving all his property behind him, and yet where could he be? I called in the local police, but without success. Rain had fallen on the night before and we examined the lawn and the paths all round the house, but in vain. Matters were in this state, when a new development quite drew our attention away from the original mystery.

   “'For two days Rachel Howells had been so ill (два дня Рейчел Хауэллс была настолько больна), sometimes delirious (временами находилась в бреду; delirious – /находящийся/ в бреду; delirium – делирий, бред, расстройство сознания /сопровождаемое галлюцинациями, обычно зрительными/), sometimes hysterical (временами – в истерике), that a nurse had been employed to sit up with her at night (так что /пришлось/ приглашать к ней сиделку на ночь; to employ – нанимать; пользоваться услугами; использовать; to sit up – не ложиться спать, бодрствовать; дежурить у постели больного). On the third night after Brunton's disappearance (на третью ночь после исчезновения Брантона), the nurse, finding her patient sleeping nicely (сиделка, увидев, что больная спокойно спит; nicely – мило, хорошо, вполне), had dropped into a nap in the arm-chair (задремала в своем кресле; nap – дремота; короткий сон: to have/take a nap – вздремнуть), when she woke in the early morning to find the bed empty (когда она проснулась рано утром, то обнаружила, что кровать пуста; to wake), the window open (окно открыто), and no signs of the invalid (а больная исчезла: «больной нет ни следа»; sign – знак, признак; свидетельство).
   “'I was instantly aroused (меня тотчас разбудили), and, with the two footmen (и с двумя лакеями), started off at once in search of the missing girl (я немедленно отправился на поиски пропавшей девушки). It was not difficult to tell the direction which she had taken (нетрудно было определить направление, которое она выбрала), for, starting from under her window (так как, начиная от ее окна; from under – из-под), we could follow her footmarks easily across the lawn to the edge of the mere (мы легко проследили ее следы, /они шли/ по газону до кромки пруда; mere – озеро, пруд), where they vanished close to the gravel path (где они кончались рядом с посыпанной гравием дорожкой) which leads out of the grounds (выводящей из владений; grounds – угодья; сад, парк, участок земли вокруг дома). The lake there is eight feet deep (пруд в этом месте глубиной восемь футов; lake – озеро), and you can imagine our feelings when we saw (вы можете себе представить наши чувства, когда мы увидели) that the trail of the poor demented girl came to an end at the edge of it (что следы бедной помешанной девушки кончались у кромки воды; trail – след /человека или животного/: to be on the trail of somebody – напасть на чей-либо след; demented – сумасшедший; помешавшийся: to become demented – сойти с ума, лишиться рассудка).

   delirious [dɪ'lɪ(ǝ)rɪǝs], lawn [lɔ:n], mere [mɪǝ], demented [dɪ'mentɪd]

   “'For two days Rachel Howells had been so ill, sometimes delirious, sometimes hysterical, that a nurse had been employed to sit up with her at night. On the third night after Brunton's disappearance, the nurse, finding her patient sleeping nicely, had dropped into a nap in the arm-chair, when she woke in the early morning to find the bed empty, the window open, and no signs of the invalid.
   “'I was instantly aroused, and, with the two footmen, started off at once in search of the missing girl. It was not difficult to tell the direction which she had taken, for, starting from under her window, we could follow her footmarks easily across the lawn to the edge of the mere, where they vanished close to the gravel path which leads out of the grounds. The lake there is eight feet deep, and you can imagine our feelings when we saw that the trail of the poor demented girl came to an end at the edge of it.

   “'Of course, we had the drags at once (разумеется, мы немедленно схватили драги; drag – драга; кошка, трал /устройство для извлечения предметов со дна рек или водоемов, особенно для извлечения тел утопленников/; to drag – тащить, волочить), and set to work to recover the remains (и принялись за дело, чтобы вытащить останки; to set to work – приступать к делу, приниматься за работу; to recover – вновь обретать; доставать; находить), but no trace of the body could we find (но тела не нашли). On the other hand (с другой стороны), we brought to the surface an object of a most unexpected kind (мы извлекли на поверхность совершенно неожиданный предмет; to bring; to expect – ожидать). It was a linen bag (это был полотняный мешок) which contained within it a mass of old rusted and discolored metal (содержавший множество /кусков/ старого заржавленного, потерявшего цвет металла; to discolor – обесцвечиваться, выцветать) and several dull-colored pieces of pebble or glass (и несколько тусклых осколков гальки или стекла; pebble – голыш, галька, булыжник; линза из горного хрусталя). This strange find was all that we could get from the mere (эта странная находка была всем, что мы достали = кроме этой странной находки мы ничего не достали из пруда), and, although we made every possible search and inquiry yesterday (и, несмотря на все наши поиски и расспросы, /сделанные/ вчера; every possible – всевозможный, всякий), we know nothing of the fate either of Rachel Howells or of Richard Brunton (мы ничего не знаем о судьбе ни Рейчел Хауэллс, ни Ричарда Брантона). The county police are at their wit's end (полиция графства зашла в тупик; to be at one's wit's end – быть в крайнем недоумении, в тупике; не знать, что делать, как поступить: «быть у конца своего разума»), and I have come up to you as a last resource (и я пришел к вам как к последней надежде; resource – ресурс; возможность, средство; шанс /спасения/).'
   “You can imagine, Watson, with what eagerness I listened to this extraordinary sequence of events (можете себе представить, Ватсон, с каким интересом я слушал этот необыкновенный рассказ: «последовательность событий»), and endeavored to piece them together (и пытался связать их вместе), and to devise some common thread upon which they might all hang (и найти общую нить, на которой они все висели/держались; to devise – разрабатывать, продумывать /планы, идеи/; thread – нить, связь).

   surface ['sɜ:fɪs], glass [ɡlɑ:s], although [ɔ:l'ðǝʋ], sequence ['si:kwǝns]

   “'Of course, we had the drags at once, and set to work to recover the remains, but no trace of the body could we find. On the other hand, we brought to the surface an object of a most unexpected kind. It was a linen bag which contained within it a mass of old rusted and discolored metal and several dull-colored pieces of pebble or glass. This strange find was all that we could get from the mere, and, although we made every possible search and inquiry yesterday, we know nothing of the fate either of Rachel Howells or of Richard Brunton. The county police are at their wit's end, and I have come up to you as a last resource.'
   “You can imagine, Watson, with what eagerness I listened to this extraordinary sequence of events, and endeavored to piece them together, and to devise some common thread upon which they might all hang.

   “The butler was gone (дворецкий пропал). The maid was gone (горничная пропала). The maid had loved the butler (горничная любила дворецкого), but had afterwards had cause to hate him (но потом получила основания ненавидеть его). She was of Welsh blood, fiery and passionate (она была уроженка Уэльса: «уэльской крови», необузданная и горячая; passionate – страстный; вспыльчивый, горячий). She had been terribly excited immediately after his disappearance (она была крайне возбуждена сразу после его исчезновения). She had flung into the lake a bag containing some curious contents (она бросила в пруд мешок с довольно странным содержанием; to fling). These were all factors which had to be taken into consideration (все эти факторы необходимо было принять во внимание), and yet none of them got quite to the heart of the matter (однако ни один из них не раскрывал сути дела; to get to the heart of the matter – дойти до сути /дела/). What was the starting-point of this chain of events (где была отправная точка этой цепи событий)? There lay the end of this tangled line (/передо мной/ лежал /лишь/ конец этой запутанной веревки = цепи).
   “'I must see that paper, Musgrave (мне необходимо увидеть ту бумагу, Месгрейв),' said I, 'which this butler of yours thought it worth his while to consult (изучение которой ваш дворецкий считал очень важным; worth one's while – стоящий затраченного времени или труда; to consult – советоваться; справляться), even at the risk of the loss of his place (даже /несмотря на/ риск потерять место; loss – потеря, утрата).'

   fiery ['faɪǝrɪ], curious ['kjʋǝrɪǝs], contents ['kɒntǝnts], consult [kǝn'sʌlt]

   “The butler was gone. The maid was gone. The maid had loved the butler, but had afterwards had cause to hate him. She was of Welsh blood, fiery and passionate. She had been terribly excited immediately after his disappearance. She had flung into the lake a bag containing some curious contents. These were all factors which had to be taken into consideration, and yet none of them got quite to the heart of the matter. What was the starting‑point of this chain of events? There lay the end of this tangled line.
   “'I must see that paper, Musgrave,' said I, 'which this butler of yours thought it worth his while to consult, even at the risk of the loss of his place.'

   “'It is rather an absurd business (это довольно нелепое дело/нелепая вещь), this ritual of ours (этот наш обряд),' he answered (ответил он). 'But it has at least the saving grace of antiquity to excuse it (единственное, что его оправдывает, – его древность; saving grace – спасительная благодать; положительное качество, перевешивающее недостатки; to excuse – извинять/ся/, прощать; оправдывать). I have a copy of the questions and answers here (вот копия вопросов и ответов) if you care to run your eye over them (если хотите взглянуть на них; to run one's eye over something – бегло взглянуть на что-либо, пробежать глазами).'
   “He handed me the very paper which I have here, Watson (он передал мне ту самую бумагу, которую я держу /в руках/, Ватсон), and this is the strange catechism to which each Musgrave had to submit (и это есть то странное испытание, которому должен был подвергаться каждый Месгрейв; catechism – катехизис; изложение основ чего-либо в форме вопросов и ответов; ряд вопросов и ответов; to submit – подчинять/ся/, покорять/ся/; подвергать) when he came to man's estate (когда достигал совершеннолетия; man's estate – возмужалость, зрелость, совершеннолетие мужчины; estate – состояние, положение). I will read you the questions and answers as they stand (я прочитаю вам вопросы и ответы /так/, как они записаны здесь; as it stands – в данных условиях, так, как есть: «как это стоит»).
   “'Whose was it (кому это принадлежало)?'
   “'His who is gone (тому, кто ушел).'
   “'Who shall have it (кому это будет принадлежать)?'
   “'He who will come (тому, кто придет).'
   “'What was the month (в каком месяце это было)?'
   “'The sixth from the first (в шестом, начиная с первого).'
   “'Where was the sun (где было солнце)?'
   “'Over the oak (над дубом).'

   antiquity [æn'tɪkwǝtɪ], catechism ['kætǝkɪz(ǝ)m], submit [sǝb'mɪt]

   “'It is rather an absurd business, this ritual of ours,' he answered. 'But it has at least the saving grace of antiquity to excuse it. I have a copy of the questions and answers here if you care to run your eye over them.'
   “He handed me the very paper which I have here, Watson, and this is the strange catechism to which each Musgrave had to submit when he came to man's estate. I will read you the questions and answers as they stand.
   “'Whose was it?'
   “'His who is gone.'
   “'Who shall have it?'
   “'He who will come.'
   “'What was the month?'
   “'The sixth from the first.'
   “'Where was the sun?'
   “'Over the oak.'

   “'Where was the shadow (где была тень)?'
   “'Under the elm (под вязом).'
   “'How was it stepped (сколько надо было сделать шагов; to step – ступать, шагать, делать шаг; step – шаг)?'
   “'North by ten and by ten (на север – десять и десять), east by five and by five (на восток – пять и пять), south by two and by two (на юг – два и два), west by one and by one (на запад – один и один), and so under (и затем вниз).'
   “'What shall we give for it (что мы отдадим за это)?'
   “'All that is ours (все, что наше = все, что у нас есть).'
   “'Why should we give it (ради чего мы отдадим это)?'
   “'For the sake of the trust (ради долга; trust – вера, доверие; долг).'
   “'The original has no date (в оригинале нет даты), but is in the spelling of the middle of the seventeenth century (но, судя по орфографии, он /относится/ к середине семнадцатого века; spelling – орфография, правописание; to spell – писать или произносить /слово/ по буквам),' remarked Musgrave (заметил Месгрейв). 'I am afraid, however (впрочем, боюсь), that it can be of little help to you in solving this mystery (что он мало поможет вам в раскрытии этой тайны).'

   south [saʋθ], century ['senʧ(ǝ)rɪ], remarked [rɪ'mɑ:kt]

   “'Where was the shadow?'
   “'Under the elm.'
   “'How was it stepped?'
   “'North by ten and by ten, east by five and by five, south by two and by two, west by one and by one, and so under.'
   “'What shall we give for it?'
   “'All that is ours.'
   “'Why should we give it?'
   “'For the sake of the trust.'
   “'The original has no date, but is in the spelling of the middle of the seventeenth century,' remarked Musgrave. 'I am afraid, however, that it can be of little help to you in solving this mystery.'

   “'At least (по крайней мере),' said I, 'it gives us another mystery (он ставит перед нами: «дает нам» другую загадку), and one which is even more interesting than the first (даже еще более интересную, чем первая). It may be that the solution of the one (может случиться так, что решение одной) may prove to be the solution of the other (окажется решением и другой). You will excuse me, Musgrave, if I say (извините меня = надеюсь, вы не обидитесь, Месгрейв, если я скажу) that your butler appears to me to have been a very clever man (что ваш дворецкий кажется мне очень умным человеком), and to have had a clearer insight (обладающим большей проницательностью; insight – проницательность; понимание) than ten generations of his masters (чем десять поколений его господ).'
   “'I hardly follow you (я вас не понимаю; hardly – едва, вряд ли; с трудом),' said Musgrave. 'The paper seems to me to be of no practical importance (мне кажется, эта бумага не имеет никакого практического значения).'
   “'But to me it seems immensely practical (а мне она кажется чрезвычайно практической = важной в практическом плане), and I fancy that Brunton took the same view (и, полагаю, Брантон придерживался того же мнения). He had probably seen it before that night on which you caught him (вероятно, он видел бумагу и до той ночи, когда вы застали его /в библиотеке/; to catch – ловить).'

   generation [,ʤenǝ'reɪʃ(ǝ)n], immensely [ɪ'menslɪ], view [vju:], caught [kɔ:t]

   “'At least,' said I, 'it gives us another mystery, and one which is even more interesting than the first. It may be that the solution of the one may prove to be the solution of the other. You will excuse me, Musgrave, if I say that your butler appears to me to have been a very clever man, and to have had a clearer insight than ten generations of his masters.'
   “'I hardly follow you,' said Musgrave. 'The paper seems to me to be of no practical importance.'
   “'But to me it seems immensely practical, and I fancy that Brunton took the same view. He had probably seen it before that night on which you caught him.'

   “'It is very possible (вполне вероятно). We took no pains to hide it (мы и не старались спрятать ее; to take pains – прилагать усилия, стараться).'
   “'He simply wished, I should imagine (надо полагать, он просто хотел), to refresh his memory upon that last occasion (освежить свою память в последний раз; occasion – возможность, /благоприятный/ случай, шанс). He had, as I understand, some sort of map or chart (как я понимаю, у него была своего рода карта или план; chart – карта; график, диаграмма, схема, план) which he was comparing with the manuscript (который он сравнивал с манускриптом), and which he thrust into his pocket when you appeared (и который он сунул в карман, когда вы появились).'
   “'That is true (верно). But what could he have to do with this old family custom of ours (но какое отношение он имеет к нашему старинному семейному обряду: «обычаю»; to have to do with smth. – иметь дело с чем-либо, иметь отношение к чему-либо), and what does this rigmarole mean (и что означает этот вздор; rigmarole – пустая болтовня, вздор)?'
   “'I don't think that we should have much difficulty in determining that (не думаю, что у нас будет много затруднений в определении этого = думаю, это мы выясним без особого труда),' said I; 'with your permission we will take the first train down to Sussex (с вашего позволения, мы первым /же/ поездом отправимся в Суссекс; to permit – позволять, разрешать), and go a little more deeply into the matter upon the spot (и вникнем в дело немного глубже на месте).'

   occasion [ǝ'keɪʒ(ǝ)n], chart [ʧɑ:t], rigmarole ['rɪɡmǝrǝʋl]

   “'It is very possible. We took no pains to hide it.'
   “'He simply wished, I should imagine, to refresh his memory upon that last occasion. He had, as I understand, some sort of map or chart which he was comparing with the manuscript, and which he thrust into his pocket when you appeared.'
   “'That is true. But what could he have to do with this old family custom of ours, and what does this rigmarole mean?'
   “'I don't think that we should have much difficulty in determining that,' said I; 'with your permission we will take the first train down to Sussex, and go a little more deeply into the matter upon the spot.'

   “The same afternoon saw us both at Hurlstone (тот же день застал нас в Херлстоне = в тот же день мы прибыли в Херлстон). Possibly you have seen pictures and read descriptions of the famous old building (возможно, вы видели изображения и читали описания этого знаменитого старинного здания), so I will confine my account of it to saying (поэтому я ограничу свой рассказ о нем = скажу лишь; to confine – ограничивать; confine – граница, предел) that it is built in the shape of an L (что оно построено в виде /буквы/ «L»; shape – форма, очертание, вид), the long arm being the more modern portion (длинное крыло является более современной частью; arm – рука; стрела /крана/; плечо /рычага/; portion – часть, доля, отдел), and the shorter the ancient nucleus (более короткое – древним центром; nucleus – ядро, центр), from which the other had developed (из которого выросло второе /крыло/; to develop – развивать/ся/, расти). Over the low, heavily-lintelled door (над низкой, массивной дверью; lintel – притолока; перемычка /над оконным или дверным проемом/), in the centre of this old part (в центре старинной части), is chiseled the date, 1607 (высечена дата «1607»; chisel – долото, стамеска; to chisel – высекать, чеканить), but experts are agreed that the beams and stone-work (но знатоки сходятся во мнении, что балки и каменная кладка; beam – луч; балка; брус) are really much older than this (на самом деле значительно старше). The enormously thick walls and tiny windows of this part (чрезвычайно толстые стены и крошечные окна этой части /здания/) had in the last century driven the family into building the new wing (в прошлом веке побудили семейство построить новое крыло; to drive-drove-driven – гнать; побуждать), and the old one was used now as a store-house and a cellar (а старое теперь использовалось как кладовая и погреб), when it was used at all (если вообще использовалось). A splendid park with fine old timber surrounds the house (великолепный парк с прекрасными старыми деревьями окружает дом; timber – лесоматериал; лесистый участок, район; лесные угодья), and the lake, to which my client had referred (а пруд, о котором упоминал мой клиент), lay close to the avenue (находился недалеко от аллеи; to lie – лежать; располагаться), about two hundred yards from the building (примерно в двухстах ярдах от здания).

   building ['bɪldɪŋ], nucleus ['nju:klɪǝs], enormously [ɪ'nɔ:mǝslɪ], avenue ['ævǝnju:]

   “The same afternoon saw us both at Hurlstone. Possibly you have seen pictures and read descriptions of the famous old building, so I will confine my account of it to saying that it is built in the shape of an L, the long arm being the more modern portion, and the shorter the ancient nucleus, from which the other had developed. Over the low, heavily-lintelled door, in the centre of this old part, is chiseled the date, 1607, but experts are agreed that the beams and stone-work are really much older than this. The enormously thick walls and tiny windows of this part had in the last century driven the family into building the new wing, and the old one was used now as a store-house and a cellar, when it was used at all. A splendid park with fine old timber surrounds the house, and the lake, to which my client had referred, lay close to the avenue, about two hundred yards from the building.

   “I was already firmly convinced, Watson (я был уже твердо убежден, Ватсон), that there were not three separate mysteries here (что тут не было трех отдельных загадок), but one only, and that if I could read the Musgrave Ritual aright (а только одна, и что если бы я смог правильно понять «Обряд дома Месгрейвов») I should hold in my hand the clue (у меня бы появилась нить) which would lead me to the truth concerning both the butler Brunton and the maid Howells (которая привела бы меня к правде относительно = к разгадке исчезновения и дворецкого Брантона, и горничной Хауэллс). To that then I turned all my energies (на это я направил все силы). Why should this servant be so anxious to master this old formula (почему слуга так стремился проникнуть в /суть/ этой старинной формулы; to master – одолевать; овладевать, усваивать)? Evidently because he saw something in it (очевидно, потому что он увидел в ней нечто) which had escaped all those generations of country squires (что ускользало от /внимания/ всех тех поколений местных помещиков; country – страна; /сельская/ местность, территория; squire – сквайр; /местный/ помещик, самый влиятельный землевладелец в округе), and from which he expected some personal advantage (и из чего он предполагал /извлечь/ какую-то личную выгоду). What was it then, and how had it affected his fate (что же это было и как это отразилось на его судьбе)?
   “It was perfectly obvious to me, on reading the ritual (мне стало совершенно ясно, когда я прочитал обряд), that the measurements must refer to some spot (что цифры: «измерения» относятся к какому-то месту; to measure – измерять) to which the rest of the document alluded (на которое ссылается остальная часть документа), and that if we could find that spot (и что если бы мы нашли это место), we should be in a fair way towards finding what the secret was (мы оказались бы на верном пути к выяснению тайны) which the old Musgraves had thought it necessary to embalm in so curious a fashion (которую прежние Месгрейвы сочли необходимым сохранить таким странным способом; to embalm – бальзамировать /тело/; сохранять от забвения).

   formula ['fɔ:mjʋlǝ], measurement ['meʒǝmǝnt], embalm [ɪm'bɑ:m]

   “I was already firmly convinced, Watson, that there were not three separate mysteries here, but one only, and that if I could read the Musgrave Ritual aright I should hold in my hand the clue which would lead me to the truth concerning both the butler Brunton and the maid Howells. To that then I turned all my energies. Why should this servant be so anxious to master this old formula? Evidently because he saw something in it which had escaped all those generations of country squires, and from which he expected some personal advantage. What was it then, and how had it affected his fate?
   “It was perfectly obvious to me, on reading the ritual, that the measurements must refer to some spot to which the rest of the document alluded, and that if we could find that spot, we should be in a fair way towards finding what the secret was which the old Musgraves had thought it necessary to embalm in so curious a fashion.

   “There were two guides given us to start with (для начала нам были даны два ориентира), an oak and an elm (дуб и вяз). As to the oak there could be no question at all (что касается дуба, то тут вообще не было никаких затруднений; question – вопрос; сомнение, возражение; to make no question of something – не сомневаться в чем-либо). Right in front of the house (прямо перед домом), upon the left-hand side of the drive (слева от дороги; drive – езда; дорога для экипажей; подъездная аллея /к дому/), there stood a patriarch among oaks (стоял дуб-патриарх: «патриарх среди дубов»), one of the most magnificent trees that I have ever seen (одно из великолепнейших = внушительнейших деревьев, что я когда-либо видел).
   “'That was there when your ritual was drawn up (он был здесь, когда ваш обряд был записан; to draw up – составлять /документ/),' said I, as we drove past it (сказал я, когда мы проезжали мимо него).
   “'It was there at the Norman Conquest in all probability (по всей вероятности, он стоял здесь /еще/ во время Нормандского завоевания; Norman Conquest – Нормандское завоевание /завоевание Англии норманнами в 1066 году/),' he answered (ответил он). 'It has a girth of twenty-three feet (он имеет двадцать три фута в обхвате; girth – обхват /дерева, талии/).'
   “'Have you any old elms (у вас есть старые вязы)?' I asked.
   “'There used to be a very old one over yonder (был один очень старый вон там) but it was struck by lightning ten years ago (но в него ударила молния десять лет назад; to strike), and we cut down the stump (и мы срубили то, что осталось; stump – пень, обрубок; дерево с обрезанной верхушкой).'

   guide [ɡaɪd], patriarch ['peɪtrɪɑ:k], conquest ['kɒŋkwest]

   “There were two guides given us to start with, an oak and an elm. As to the oak there could be no question at all. Right in front of the house, upon the left-hand side of the drive, there stood a patriarch among oaks, one of the most magnificent trees that I have ever seen.
   “'That was there when your ritual was drawn up,' said I, as we drove past it.
   “'It was there at the Norman Conquest in all probability,' he answered. 'It has a girth of twenty-three feet.'
   “'Have you any old elms?' I asked.
   “'There used to be a very old one over yonder but it was struck by lightning ten years ago, and we cut down the stump.'

   “'You can see where it used to be (вы знаете, где он был раньше)?'
   “'Oh, yes (ну да, /конечно/).'
   “'There are no other elms (а других вязов здесь нет)?'
   “'No old ones, but plenty of beeches (старых нет, но много буков).'
   “'I should like to see where it grew (мне хотелось бы взглянуть, где он рос).'
   “We had driven up in a dogcart (мы приехали в двуколке; dogcart – двухколесный двухместный экипаж /под задним сиденьем находится место для охотничьих собак/; cart – телега; повозка; двуколка; dog – собака), and my client led me away at once (и мой клиент повел меня сразу), without our entering the house (не заходя в дом), to the scar on the lawn where the elm had stood (к тому месту на газоне, где прежде рос вяз; scar – рубец, шрам). It was nearly midway between the oak and the house (оно находилось примерно посередине между дубом и домом). My investigation seemed to be progressing (мое расследование шло успешно: «казалось продвигающимся»).
   “'I suppose it is impossible to find out how high the elm was (полагаю, /теперь/ невозможно определить высоту вяза: «насколько высоким был вяз»; to find out – узнать, выяснить)?' I asked (спросил я).

   dogcart ['dɒɡkɑ:t], scar [skɑ:], progressing ['prǝʋɡresɪŋ]

   “'You can see where it used to be?'
   “'Oh, yes.'
   “'There are no other elms?'
   “'No old ones, but plenty of beeches.'
   “'I should like to see where it grew.'
   “We had driven up in a dogcart, and my client led me away at once, without our entering the house, to the scar on the lawn where the elm had stood. It was nearly midway between the oak and the house. My investigation seemed to be progressing.
   “'I suppose it is impossible to find out how high the elm was?' I asked.

   “'I can give you it at once (могу вам сейчас же это сказать). It was sixty-four feet (он был шестьдесят четыре фута высотой /около 19,5 м/).'
   “'How do you come to know it (как вам удалось это узнать)?' I asked, in surprise (спросил я с удивлением).
   “'When my old tutor used to give me an exercise in trigonometry (когда мой старый домашний учитель задавал мне задачи по тригонометрии), it always took the shape of measuring heights (они всегда принимали форму измерения высот = были построены на измерении высоты). When I was a lad (когда я был мальчиком) I worked out every tree and building in the estate (я высчитал высоту каждого дерева и строения в поместье; to work out – высчитать, вычислить; решить /задачу/).'
   “This was an unexpected piece of luck (это была неожиданная удача). My data were coming more quickly (сведения приходили ко мне быстрее) than I could have reasonably hoped (чем я мог рассчитывать; reasonably – разумно; рассудительно).
   “'Tell me (скажите),' I asked, 'did your butler ever ask you such a question (а ваш дворецкий когда-нибудь задавал вам тот же вопрос)?'
   “Reginald Musgrave looked at me in astonishment (Реджинальд Месгрейв посмотрел на меня удивленно).
   'Now that you call it to my mind (теперь, когда вы напомнили мне = теперь припоминаю),' he answered, 'Brunton did ask me about the height of the tree some months ago (Брантон действительно спрашивал меня о высоте этого дерева несколько месяцев назад), in connection with some little argument with the groom (в связи с каким-то незначительным спором с конюхом; to groom – ходить за лошадью, чистить лошадь; ухаживать, холить).'

   trigonometry [,trɪɡǝ'nɒmǝtrɪ], height [haɪt], argument ['ɑ:ɡjʋmǝnt]

   “'I can give you it at once. It was sixty-four feet.'
   “'How do you come to know it?' I asked, in surprise.
   “'When my old tutor used to give me an exercise in trigonometry, it always took the shape of measuring heights. When I was a lad I worked out every tree and building in the estate.'
   “This was an unexpected piece of luck. My data were coming more quickly than I could have reasonably hoped.
   “'Tell me,' I asked, 'did your butler ever ask you such a question?'
   “Reginald Musgrave looked at me in astonishment.
   'Now that you call it to my mind,' he answered, 'Brunton did ask me about the height of the tree some months ago, in connection with some little argument with the groom.'

   “This was excellent news, Watson (это было превосходное известие, Ватсон), for it showed me that I was on the right road (поскольку оно показало, что я на правильном пути). I looked up at the sun (я взглянул на солнце). It was low in the heavens (оно находилось низко на небесах = заходило), and I calculated that in less than an hour it would lie just above the topmost branches of the old oak (и я рассчитал, что меньше чем через час оно будет как раз над самыми верхними ветвями старого дуба). One condition mentioned in the Ritual would then be fulfilled (одно условие, упомянутое в «Обряде», тогда будет выполнено). And the shadow of the elm must mean the farther end of the shadow (а тень от вяза должна означать самый дальний конец этой тени), otherwise the trunk would have been chosen as the guide (в противном случае в качестве указателя выбрали бы ствол; to choose-chose-chosen). I had, then, to find where the far end of the shadow would fall (итак, мне нужно было определить, куда упадет /дальний/ конец тени) when the sun was just clear of the oak (когда солнце окажется прямо над дубом; clear – ясный, четкий; полный, целый).”
   “That must have been difficult, Holmes (должно быть, это было трудно, Холмс), when the elm was no longer there (ведь вяза больше там не было).”
   “Well, at least I knew that if Brunton could do it, I could also (по крайней мере я знал, что если Брантон мог это сделать, то и я смогу). Besides, there was no real difficulty (кроме того, на самом деле это было нетрудно). I went with Musgrave to his study and whittled myself this peg (я пошел вместе с Месгрейвом в его кабинет и сам вырезал этот колышек; to whittle – строгать или оттачивать ножом /дерево/; вырезать), to which I tied this long string with a knot at each yard (к которому привязал эту длинную веревку с узелком на каждом ярде = отметив каждый ярд узелком).

   calculated ['kælkjʋleɪtɪd], mentioned ['menʃ(ǝ)nd], knot [nɒt]

   “This was excellent news, Watson, for it showed me that I was on the right road. I looked up at the sun. It was low in the heavens, and I calculated that in less than an hour it would lie just above the topmost branches of the old oak. One condition mentioned in the Ritual would then be fulfilled. And the shadow of the elm must mean the farther end of the shadow, otherwise the trunk would have been chosen as the guide. I had, then, to find where the far end of the shadow would fall when the sun was just clear of the oak.”
   “That must have been difficult, Holmes, when the elm was no longer there.”
   “Well, at least I knew that if Brunton could do it, I could also. Besides, there was no real difficulty. I went with Musgrave to his study and whittled myself this peg, to which I tied this long string with a knot at each yard.

   “Then I took two lengths of a fishing-rod (затем я взял два куска удилища /и соединил их/; length – длина; кусок, отрезок /троса, трубы или провода/; to fish – ловить рыбу; rod – прут, стержень, ветвь; удочка), which came to just six feet (что составило шесть футов), and I went back with my client to where the elm had been (и мы с клиентом вернулись к /тому месту/, где рос вяз). The sun was just grazing the top of the oak (солнце как раз касалось вершины дуба; to graze – слегка касаться, задевать; скользить по поверхности /о луче света/). I fastened the rod on end (я установил палку вертикально; on end – стоймя; дыбом; вертикально), marked out the direction of the shadow (отметил направление тени), and measured it (измерил ее). It was nine feet in length (она была девять футов длиной).
   “Of course the calculation now was a simple one (естественно, теперь вычисления были простыми). If a rod of six feet threw a shadow of nine (если палка длиной шесть футов отбрасывает тень в девять /футов/), a tree of sixty-four feet would throw one of ninety-six (то дерево /высотой/ шестьдесят четыре фута отбросит тень в девяносто шесть футов), and the line of the one would of course be the line of the other (и направление одной, разумеется, совпадет с направлением другой). I measured out the distance (я отмерил это расстояние), which brought me almost to the wall of the house (которое привело меня почти к стене дома), and I thrust a peg into the spot (и я воткнул колышек в том месте). You can imagine my exultation, Watson (можете представить мое торжество, Ватсон), when within two inches of my peg (когда в двух дюймах от своего колышка) I saw a conical depression in the ground (я увидел конусообразное углубление в земле). I knew that it was the mark made by Brunton in his measurements (я понял, что это была отметина, сделанная Брантоном при его измерениях), and that I was still upon his trail (и что я по-прежнему шел по его следу).

   fastened ['fɑ:s(ǝ)nd], brought [brɔ:t], exultation [,eɡzʌl'teɪʃ(ǝ)n]

   “Then I took two lengths of a fishing-rod, which came to just six feet, and I went back with my client to where the elm had been. The sun was just grazing the top of the oak. I fastened the rod on end, marked out the direction of the shadow, and measured it. It was nine feet in length.
   “Of course the calculation now was a simple one. If a rod of six feet threw a shadow of nine, a tree of sixty-four feet would throw one of ninety-six, and the line of the one would of course the line of the other. I measured out the distance, which brought me almost to the wall of the house, and I thrust a peg into the spot. You can imagine my exultation, Watson, when within two inches of my peg I saw a conical depression in the ground. I knew that it was the mark made by Brunton in his measurements, and that I was still upon his trail.

   “From this starting-point I proceeded to step (от этой исходной точки я начал /отсчитывать/ шаги; to proceed to – приступать к; приниматься за), having first taken the cardinal points by my pocket-compass (сначала определив страны света с помощью карманного компаса; cardinal – основной, главный). Ten steps with each foot took me along parallel with the wall of the house (десять шагов каждой ногой повели меня параллельно стене дома), and again I marked my spot with a peg (и снова я отметил место колышком). Then I carefully paced off five to the east (затем я тщательно отсчитал пять /шагов/ на восток) and two to the south (и два на юг). It brought me to the very threshold of the old door (они привели меня к самому порогу старой двери). Two steps to the west meant now (два шага на запад означали теперь) that I was to go two paces down the stone-flagged passage (что мне придется сделать два шага по выложенному каменными плитами коридору; to flag – мостить плитами; flag – каменная плита; плитняк), and this was the place indicated by the Ritual (это и было место, указанное в «Обряде»).
   “Never have I felt such a cold chill of disappointment, Watson (никогда я не испытывал такого горького разочарования, Ватсон; chill – холод; озноб, дрожь). For a moment it seemed to me (на минуту мне показалось) that there must be some radical mistake in my calculations (что в моих вычислениях /допущена/ какая-то грубая, существенная ошибка). The setting sun shone full upon the passage floor (заходящее солнце ярко освещало пол коридора; to shine), and I could see that the old, foot-worn gray stones (и я видел, что старые, истертые ногами серые каменные плиты; foot-worn – исхоженный, утоптанный, истертый ногами) with which it was paved were firmly cemented together (которыми он был выложен, крепко связаны замазкой), and had certainly not been moved for many a long year (и, естественно, их не сдвигали с места в течение многих лет).

   parallel ['pærǝlel], threshold ['θreʃ(h)ǝʋld], cemented [sɪ'mentɪd]

   “From this starting-point I proceeded to step, having first taken the cardinal points by my pocket-compass. Ten steps with each foot took me along parallel with the wall of the house, and again I marked my spot with a peg. Then I carefully paced off five to the east and two to the south. It brought me to the very threshold of the old door. Two steps to the west meant now that I was to go two paces down the stone-flagged passage, and this was the place indicated by the Ritual.
   “Never have I felt such a cold chill of disappointment, Watson. For a moment it seemed to me that there must be some radical mistake in my calculations. The setting sun shone full upon the passage floor, and I could see that the old, foot‑worn gray stones with which it was paved were firmly cemented together, and had certainly not been moved for many a long year.

   “Brunton had not been at work here (Брантон здесь ничего не делал: «не поработал»). I tapped upon the floor (я постучал по полу /в нескольких местах/), but it sounded the same all over (но он всюду звучал одинаково), and there was no sign of any crack or crevice (не было никаких признаков трещины или щели). But, fortunately, Musgrave, who had begun to appreciate the meaning of my proceedings (но к счастью, Месгрейв, который начал понимать смысл моих действий; to begin-began-begun), and who was now as excited as myself (и который был теперь так же взволнован, как и я), took out his manuscript to check my calculation (достал манускрипт, чтобы проверить мои расчеты).
   “'And under (и вниз),' he cried (вскричал он). 'You have omitted the “and under (вы упустили /слова/: «и вниз»).”'
   “I had thought that it meant that we were to dig (я думал, это означало, что нам нужно копать; to mean), but now, of course, I saw at once that I was wrong (но теперь, разумеется, я тотчас понял, что ошибался).
   'There is a cellar under this then (значит, там внизу есть подвал)?' I cried.
   “'Yes, and as old as the house (да, такой же старый, как и дом). Down here, through this door (вниз, через эту дверь).'

   appreciate [ǝ'pri:ʃɪeɪt], excited [ɪk'saɪtɪd], course [kɔ:s], cellar ['selǝ], door [dɔ:]

   “Brunton had not been at work here. I tapped upon the floor, but it sounded the same all over, and there was no sign of any crack or crevice. But, fortunately, Musgrave, who had begun to appreciate the meaning of my proceedings, and who was now as excited as myself, took out his manuscript to check my calculation.
   “'And under,' he cried. 'You have omitted the “and under.”'
   “I had thought that it meant that we were to dig, but now, of course, I saw at once that I was wrong.
   'There is a cellar under this then?' I cried.
   “'Yes, and as old as the house. Down here, through this door.'

   “We went down a winding stone stair (мы спустились вниз по винтовой каменной лестнице), and my companion, striking a match (и мой спутник, чиркнув спичкой), lit a large lantern which stood on a barrel in the corner (зажег большой фонарь, стоявший на бочке в углу). In an instant it was obvious (в одно мгновение стало очевидно) that we had at last come upon the true place (что мы наконец-то нашли то, что искали: «истинное место»; to come upon smth. – напасть неожиданно, натолкнуться на что-либо), and that we had not been the only people to visit the spot recently (и что мы были не единственными людьми, кто недавно посетил это место).
   “It had been used for the storage of wood (подвал использовался для хранения дров), but the billets, which had evidently been littered over the floor (но поленья, которые, по-видимому, /раньше/ были разбросаны по полу; to litter – сорить, разбрасывать вещи, делать беспорядок), were now piled at the sides (теперь были отодвинуты в стороны; to pile – складывать, сваливать в кучу), so as to leave a clear space in the middle (так, чтобы оставить свободное пространство посередине). In this space lay a large and heavy flagstone (здесь лежала огромная и тяжелая каменная плита) with a rusted iron ring in the centre (с заржавленным железным кольцом в центре) to which a thick shepherd's-check muffler was attached (к которому был привязан толстый клетчатый шарф; shepherd's-check – мелкий шашечный рисунок; черно-белая клетка; шерстяная ткань в черно-белую клетку; shepherd – пастух).
   “'By Jove (черт возьми: «клянусь Юпитером!»)!' cried my client (вскричал мой клиент). 'That's Brunton's muffler (это шарф Брантона). I have seen it on him, and could swear to it (я видел этот шарф на нем, могу поклясться в этом). What has the villain been doing here (что этот негодяй здесь делал)?'

   lantern ['læntǝn], recently ['ri:s(ǝ)ntlɪ], storage ['stɔ:rɪʤ], iron ['aɪǝn]

   “We went down a winding stone stair, and my companion, striking a match, lit a large lantern which stood on a barrel in the corner. In an instant it was obvious that we had at last come upon the true place, and that we had not been the only people to visit the spot recently.
   “It had been used for the storage of wood, but the billets, which had evidently been littered over the floor, were now piled at the sides, so as to leave a clear space in the middle. In this space lay a large and heavy flagstone with a rusted iron ring in the centre to which a thick shepherd's-check muffler was attached.
   “'By Jove!' cried my client. 'That's Brunton's muffler. I have seen it on him, and could swear to it. What has the villain been doing here?'

   “At my suggestion a couple of the county police were summoned to be present (по моему предложению были вызваны два /констебля из/ полиции графства; to be present – присутствовать), and I then endeavored to raise the stone by pulling on the cravat (и затем я попытался поднять плиту, потянув за шарф). I could only move it slightly (я лишь едва мог двинуть ее), and it was with the aid of one of the constables (и только с помощью одного из констеблей) that I succeeded at last in carrying it to one side (мне удалось наконец сдвинуть: «перенести» ее в сторону). A black hole yawned beneath into which we all peered (черная яма зияла под ней, в которую мы все заглянули), while Musgrave, kneeling at the side (а Месгрейв, встав на колени на краю), pushed down the lantern (опустил туда фонарь).
   “A small chamber about seven feet deep (маленькая комнатка примерно семь футов глубиной) and four feet square lay open to us (с квадратным основанием, шириной и длиной около четырех /футов/, открылась перед нами; square – квадрат; квадратный, с квадратным основанием). At one side of this was a squat (в одной стороне стоял низкий и широкий), brass-bound wooden box (отделанный медью деревянный сундук; brass-bound – отделанный медью: brass-bound box – коробка с медными накладками), the lid of which was hinged upwards (крышка которого была откинута), with this curious old-fashioned key projecting from the lock (этот необычный старомодный ключ торчал из замка). It was furred outside by a thick layer of dust (снаружи он был покрыт толстым слоем пыли; fur – мех; накипь /в чайнике, котле/; осадок /в винной бочке/), and damp and worms had eaten through the wood (сырость и черви так изъели дерево), so that a crop of livid fungi was growing on the inside of it (что плесень росла внутри сундука; crop – урожай; обилие, масса; livid – синевато-серый, серовато-синий; мертвенно бледный). Several discs of metal (несколько металлических кружков), old coins apparently (очевидно, старинных монет), such as I hold here (таких, как эти; to hold – держать; хранить), were scattered over the bottom of the box (валялись: «были разбросаны» на дне сундука), but it contained nothing else (но больше в нем ничего не было).

   cravat [krǝ'væt], yawned [jɔ:nd], kneeling ['ni:lɪŋ], metal ['metl]

   “At my suggestion a couple of the county police were summoned to be present, and I then endeavored to raise the stone by pulling on the cravat. I could only move it slightly, and it was with the aid of one of the constables that I succeeded at last in carrying it to one side. A black hole yawned beneath into which we all peered, while Musgrave, kneeling at the side, pushed down the lantern.
   “A small chamber about seven feet deep and four feet square lay open to us. At one side of this was a squat, brass-bound wooden box, the lid of which was hinged upwards, with this curious old-fashioned key projecting from the lock. It was furred outside by a thick layer of dust, and damp and worms had eaten through the wood, so that a crop of livid fungi was growing on the inside of it. Several discs of metal, old coins apparently, such as I hold here, were scattered over the bottom of the box, but it contained nothing else.

   “At the moment, however (однако в ту минуту), we had no thought for the old chest (мы не думали о старом сундуке), for our eyes were riveted upon that which crouched beside it (наши взгляды были прикованы к тому, что находилось рядом с ним; to rivet – клепать, склепывать; сосредоточивать /внимание/; устремлять /взгляд/; rivet – заклепка; to crouch – припадать к земле; согнуться, склониться). It was the figure of a man (это был человек), clad in a suit of black (одетый в черный костюм), who squatted down upon his hams (который сидел на корточках; ham – бедро, ляжка; to squat on one's hams – сидеть на корточках) with his forehead sunk upon the edge of the box (упершись лбом в край сундука) and his two arms thrown out on each side of it (и обхватив его руками: «обхватив каждую сторону»; to throw out – выставить, выпрямить, протянуть /ногу, руку/). The attitude had drawn all the stagnant blood to the face (такое положение вогнало всю застоявшуюся кровь в лицо = от такого положения лицо налилось кровью), and no man could have recognized that distorted liver-colored countenance (и никто бы не узнал это искаженное/перекошенное лицо темно-каштанового цвета; countenance – выражение лица, лицо; liver – печень); but his height (но его роста), his dress (одежды), and his hair were all sufficient to show my client (и волос было достаточно, чтобы мой клиент смог определить: «указать моему клиенту»), when we had drawn the body up (когда мы приподняли тело; to draw up – выпрямлять/ся/, вытягивать/ся/), that it was indeed his missing butler (что это действительно его пропавший дворецкий). He had been dead some days (он был мертв /уже/ несколько дней), but there was no wound or bruise upon his person to show (но на теле не было ни ран, ни кровоподтеков, указывавших на то) how he had met his dreadful end (каким образом он встретил свою страшную смерть). When his body had been carried from the cellar (когда его тело вытащили из подвала) we found ourselves still confronted with a problem (перед нами по-прежнему стояла загадка; to confront – встретиться лицом к лицу; столкнуться /с трудностями, проблемами и т. д./) which was almost as formidable as that with which we had started (почти такая же трудноразрешимая, как и та, с которой мы начинали; formidable – страшный; труднопреодолимый; очень трудный: formidable task – невероятно трудная задача).

   crouched [kraʋʧt], blood [blʌd], distorted [dɪs'tɔ:tɪd], countenance ['kaʋntɪnǝns], sufficient [sǝ'fɪʃ(ǝ)nt], bruise [bru:z]

   “At the moment, however, we had no thought for the old chest, for our eyes were riveted upon that which crouched beside it. It was the figure of a man, clad in a suit of black, who squatted down upon his hams with his forehead sunk upon the edge of the box and his two arms thrown out on each side of it. The attitude had drawn all the stagnant blood to the face, and no man could have recognized that distorted liver‑colored countenance; but his height, his dress, and his hair were all sufficient to show my client, when we had drawn the body up, that it was indeed his missing butler. He had been dead some days, but there was no wound or bruise upon his person to show how he had met his dreadful end. When his body had been carried from the cellar we found ourselves still confronted with a problem which was almost as formidable as that with which we had started.

   “I confess that so far, Watson (признаюсь, Ватсон, что пока), I had been disappointed in my investigation (я был разочарован /результатами/ расследования). I had reckoned upon solving the matter (я рассчитывал решить эту задачу; to reckon on – рассчитывать на; полагаться на; to reckon – считать, полагать) when once I had found the place referred to in the Ritual (обнаружив место, указанное в «Обряде»); but now I was there, and was apparently as far as ever from knowing (но теперь я стоял там /на том месте/, и, по-видимому, был так же далек от разгадки) what it was which the family had concealed with such elaborate precautions (что же было спрятано семейством с такими тщательными предосторожностями; precaution – предусмотрительность; мера предосторожности). It is true that I had thrown a light upon the fate of Brunton (правда, я пролил свет на участь Брантона), but now I had to ascertain how that fate had come upon him (но теперь мне нужно было выяснить, каким образом эта участь его постигла), and what part had been played in the matter by the woman who had disappeared (и какую роль сыграла в этом женщина, которая исчезла). I sat down upon a keg in the corner (я сел на бочонок в углу) and thought the whole matter carefully over (и тщательно обдумал все это дело).
   “You know my methods in such cases, Watson (вы знаете мои методы в подобных случаях, Ватсон). I put myself in the man's place (я ставлю себя на место действующего лица) and, having first gauged his intelligence (и, прежде оценив его умственные способности; to gauge – измерять; оценивать /человека, характер и т. д./), I try to imagine how I should myself have proceeded under the same circumstances (я пытаюсь представить, как бы я сам поступил при тех же обстоятельствах).

   concealed [kǝn'si:ld], precaution [prɪ'kɔ:ʃ(ǝ)n], gauged [ɡeɪʤd]

   “I confess that so far, Watson, I had been disappointed in my investigation. I had reckoned upon solving the matter when once I had found the place referred to in the Ritual; but now I was there, and was apparently as far as ever from knowing what it was which the family had concealed with such elaborate precautions. It is true that I had thrown a light upon the fate of Brunton, but now I had to ascertain how that fate had come upon him, and what part had been played in the matter by the woman who had disappeared. I sat down upon a keg in the corner and thought the whole matter carefully over.
   “You know my methods in such cases, Watson. I put myself in the man's place and, having first gauged his intelligence, I try to imagine how I should myself have proceeded under the same circumstances.

   “In this case the matter was simplified by Brunton's intelligence being quite first-rate (в этом случае дело упрощалось, так как Брантон обладал весьма незаурядным умом; first-rate – первоклассный, отличный, превосходный), so that it was unnecessary to make any allowance for the personal equation (так что не было необходимости делать поправку на разницу нашего с ним мышления; to make allowance for – принимать что-либо во внимание, в расчет; делать поправку на что-либо; personal equation – поправка на личные особенности; equation – выравнивание, уравнивание), as the astronomers have dubbed it (как это назвали астрономы; to dub – ровнять; дать прозвище, окрестить). He knew that something valuable was concealed (он знал, что нечто ценное было спрятано). He had spotted the place (он определил это место). He found that the stone which covered it (обнаружил, что плита, закрывающая /вход туда/) was just too heavy for a man to move unaided (слишком тяжелая, чтобы поднять ее без посторонней помощи; aid – помощь). What would he do next (что бы он сделал затем)? He could not get help from outside (он не мог прибегнуть к помощи /людей/ со стороны), even if he had some one whom he could trust (даже если бы у него был кто-то, кому он мог доверять), without the unbarring of doors and considerable risk of detection (не отпирая двери и не подвергаясь значительному риску быть обнаруженным: «риску обнаружения»; bar – брусок; засов). It was better, if he could, to have his helpmate inside the house (было бы лучше, если бы он сумел найти помощника внутри дома). But whom could he ask (но к кому он мог обратиться)?
   “This girl had been devoted to him (та девушка была предана ему; to devote – посвящать, отдавать). A man always finds it hard to realize (мужчине всегда трудно поверить) that he may have finally lost a woman's love (что он окончательно потерял любовь женщины), however badly he may have treated her (как бы плохо он с ней ни обходился).

   allowance [ǝ'laʋǝns], equation [ɪ'kweɪʒ(ǝ)n], astronomer [ǝ'strɒnǝmǝ], unaided [,ʌn'eɪdɪd]

   “In this case the matter was simplified by Brunton's intelligence being quite first‑rate, so that it was unnecessary to make any allowance for the personal equation, as the astronomers have dubbed it. He knew that something valuable was concealed. He had spotted the place. He found that the stone which covered it was just too heavy for a man to move unaided. What would he do next? He could not get help from outside, even if he had some one whom he could trust, without the unbarring of doors and considerable risk of detection. It was better, if he could, to have his helpmate inside the house. But whom could he ask?
   “This girl had been devoted to him. A man always finds it hard to realize that he may have finally lost a woman's love, however badly he may have treated her.

   “He would try by a few attentions to make his peace with the girl Howells (возможно, оказывая знаки внимания, он попытался помириться с горничной Хауэллс; attention – внимание; ухаживание), and then would engage her as his accomplice (а потом сделал ее сообщницей; to engage – нанимать; привлекать, заинтересовывать). Together they would come at night to the cellar (ночью они вместе спустились в погреб), and their united force would suffice to raise the stone (и их совместных/объединенных усилий хватило, чтобы поднять камень). So far I could follow their actions as if I had actually seen them (до этого момента я мог проследить за их действиями, будто видел их на самом деле).
   “But for two of them, and one a woman (но для двух /человек/, /особенно если/ один из них женщина), it must have been heavy work the raising of that stone (поднять камень, должно быть, явилось нелегкой работой). A burly Sussex policeman and I had found it no light job (мне и дюжему суссекскому полисмену это не показалось легкой работой). What would they do to assist them (что же они сделали, чтобы помочь себе)? Probably what I should have done myself (вероятно, /то же/, что сделал бы я сам). I rose and examined carefully the different billets of wood (я встал и внимательно осмотрел поленья; to rise; different – различный) which were scattered round the floor (валявшиеся на полу). Almost at once I came upon what I expected (почти сразу же я нашел то, что ожидал /найти/). One piece, about three feet in length (одно полено, примерно три фута длиной), had a very marked indentation at one end (имело очень отчетливое углубление на конце; indentation – вдавленность; впадина; отпечаток), while several were flattened at the sides (а несколько /других/ были сплющены на концах; flat – плоский) as if they had been compressed by some considerable weight (как будто они сдавливались значительной тяжестью).

   accomplice [ǝ'kɒmplɪs], burly ['bɜ:lɪ], several ['sev(ǝ)rǝl], weight [weɪt]

   “He would try by a few attentions to make his peace with the girl Howells, and then would engage her as his accomplice. Together they would come at night to the cellar, and their united force would suffice to raise the stone. So far I could follow their actions as if I had actually seen them.
   “But for two of them, and one a woman, it must have been heavy work the raising of that stone. A burly Sussex policeman and I had found it no light job. What would they do to assist them? Probably what I should have done myself. I rose and examined carefully the different billets of wood which were scattered round the floor. Almost at once I came upon what I expected. One piece, about three feet in length, had a very marked indentation at one end, while several were flattened at the sides as if they had been compressed by some considerable weight.

   “Evidently, as they had dragged the stone up (по-видимому, приподняв плиту) they had thrust the chunks of wood into the chink (они просовывали эти поленья в щель; chunk – колода, чурбан), until at last, when the opening was large enough to crawl through (пока наконец отверстие не стало достаточно большим, чтобы протиснуться: «проползти» через него), they would hold it open by a billet placed lengthwise (они держали его открытым = подперли плиту поленом, поставленным вертикально; lengthwise – продольный, направленный в длину), which might very well become indented at the lower end (которое вполне могло получить вмятину на нижнем конце; indented – вдавленный, вогнутый), since the whole weight of the stone (так как весь вес плиты) would press it down on to the edge of this other slab (прижимал его к краю другой плиты; slab – плита; лист, пластина). So far I was still on safe ground (пока у меня по-прежнему были обоснованные предположения: «я был на надежной почве»).
   “And now how was I to proceed to reconstruct this midnight drama (как же я должен был теперь восстанавливать /картину/ той полуночной драмы; to proceed – продолжать движение; действовать, поступать)? Clearly, only one could fit into the hole, and that one was Brunton (ясно, что только один /из них/ мог пролезть в отверстие, и это был Брантон; to fit – подходить, быть впору; умещаться). The girl must have waited above (девушка, должно быть, ждала наверху). Brunton then unlocked the box (затем Брантон отпер сундук), handed up the contents presumably (и, вероятно, передал наверх его содержимое) – since they were not to be found (поскольку его /содержимое/ не нашли) – and then – and then what happened (а потом… что же произошло потом)?

   crawl [krɔ:l], reconstruct [,ri:kǝn'strʌkt], presumably [prɪ'zju:mǝblɪ]

   “Evidently, as they had dragged the stone up they had thrust the chunks of wood into the chink, until at last, when the opening was large enough to crawl through, they would hold it open by a billet placed lengthwise, which might very well become indented at the lower end, since the whole weight of the stone would press it down on to the edge of this other slab. So far I was still on safe ground.
   “And now how was I to proceed to reconstruct this midnight drama? Clearly, only one could fit into the hole, and that one was Brunton. The girl must have waited above. Brunton then unlocked the box, handed up the contents presumably – since they were not to be found – and then – and then what happened?

   “What smouldering fire of vengeance (какой тлеющий огонь мести) had suddenly sprung into flame (внезапно вспыхнул; flame – пламя) in this passionate Celtic woman's soul (в пылкой душе этой кельтской женщины) when she saw the man who had wronged her (когда она увидела, что мужчина, который обидел ее; to wrong – причинять зло, обижать; поступать несправедливо, подло; wrong – вред, зло; обида) – wronged her, perhaps, far more than we suspected (обидел, возможно, намного сильнее, чем мы подозревали) – in her power (находится в ее власти)? Was it a chance that the wood had slipped (случайно ли полено соскользнуло), and that the stone had shut Brunton into what had become his sepulcher (и плита замуровала Брантона в /комнатке/, которая стала его могилой; sepulcher – склеп, могила, гробница)? Had she only been guilty of silence as to his fate (виновна ли она только в молчании относительно его судьбы = только в том, что умолчала о его судьбе)? Or had some sudden blow from her hand dashed the support away (или внезапный удар ее руки выбил подпорку) and sent the slab crashing down into its place (и плита упала с грохотом на свое /прежнее/ место: «и послал плиту грохнуться…»)? Be that as it might (как бы то ни было: «пусть будет так, как это могло бы»), I seemed to see that woman's figure still clutching at her treasure trove (я словно видел, как эта женщина прижимает к себе сокровище; treasure trove – найденный клад /не имеющий владельца/; trove – находка) and flying wildly up the winding stair (и летит = стремительно бежит вверх по винтовой лестнице), with her ears ringing perhaps with the muffled screams from behind her (а в ее ушах звучат приглушенные крики, /раздающиеся/ ей вслед; from behind – из-за, позади) and with the drumming of frenzied hands against the slab of stone (отчаянный стук рук по каменной плите; drum – барабан; to drum – барабанить, стучать, колотить; frenzied – бешеный, яростный; лихорадочный) which was choking her faithless lover's life out (под которой задыхался ее неверный возлюбленный; to choke – душить; задыхаться; заглушать; faithless – вероломный, неверный).

   vengeance ['venʤ(ǝ)ns], sepulchre ['sep(ǝ)lkǝ], guilty ['ɡɪltɪ], treasure ['treʒǝ]

   “What smouldering fire of vengeance had suddenly sprung into flame in this passionate Celtic woman's soul when she saw the man who had wronged her – wronged her, perhaps, far more than we suspected – in her power? Was it a chance that the wood had slipped, and that the stone had shut Brunton into what had become his sepulchre? Had she only been guilty of silence as to his fate? Or had some sudden blow from her hand dashed the support away and sent the slab crashing down into its place? Be that as it might, I seemed to see that woman's figure still clutching at her treasure trove and flying wildly up the winding stair, with her ears ringing perhaps with the muffled screams from behind her and with the drumming of frenzied hands against the slab of stone which was choking her faithless lover's life out.

   “Here was the secret of her blanched face (вот в чем была загадка ее бледного лица), her shaken nerves (расшатанных нервов), her peals of hysterical laughter on the next morning (приступов истерического смеха на следующее утро; peal – звон; раскат /грома/; взрыв /смеха/). But what had been in the box (но что же было в сундуке)? What had she done with that (что она с этим сделала)? Of course, it must have been the old metal and pebbles (несомненно, это были те /обломки/ старого металла и галька) which my client had dragged from the mere (которые мой клиент вытащил из пруда). She had thrown them in there at the first opportunity (горничная бросила их туда при первой возможности) to remove the last trace of her crime (чтобы скрыть последний след = все следы своего преступления).
   “For twenty minutes I had sat motionless (двадцать минут я сидел неподвижно), thinking the matter out (раздумывая над этим делом). Musgrave still stood with a very pale face (Месгрейв все еще стоял с очень бледным лицом), swinging his lantern and peering down into the hole (раскачивая фонарь и заглядывая в яму).
   “'These are coins of Charles the First (это монеты /эпохи/ Карла Первого; Карл Первый Стюарт /1600–1649/ – английский король; казнен во время Английской буржуазной революции),' said he, holding out the few which had been in the box (сказал он, протягивая несколько /кружков/, находившихся в сундуке); 'you see we were right in fixing our date for the Ritual (видите, мы правильно определили время /записи/ «Обряда»).'

   laughter ['lɑ:ftǝ], opportunity [,ɒpǝ'tju:nǝtɪ], lantern ['læntǝn]

   “Here was the secret of her blanched face, her shaken nerves, her peals of hysterical laughter on the next morning. But what had been in the box? What had she done with that? Of course, it must have been the old metal and pebbles which my client had dragged from the mere. She had thrown them in there at the first opportunity to remove the last trace of her crime.
   “For twenty minutes I had sat motionless, thinking the matter out. Musgrave still stood with a very pale face, swinging his lantern and peering down into the hole.
   “'These are coins of Charles the First,' said he, holding out the few which had been in the box; 'you see we were right in fixing our date for the Ritual.'

   “'We may find something else of Charles the First (мы можем найти еще кое-что, /оставшееся от/ Карла Первого),' I cried, as the probable meaning of the first two questions of the Ritual broke suddenly upon me (вскричал я, когда вероятное значение первых двух вопросов «Обряда» внезапно пришло мне в голову; to break upon – осенить кого-либо, внезапно прийти в голову кому-либо). 'Let me see the contents of the bag (покажите-ка мне содержимое мешка) which you fished from the mere (который вы выудили из пруда).'
   “We ascended to his study (мы поднялись в его кабинет), and he laid the debris before me (и он разложил передо мной обломки; debris – осколки; обломки). I could understand his regarding it as of small importance when I looked at it (я понял, почему он не придает им большого значения, когда взглянул на них), for the metal was almost black (так как металл был почти черен) and the stones lustreless and dull (а камешки тусклы; lusterless – тусклый; без блеска; dull – тусклый, неяркий). I rubbed one of them on my sleeve, however (однако я потер один из них о рукав), and it glowed afterwards like a spark in the dark hollow of my hand (и он засверкал, будто искра, на моей темной ладони; hollow – впадина, ямка, углубление). The metal work was in the form of a double ring (металлические части имели вид двойного обруча; ring – кольцо, обруч, ободок), but it had been bent and twisted out of its original shape (но были погнуты и перекручены, /потеряв/ первоначальную форму; to bend).

   ascended [ǝ'sendɪd], debris ['deɪbri:], dark [dɑ:k]

   “'We may find something else of Charles the First,' I cried, as the probable meaning of the first two questions of the Ritual broke suddenly upon me. 'Let me see the contents of the bag which you fished from the mere.'
   “We ascended to his study, and he laid the debris before me. I could understand his regarding it as of small importance when I looked at it, for the metal was almost black and the stones lustreless and dull. I rubbed one of them on my sleeve, however, and it glowed afterwards like a spark in the dark hollow of my hand. The metal work was in the form of a double ring, but it had been bent and twisted out of its original shape.

   “'You must bear in mind (вы должны помнить),' said I, 'that the royal party made head in England (что королевская партия главенствовала в Англии; party – партия; группа, свита; to make head – продвигаться вперед) even after the death of the king (даже после смерти короля), and that when they at last fled (и когда ее члены наконец бежали; to flee – убегать, спасаться бегством) they probably left many of their most precious possessions buried behind them (они, вероятно, спрятали многие свои самые ценные вещи; possessions – собственность; имущество; пожитки; to bury – зарывать), with the intention of returning for them in more peaceful times (с намерением вернуться за ними в более мирные/спокойные времена).'
   “'My ancestor, Sir Ralph Musgrave, was a prominent Cavalier (мой предок, сэр Ральф Месгрейв, был видным роялистом; cavalier – всадник, кавалерист; Cavalier – «кавалер», роялист /сторонник Карла Первого во время Английской буржуазной революции/) and the right-hand man of Charles the Second in his wanderings (и правой рукой Карла Второго во время его скитаний; Карл Второй Стюарт /1630–1685/ – английский король, сын Карла Первого),' said my friend.
   “'Ah, indeed (ах, вот оно что)!' I answered (ответил я). 'Well, now, I think that really should give us the last link that we wanted (ну, теперь, думаю, это даст нам последнее звено, которого нам не хватало). I must congratulate you on coming into the possession (должен поздравить вас со вступлением во владение), though in rather a tragic manner (хотя и весьма трагическим образом = при трагических обстоятельствах) of a relic which is of great intrinsic value (одной реликвией, которая представляет огромную ценность сама по себе; intrinsic value – действительная, реальная стоимость), but of even greater importance as an historical curiosity (но имеет даже большее значение как историческая редкость; curiosity – любознательность; любопытство; диковина, редкость: curiosity shop – антикварный магазин; лавка древностей).'
   “'What is it, then (что же это такое)?' he gasped in astonishment (изумленно спросил он; to gasp – дышать с трудом, задыхаться).
   “'It is nothing less than the ancient crown of the kings of England (не что иное: «ничто не меньше» как древняя корона английских королей).'
   “'The crown (корона)!'

   England ['ɪnɡlǝnd], precious ['preʃǝs], congratulate [kǝn'ɡrætjʋleɪt]

   “'You must bear in mind,' said I, 'that the royal party made head in England even after the death of the king, and that when they at last fled they probably left many of their most precious possessions buried behind them, with the intention of returning for them in more peaceful times.'
   “'My ancestor, Sir Ralph Musgrave, was a prominent Cavalier and the right‑hand man of Charles the Second in his wanderings,' said my friend.
   “'Ah, indeed!' I answered. 'Well, now, I think that really should give us the last link that we wanted. I must congratulate you on coming into the possession, though in rather a tragic manner of a relic which is of great intrinsic value, but of even greater importance as an historical curiosity.'
   “'What is it, then?' he gasped in astonishment.
   “'It is nothing less than the ancient crown of the kings of England.'
   “'The crown!'

   “'Precisely (совершенно верно). Consider what the Ritual says (вспомните, что говорится в «Обряде»): How does it run (как там написано; to run – бежать; гласить /о документе, тексте и т. п./)? “Whose was it (кому это принадлежит)?” “His who is gone (тому, кто ушел).” That was after the execution of Charles (это было /написано/ после казни Карла). Then, “Who shall have it (далее: «Кому это будет принадлежать»)?” “He who will come (тому, кто придет).” That was Charles the Second, whose advent was already foreseen (это был Карл Второй, вступление на престол которого уже предвиделось; advent – наступление /эпохи, события/, прибытие, приход; to foresee). There can, I think, be no doubt that this battered and shapeless diadem (полагаю, не может быть сомнений в том, что эта измятая и бесформенная корона) once encircled the brows of the royal Stuarts (некогда венчала головы королей /династии/ Стюартов; to encircle – опоясывать; окружать; brow – бровь; лоб, чело).'
   “'And how came it in the pond (а как она попала в пруд)?'
   “'Ah, that is a question that will take some time to answer (это вопрос, на которой сразу не ответишь: «который потребует некоторого времени для ответа»).'
   And with that I sketched out to him the whole long chain of surmise and of proof (и я кратко изложил всю длинную цепь моих предположений и доказательств; sketch – эскиз, набросок; описание в общих чертах) which I had constructed (которую я выстроил). The twilight had closed in (сумерки наступили) and the moon was shining brightly in the sky (и луна ярко засияла в небе) before my narrative was finished (прежде чем мой рассказ был закончен).
   “'And how was it then that Charles did not get his crown when he returned (но почему же Карл не получил обратно свою корону, когда вернулся)?' asked Musgrave, pushing back the relic into its linen bag (спросил Месгрейв, засовывая реликвию обратно в полотняный мешочек).

   execution [,eksɪ'kju:ʃ(ǝ)n], diadem ['daɪǝdǝm], brow [braʋ], surmise [sǝ'maɪz]

   “'Precisely. Consider what the Ritual says: How does it run? “Whose was it?” “His who is gone.” That was after the execution of Charles. Then, “Who shall have it?” “He who will come.” That was Charles the Second, whose advent was already foreseen. There can, I think, be no doubt that this battered and shapeless diadem once encircled the brows of the royal Stuarts.'
   “'And how came it in the pond?'
   “'Ah, that is a question that will take some time to answer.'
   And with that I sketched out to him the whole long chain of surmise and of proof which I had constructed. The twilight had closed in and the moon was shining brightly in the sky before my narrative was finished.
   “'And how was it then that Charles did not get his crown when he returned?' asked Musgrave, pushing back the relic into its linen bag.

   “'Ah, there you lay your finger upon the one point (о, здесь вы затрагиваете вопрос; to lay a finger upon – затрагивать: «класть палец на») which we shall probably never be able to clear up (на который, вероятно, мы никогда не сможем ответить; to clear up – прояснить, выяснить). It is likely that the Musgrave who held the secret died in the interval (возможно, что тот Месгрейв, который хранил эту тайну, затем умер), and by some oversight left this guide to his descendant (и по недосмотру оставил это руководство /«Обряд»/ своему потомку) without explaining the meaning of it (не объяснив его смысла). From that day to this it has been handed down from father to son (с того дня до сегодняшнего документ передавался от отца к сыну), until at last it came within reach of a man (пока наконец не попал в руки человека) who tore its secret out of it (который смог узнать: «вырвать» его тайну; to tear out) and lost his life in the venture (и лишился жизни, пытаясь найти сокровища; to lose; venture – рискованное, смелое предприятие; опасная затея, авантюра).'
   “And that's the story of the Musgrave Ritual, Watson (такова история «Обряда /дома/ Месгрейвов», Ватсон). They have the crown down at Hurlstone (корона хранится в Херлстоне) – though they had some legal bother and a considerable sum to pay (хотя им /владельцам/ пришлось перенести некоторые юридические хлопоты и заплатить значительную сумму; to bother – надоедать, беспокоить) before they were allowed to retain it (прежде чем им позволили оставить ее /у себя/; to retain – удерживать; сохранять). I am sure that if you mentioned my name (уверен, что если вы упомянете мое имя) they would be happy to show it to you (они с радостью покажут ее вам). Of the woman nothing was ever heard (о той женщине больше ничего не слышали), and the probability is that she got away out of England (вероятно, она покинула Англию; probability – вероятность, возможность; to get away – удирать; уезжать) and carried herself and the memory of her crime to some land beyond the seas (и увезла память о своем преступлении в заморские края: «в страну за морями»).”

   descendant [dɪ'sendǝnt], son [sʌn], crown [kraʋn], legal ['li:ɡ(ǝ)l]

   “'Ah, there you lay your finger upon the one point which we shall probably never be able to clear up. It is likely that the Musgrave who held the secret died in the interval, and by some oversight left this guide to his descendant without explaining the meaning of it. From that day to this it has been handed down from father to son, until at last it came within reach of a man who tore its secret out of it and lost his life in the venture.'
   “And that's the story of the Musgrave Ritual, Watson. They have the crown down at Hurlstone – though they had some legal bother and a considerable sum to pay before they were allowed to retain it. I am sure that if you mentioned my name they would be happy to show it to you. Of the woman nothing was ever heard, and the probability is that she got away out of England and carried herself and the memory of her crime to some land beyond the seas.”

The noble bachelor
(Знатный холостяк)

   The Lord St. Simon marriage (женитьба лорда Сент-Саймона), and its curious termination (и ее необычное окончание; to terminate – заканчивать/ся/, завершать/ся/), have long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles (давно перестала быть интересным предметом разговоров в тех великосветских кругах; exalted – возвышенный, благородный, высокий /о положении, сане/) in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves (в которых вращается злополучный жених). Fresh scandals have eclipsed it (новые скандалы затмили ее; eclipse – затмение; to eclipse – затмевать, заслонять), and their more piquant details have drawn the gossips away (и их более пикантные подробности отвлекли внимание: «сплетни»; to draw away – отводить, отвлекать) from this four-year-old drama (от этой драмы, произошедшей четыре года назад). As I have reason to believe, however (тем не менее, так как у меня есть основания полагать), that the full facts have never been revealed to the general public (что все обстоятельства: «полные факты» так и не были открыты широкой публике; to reveal – открывать; разоблачать), and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a considerable share in clearing the matter up (и так как мой друг Шерлок Холмс внес значительный вклад в прояснение этого дела; share – доля, часть; роль, участие), I feel that no memoir of him would be complete (я считаю, что никакие воспоминания о нем /о Холмсе/ не были бы полными) without some little sketch of this remarkable episode (без краткого описания этого примечательного случая).

   exalted [ɪɡ'zɔ:ltɪd], piquant ['pi:kǝnt], memoir ['memwɑ:], episode ['epɪsǝʋd]

   The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of this remarkable episode.

   It was a few weeks before my own marriage (это было за несколько недель до моей собственной свадьбы), during the days when I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street (в те дни, когда я еще жил вместе: «делил комнаты» с Холмсом на Бейкер-Стрит), that he came home from an afternoon stroll (он вернулся домой с послеобеденной прогулки) to find a letter on the table waiting for him (и обнаружил письмо на столе, ожидавшее его). I had remained indoors all day (я весь день сидел дома; to remain – оставаться, пребывать; indoors – в помещении; в доме, в комнате), for the weather had taken a sudden turn to rain (потому что погода внезапно испортилась, пошел дождь; to take a turn – принять /какой-либо/ оборот, измениться: to take a turn for the better – измениться к лучшему, пойти на лад), with high autumnal winds (поднялся сильный осенний ветер; autumn – осень), and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs (и пуля, которую я привез в ноге; limb – конечность) as a relic of my Afghan campaign (на память об афганском походе; campaign – кампания, поход; операция; relic – след, остаток /of – чего-либо/; реликвия /вещь, хранимая как память о прошлом и являющаяся предметом почитания/; сувенир, подарок на память) throbbed with dull persistence (напоминала /о себе/ тупой непрерывной /болью/; to throb – сильно биться, стучать; пульсировать; throb – стук, биение; беспокойство; persistence – упорство, настойчивость; постоянство; to persist – упорствовать; настойчиво, упорно продолжать; persistent ache – постоянная, стойкая боль). With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another (усевшись в одном мягком кресле и положив ноги на другое), I had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers (я обложился: «окружил себя» множеством газет; cloud – облако, туча; множество, масса) until at last, saturated with the news of the day (пока наконец, пресыщенный новостями дня; to saturate – пропитывать; насыщать), I tossed them all aside and lay listless (/не/ отшвырнул их все в сторону и /не/ стал лежать вяло/апатично), watching the huge crest and monogram upon the envelope upon the table (разглядывая огромный герб и монограмму на конверте на столе; crest – гребешок, хохолок, плюмаж /у птиц/; гребень шлема; шлем; украшение наверху гербового щита /только о гербах рыцарей/) and wondering lazily who my friend's noble correspondent could be (и лениво размышляя, кем мог быть знатный корреспондент моего друга).

   weather ['weðǝ], autumnal [ɔ:'tʌmn(ǝ)l], campaign [kæm'peɪn], saturated ['sæʧǝreɪtɪd]

   It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's noble correspondent could be.

   “Here is a very fashionable epistle (здесь /для вас/ великосветское послание; fashionable – модный, светский; fashion – мода, стиль),” I remarked as he entered (сказал я, когда он вошел; to remark – замечать, отметить; высказываться). “Your morning letters, if I remember right (ваши утренние письма, если я правильно помню = если не ошибаюсь), were from a fish-monger and a tide-waiter (были от торговца рыбой и чиновника портовой таможни; tide – прилив и отлив; поток, течение).”
   “Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety (да, у моей корреспонденции определенно есть прелесть разнообразия = прелесть моей корреспонденции – в разнообразии),” he answered, smiling (ответил он, улыбаясь), “and the humbler are usually the more interesting (и /письма/ более скромных авторов обычно интереснее; humble – скромный; простой, незнатный по происхождению). This looks like one of those unwelcome social summonses (это похоже на одно из тех нежелательных светских приглашений; social – светский, общественный; summons – вызов /обычно в суд/; требование сделать что-либо или быть где-либо; to summon – вызывать, позвать; вызывать в суд) which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie (результатом которых бывает то, что ты обречен либо на скуку, либо на ложь; to call upon – призывать кого-либо сделать что-либо).”
   He broke the seal and glanced over the contents (он сломал печать и быстро просмотрел содержимое).
   “Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all (э, нет, здесь все-таки может оказаться кое-что интересное).”
   “Not social, then (значит, это не светское /письмо/)?”

   epistle [ɪ'pɪs(ǝ)l], fish-monger ['fɪʃmʌŋɡǝ], charm [ʧɑ:m], summons ['sʌmǝnz]

   “Here is a very fashionable epistle,” I remarked as he entered. “Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a fish-monger and a tide-waiter.”
   “Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety,” he answered, smiling, “and the humbler are usually the more interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie.”
   He broke the seal and glanced over the contents.
   “Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all.”
   “Not social, then?”

   “No, distinctly professional (нет, сугубо деловое: «профессиональное»; distinctly – отчетливо, ясно, определенно, несомненно).”
   “And from a noble client (от знатного клиента)?”
   “One of the highest in England (одного из самых знатных в Англии).”
   “My dear fellow, I congratulate you (поздравляю вас, мой друг).”
   “I assure you, Watson, without affectation (уверяю вас, Ватсон, без притворства), that the status of my client is a matter of less moment to me (что общественное положение моего клиента значит для меня меньше: «является делом меньшей важности») than the interest of his case (чем интерес его дела). It is just possible, however (однако вполне вероятно), that that also may not be wanting in this new investigation (что в этом новом расследовании в нем /в интересе/ также не будет недостатка = дело может оказаться весьма интересным). You have been reading the papers diligently of late, have you not (вы в последнее время усердно читали газеты, не так ли)?”

   distinctly [dɪs'tɪŋ(k)tlɪ], assure [ǝ'ʃʋǝ], diligently ['dɪlɪʤ(ǝ)ntlɪ]

   “No, distinctly professional.”
   “And from a noble client?”
   “One of the highest in England.”
   “My dear fellow, I congratulate you.”
   “I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the papers diligently of late, have you not?”

   “It looks like it (как видите: «похоже на то»),” said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the corner (сказал я уныло, показывая на пачку /газет/ в углу). “I have had nothing else to do (больше мне нечего было делать).”
   “It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up (очень удачно, возможно, вы сумеете дать мне нужные сведения; to post up – осведомлять, держать в курсе, давать полную информацию). I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column (я ничего не читаю, кроме криминальной хроники и колонки о пропавших без вести; agony column – «колонка страданий», раздел газеты с объявлениями о розыске пропавших родных, с просьбами о помощи и т. п.). The latter is always instructive (последняя всегда полезна; instructive – поучительный, ценный). But if you have followed recent events so closely (если вы так внимательно следили за последними событиями) you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his wedding (вы, должно быть, читали о лорде Сент-Саймоне и его свадьбе)?”
   “Oh, yes, with the deepest interest (о да, с глубочайшим интересом).”
   “That is well (хорошо). The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord St. Simon (письмо, которое я держу в руке, от лорда Сент-Саймона). I will read it to you, and in return you must turn over these papers (я прочитаю его вам, а вы в свою очередь просмотрите эти газеты; in return – взамен, со своей стороны; to turn over – переворачивать; искать /в чем-либо/, перебирать /что-либо/) and let me have whatever bears upon the matter (и расскажите мне все, что имеет отношение к этому делу). This is what he says (вот что он пишет):

   column ['kɒlǝm], recent ['ri:s(ǝ)nt], return [rɪ'tɜ:n]

   “It looks like it,” said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the corner. “I have had nothing else to do.”
   “It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his wedding?”
   “Oh, yes, with the deepest interest.”
   “That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. This is what he says:

   “'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES (уважаемый мистер Шерлок Холмс): – Lord Backwater tells me (лорд Бэкуотер сказал мне) that I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion (что я могу полностью довериться вашей проницательности и вашему благоразумию; to place reliance on – полагаться на, довериться; reliance – доверие, уверенность; надежда; implicit – подразумеваемый; безоговорочный, полный; judgment – судебное разбирательство; суждение, мнение, взгляд; рассудительность; проницательность; discretion – осторожность; рассудительность; благоразумие). I have determined, therefore, to call upon you (поэтому я решил обратиться к вам) and to consult you in reference to the very painful event (и получить ваш совет по поводу прискорбного события; in reference to – относительно, что касается) which has occurred in connection with my wedding (произошедшего в связи с моей свадьбой). Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is acting already in the matter (мистер Лестрейд из Скотленд-Ярда уже занимается этим делом), but he assures me that he sees no objection to your cooperation (но он уверяет, что не имеет ничего против вашего сотрудничества: «не видит никаких возражений вашему сотрудничеству»), and that he even thinks that it might be of some assistance (и что он даже полагает, что оно может оказать некоторую помощь; to assist – помогать, содействовать). I will call at four o'clock in the afternoon (я посещу вас в четыре часа дня), and, should you have any other engagement at that time (и если у вас назначены какие-либо встречи на это время), I hope that you will postpone it (я надеюсь, вы отложите их), as this matter is of paramount importance (поскольку это дело первостепенной важности). Yours faithfully, St. SIMON (с уважением, Сент-Саймон; faithfully – верно, честно, преданно).'

   implicit [ɪm'plɪsɪt], already [ɔ:l'redɪ], engagement [ɪn'ɡeɪʤmǝnt]

   “'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES: – Lord Backwater tells me that I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no objection to your cooperation, and that he even thinks that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, St. SIMON.'

   “It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions (письмо отправлено из Гроувенор-Мэншенз; mansion – большой особняк, большой дом; Grosvenor House – «Гроувенор хаус», «Гросвенор хаус» /фешенебельная лондонская гостиница на улице Парк-Лейн/), written with a quill pen (написано гусиным пером), and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink upon the outer side of his right little finger (и благородный лорд имел неосторожность поставить чернильное пятно на = испачкать чернилами тыльную сторону правого мизинца; misfortune – беда, неудача, несчастье),” remarked Holmes as he folded up the epistle (заметил Холмс, складывая послание).
   “He says four o'clock (он пишет, /что приедет в/ четыре часа). It is three now (сейчас три). He will be here in an hour (он будет здесь через час).”
   “Then I have just time, with your assistance (значит, у меня как раз есть время с вашей помощью), to get clear upon the subject (разобраться с этим вопросом). Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in their order of time (просмотрите те газеты и расположите выдержки /из них/ в хронологическом порядке), while I take a glance as to who our client is (а я тем временем взгляну, кто такой наш клиент).”
   He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of reference beside the mantelpiece (он взял книгу в красном переплете из ряда справочников, /стоявших/ возле каминной полки).

   misfortune [mɪs'fɔ:ʧ(ǝ)n], extract ['ekstrækt], volume ['vɒlju:m]

   “It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink upon the outer side of his right little finger,” remarked Holmes as he folded up the epistle.
   “He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an hour.”
   “Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client is.”
   He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of reference beside the mantelpiece.

   “Here he is (вот он),” said he, sitting down and flattening it out upon his knee (сказал Холмс, садясь и раскрывая: «разглаживая» книгу на коленях). “Lord Robert Walsingham de Vere St. Simon (лорд Роберт Уолсингэм де Вир Сент-Саймон), second son of the Duke of Balmoral (второй сын герцога Балморалского). Hum (гм)! Arms: Azure (герб: голубое /поле/), three caltrops in chief over a fess sable (три василька над горизонтальной черной полосой занимают основную часть; caltrop – василек колючеголовый; in chief – главным образом; fess = fesse – горизонтальная полоса или перекладина щита; sable – соболь; черный /особенно в геральдике/). Born in 1846 (родился: «рожден» в 1846). He's forty-one years of age (ему сорок один год), which is mature for marriage (что является зрелым /возрастом/ для женитьбы). Was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration (был заместителем министра колоний в прежнем кабинете; administration – администрация, управление, министерство). The Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs (герцог, его отец, был одно время министром иностранных дел). They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent (они являются потомками Плантагенетов по прямой линии; to inherit – наследовать; быть, стать наследником; direct descent – наследование по прямой линии; descent – спуск; происхождение; Плантагенеты – королевская династия в Англии в 1154–1399 гг.), and Tudor on the distaff side (и Тюдоров по женской линии; Тюдоры – королевская династия в Англии в 1485–1603 гг.). Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in all this (во всем этом нет ничего полезного /для нас/). I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something more solid (полагаю, нужно обратиться к вам, Ватсон, за более существенной информацией; solid – твердый; плотный; убедительный, веский, основательный).”

   knee [ni:], azure ['æʒǝ; 'æzjʋǝ; ǝ'zjʋǝ], mature [mǝ'ʧʋǝ], foreign ['fɒrɪn]

   “Here he is,” said he, sitting down and flattening it out upon his knee. “Lord Robert Walsingham de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral. Hum! Arms: Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something more solid.”

   “I have very little difficulty in finding what I want (мне было совсем нетрудно найти то, что нужно),” said I, “for the facts are quite recent (так как эти события /произошли/ совсем недавно), and the matter struck me as remarkable (и эта история показалась мне примечательной). I feared to refer them to you, however (однако я боялся = не стал рассказывать вам о них), as I knew that you had an inquiry on hand (потому что я знал, что вы занимаетесь каким-то расследованием; on hand – на руках, в наличии) and that you disliked the intrusion of other matters (и не любите, когда вас отвлекают: «не любите вторжения других дел»).”
   “Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square furniture van (а, вы имеете в виду ту пустяковую историю с фургоном для перевозки мебели с Гроувенор-Сквер; Grosvenor Square – Гросвенор-Сквер /большая площадь в центральной части Лондона/). That is quite cleared up now (теперь она совершенно выяснена) – though, indeed, it was obvious from the first (хотя в действительности она была очевидной/ясной с самого начала). Pray give me the results of your newspaper selections (пожалуйста, поделитесь со мной тем, что вы узнали из газет; selection – выбор/ка/; подбор/ка/; to select).”
   “Here is the first notice which I can find (вот первая заметка, которую я нашел). It is in the personal column of the Morning Post (она помещена в разделе частных объявлений в «Морнинг Пост»), and dates, as you see, some weeks back (и датируется, как видите, несколькими неделями тому назад): 'A marriage has been arranged (состоялась помолвка: «договорились о свадьбе»; to arrange – устраивать; договариваться, подготавливать),' it says, 'and will, if rumour is correct (и, если верить слухам), very shortly take place (очень скоро состоится бракосочетание), between Lord Robert St. Simon (лорда Роберта Сент-Саймона), second son of the Duke of Balmoral (второго сына герцога Балморалского), and Miss Hatty Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran, Esq. (и мисс Хэтти Доран, единственной дочери господина Алоизиуса Дорана; Esq. = esquire – господин, эсквайр /письменная форма вежливого обращения; обычно стоит после имени адресата/), of San Francisco, Cal., U. S. A (из Сан-Франциско, Калифорния, США; Cal. = California).' That is all (это все).”

   difficulty ['dɪfɪk(ǝ)ltɪ], refer [rɪ'fɜ:], furniture ['fɜ:nɪʧǝ], daughter ['dɔ:tǝ]

   “I have very little difficulty in finding what I want,” said I, “for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the intrusion of other matters.”
   “Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square furniture van. That is quite cleared up now – though, indeed, it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your newspaper selections.”
   “Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran, Esq., of San Francisco, Cal., U. S. A.' That is all.”

   “Terse and to the point (кратко и по существу; terse – сжатый, краткий /о стиле/),” remarked Holmes, stretching his long, thin legs towards the fire (заметил Холмс, протягивая свои длинные, тонкие ноги к огню).
   “There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society papers of the same week (в одной из светских газет от той же недели была заметка, в которой об этом говорилось более подробно; to amplify – расширять; развивать /мысль/; вдаваться в подробности, излагать подробно, со всеми деталями). Ah, here it is (а, вот она): 'There will soon be a call for protection in the marriage market (скоро возникнет необходимость охраны брачного рынка; call – звонок; требование; просьба; нужда, необходимость; marriage market – ярмарка невест), for the present free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home product (поскольку нынешний принцип свободной торговли, похоже, очень пагубно влияет на нашу отечественную продукцию). One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Britain (/один за другим/ власть над /отпрысками/ благородных фамилий Великобритании) is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the Atlantic (переходит в ручки наших прекрасных кузин из-за Атлантического океана). An important addition has been made during the last week to the list of the prizes (на прошлой неделе было сделано важное, значительное добавление в список трофеев; prize – награда, премия; приз; трофей) which have been borne away by these charming invaders (захваченных этими очаровательными завоевательницами; to bear away – выиграть /приз, кубок/; увести; to invade – вторгаться, нападать; захватывать).

   amplify ['æmplɪfaɪ], market ['mɑ:kɪt], cousin ['kʌz(ǝ)n], charming ['ʧɑ:mɪŋ]

   “Terse and to the point,” remarked Holmes, stretching his long, thin legs towards the fire.
   “There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by these charming invaders.

   Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows (лорд Сент-Саймон, который более двадцати лет был неуязвим для стрел Амура: «маленького бога»; proof – непроницаемый; непробиваемый; неподдающийся), has now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Doran (определенно объявил о приближающейся свадьбе с мисс Хэтти Доран; definitely – определенно, ясно, точно), the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire (обворожительной дочерью калифорнийского миллионера). Miss Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much attention at the Westbury House festivities (мисс Доран, чья грациозная фигура и прелестное лицо привлекали много внимания на празднествах в Вестбери-Хаус), is an only child, and it is currently reported (единственный ребенок /в семье/, и, как сообщают в настоящее время) that her dowry will run to considerably over the six figures (ее приданое приближается к /цифре/, значительно большей, чем шесть знаков = превышает миллион), with expectancies for the future (/не говоря уже/ о видах на будущее; expectancy – ожидание; надежда, виды на будущее).
   As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years (так как ни для кого не секрет, что герцог Балморалский был вынужден распродать свои картины за последние годы; open secret – секрет полишинеля; секрет, известный всем), and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own (а у лорда Сент-Саймона нет никакой собственности) save the small estate of Birchmoor (кроме небольшого поместья в Бирчмуре), it is obvious that the Californian heiress is not the only gainer by an alliance (ясно, что не только калифорнийская наследница выиграет от этого /брачного/ союза; gainer – победитель) which will enable her to make the easy and common transition (который позволит ей легко и просто превратиться; transition – переход, превращение) from a Republican lady to a British peeress (из гражданки республики в английскую леди).'”

   millionaire [,mɪljǝ'neǝ], figure ['fɪɡǝ], festivities [fe'stɪvǝtɪz], heiress ['eǝrɪs]

   Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the future.
   As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a British peeress.'”

   “Anything else (что-нибудь еще)?” asked Holmes, yawning (спросил Холмс, зевая).
   “Oh, yes; plenty (о да, много). Then there is another note in the Morning Post to say (вот другая заметка в «Морнинг Пост», в ней говорится) that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one (что свадьба будет совсем тихой/скромной), that it would be at St. George's, Hanover Square (что произойдет она в /церкви/ Святого Георгия на Гановер-Сквер /место аристократических свадеб/), that only half a dozen intimate friends would be invited (и что всего лишь несколько: «полдюжины» близких друзей будут приглашены), and that the party would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate (и эта компания вернется в меблированный дом на Ланкастер-Гейт) which has been taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran (снятый мистером Алоизиусом Дораном). Two days later – that is, on Wednesday last (два дня спустя, то есть в прошлую среду) – there is a curt announcement that the wedding had taken place (появилось краткое сообщение о том, что свадьба состоялась), and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Backwater's place, near Petersfield (и что медовый месяц будет проведен в поместье лорда Бэкуотера, близ Питерсфилда). Those are all the notices (вот все заметки) which appeared before the disappearance of the bride (появившиеся до исчезновения невесты).”
   “Before the what (до чего)?” asked Holmes with a start (спросил Холмс, подскочив /на месте/).

   yawning ['jɔ:nɪŋ], half [hɑ:f], announcement [ǝ'naʋnsmǝnt], honeymoon ['hʌnɪmu:n]

   “Anything else?” asked Holmes, yawning.
   “Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later – that is, on Wednesday last – there is a curt announcement that the wedding had taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices which appeared before the disappearance of the bride.”
   “Before the what?” asked Holmes with a start.

   “The vanishing of the lady (до исчезновения леди).”
   “When did she vanish, then (когда же она исчезла)?”
   “At the wedding breakfast (во время свадебного угощения; breakfast – утренний завтрак; wedding breakfast – свадебное угощение; прием гостей после бракосочетания /в любое время дня/).”
   “Indeed (вот как). This is more interesting than it promised to be (дело интереснее, чем казалось: «чем обещало быть»); quite dramatic, in fact (надо сказать, весьма драматично).”
   “Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common (да, мне показалось, что оно немного незаурядное: «вне обычного»).”
   “They often vanish before the ceremony (они /женщины/ часто исчезают до церемонии), and occasionally during the honeymoon (иногда во время медового месяца); but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt as this (но не могу вспомнить, чтобы исчезновение произошло столь быстро). Pray let me have the details (пожалуйста, расскажите мне подробности).”
   “I warn you that they are very incomplete (предупреждаю, что они далеко не полны).”
   “Perhaps we may make them less so (возможно, нам удастся их дополнить: «сделать их менее неполными»).”

   breakfast ['brekfǝst], ceremony ['serɪmǝnɪ], incomplete [,ɪnkǝm'pli:t]

   “The vanishing of the lady.”
   “When did she vanish, then?”
   “At the wedding breakfast.”
   “Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite dramatic, in fact.”
   “Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common.”
   “They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt as this. Pray let me have the details.”
   “I warn you that they are very incomplete.”
   “Perhaps we may make them less so.”

   “Such as they are (как бы то ни было), they are set forth in a single article of a morning paper of yesterday (эти подробности изложены в одной статье вчерашней утренней газеты), which I will read to you (которую я вам прочитаю). It is headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding' (она озаглавлена: «Необычайное происшествие на великосветской свадьбе»):
   “'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the greatest consternation (семья лорда Роберта Сент-Саймона крайне потрясена: «была брошена = повержена в крайний ужас/в величайшее отчаяние»; consternation – ужас; испуг; оцепенение /от страха/) by the strange and painful episodes (странными и прискорбными событиями) which have taken place in connection with his wedding (произошедшими в связи с его свадьбой). The ceremony, as shortly announced in the papers of yesterday (свадьба, как кратко сообщалось во вчерашних газетах), occurred on the previous morning (состоялась предыдущим утром); but it is only now that it has been possible to confirm the strange rumours (но только сейчас можно подтвердить странные слухи) which have been so persistently floating about (так упорно циркулирующие вокруг /этой истории/; to float about – витать, носиться в воздухе /об идеях, слухах и т. п./; to float – плавать; всплывать; держаться на поверхности воды). In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the matter up (несмотря на попытки друзей замять это происшествие; to hush up – замалчивать, скрывать), so much public attention has now been drawn to it (столь много общественного внимания привлечено к нему) that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard (что нет смысла замалчивать то; purpose – намерение, цель; замысел, стремление; to serve a purpose – служить определенной цели; to disregard – не обращать внимания, не придавать значения; пренебрегать) what is a common subject for conversation (что является обычным предметом разговора = о чем все говорят).

   consternation [,kɒnstǝ'neɪʃ(ǝ)n], previous ['pri:vɪǝs], disregard [,dɪsrɪ'ɡɑ:d]

   “Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding':
   “'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what is a common subject for conversation.

   “'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Square (свадьба, происходившая в /церкви/ Святого Георгия на Гановер-Сквер), was a very quiet one (была очень тихой), no one being present save the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran (там никого не было, кроме отца невесты, мистера Алоизиуса Дорана), the Duchess of Balmoral (герцогини Балморалской), Lord Backwater (лорда Бэкуотера), Lord Eustace (лорда Юстаса), and Lady Clara St. Simon (и леди Клары Сент-Саймон) (the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom) (младшие брат и сестра жениха), and Lady Alicia Whittington (и леди Алисии Уиттингтон). The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate (все общество позднее отправилось в дом мистера Алоизиуса Дорана на Ланкастер-Гейт), where breakfast had been prepared (где было приготовлено /свадебное/ угощение). It appears that some little trouble was caused by a woman (похоже, произошел небольшой инцидент, вызванный какой-то женщиной), whose name has not been ascertained (чье имя не было установлено; to ascertain – выяснять, обнаруживать, убеждаться, удостоверяться, узнавать, устанавливать; certain – определенный), who endeavored to force her way into the house after the bridal party (которая пыталась проникнуть в дом вслед за приглашенными на свадьбу гостями; to force one's way – протискиваться, проталкиваться, пробираться; bridal – свадебный), alleging that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon (утверждая, будто у нее есть какие-то права на лорда Сент-Саймона; to allege – утверждать, заявлять /голословно/).

   prepared [prɪ'peǝd], ascertained [,æsǝ'teɪnd], alleging [ǝ'leʤɪŋ]

   “'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace, and Lady Clara St. Simon (the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavored to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon.

   It was only after a painful and prolonged scene (и лишь после тяжелой и продолжительной сцены) that she was ejected by the butler and the footman (дворецкий и лакей выпроводили ее; to eject – выбрасывать; выгонять, выставлять). The bride, who had fortunately entered the house before this unpleasant interruption (невеста, к счастью, вошедшая в дом до этой неприятной задержки; to interrupt – прерывать, мешать; перебивать /говорящего/), had sat down to breakfast with the rest (села за стол вместе с остальными), when she complained of a sudden indisposition (но затем пожаловалась на внезапное недомогание; indisposition – легкое недомогание, нездоровье) and retired to her room (и ушла в свою комнату; to retire – удаляться, «ретироваться»). Her prolonged absence having caused some comment (так как ее затянувшееся отсутствие вызвало недоумение /гостей/; comment – комментарий, замечание; толки, пересуды), her father followed her (ее отец пошел за ней), but learned from her maid (но узнал от горничной) that she had only come up to her chamber for an instant (что мисс Хэтти только на минуту зашла к себе в комнату), caught up an ulster and bonnet (схватила пальто и шляпку; to catch up – схватить, подхватить; ulster – длинное свободное пальто /обычно с поясом/), and hurried down to the passage (и торопливо пошла к выходу; passage – проход, переход; вход, выход). One of the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus apparelled (один из лакеев заявил, что видел, как какая-то дама, одетая таким образом, вышла из дома; thus – так, таким образом; apparel – одежда, наряд), but had refused to credit that it was his mistress (но отказался верить, что это была его госпожа = но решил, что это не его госпожа), believing her to be with the company (так как считал, что та сидит с гостями).
   On ascertaining that his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran (убедившись, что его дочь исчезла, мистер Алоизиус Доран), in conjunction with the bridegroom (вместе с женихом; in conjunction with – совместно с, в сочетании с; conjunction – соединение, связь), instantly put themselves in communication with the police (немедленно известили полицию; communication – сообщение /мыслей, сведений, новостей/; общение, связь), and very energetic inquiries are being made (и начались очень активные поиски), which will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very singular business (которые, вероятно, скоро прояснят: «приведут к скорому прояснению» это крайне необычное происшествие; to result in – иметь результатом; приводить к).

   ejected [ɪ'ʤektɪd], caused [kɔ:zd], refused [rɪ'fju:zd], company ['kʌmpǝnɪ], result [rɪ'zʌlt]

   It was only after a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, believing her to be with the company.
   On ascertaining that his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very singular business.

   Up to a late hour last night, however (однако вплоть до /позднего часа/ вчерашнего вечера), nothing had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady (ничего не выяснилось относительно местопребывания исчезнувшей леди; to transpire – испаряться; просачиваться /о газе/; проступать в виде капель; обнаруживаться, становиться известным). There are rumours of foul play in the matter (ходят слухи, что в этом деле не обошлось без насилия; foul play – нечестная игра; преступление, убийство, насилие; foul – грязный; подлый, бесчестный), and it is said that the police have caused the arrest of the woman (говорят, полиция арестовала женщину) who had caused the original disturbance (вызвавшую первоначальное беспокойство; disturbance – тревога, беспокойство, волнение), in the belief that, from jealousy or some other motive (полагая, что из ревности или каких-нибудь других побуждений), she may have been concerned in the strange disappearance of the bride (она могла быть причастна к странному исчезновению невесты).'”
   “And is that all (и это все)?”
   “Only one little item in another of the morning papers (еще только одна маленькая заметка в другой утренней газете; item – пункт, параграф, статья), but it is a suggestive one (но она наводит на размышления; to suggest – предлагать; внушать /мысль/; вызывать /ассоциацию/; намекать, наводить /на мысль и т. д./).”
   “And it is (она о том…) —”

   disturbance [dɪs'tɜ:b(ǝ)ns], jealousy ['ʤelǝsɪ], suggestive [sǝ'ʤestɪv]

   Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange disappearance of the bride.'”
   “And is that all?”
   “Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is a suggestive one.”
   “And it is —”

   “That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance (что мисс Флора Миллар, дама, вызвавшая беспокойство), has actually been arrested (и в самом деле арестована). It appears that she was formerly a danseuse at the Allegro (кажется, она раньше была танцовщицей в «Аллегро»; danseuse – балерина; танцовщица), and that she has known the bridegroom for some years (и знала жениха = встречалась с женихом несколько лет). There are no further particulars (других подробностей нет), and the whole case is in your hands now (теперь вам известна вся эта история: «вся история в ваших руках») – so far as it has been set forth in the public press (в том виде, как она изложена в прессе; so far as – что касается; поскольку, насколько; to set forth – излагать, формулировать, объяснять; public – общественный; публичный, общедоступный, открытый).”
   “And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be (и она представляется чрезвычайно интересной). I would not have missed it for worlds (я бы не пропустил ее ни за что на свете). But there is a ring at the bell, Watson (но кто-то звонит, Ватсон), and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four (так как часы показывают несколько минут после четырех = так как уже начало пятого), I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client (не сомневаюсь, что это окажется наш знатный клиент). Do not dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness (не вздумайте уходить, Ватсон, поскольку мне очень нужен свидетель; to dream – видеть сны; мечтать; думать, помышлять; to prefer – предпочитать), if only as a check to my own memory (хотя бы на случай, если я что-нибудь забуду: «в качестве контроля за моей памятью»; if only – хотя бы, если только; check – контроль, проверка).”

   danseuse [dɑ:n'sɜ:z], minute ['mɪnɪt], memory ['mem(ǝ)rɪ]

   “That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole case is in your hands now – so far as it has been set forth in the public press.”
   “And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, if only as a check to my own memory.”

   “Lord Robert St. Simon,” announced our page-boy, throwing open the door (объявил наш мальчик-слуга, распахивая дверь). A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face (вошел джентльмен с приятными тонкими чертами лица; cultured – культурный, развитой; утонченный, изящный), high-nosed and pale (с благородным носом, бледный), with something perhaps of petulance about the mouth (с несколько раздражительным выражением губ; petulance – раздражительность; капризность; нетерпеливость), and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man (с твердым, открытым взглядом человека; steady – прочный, твердый; уравновешенный) whose pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed (чьей счастливой судьбой было повелевать и встречать повиновение; to obey – подчиняться, слушаться, повиноваться). His manner was brisk (его движения были быстрыми; brisk – живой, проворный; manner – манера, поведение), and yet his general appearance gave an undue impression of age (однако его общий внешний вид производил неверное впечатление возраста = он казался старше своих лет; undue – непомерный; неуместный, неподобающий), for he had a slight forward stoop (так как у него была легкая сутулость: «легкий наклон вперед»; forward – передний, направленный вперед) and a little bend of the knees as he walked (и небольшое сгибание коленей = сгибал колени при ходьбе). His hair, too, as he swept off his very curly-brimmed hat (его волосы, когда он /при поклоне/ снял шляпу с очень загнутыми полями; to sweep off – сметать; уносить; загибаться; to sweep off one's hat – раскланяться, широким жестом сняв шляпу; brim – край /сосуда/; поле /шляпы/), was grizzled round the edges and thin upon the top (оказались седыми на висках: «по краям» и редкими на макушке; thin – тонкий, худой; жидкий, редкий). As to his dress (что касается его костюма; dress – одежда, платье), it was careful to the verge of foppishness (он был чрезвычайно щегольским: «изысканным до грани щегольства»; careful – аккуратный; verge – край; предел; foppishness – дендизм, франтовство, щегольство; foppish – фатоватый, пижонский; fop – фат, хлыщ, щеголь), with high collar (высокий воротник), black frock-coat (черный сюртук), white waistcoat (белый жилет), yellow gloves (желтые перчатки), patent-leather shoes (лакированные туфли; leather – кожа /выделанная/), and light-colored gaiters (и светлые гетры). He advanced slowly into the room (он медленно вошел в комнату; to advance – продвигаться вперед), turning his head from left to right (огляделся по сторонам: «поворачивая голову слева направо»), and swinging in his right hand the cord (и вертя в правой руке шнурок) which held his golden eyeglasses (на котором висело его золотое пенсне; eyeglasses – очки, пенсне).

   cultured ['kʌlʧǝd], petulance ['petjʋlǝns], obeyed [ǝ(ʋ)'beɪd], glove [ɡlʌv], leather ['leðǝ]

   “Lord Robert St. Simon,” announced our page‑boy, throwing open the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-colored gaiters. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his golden eyeglasses.

   “Good-day, Lord St. Simon (добрый день, лорд Сент-Саймон),” said Holmes, rising and bowing (сказал Холмс, поднимаясь и кланяясь). “Pray take the basket-chair (садитесь, пожалуйста, в плетеное кресло). This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson (это мой друг и коллега, доктор Ватсон). Draw up a little to the fire (придвиньтесь поближе к огню), and we will talk this matter over (и обсудим ваше дело).”
   “A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Mr. Holmes (очень мучительное для меня, как вы легко можете себе представить, мистер Холмс; readily – охотно, быстро, с готовностью; легко, без труда). I have been cut to the quick (я глубоко потрясен; to cut to the quick – глубоко задеть /чьи-либо чувства/; задеть за живое, глубоко уязвить). I understand that you have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir (понимаю, что вы уже расследовали несколько щекотливых дел подобного рода, сэр; to manage – управлять/ся/, справляться), though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of society (хотя, полагаю, едва ли /ваши клиенты/ принадлежали к тому же классу общества).”
   “No, I am descending (нет, я спускаюсь /на ступень/ вниз).”
   “I beg pardon (простите)?”

   colleague ['kɒli:ɡ], presume [prɪ'zju:m], society [sǝ'saɪǝtɪ], pardon ['pɑ:d(ǝ)n]

   “Good-day, Lord St. Simon,” said Holmes, rising and bowing. “Pray take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this matter over.”
   “A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of society.”
   “No, I am descending.”
   “I beg pardon?”

   “My last client of the sort was a king (моим последним клиентом /по делу/ такого рода был король).”
   “Oh, really (вот как)! I had no idea (я не знал). And which king (какой король)?”
   “The King of Scandinavia (король Скандинавии).”
   “What! Had he lost his wife (как! и у него пропала жена)?”
   “You can understand (вы понимаете),” said Holmes suavely (сказал Холмс учтиво; suave – учтивый, обходительный; вежливый), “that I extend to the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy (что на дела моих клиентов распространяется такая же конфиденциальность; to extend – распространять/ся/; простирать/ся/; выказывать, выражать) which I promise to you in yours (какую я обещаю вам в ваших /делах/).”
   “Of course (разумеется)! Very right (/вы/ совершенно правы)! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon (прошу прощения). As to my own case, I am ready to give you any information (что касается моего случая, я готов сообщить вам любые сведения) which may assist you in forming an opinion (которые могут помочь вам составить мнение).”

   Scandinavia [,skændɪ'neɪvɪǝ], suavely ['swɑ:vlɪ], opinion [ǝ'pɪnjǝn]

   “My last client of the sort was a king.”
   “Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?”
   “The King of Scandinavia.”
   “What! Had he lost his wife?”
   “You can understand,” said Holmes suavely, “that I extend to the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to you in yours.”
   “Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may assist you in forming an opinion.”

   “Thank you (благодарю вас). I have already learned all that is in the public prints, nothing more (я уже изучил все, что пишут в газетах, /но не знаю/ ничего больше). I presume that I may take it as correct (полагаю, можно считать эти сведения верными) – this article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride (например, статью об исчезновении невесты).”
   Lord St. Simon glanced over it (лорд Сент-Саймон быстро просмотрел ее).
   “Yes, it is correct, as far as it goes (да, более-менее верно; as far as it goes – до известной степени, в известной мере).”
   “But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could offer an opinion (но потребуется множество дополнительных данных, прежде чем можно будет выразить какое-либо мнение; supplement – дополнение, добавление /к книге, документу и т. п./). I think that I may arrive at my facts most directly by questioning you (думаю, я могу получить сведения быстрее всего, задав вам /несколько/ вопросов; to arrive at – достигнуть, прийти к /чему-либо/; directly – прямо, непосредственно; сразу, тотчас).”
   “Pray do so (я к вашим услугам/задавайте).”
   “When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran (когда вы впервые встретили мисс Хэтти Доран)?”
   “In San Francisco, a year ago (в Сан-Франциско, год назад).”

   glanced [ɡlɑ:nst], questioning ['kwesʧǝnɪŋ], San Francisco [,sænfræn'sɪskǝʋ]

   “Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct – this article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride.”
   Lord St. Simon glanced over it.
   “Yes, it is correct, as far as it goes.”
   “But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most directly by questioning you.”
   “Pray do so.”
   “When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?”
   “In San Francisco, a year ago.”

   “You were travelling in the States (вы путешествовали по /Соединенным/ Штатам)?”
   “Yes.”
   “Did you become engaged then (вы обручились там)?”
   “No.”
   “But you were on a friendly footing (но вы были в дружеских отношениях; footing – точка опоры, опора; устойчивое положение ног; взаимоотношения)?”
   “I was amused by her society (мне было приятно ее общество), and she could see that I was amused (и она это видела).”
   “Her father is very rich (ее отец очень богат)?”
   “He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope (говорят, он самый богатый человек на тихоокеанском побережье; slope – склон, откос).”
   “And how did he make his money (а как он разбогател: «сделал деньги»)?”
   “In mining (на /золотых/ приисках; mining – горное дело; разработка месторождений; mine – рудник; копь; шахта; прииск). He had nothing a few years ago (несколько лет назад у него не было ничего). Then he struck gold, invested it (потом он открыл месторождение золота, инвестировал капитал в него; to invest – инвестировать, вкладывать денежные средства; помещать капитал; to strike – ударять; открыть, обнаружить, достичь желаемого /внезапно/), and came up by leaps and bounds (и очень быстро пошел в гору; to come up – подниматься, повышаться; вырастать; by leaps and bounds – скачкообразно, очень быстро, стремительно: «прыжками и скачками»).”
   “Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's (а теперь /скажите/, каково ваше впечатление о молодой леди = опишите мне молодую леди) – your wife's character (какой характер у вашей жены)?”
   The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster (лорд начал немного быстрее раскачивать пенсне; nobleman – дворянин; аристократ; to swing – раскачивать; размахивать; вертеть) and stared down into the fire (и пристально посмотрел = отвел взгляд на огонь).

   Pacific [pǝ'sɪfɪk], money ['mʌnɪ], character ['kærǝktǝ]

   “You were travelling in the States?”
   “Yes.”
   “Did you become engaged then?”
   “No.”
   “But you were on a friendly footing?”
   “I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was amused.”
   “Her father is very rich?”
   “He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope.”
   “And how did he make his money?”
   “In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds.”
   “Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's – your wife's character?”
   The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down into the fire.

   “You see, Mr. Holmes (видите ли, мистер Холмс),” said he, “my wife was twenty before her father became a rich man (моей жене было двадцать /лет/, прежде чем ее отец стал богачом). During that time she ran free in a mining camp (в то время она свободно бегала по прииску; mining camp – рудник, шахта; рудничный поселок; camp – лагерь) and wandered through woods or mountains (и бродила по лесам и горам), so that her education has come from Nature rather than from the schoolmaster (так что ее воспитанием занималась скорее природа: «происходило от природы», чем школьный учитель; education – образование; воспитание). She is what we call in England a tomboy (это девчонка-сорванец, как мы называем /таких девушек/ в Англии), with a strong nature (сильная натура), wild and free (бурная и свободная), unfettered by any sort of traditions (не стесненная никакими традициями; unfettered – освобожденный /от оков, пут/; неограниченный; нестесненный; fetter – путы /для животных/). She is impetuous – volcanic, I was about to say (она импульсивна – можно сказать, порывиста: «я собирался сказать, порывиста»; volcanic – вулканический; бурный, горячий, пылкий /о темпераменте и т. п./). She is swift in making up her mind (быстро принимает решения: «быстра в принятии решения») and fearless in carrying out her resolutions (и бесстрашно выполняет задуманное; fear – страх; to carry out – выполнять; доводить до конца; resolution – решение; твердое намерение). On the other hand (с другой стороны), I would not have given her the name (я не дал бы ей имени) which I have the honor to bear (которое имею честь носить)” – he gave a little stately cough (тут он с достоинством кашлянул) – “had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman (если бы не был уверен, что по сути это прекрасная, благородная женщина; bottom – дно; основание). I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice (я верю, что она способна на героическое самопожертвование; sacrifice – жертва, жертвоприношение; to sacrifice – приносить в жертву, жертвовать) and that anything dishonorable would be repugnant to her (и что все бесчестное было бы ей противно).”

   mountain ['maʋntɪn], nature ['neɪʧǝ], dishonorable [dɪs'ɒn(ǝ)rǝbl]

   “You see, Mr. Holmes,” said he, “my wife was twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of traditions. She is impetuous – volcanic, I was about to say. She is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the name which I have the honor to bear” – he gave a little stately cough – “had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that anything dishonorable would be repugnant to her.”

   “Have you her photograph (у вас есть ее фотография)?”
   “I brought this with me (эту я принес с собой).” He opened a locket (он открыл медальон) and showed us the full face of a very lovely woman (и показал нам лицо очень красивой женщины; full face – анфас). It was not a photograph but an ivory miniature (это была не фотография, а миниатюра на слоновой кости), and the artist had brought out the full effect of the lustrous black hair (и художник /сумел/ полностью передать прелесть блестящих черных волос; to bring out – выявлять, обнаруживать; показывать; effect – эффект, /воз/действие; впечатление), the large dark eyes (больших темных глаз), and the exquisite mouth (и тонкого, изящно очерченного рта). Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it (Холмс долго и внимательно смотрел на нее). Then he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon (затем закрыл медальон и вернул его лорду Сент-Саймону).
   “The young lady came to London, then (потом молодая леди приехала в Лондон), and you renewed your acquaintance (и вы возобновили знакомство)?”
   “Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season (да, ее отец привез ее на этот последний сезон). I met her several times, became engaged to her (я встречал ее несколько раз, обручился с ней), and have now married her (и теперь женился на ней).”

   miniature ['mɪnɪ(ǝ)ʧǝ], lustrous ['lʌstrǝs], acquaintance [ǝ'kweɪntǝns]

   “Have you her photograph?”
   “I brought this with me.” He opened a locket and showed us the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon.
   “The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your acquaintance?”
   “Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now married her.”

   “She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry (полагаю, за ней дали значительное приданое: «она принесла…»)?”
   “A fair dowry (порядочное приданое). Not more than is usual in my family (не больше, чем принято в нашей семье; usual – обыкновенный, обычный; that is not usual here – здесь это не принято).”
   “And this, of course, remains to you (и оно, конечно, останется в вашем распоряжении), since the marriage is a fait accompli (поскольку брак – совершившийся факт /франц./)?”
   “I really have made no inquiries on the subject (на самом деле я не наводил справок на этот счет).”
   “Very naturally not (естественно). Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the wedding (вы видели мисс Доран накануне свадьбы)?”
   “Yes.”
   “Was she in good spirits (она была в хорошем настроении)?”
   “Never better (как нельзя лучше). She kept talking of what we should do in our future lives (продолжала говорить о том, что мы будем делать в наших будущих жизнях = все строила планы нашей будущей совместной жизни).”
   “Indeed (вот как)! That is very interesting (это очень любопытно). And on the morning of the wedding (а утром в /день/ свадьбы)?”

   dowry ['daʋ(ǝ)rɪ], fait accompli [,feɪtǝ'kɒmplɪ], future ['fju:ʧǝ]

   “She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?”
   “A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family.”
   “And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a fait accompli?”
   “I really have made no inquiries on the subject.”
   “Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the wedding?”
   “Yes.”
   “Was she in good spirits?”
   “Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our future lives.”
   “Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the wedding?”

   “She was as bright as possible (она была очень весела: «как /только/ возможно»; bright – яркий; веселый; живой, полный бодрости) – at least until after the ceremony (по крайней мере, до того, как кончилась церемония).”
   “And did you observe any change in her then (потом вы заметили в ней какую-то перемену)?”
   “Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had ever seen (по правде говоря, тогда я увидел первые признаки того) that her temper was just a little sharp (что ее нрав несколько резок; sharp – острый; крутой, резкий; суровый). The incident however, was too trivial to relate (впрочем, этот случай слишком незначителен, чтобы о нем говорить; to relate – рассказывать) and can have no possible bearing upon the case (и не может иметь ни малейшего отношения к этому делу).”
   “Pray let us have it, for all that (тем не менее, прошу вас, расскажите нам).”
   “Oh, it is childish (о, это /просто/ ребячество: «ребячески»). She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the vestry (она уронила букет, когда мы шли к алтарю; vestry – ризница; помещение для молитвенных и других собраний). She was passing the front pew at the time (в тот момент она проходила мимо передней скамьи; pew – церковная скамья со спинкой), and it fell over into the pew (и букет упал под скамью). There was a moment's delay (возникла минутная задержка = замешательство), but the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again (но джентльмен, /сидевший/ на скамье, поднял букет и подал ей), and it did not appear to be the worse for the fall (и, кажется, букет не пострадал от падения: «не стал хуже»). Yet when I spoke to her of the matter (однако, когда я заговорил с ней об этом), she answered me abruptly (она резко ответила мне); and in the carriage, on our way home (а в карете, по пути домой), she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause (она казалась до смешного взволнованной по такой пустячной причине).”

   incident ['ɪnsɪd(ǝ)nt], pew [pju:], agitated ['æʤɪteɪtɪd]

   “She was as bright as possible – at least until after the ceremony.”
   “And did you observe any change in her then?”
   “Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible bearing upon the case.”
   “Pray let us have it, for all that.”
   “Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause.”

   “Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew (говорите, на скамье сидел какой-то джентльмен). Some of the general public were present, then (значит, там были посторонние; general public – широкая публика, общественность)?”
   “Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is open (невозможно не впускать их, когда церковь открыта).”
   “This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends (этот джентльмен не был одним из знакомых вашей жены)?”
   “No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy (нет, нет, я называю его джентльменом /только/ из вежливости), but he was quite a common-looking person (это был совершенно простой человек). I hardly noticed his appearance (я почти и не заметил, как он выглядит; to notice – замечать, обращать внимание). But really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point (но, право, думаю, мы уходим далеко от дела).”
   “Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less cheerful frame of mind (итак, леди Сент-Саймон вернулась с бракосочетания в менее радостном настроении; frame of mind – расположение духа, настроение; frame – скелет, костяк, каркас, остов; рама; строение) than she had gone to it (чем /то/, в котором она прибыла /в церковь/). What did she do on re-entering her father's house (что она делала, вернувшись в дом отца)?”
   “I saw her in conversation with her maid (я видел, как она разговаривала со своей горничной).”

   appearance [ǝ'pɪǝrǝns], re-entering [ri:'entǝrɪŋ], conversation [,kɒnvǝ'seɪʃ(ǝ)n]

   “Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the general public were present, then?”
   “Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is open.”
   “This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?”
   “No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point.”
   “Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do on re-entering her father's house?”
   “I saw her in conversation with her maid.”

   “And who is her maid (кто это)?”
   “Alice is her name (ее зовут Элис). She is an American and came from California with her (она американка, приехала из Калифорнии с моей женой).”
   “A confidential servant (она пользуется доверием /вашей жены/; confidential – надежный, пользующийся доверием)?”
   “A little too much so (немного слишком большим /доверием/). It seemed to me that her mistress allowed her to take great liberties (мне казалось, что ее госпожа позволяет ей слишком много; to take liberties – позволять себе вольности, бесцеремонно обращаться /с кем-либо или чем-либо/). Still, of course, in America they look upon these things in a different way (конечно, в Америке смотрят на эти вещи иначе: «отличным /от Европы/ способом»).”
   “How long did she speak to this Alice (как долго она говорила с Элис)?”
   “Oh, a few minutes (несколько минут). I had something else to think of (у меня были другие заботы: «у меня было кое-что другое, о чем нужно было думать»).”
   “You did not overhear what they said (вы случайно не слышали, о чем они говорили; to overhear – подслушивать; нечаянно услышать)?”

   servant ['sɜ:v(ǝ)nt], minute ['mɪnɪt], overhear [,ǝʋvǝ'hɪǝ]

   “And who is her maid?”
   “Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California with her.”
   “A confidential servant?”
   “A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they look upon these things in a different way.”
   “How long did she speak to this Alice?”
   “Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of.”
   “You did not overhear what they said?”

   “Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim' (леди Сент-Саймон сказала что-то о «незаконном захвате чужого участка»; claim – требование; претензия, притязание). She was accustomed to use slang of the kind (она привыкла использовать жаргон подобного рода; accustomed – привычный, обычный; custom – обычай; привычка, обыкновение /конкретного человека/). I have no idea what she meant (понятия не имею, что она имела в виду; to mean).”
   “American slang is very expressive sometimes (американский жаргон очень выразителен иногда). And what did your wife do when she finished speaking to her maid (а что делала ваша жена, закончив говорить с горничной)?”
   “She walked into the breakfast-room (она пошла в столовую).”
   “On your arm (под руку с вами)?”
   “No, alone (нет, одна). She was very independent in little matters like that (она очень независима в таких мелочах; to depend /up/on – зависеть от). Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so (минут через десять после того, как мы сели), she rose hurriedly (она поспешно встала), muttered some words of apology (пробормотала какие-то извинения), and left the room (и вышла из комнаты). She never came back (она так и не вернулась).”

   expressive [ɪk'spresɪv], independent [,ɪndɪ'pendǝnt], apology [ǝ'pɒlǝʤɪ]

   “Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she meant.”
   “American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?”
   “She walked into the breakfast-room.”
   “On your arm?”
   “No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She never came back.”

   “But this maid, Alice, as I understand (но эта горничная, Элис, как я понимаю), deposes that she went to her room (показала /на допросе/, что ее госпожа пошла к себе в комнату; to depose – свидетельствовать, давать письменные показания под присягой), covered her bride's dress with a long ulster (накинула на подвенечное платье длинное пальто), put on a bonnet, and went out (надела шляпку и ушла).”
   “Quite so (совершенно верно). And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in company with Flora Millar (потом видели, как она шла в Гайд-Парке в обществе Флоры Миллар; Hyde Park – Гайд-Парк /самый известный лондонский парк/), a woman who is now in custody (женщины, которая сейчас находится под арестом), and who had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that morning (которая устроила скандал в доме мистера Дорана в то же утро).”
   “Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady (хотелось бы /узнать/ некоторые подробности об этой барышне), and your relations to her (и ваших с ней отношениях).”
   Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows (лорд пожал плечами и поднял брови).
   “We have been on a friendly footing for some years (мы были в дружеских отношениях несколько лет) – I may say on a very friendly footing (можно /даже/ сказать, в очень дружеских). She used to be at the Allegro (она танцевала в «Аллегро»). I have not treated her ungenerously (я не обращался с ней неблагородно = я не оставил ее в обиде; ungenerous – неблагородный; мелочный; скупой; generous – великодушный, благородный; щедрый), and she had no just cause of complaint against me (и у нее просто-напросто нет причин быть мною недовольной; complaint – жалоба; недовольство), but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes (но вы же знаете, каковы женщины, мистер Холмс).

   cover ['kʌvǝ], company ['kʌmpǝnɪ], ungenerously [ʌn'ʤen(ǝ)rǝslɪ]

   “But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bonnet, and went out.”
   “Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that morning.”
   “Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and your relations to her.”
   Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows.
   “We have been on a friendly footing for some years – I may say on a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes.

   “Flora was a dear little thing (Флора была очень очаровательной и милой: «милой крошкой»), but exceedingly hot-headed (но очень вспыльчивой: «с горячей головой»; exceedingly – чрезвычайно, крайне; to exceed – превышать; переступать пределы, границы; выходить за пределы) and devotedly attached to me (и до безумия привязанной ко мне; devotedly – преданно, самозабвенно). She wrote me dreadful letters (она писала мне ужасные письма) when she heard that I was about to be married (когда узнала, что я собираюсь жениться), and, to tell the truth, the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly (и, по правде говоря, причиной того, что я устроил, чтобы свадьба была сыграна так тихо) was that I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church (было то, что я боялся скандала в церкви; lest – чтобы не, как бы не). She came to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned (она пришла к двери мистера Дорана, как только мы вернулись), and she endeavored to push her way in (и попыталась проникнуть внутрь), uttering very abusive expressions towards my wife (произнося очень оскорбительные выражения = выкрикивая оскорбления в адрес моей жены), and even threatening her (и даже угрожая ей), but I had foreseen the possibility of something of the sort (однако я предвидел возможность чего-либо подобного; to foresee), and I had two police fellows there in private clothes (и у меня были два полисмена в штатском), who soon pushed her out again (которые быстро выпроводили ее: «вытолкали ее снова наружу»). She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a row (она стала спокойной, когда увидела, что бесполезно устраивать сцены; row – нарушение тишины, покоя, порядка; драка, потасовка).”
   “Did your wife hear all this (ваша жена слышала все это)?”

   celebrated ['selɪbreɪtɪd], church [ʧɜ:ʧ], abusive [ǝ'bju:sɪv]

   “Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavored to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a row.”
   “Did your wife hear all this?”

   “No, thank goodness, she did not (нет, слава Богу, не слышала).”
   “And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards (потом ее видели с этой самой женщиной)?”
   “Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard (да, и этот факт мистер Лестрейд из Скотленд-Ярда), looks upon as so serious (считает очень серьезным). It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out (он думает, что Флора выманила мою жену; to decoy – приманивать; заманивать в ловушку; decoy – приманка; манок /для птиц/) and laid some terrible trap for her (и устроила ей какую-нибудь ужасную ловушку; trap – капкан, ловушка; западня).”
   “Well, it is a possible supposition (что ж, возможное предположение).”
   “You think so, too (вы тоже так думаете)?”
   “I did not say a probable one (я не сказал, что вероятное /предположение/). But you do not yourself look upon this as likely (но вы сами не считаете, что это вероятно)?”
   “I do not think Flora would hurt a fly (не думаю, что Флора может обидеть и муху).”

   decoyed [dɪ'kɔɪd], supposition [,sʌpǝ'zɪʃ(ǝ)n], hurt [hɜ:t]

   “No, thank goodness, she did not.”
   “And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?”
   “Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid some terrible trap for her.”
   “Well, it is a possible supposition.”
   “You think so, too?”
   “I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon this as likely?”
   “I do not think Flora would hurt a fly.”

   “Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters (однако ревность – странный преобразователь характеров = ревность может удивительно изменить человека). Pray what is your own theory as to what took place (а сами вы как считаете, что произошло; theory – теория; предположение)?”
   “Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one (на самом деле я пришел узнать какую-нибудь версию, а не предлагать свою; to seek – искать, просить, добиваться; to propound – предлагать на обсуждение; выступать с предложением). I have given you all the facts (я сообщил вам все факты). Since you ask me, however (впрочем, раз вы спрашиваете меня), I may say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of this affair (я могу сказать: мне пришло в голову, что, вероятно, волнение), the consciousness that she had made so immense a social stride (осознание, что она сделала такой огромный социальный шаг = осознание огромной перемены в общественном положении), had the effect of causing some little nervous disturbance in my wife (вызвали у моей жены легкое нервное расстройство).”
   “In short, that she had become suddenly deranged (короче говоря, она внезапно потеряла рассудок: «стала неуравновешенной»; deranged – приведенный в беспорядок; психически неуравновешенный, ненормальный; душевнобольной; to range – приводить в порядок; выстраивать в ряд)?”
   “Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back (ну да; когда я думаю, что она отказалась; to turn one's back upon: «повернуться спиной» – отвернуться, отказаться от /кого-либо или от чего-либо/; покинуть, бросить /кого-либо или что-либо/) – I will not say upon me (нет, не от меня), but upon so much that many have aspired to without success (а от всего того, к чему многие /женщины/ стремились безуспешно) – I can hardly explain it in any other fashion (мне трудно объяснить это как-то иначе).”

   jealousy ['ʤelǝsɪ], propound [prǝ'paʋnd], consciousness ['kɒnʃǝsnɪs]

   “Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray what is your own theory as to what took place?”
   “Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous disturbance in my wife.”
   “In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?”
   “Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back – I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to without success – I can hardly explain it in any other fashion.”

   “Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis (что ж, конечно, это тоже возможное предположение),” said Holmes, smiling (сказал Холмс, улыбаясь). “And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have nearly all my data (а теперь, лорд Сент-Саймон, у меня, пожалуй, есть почти все /необходимые/ сведения). May I ask whether you were seated at the breakfast-table (можно спросить: сидели ли вы за свадебным столом таким образом) so that you could see out of the window (что могли видеть, что происходит на улице: «могли смотреть в окно»)?”
   “We could see the other side of the road and the Park (мы видели другую сторону дороги = противоположный тротуар и Парк).”
   “Quite so (отлично; quite so – несомненно, правильно, совершенно верно). Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer (итак, больше нет необходимости задерживать вас). I shall communicate with you (я свяжусь с вами; to communicate – сообщать; поддерживать связь, общаться).”
   “Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem (только бы вам посчастливилось разрешить эту загадку),” said our client, rising (сказал наш клиент, вставая).
   “I have solved it (я уже разрешил ее).”
   “Eh? What was that (что? что вы сказали)?”
   “I say that I have solved it (я сказал, что разрешил ее).”

   hypothesis [haɪ'pɒθǝsɪs], communicate [kǝ'mju:nɪkeɪt], enough [ɪ'nʌf]

   “Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis,” said Holmes, smiling. “And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?”
   “We could see the other side of the road and the Park.”
   “Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. I shall communicate with you.”
   “Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem,” said our client, rising.
   “I have solved it.”
   “Eh? What was that?”
   “I say that I have solved it.”

   “Where, then, is my wife (тогда где же моя жена)?”
   “That is a detail which I shall speedily supply (эту деталь я скоро сообщу вам; to supply – давать, поставлять; удовлетворять /нужды, желания/).”
   Lord St. Simon shook his head (лорд Сент-Саймон покачал головой).
   “I am afraid that it will take wiser heads than yours or mine (боюсь, что для этого потребуются более мудрые головы, чем у нас с вами),” he remarked, and bowing in a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed (заметил он, и, величественно и чинно поклонившись, удалился; old-fashioned – старомодный, устаревший; старомодный, придерживающийся старых идеалов, обычаев; stately – величавый, величественный, горделивый, полный достоинства).
   “It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honor my head (со стороны лорда Сент-Саймона было очень любезно оказать честь моей голове) by putting it on a level with his own (поставив ее на один уровень со своей),” said Sherlock Holmes, laughing (сказал Шерлок Холмс, смеясь). “I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar (я, пожалуй, выпью виски с содовой и выкурю сигару) after all this cross-questioning (после подобного: «всего этого» перекрестного допроса). I had formed my conclusions as to the case (я пришел к кое-каким заключениям по данному делу) before our client came into the room (до того, как наш клиент вошел в комнату).”
   “My dear Holmes (дорогой Холмс)!”

   departed [dɪ'pɑ:tɪd], honor ['ɒnǝ], laughing ['lɑ:fɪŋ]

   “Where, then, is my wife?”
   “That is a detail which I shall speedily supply.”
   Lord St. Simon shook his head.
   “I am afraid that it will take wiser heads than yours or mine,” he remarked, and bowing in a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed.
   “It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honor my head by putting it on a level with his own,” said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. “I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the case before our client came into the room.”
   “My dear Holmes!”

   “I have notes of several similar cases (у меня есть записи о нескольких подобных делах), though none, as I remarked before, which were quite as prompt (хотя ни одно из них, как я уже замечал ранее, не было столь быстрым). My whole examination served to turn my conjecture into a certainty (расспросы помогли превратить предположение в уверенность; examination – осмотр, изучение; допрос; to serve to – служить; помогать, способствовать). Circumstantial evidence is occasionally very convincing (косвенные доказательства порой бывают очень убедительны; circumstantial evidence – косвенные доказательства, косвенные улики; circumstance – обстоятельство; circumstantial – зависящий от обстоятельств; побочный, косвенный), as when you find a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example (как когда находишь форель в молоке, цитируя Торо /т. е. для Холмса все очевидно. В XIX в. в Новой Англии бастовали работники на молочных фермах; молоко часто разбавлялось водой. Форель живет в чистой воде/; Thoreau, Henry David /1817–1862/ – Торо, Генри Дэвид, американский писатель и философ; прожив два года в лесу, написал книгу «Уолден, или Жизнь в лесу» /1854/ – романтическую робинзонаду о жизни человека в мире природы как возможности спасения личности от современной цивилизации; to quote – цитировать; ссылаться на).”
   “But I have heard all that you have heard (но я слышал все то же /самое/, что и вы).”
   “Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases (однако вы не знаете о прежних: «предсуществовавших» случаях) which serves me so well (которые служат мне хорошую службу/очень помогают). There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some years back (подобный случай произошел в Абердине несколько лет назад; parallel – параллельный; аналогичный, подобный), and something on very much the same lines at Munich (и нечто очень похожее в Мюнхене; on the same lines – в том же духе; в том же направлении) the year after the Franco-Prussian War (через год после франко-прусской войны /1870–1871 гг./). It is one of these cases – but, hello, here is Lestrade (это один из тех случаев… а вот и Лестрейд)! Good-afternoon, Lestrade (добрый день, Лестрейд)! You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard (вы найдете вино на буфете; extra – добавочный, дополнительный; tumbler – стакан для вина; количество вина, вмещающееся в стакан), and there are cigars in the box (а вот, в ящике, сигары).”

   conjecture [kǝn'ʤekʧǝ], trout [traʋt], Munich ['mju:nɪk]

   “I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example.”
   “But I have heard all that you have heard.”
   “Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these cases – but, hello, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are cigars in the box.”

   The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat (официальный сыщик был облачен в бушлат и /носил/ шарф; pea-jacket – бушлат; тужурка, куртка; cravat – широкий галстук; галстук-шарф), which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance (что придавало ему явно морскую внешность = делало его похожим на моряка), and he carried a black canvas bag in his hand (в руке он держал черный парусиновый мешок). With a short greeting he seated himself (быстро поздоровавшись: «с коротким приветствием», он сел) and lit the cigar which had been offered to him (и закурил предложенную сигару: «и зажег сигару, которая была предложена ему»).
   “What's up, then (ну, что случилось)?” asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye (спросил Холмс с огоньком в глазах). “You look dissatisfied (вы кажетесь недовольным; to satisfy – удовлетворять; радовать).”
   “And I feel dissatisfied (и я действительно недоволен: «ощущаю /себя/ недовольным»). It is this infernal St. Simon marriage case (это все проклятое дело о свадьбе Сент-Саймона; infernal – адский, дьявольский; проклятый; inferno – ад /итал./). I can make neither head nor tail of the business (ничего не могу понять в нем; to make head or tail of something – понимать что-либо, разбираться в чем-либо: «разобрать, где голова, а где хвост»).”
   “Really! You surprise me (вот как? вы меня удивляете).”
   “Who ever heard of such a mixed affair (никогда не встречал такой запутанной истории: «кто когда-либо слышал…»)? Every clew seems to slip through my fingers (как будто все улики ускользают от меня; clew = clue – клубок; ключ /к разгадке чего-либо/; улика; to slip through one's fingers – проскользнуть сквозь пальцы, уплывать из рук; ускользнуть от кого-либо). I have been at work upon it all day (я весь день провозился с ней).”
   “And very wet it seems to have made you (и, кажется, вы при этом изрядно промокли: «она /эта история/ сделала вас очень мокрым»),” said Holmes laying his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket (сказал Холмс, дотрагиваясь до рукава бушлата).

   nautical ['nɔ:tɪk(ǝ)l], infernal [ɪn'fɜ:n(ǝ)l], jacket ['ʤækɪt]

   The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him.
   “What's up, then?” asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. “You look dissatisfied.”
   “And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business.”
   “Really! You surprise me.”
   “Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clew seems to slip through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day.”
   “And very wet it seems to have made you,” said Holmes laying his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket.

   “Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine (да, я обшаривал /дно/ Серпантина; Serpentine – Серпантин /узкое искусственное озеро в Гайд-Парке/).”
   “In heaven's name, what for (зачем же; in heaven's name – ради Бога! Боже мой! Господи! ради всего святого! /восклицание, выражающее удивление, досаду и т. п./)?”
   “In search of the body of Lady St. Simon (в поисках тела леди Сент-Саймон).”
   Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily (Шерлок Холмс откинулся на спинку кресла и от души рассмеялся).
   “Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain (а вы обшарили бассейн фонтана на Трафальгар-Сквер; basin – миска, таз; бассейн, резервуар, водоем)?” he asked.
   “Why? What do you mean (зачем? что вы хотите сказать)?”
   “Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the one as in the other (то, что у вас точно такие же шансы найти это тело здесь, как и там: «в одном, как и в другом»).”
   Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion (Лестрейд бросил сердитый взгляд на моего товарища; to shoot – стрелять; бросать, кидать).
   “I suppose you know all about it (полагаю, вы все об этом знаете = во всем разобрались),” he snarled (проворчал он; to snarl – рычать, ворчать; огрызаться).

   Serpentine ['sɜ:pǝntǝɪn], Trafalgar Square [trǝ'fælɡǝ,skweǝ], fountain ['faʋntɪn]

   “Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine.”
   “In heaven's name, what for?”
   “In search of the body of Lady St. Simon.”
   Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily.
   “Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?” he asked.
   “Why? What do you mean?”
   “Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the one as in the other.”
   Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion.
   “I suppose you know all about it,” he snarled.

   “Well, I have only just heard the facts (ну, я лишь только что узнал факты = подробности), but my mind is made up (но уже пришел к выводу).”
   “Oh, indeed (о, неужели)! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the matter (значит, вы считаете, что Серпантин тут ни при чем: «не играет никакой роли в этом деле»)?”
   “I think it very unlikely (думаю, это маловероятно).”
   “Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found this in it (тогда будьте добры, объясните, каким образом мы могли найти в нем это)?”
   He opened his bag as he spoke (при этих словах он открыл мешок), and tumbled onto the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk (и вывалил на пол свадебное платье из муара), a pair of white satin shoes (пару белых атласных туфелек) and a bride's wreath and veil (и венок с вуалью), all discolored and soaked in water (все поблекшее и мокрое: «пропитавшееся водой»).
   “There (вот, извольте),” said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the top of the pile (сказал он, кладя новое обручальное кольцо на эту кучу). “There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Holmes (раскусите-ка этот орешек, господин Холмс: «вот орешек для вас, чтобы раскусить»).”

   shoe [ʃu:], wreath [ri:θ], discolored [dɪs'kʌlǝd]

   “Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up.”
   “Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the matter?”
   “I think it very unlikely.”
   “Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found this in it?”
   He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discolored and soaked in water.
   “There,” said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the top of the pile. “There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Holmes.”

   “Oh, indeed (вот как)!” said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air (сказал мой друг, выпуская /в воздух/ голубые кольца /дыма/). “You dragged them from the Serpentine (вы вытащили эти вещи из Серпантина)?”
   “No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper (они плавали у берега, их нашел сторож при парке). They have been identified as her clothes (они были опознаны как ее одежда), and it seemed to me that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off (и я думаю, раз там была одежда, то тело найдется недалеко).”
   “By the same brilliant reasoning (исходя из этого блестящего рассуждения), every man's body is to be found in the neighborhood of his wardrobe (тело каждого человека должно быть найдено рядом с его одеждой; in the neighbourhood of – по соседству с, поблизости от; wardrobe – гардероб, одежда). And pray what did you hope to arrive at through this (и к чему же вы хотите прийти через это = чего надеетесь добиться с помощью этих вещей)?”
   “At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance (какой-нибудь улики, доказывающей /причастность/ Флоры Миллар к исчезновению /леди Сент-Саймон/; to implicate – заключать в себе, подразумевать; иметь следствием).”
   “I am afraid that you will find it difficult (боюсь, вам это будет нелегко: «вы обнаружите, что это трудно»).”

   margin ['mɑ:ʤɪn], wardrobe ['wɔ:drǝʋb], neighborhood ['neɪbǝhʋd]

   “Oh, indeed!” said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. “You dragged them from the Serpentine?”
   “No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off.”
   “By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found in the neighborhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope to arrive at through this?”
   “At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance.”
   “I am afraid that you will find it difficult.”

   “Are you, indeed, now (боитесь)?” cried Lestrade with some bitterness (с горечью вскричал Лестрейд; bitter – горький). “I am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your deductions and your inferences (боюсь, Холмс, что вы не очень практичны = отстали от жизни с вашими выводами и умозаключениями). You have made two blunders in as many minutes (вы сделали две грубые ошибки за две минуты: «за столько же минут»). This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar (это платье действительно уличает мисс Флору Миллар).”
   “And how (и каким образом)?”
   “In the dress is a pocket (в платье есть карман). In the pocket is a card-case (в кармане коробочка для визитных карточек). In the card-case is a note (в коробочке – записка). And here is the very note (вот эта самая записка).” He slapped it down upon the table in front of him (он швырнул ее на стол перед собой; to slap down – с силой бросать, энергично швырять). “Listen to this (послушайте): 'You will see me when all is ready (увидите меня, когда все будет готово). Come at once. F.H.M (приходите немедленно. Ф. Х. М.).' Now my theory all along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Millar (итак, я с самого начала предполагал, что Флора Миллар выманила леди Сент-Саймон; all along – все время, с самого начала; всегда), and that she, with confederates, no doubt (и, несомненно, с сообщниками), was responsible for her disappearance (ответственна за ее исчезновение). Here, signed with her initials (вот, подписанная ее инициалами), is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped into her hand at the door (та самая записка, которую, без сомнения, она незаметно передала леди Сент-Саймон у двери; to slip – скользить; давать /что-либо/ скрытно, незаметно) and which lured her within their reach (и которая заманила ее в их сети; to lure – привлекать; завлекать, соблазнять; reach – протягивание /руки/; размах, предел досягаемости).”

   inference ['ɪnf(ǝ)rǝns], confederate /сущ./ [kǝn'fedǝrǝt],initial [ɪ'nɪʃ(ǝ)l]

   “Are you, indeed, now?” cried Lestrade with some bitterness. “I am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar.”
   “And how?”
   “In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the card-case is a note. And here is the very note.” He slapped it down upon the table in front of him. “Listen to this: 'You will see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped into her hand at the door and which lured her within their reach.”

   “Very good, Lestrade (отлично, Лестрейд),” said Holmes, laughing (сказал Холмс, смеясь). “You really are very fine indeed (в самом деле, вы это славно /придумали/). Let me see it (позвольте взглянуть на записку).”
   He took up the paper in a listless way (он безразлично взял бумажку), but his attention instantly became riveted (но тотчас сосредоточился /на ней/; to rivet – клепать; сосредоточивать /внимание/; устремлять, приковывать /взгляд/), and he gave a little cry of satisfaction (и радостно вскрикнул: «издал короткий крик удовлетворения/радости»).
   “This is indeed important (это действительно важно),” said he.
   “Ha! you find it so (ага! и вы так считаете)?”
   “Extremely so (чрезвычайно важно). I congratulate you warmly (сердечно поздравляю вас).”
   Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look (Лестрейд торжествующе поднялся и наклонился /над запиской/: «наклонил голову, чтобы посмотреть»; to bend).
   “Why,” he shrieked (но ведь, – воскликнул он), “you're looking at the wrong side (вы смотрите не на ту сторону/на оборотную сторону)!”
   “On the contrary, this is the right side (напротив, это лицевая: «правильная» сторона).”
   “The right side (лицевая)? You're mad (вы с ума сошли)! Here is the note written in pencil over here (записка написана карандашом вот здесь).”

   important [ɪm'pɔ:t(ǝ)nt], triumph ['traɪǝmf], written ['rɪt(ǝ)n]

   “Very good, Lestrade,” said Holmes, laughing. “You really are very fine indeed. Let me see it.”
   He took up the paper in a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he gave a little cry of satisfaction.
   “This is indeed important,” said he.
   “Ha! you find it so?”
   “Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly.”
   Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look.
   “Why,” he shrieked, “you're looking at the wrong side!”
   “On the contrary, this is the right side.”
   “The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil over here.”

   “And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel bill (а здесь, похоже, обрывок гостиничного счета), which interests me deeply (который меня чрезвычайно интересует).”
   “There's nothing in it (в нем нет ничего особенного). I looked at it before (я видел его раньше),” said Lestrade. “'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s. (4 октября, комнаты – 8 шил.), breakfast 2s. 6d. (завтрак – 2 шил., 6 пенсов), cocktail 1s. (коктейль – 1 шил.), lunch 2s. 6d. (ленч – 2 шил., 6 пенсов), glass sherry, 8d (стакан хереса – 8 пенсов).' I see nothing in that (не вижу ничего /интересного/).”
   “Very likely not (вполне вероятно, что не видите). It is most important, all the same (и все же счет очень важен). As to the note, it is important also (что касается записки, она тоже важна), or at least the initials are, so I congratulate you again (или, по крайней мере, инициалы; так что снова поздравляю вас).”
   “I've wasted time enough (я потерял достаточно времени),” said Lestrade, rising. “I believe in hard work (я считаю, что надо много работать: «верю в интенсивную работу»; hard work – тяжелая работа) and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories (а не сидеть у камина, выдумывая всякие прекрасные теории; to spin – прясть; плести /паутину/; разрабатывать, придумывать: to spin stories – плести небылицы). Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see (до свидания, мистер Холмс, /еще/ увидим) which gets to the bottom of the matter first (кто первым доберется до сути этого дела).”
   He gathered up the garments (он собрал одежду), thrust them into the bag (сунул ее в мешок), and made for the door (и направился к двери).

   cocktail ['kɒkteɪl], garments ['ɡɑ:mǝnts], door [dɔ:]

   “And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel bill, which interests me deeply.”
   “There's nothing in it. I looked at it before,” said Lestrade. “'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that.”
   “Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I congratulate you again.”
   “I've wasted time enough,” said Lestrade, rising. “I believe in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom of the matter first.”
   He gathered up the garments, thrust them into the bag, and made for the door.

   “Just one hint to you, Lestrade (/дам/ вам только одну подсказку, Лестрейд),” drawled Holmes before his rival vanished (медленно произнес Холмс прежде, чем его соперник исчез; to drawl – растягивать слова, произносить с подчеркнутой медлительностью); “I will tell you the true solution of the matter (я назову вам истинное решение этого дела). Lady St. Simon is a myth (леди Сент-Саймон – миф). There is not, and there never has been, any such person (нет и никогда не было такого человека).”
   Lestrade looked sadly at my companion (Лестрейд грустно посмотрел на моего друга). Then he turned to me (потом повернулся ко мне), tapped his forehead three times (трижды постучал /пальцем/ по лбу), shook his head solemnly (серьезно покачал головой), and hurried away (и поспешно вышел).
   He had hardly shut the door behind him (едва он закрыл за собой дверь) when Holmes rose to put on his overcoat (как Холмс встал и надел пальто).
   “There is something in what the fellow says about outdoor work (в том, что говорит наш коллега о работе на открытом воздухе, есть доля истины),” he remarked (заметил он), “so I think, Watson, that I must leave you to your papers for a little (поэтому, Ватсон, думаю, что должен оставить вас ненадолго с вашими газетами).”

   drawled [drɔ:ld], solemnly ['sɒlǝmlɪ], remarked [rɪ'mɑ:kt]

   “Just one hint to you, Lestrade,” drawled Holmes before his rival vanished; “I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any such person.”
   Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and hurried away.
   He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on his overcoat.
   “There is something in what the fellow says about outdoor work,” he remarked, “so I think, Watson, that I must leave you to your papers for a little.”

   It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me (когда Шерлок Холмс покинул меня, было начало шестого), but I had no time to be lonely (но я недолго оставался в одиночестве: «у меня не было времени оставаться в одиночестве»), for within an hour there arrived a confectioner's man with a very large flat box (так как менее чем через час явился посыльный из гастрономической лавки с очень большой плоской коробкой; confectioner – кондитер). This he unpacked with the help of a youth (он распаковал ее с помощью юноши) whom he had brought with him (которого привел с собой), and presently, to my very great astonishment (и вскоре, к моему большому удивлению), a quite epicurean little cold supper (довольно роскошный холодный ужин; epicurean – эпикурейский, чувственный; роскошный, пышный) began to be laid out upon our humble lodging-house mahogany (начал появляться на скромном обеденном столе нашей меблированной квартиры; to lay out – вынимать, выкладывать; расставлять; lodging-house – меблированные комнаты; mahogany – красное дерево, сделанный из красного дерева; обеденный стол). There were a couple of brace of cold woodcock (здесь была пара холодных вальдшнепов), a pheasant (фазан), a pâté de foie gras pie (пирог с паштетом из гусиной печени) with a group of ancient and cobwebby bottles (и несколько старых, покрытых паутиной бутылок; cobweb – паутина; нить паутины). Having laid out all these luxuries (расставив все эти лакомства; luxuries – предметы роскоши), my two visitors vanished away (оба посетителя исчезли), like the genii of the Arabian Nights (словно джинны из «Тысячи и одной ночи»: «арабских ночей»), with no explanation save that the things had been paid for (без каких-либо объяснений, сказав только, что за все заплачено) and were ordered to this address (и велено доставить по этому адресу; to order – заказывать; направлять, посылать).

   confectioner [kǝn'fekʃ(ǝ)nǝ], epicurean [,epɪkjʋǝ'ri:ǝn], mahogany [mǝ'hɒɡǝnɪ]

   It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid for and were ordered to this address.

   Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the room (около девяти часов Шерлок Холмс бодро вошел в комнату; just before – непосредственно перед). His features were gravely set (его лицо было серьезным), but there was a light in his eye which made me think (но в глазах блестел огонек, по которому я понял) that he had not been disappointed in his conclusions (что он не разочаровался в своих выводах).
   “They have laid the supper, then (итак, ужин уже на столе: «они накрыли ужин»),” he said, rubbing his hands (сказал он, потирая руки).
   “You seem to expect company (кажется, вы ждете гостей). They have laid for five (накрыли на пять персон).”
   “Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in (да, думаю, к нам зайдут кое-какие гости; to drop in – заходить, заглядывать, забегать),” said he. “I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived (я удивлен, что лорд Сент-Саймон еще не пришел). Ha! I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs (ага! кажется, я слышу на лестнице его шаги).”
   It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in (это действительно оказался наш дневной посетитель; он торопливо вошел), dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever (еще сильнее чем прежде раскачивая пенсне; vigorously – сильно, энергично), and with a very perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features (и его аристократические черты лица отражали сильное смятение; to perturb – смущать, тревожить; беспокоить, волновать).

   conclusion [kǝn'klu:ʒ(ǝ)n], company ['kʌmpǝnɪ], bustling ['bʌslɪŋ]

   Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his conclusions.
   “They have laid the supper, then,” he said, rubbing his hands.
   “You seem to expect company. They have laid for five.”
   “Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in,” said he. “I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs.”
   It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features.

   “My messenger reached you, then (значит, мой посыльный застал вас /дома/)?” asked Holmes.
   “Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure (да, и признаюсь, содержание /письма/ сильно поразило меня: «сверх всякой меры»). Have you good authority for what you say (у вас есть доказательства того, что вы говорите; authority – власть; авторитетный источник; основание; on good authority – из достоверных источников, по достоверным сведениям)?”
   “The best possible (самые веские: «лучшие из возможных»).”
   Lord St. Simon sank into a chair (лорд опустился в кресло) and passed his hand over his forehead (и провел рукой по лбу).
   “What will the Duke say (что скажет герцог),” he murmured (прошептал он; to murmur – говорить тихо; шептать; бормотать), “when he hears that one of the family has been subjected to such humiliation (когда узнает, что один из /членов/ семьи подвергся такому унижению; to humiliate – унижать, оскорблять)?”
   “It is the purest accident (это чистейшая случайность). I cannot allow that there is any humiliation (не могу согласиться, что здесь есть что-то унизительное; to allow – позволять; признавать /справедливым, правильным/; принимать; соглашаться).”

   measure ['meʒǝ], authority [ɔ:'θɒrǝtɪ], murmured ['mɜ:mǝd]

   “My messenger reached you, then?” asked Holmes.
   “Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Have you good authority for what you say?”
   “The best possible.”
   Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his forehead.
   “What will the Duke say,” he murmured, “when he hears that one of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?”
   “It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any humiliation.“

   “Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint (ах, вы смотрите на эти вещи с другой точки зрения).”
   “I fail to see that anyone is to blame (я совершенно не вижу здесь виновных; to fail – потерпеть неудачу; to blame – винить, порицать). I can hardly see how the lady could have acted otherwise (я едва понимаю, как леди могла поступить иначе = думаю, леди не могла поступить иначе), though her abrupt method of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted (хотя, конечно, жаль, что она действовала столь резко; to regret – сожалеть). Having no mother, she had no one to advise her at such a crisis (так как у нее нет матери, ей не с кем было посоветоваться в такой критический момент).”
   “It was a slight, sir, a public slight (это было оскорблением, сэр, публичным оскорблением; slight – пренебрежение, неуважение),” said Lord St. Simon, tapping his fingers upon the table (сказал лорд Сент-Саймон, стуча пальцами по столу).
   “You must make allowance for this poor girl (вы должны сделать скидку для этой бедной девушки; allowance – денежное пособие; денежное содержание; скидка; допущение; принятие в расчет, во внимание), placed in so unprecedented a position (оказавшейся в таком исключительном положении; unprecedented – беспрецедентный, небывалый; to place – помещать).”
   “I will make no allowance (не стану делать никакой скидки). I am very angry indeed, and I have been shamefully used (я очень зол, меня бесчестно использовали; shame – стыд, позор).”

   crisis ['kraɪsɪs], unprecedented [ʌn'presɪdǝntɪd], allowance [ǝ'laʋǝns]

   “Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint.”
   “I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she had no one to advise her at such a crisis.”
   “It was a slight, sir, a public slight,” said Lord St. Simon, tapping his fingers upon the table.
   “You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so unprecedented a position.”
   “I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have been shamefully used.”

   “I think that I heard a ring (кажется, я слышал звонок),” said Holmes. “Yes, there are steps on the landing (да, на лестничной площадке шаги). If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view of the matter, Lord St. Simon (если я не могу убедить вас отнестись к этому делу снисходительно, лорд Сент-Саймон), I have brought an advocate here who may be more successful (то, быть может, человек, которого я пригласил, окажется более успешным; advocate – адвокат; защитник, заступник; to advocate – защищать, поддерживать, пропагандировать /взгляды, позицию/).”
   He opened the door and ushered in a lady and gentleman (он открыл дверь и впустил даму и джентльмена; to usher – сопровождать; вводить; усаживать).
   “Lord St. Simon,” said he “allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton (позвольте представить вам мистера и миссис Фрэнсис Хей Моултон). The lady, I think, you have already met (с госпожой /Моултон/, полагаю, вы уже знакомы).”
   At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his seat (при виде этих гостей наш клиент вскочил с места; newcomer – новоприбывший, приезжий; to spring) and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down (и встал очень прямо = стоял выпрямившись, опустив глаза) and his hand thrust into the breast of his frock-coat (и заложив руку за борт сюртука), a picture of offended dignity (воплощение оскорбленного достоинства). The lady had taken a quick step forward (дама быстро шагнула вперед) and had held out her hand to him (и протянула к нему руку), but he still refused to raise his eyes (но он по-прежнему отказывался поднимать глаза). It was as well for his resolution, perhaps (возможно, это было сделано также для /сохранения/ решимости/твердости), for her pleading face was one which it was hard to resist (поскольку перед ее умоляющим лицом было трудно устоять; to resist – сопротивляться, противиться; не поддаваться).

   lenient ['li:nɪǝnt], picture ['pɪkʧǝ], resist [rɪ'zɪst]

   “I think that I heard a ring,” said Holmes. “Yes, there are steps on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here who may be more successful.”
   He opened the door and ushered in a lady and gentleman.
   “Lord St. Simon,” said he “allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I think, you have already met.”
   At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand thrust into the breast of his frock‑coat, a picture of offended dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was one which it was hard to resist.

   “You're angry, Robert (вы сердитесь, Роберт),” said she. “Well, I guess you have every cause to be (что ж, думаю, у вас есть все основания для этого).”
   “Pray make no apology to me (прошу вас, не извиняйтесь),” said Lord St. Simon bitterly (с горечью произнес лорд Сент-Саймон).
   “Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad (да, я знаю, я действительно обошлась с вами плохо) and that I should have spoken to you before I went (и мне следовало поговорить с вами перед тем, как уйти); but I was kind of rattled (но я словно обезумела; to rattle – греметь, трещать; волновать; смущать, приводить в замешательство), and from the time when I saw Frank here again (а с той минуты, как снова увидела Фрэнка здесь) I just didn't know what I was doing or saying (я просто не сознавала, что делаю и что говорю). I only wonder I didn't fall down and do a faint right there before the altar (удивляюсь, как это я не упала в обморок прямо там, перед алтарем).”
   “Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the room (быть может, миссис Моултон, вы хотите, чтобы мы с моим другом вышли из комнаты) while you explain this matter (пока вы объясняетесь)?”

   apology [ǝ'pɒlǝʤɪ], wonder ['wʌndǝ], altar ['ɔ:ltǝ]

   “You're angry, Robert,” said she. “Well, I guess you have every cause to be.”
   “Pray make no apology to me,” said Lord St. Simon bitterly.
   “Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't fall down and do a faint right there before the altar.”
   “Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the room while you explain this matter?”

   “If I may give an opinion (если я могу выразить свое мнение),” remarked the strange gentleman (заметил незнакомец), “we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business already (/я скажу, что/ мы и так уже сделали слишком много тайны из этого дела). For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hear the rights of it (что касается меня, я бы хотел, чтобы вся Европа и вся Америка услышали правду; rights – права; верность, соответствие фактам; истинное положение вещей: I have never heard the rights of that story – я никогда не слышал правды об этой истории).”
   He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man (это был низкий, жилистый, загорелый человек), clean-shaven (чисто выбритый), with a sharp face and alert manner (с резкими чертами лица и быстрыми движениями; alert – бдительный, настороже; живой, проворный; резвый).
   “Then I'll tell our story right away (тогда я тотчас расскажу нашу историю),” said the lady. “Frank here and I met in '84 (мы с Фрэнком встретились в 1884 году; to meet – встречаться, знакомиться), in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies (на прииске Макквайра, близ Скалистых гор; Rockies = Rocky Mountains), where pa was working a claim (где папа разрабатывал участок; pa = papa). We were engaged to each other, Frank and I (мы с Фрэнком обручились); but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile (но затем однажды папа напал на богатую /золотоносную/ жилу и разбогател; pocket – карман; залежь; вкрапление /богатой руды/; pile – свая; столб; груда, кипа; состояние, куча денег), while poor Frank here had a claim (в то время как у бедного Фрэнка участок) that petered out and came to nothing (истощался и /затем/ совсем опустел: «сошел на нет»). The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank (чем богаче становился папа, тем беднее становился Фрэнк); so at last pa wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer (в конце концов папа и слышать /не хотел/ о нашей помолвке: «о том, чтобы наша помолвка продолжалась»), and he took me away to 'Frisco (и увез меня в Сан-Франциско; Фриско – разг. Сан-Франциско).

   Europe ['jʋǝrǝp], alert [ǝ'lɜ:t], engagement [ɪn'ɡeɪʤmǝnt]

   “If I may give an opinion,” remarked the strange gentleman, “we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hear the rights of it.”
   He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, clean‑shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner.
   “Then I'll tell our story right away,” said the lady. “Frank here and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took me away to 'Frisco.

   “Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though (однако Фрэнк не сдавался; to throw up one's arms – вскидывать руки, признавать свое поражение); so he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything about it (он поехал за мной, и мы продолжали видеться без ведома папы). It would only have made him mad to know (если бы он узнал об этом, он бы рассердился), so we just fixed it all up for ourselves (поэтому мы все решили сами; to fix up – устроить, обеспечить; привести в порядок, уладить). Frank said that he would go and make his pile, too (Фрэнк сказал, что тоже разбогатеет), and never come back to claim me until he had as much as pa (и не вернется и не попросит моей руки: «заявлять права на меня» до тех пор, пока не будет так же богат, как папа). So then I promised to wait for him to the end of time (я пообещала ждать его вечно: «до конца времени») and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived (и дала обет не выходить замуж за другого, пока он жив). 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then (в таком случае, почему бы нам не обвенчаться прямо сейчас),' said he, 'and then I will feel sure of you (тогда я буду уверен в тебе); and I won't claim to be your husband until I come back (и не стану твоим мужем, пока не вернусь)?' Well, we talked it over (мы обговорили этот вопрос), and he had fixed it all up so nicely (и Фрэнк так прекрасно все устроил), with a clergyman all ready in waiting (священник был полностью готов; all ready – полностью, совершенно готовый; in waiting – в ожидании), that we just did it right there (и тут же обвенчал нас); and then Frank went off to seek his fortune, and I went back to pa (и Фрэнк уехал искать счастье, а я вернулась к папе).

   husband ['hʌzbǝnd], clergyman ['klɜ:ʤɪmǝn], fortune ['fɔ:ʧ(ǝ)n]

   “Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek his fortune, and I went back to pa.

   “The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana (следующее, что я узнала о Фрэнке, было то, что он в Монтане), and then he went prospecting in Arizona (потом он уехал искать золото в Аризону; to prospect – проводить разведку, искать /полезные ископаемые/), and then I heard of him from New Mexico (а затем я услышала о нем из Нью-Мексико = узнала, что он в Нью-Мексико). After that came a long newspaper story about how a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians (потом появилась длинная газетная статья о том, как на лагерь золотодобытчиков напали индейцы-апачи), and there was my Frank's name among the killed (и в списке убитых: «среди убитых» было имя Фрэнка). I fainted dead away (я упала без чувств), and I was very sick for months after (и очень тяжело болела несколько месяцев). Pa thought I had a decline (папа думал, что у меня чахотка; decline – падение; упадок /сил/; ухудшение /здоровья/; изнурительная болезнь, особенно чахотка) and took me to half the doctors in 'Frisco (и показал меня половине докторов во Фриско = водил по докторам Фриско). Not a word of news came for a year and more (больше года не было ни слова вестей /от Фрэнка/), so that I never doubted that Frank was really dead (и я не сомневалась, что он на самом деле умер). Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco (затем лорд Сент-Саймон приехал в Фриско), and we came to London (мы отправились в Лондон), and a marriage was arranged (договорились о свадьбе), and pa was very pleased (и папа был очень доволен), but I felt all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place in my heart (но я все время чувствовала, что ни один мужчина в мире: «на этой земле» никогда не займет в моем сердце место) that had been given to my poor Frank (отданное моему бедному Фрэнку).

   half [hɑ:f], doubted ['daʋtɪd], earth [ɜ:θ], heart [hɑ:t]

   “The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank.

   “Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon (однако, если бы я вышла замуж за лорда Сент-Саймона), of course I'd have done my duty by him (я, конечно, исполнила бы свой долг по отношению к нему). We can't command our love (мы не можем управлять своей любовью), but we can our actions (но своими поступками – можем). I went to the altar with him (я шла с ним к алтарю) with the intention to make him just as good a wife as it was in me to be (с намерением стать ему хорошей женой, насколько это было в моих силах). But you may imagine what I felt (но вы можете себе представить, что я почувствовала) when, just as I came to the altar rails (когда, подходя к алтарной ограде), I glanced back and saw Frank (я оглянулась и увидела Фрэнка) standing and looking at me out of the first pew (который стоял за первой скамьей и смотрел на меня). I thought it was his ghost at first (сначала я подумала, что это /его/ призрак); but when I looked again there he was still (но когда я оглянулась снова, он по-прежнему стоял там), with a kind of question in his eyes (в его глазах словно был вопрос = он будто спрашивал взглядом), as if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him (рада я его видеть или нет). I wonder I didn't drop (удивляюсь, как я не упала в обморок). I know that everything was turning round (все кружилось /перед глазами/; to turn round – поворачиваться), and the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my ear (слова священника звучали в моих ушах, точно жужжание пчелы). I didn't know what to do (я не знала, что делать).

   duty ['dju:tɪ], ghost [ɡǝʋst], clergyman ['klɜ:ʤɪmǝn]

   “Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my ear. I didn't know what to do.

   “Should I stop the service and make a scene in the church (следовало ли мне остановить венчание и устроить сцену в церкви; service – служба; богослужение; marriage service – венчание)? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to know what I was thinking (я снова взглянула на него, и, должно быть, он понял, о чем я думаю), for he raised his finger to his lips to tell me to be still (потому что поднес палец к губам, /как бы/ говоря мне молчать). Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper (потом я увидела, как он быстро пишет что-то на клочке бумаги), and I knew that he was writing me a note (и поняла, что он пишет мне записку). As I passed his pew on the way out (когда я проходила мимо его скамьи, направляясь к выходу) I dropped my bouquet over to him (я уронила букет возле него), and he slipped the note into my hand (и он незаметно передал мне записку: «незаметно сунул в мою руку»; to slip – скользить; давать /что-либо/ скрытно, незаметно) when he returned me the flowers (возвращая цветы). It was only a line asking me to join him (в записке была лишь одна строчка, /в которой он/ просил, чтобы я вышла к нему; to join – /при/соединяться) when he made the sign to me to do so (когда он подаст мне знак). Of course I never doubted for a moment (конечно, я ни на миг не усомнилась) that my first duty was now to him (что теперь мой главный долг относился к нему), and I determined to do just whatever he might direct (и я решила делать все, что он скажет; whatever – какой бы ни; что бы ни; to direct – направлять, давать указание).

   scene [si:n], bouquet [bʋ'keɪ], flower ['flaʋǝ], doubted ['daʋtɪd]

   “Should I stop the service and make a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct.

   “When I got back I told my maid (вернувшись /домой/, я все рассказала моей горничной), who had known him in California (которая знала Фрэнка /еще/ в Калифорнии), and had always been his friend (и всегда была его другом). I ordered her to say nothing (я велела ей не говорить ничего), but to get a few things packed and my ulster ready (а сложить кое-какие вещи и приготовить мне пальто). I know I ought to have spoken to Lord St. Simon (я знаю, мне следовало бы поговорить с лордом Сент-Саймоном), but it was dreadful hard before his mother and all those great people (но это было ужасно трудно в присутствии его матери и всех тех важных людей). I just made up my mind to run away and explain afterwards (я решила убежать, а объясниться позднее).
   “I hadn't been at the table ten minutes (я не просидела за столом и десяти минут) before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the road (как увидела из окна Фрэнка, /стоявшего/ на противоположном тротуаре). He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park (он кивнул мне и пошел в Парк; to beckon – подзывать кивком головы; манить, делать знак). I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him (я вышла из столовой, надела пальто и шляпку: «вещи» и пошла за ним; to slip out – выйти, выбежать /на улицу/; уйти украдкой). Some woman came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to me (какая-то женщина подошла ко мне и стала что-то рассказывать о лорде Сент-Саймоне) – seemed to me from the little I heard (мне показалось из того немногого, что услышала) as if he had a little secret of his own before marriage also (что у него тоже до свадьбы была какая-то маленькая тайна) – but I managed to get away from her (мне удалось отделаться от нее; to get away – удрать; ускользнуть; освободиться) and soon overtook Frank (и вскоре я нагнала Фрэнка).

   ought [ɔ:t], beckoned ['bekǝnd], marriage ['mærɪʤ]

   “When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to run away and explain afterwards.
   “I hadn't been at the table ten minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to me – seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little secret of his own before marriage also – but I managed to get away from her and soon overtook Frank.

   “We got into a cab together (мы вместе сели в кеб), and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square (и поехали в квартиру, снятую им на Гордон-Сквер; lodgings – сдаваемая комната; квартира), and that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting (и это была моя настоящая свадьба после всех тех лет ожидания). Frank had been a prisoner among the Apaches (Фрэнк был пленником среди апачей = побывал в плену у апачей), had escaped, came on to 'Frisco (бежал, приехал во Фриско), found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to England (узнал, что я посчитала его умершим и уехала в Англию; to give up – оставить, отказаться; сдаться, уступить; порвать /с кем-либо/; перестать ждать), followed me there (последовал за мной), and had come upon me at last on the very morning of my second wedding (и наконец разыскал меня как раз в утро моей второй свадьбы).”
   “I saw it in a paper (я прочитал об этом в газете),” explained the American (пояснил американец). “It gave the name and the church but not where the lady lived (там было указано имя /невесты/ и церковь, но не сообщалось, где она живет).”

   prisoner ['prɪz(ǝ)nǝ], England ['ɪŋɡlǝnd], American [ǝ'merɪkǝn]

   “We got into a cab together, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the very morning of my second wedding.”
   “I saw it in a paper,” explained the American. “It gave the name and the church but not where the lady lived.”

   “Then we had a talk as to what we should do (потом мы стали думать, как нам поступить; to have a talk – говорить, беседовать), and Frank was all for openness (Фрэнк стоял за откровенность), but I was so ashamed of it all (но мне было так стыдно за все) that I felt as if I should like to vanish away (что захотелось исчезнуть) and never see any of them again (и никогда больше не встречать никого из них) – just sending a line to pa, perhaps (разве что написать несколько строк папе: «отправить строчку папе»), to show him that I was alive (чтобы дать ему знать, что я жива). It was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies (я с ужасом думала обо всех этих лордах и леди) sitting round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back (сидящих за свадебным столом и ожидающих моего возвращения). So Frank took my wedding-clothes and things (Фрэнк взял мое свадебное платье и /другие/ вещи) and made a bundle of them (связал их в узел), so that I should not be traced (чтобы меня нельзя было выследить), and dropped them away somewhere where no one could find them (и бросил их в такое место, где их никто не смог бы найти). It is likely that we should have gone on to Paris tomorrow (вероятно, мы бы завтра уехали в Париж), only that this good gentleman, Mr. Holmes (вот только этот милый джентльмен, мистер Холмс), came round to us this evening (зашел к нам сегодня вечером), though how he found us is more than I can think (хотя как он нас нашел, выше моего понимания), and he showed us very clearly and kindly (и доказал нам очень понятно и мягко) that I was wrong and that Frank was right (что я ошибаюсь, а Фрэнк прав), and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so secret (и что мы сами себе навредим, если будем скрываться; to put somebody in the wrong – сделать кого-либо ответственным за что-либо; свалить вину на кого-либо).

   awful ['ɔ:f(ǝ)l], evening ['i:vnɪŋ], wrong [rɒŋ]

   “Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I should like to vanish away and never see any of them again – just sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we should have gone on to Paris tomorrow, only that this good gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so secret.

   “Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord St. Simon alone (потом он предложил дать нам возможность поговорить с лордом Сент-Саймоном наедине), and so we came right away round to his rooms at once (и вот мы сразу же пришли сюда: «к нему на квартиру»). Now, Robert, you have heard it all (теперь, Роберт, вы услышали все), and I am very sorry if I have given you pain (я очень сожалею, если причинила вам боль), and I hope that you do not think very meanly of me (и надеюсь, вы не подумаете обо мне очень плохо).”
   Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude (лорд Сент-Саймон вовсе не расслабил свою жесткую позу = по-прежнему сидел с напряженным, холодным видом; by no means – никоим образом; далеко не; совсем не), but had listened with a frowning brow (но выслушал с нахмуренными бровями) and a compressed lip to this long narrative (и сжатыми губами этот длинный рассказ).
   “Excuse me (прошу меня извинить),” he said, “but it is not my custom to discuss my most intimate personal affairs in this public manner (но не в моих правилах обсуждать свои самые интимные личные дела при посторонних).”
   “Then you won't forgive me (значит, вы не простите меня)? You won't shake hands before I go (не пожмете руку на прощание: «прежде, чем я уйду»)?”
   “Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure (о, конечно, если это доставит вам удовольствие).”
   He put out his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him (он вытянул руку и холодно пожал протянутую ему /руку/; to grasp – схватывать, сжимать).

   talking ['tɔ:kɪŋ], rigid ['rɪʤɪd], frowning ['fraʋnɪŋ], brow [braʋ], pleasure ['pleʒǝ]

   “Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very meanly of me.”
   Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this long narrative.
   “Excuse me,” he said, “but it is not my custom to discuss my most intimate personal affairs in this public manner.”
   “Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?”
   “Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure.”
   He put out his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him.

   “I had hoped (я надеялся),” suggested Holmes, “that you would have joined us in a friendly supper (что вы разделите с нами дружеский ужин; to join – присоединяться).”
   “I think that there you ask a little too much (думаю, вы просите слишком много),” responded his Lordship (ответила его светлость). “I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent developments (меня можно вынудить примириться с этими недавними событиями; to acquiesce – уступать; молча или неохотно соглашаться), but I can hardly be expected to make merry over them (но едва ли можно ожидать, что я стану радоваться им; merry – веселый, радостный). I think that with your permission (с вашего позволения) I will now wish you all a very good-night (я пожелаю вам всем прекрасного вечера).”
   He included us all in a sweeping bow (он сделал общий поклон; to include – включать, охватывать; sweeping – широкий; с большим охватом; стремительный, быстрый) and stalked out of the room (и гордо вышел из комнаты).
   “Then I trust that you at least will honor me with your company (надеюсь, хоть вы почтите меня своей компанией),” said Sherlock Holmes. “It is always a joy to meet an American, Mr. Moulton (всегда приятно встретить американца, мистер Моултон; joy – радость; веселье; удовольствие), for I am one of those who believe (так как я один из тех, кто считает) that the folly of a monarch (что недальновидность монарха) and the blundering of a minister in far-gone years (и грубые ошибки министра, /имевшие место/ много лет назад; to blunder – грубо ошибаться; допустить промах; испортить) will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of the same world-wide country under a flag (не помешают нашим детям когда-нибудь стать гражданами одной огромной страны под флагом; world-wide – мировой, всемирный; распространенный во всем мире) which shall be a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes (объединяющим флаги Великобритании и США; quartering – деление на четыре части; разделение щита на четыре половины; Union Jack – «Юнион Джек» /государственный флаг Великобритании/; Stars and Stripes – «звезды и полосы», государственный флаг США).”

   acquiesce [,ækwɪ'es], stalked [stɔ:kt], prevent [prɪ'vent]

   “I had hoped,” suggested Holmes, “that you would have joined us in a friendly supper.”
   “I think that there you ask a little too much,” responded his Lordship. “I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a very good-night.”
   He included us all in a sweeping bow and stalked out of the room.
   “Then I trust that you at least will honor me with your company,” said Sherlock Holmes. “It is always a joy to meet an American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes.”

   “The case has been an interesting one (интересный был случай),” remarked Holmes when our visitors had left us (заметил Холмс, когда наши гости ушли), “because it serves to show very clearly (потому что он очень ясно показывает) how simple the explanation may be of an affair (каким простым может быть объяснение дела) which at first sight seems to be almost inexplicable (которое на первый взгляд кажется почти необъяснимым). Nothing could be more natural than the sequence of events (что может быть естественнее, чем последовательность событий) as narrated by this lady (изложенных этой леди), and nothing stranger than the result (и что может быть более странным и удивительным, чем вывод /который можно сделать/; result – результат, итог, следствие) when viewed, for instance by Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard (/глядя на вещи/ с точки зрения, например, мистера Лестрейда из Скотленд-Ярда).”
   “You were not yourself at fault at all, then (так значит, сами вы вообще не ошибались; to be at fault – ошибаться; быть озадаченным, в замешательстве)?”
   “From the first, two facts were very obvious to me (с самого начала для меня были очевидны два факта), the one that the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony (первый – леди совершенно добровольно шла к венцу: «была вполне согласна подвергнуться свадебной церемонии»; to undergo – испытывать, переносить; подвергаться), the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of returning home (второй – она раскаялась в этом через несколько минут, возвращаясь домой). Obviously something had occurred during the morning, then (очевидно, что-то произошло утром /в церкви/), to cause her to change her mind (что заставило ее изменить свои намерения). What could that something be (что же это могло быть)?

   inexplicable [,ɪnɪk'splɪkǝbl], sequence ['si:kwǝns], narrated [nǝ'reɪtɪd], repented [rɪ'pentɪd]

   “The case has been an interesting one,” remarked Holmes when our visitors had left us, “because it serves to show very clearly how simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing stranger than the result when viewed, for instance by Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard.”
   “You were not yourself at fault at all, then?”
   “From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that something be?

   “She could not have spoken to anyone when she was out (она не могла разговаривать с кем-либо, /когда была/ вне дома), for she had been in the company of the bridegroom (так как с ней рядом находился жених). Had she seen someone, then (может, она встретила кого-то)? If she had, it must be someone from America (если так, это должен был быть кто-то из Америки) because she had spent so short a time in this country (потому что она столь мало времени провела в этой стране) that she could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence over her (что едва ли она могла позволить кому-либо приобрести такое огромное влияние на нее) that the mere sight of him would induce her to change her plans so completely (что один только вид его заставил бы ее полностью изменить свои планы; to induce – побуждать, склонять, убеждать). You see we have already arrived, by a process of exclusion (видите, мы уже пришли методом исключения), at the idea that she might have seen an American (к мысли, что она, должно быть, встретила американца). Then who could this American be (кто бы это мог быть), and why should he possess so much influence over her (и почему он обладал таким большим влиянием на нее)? It might be a lover (это мог быть возлюбленный); it might be a husband (это мог быть муж).

   country ['kʌntrɪ], acquire [ǝ'kwaɪǝ], influence ['ɪnflʋǝns], induce [ɪn'dju:s]

   “She could not have spoken to anyone when she was out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America because she had spent so short a time in this country that she could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an American. Then who could this American be, and why should he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might be a husband.

   “Her young womanhood had, I knew (я знал, что ее юность; womanhood – женственность; женская зрелость), been spent in rough scenes and under strange conditions (прошла в грубом окружении и при странных обстоятельствах). So far I had got before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative (все это я понял до того: «настолько далеко я продвинулся до того», как услышал рассказ лорда Сент-Саймона). When he told us of a man in a pew (когда он рассказал нам о человеке на скамье /в церкви/), of the change in the bride's manner (о перемене в поведении невесты), of so transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a bouquet (о таком явном способе получения записки, как упавший букет; transparent – прозрачный, просвечивающий; явный, очевидный), of her resort to her confidential maid (о ее разговоре со своей горничной, пользующейся доверием; resort – обращение /за помощью и т. д./), and of her very significant allusion to claim-jumping (и о ее очень многозначительном упоминании «захвата чужого участка») – which in miners' parlance means taking possession of that (что на языке золотопромышленников означает захват того; parlance – манера говорить или выражаться; язык; to take possession – стать владельцем, приобрести; овладеть /чем-либо/, захватить /что-либо/) which another person has a prior claim to (на что другой претендовал еще раньше; prior claim – преимущественное требование; заявка, имеющая более ранний приоритет) – the whole situation became absolutely clear (вся ситуация стала совершенно ясной). She had gone off with a man (она сбежала с мужчиной), and the man was either a lover or was a previous husband (и этот мужчина был либо возлюбленным, либо прежним мужем; previous – предыдущий) – the chances being in favor of the latter (/при том что/ шансы были в пользу последнего).”
   “And how in the world did you find them (но как же вы нашли их; in the world – «в мире» /здесь как усилительный оборот/)?”

   rough [rʌf], transparent [træn'spærǝnt], allusion [ǝ'lu:ʒ(ǝ)n], previous ['pri:vɪǝs]

   “Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very significant allusion to claim‑jumping – which in miners' parlance means taking possession of that which another person has a prior claim to – the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a previous husband – the chances being in favor of the latter.”
   “And how in the world did you find them?”

   “It might have been difficult (это было бы трудно), but friend Lestrade held information in his hands (но у друга Лестрейда в руках была информация) the value of which he did not himself know (ценность которой он и сам не знал). The initials were, of course, of the highest importance (инициалы, конечно, имели огромнейшее значение), but more valuable still was it to know (но еще важнее было узнать) that within a week he had settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels (что на этой неделе владелец таких инициалов оплатил счет в одной из лучших лондонских гостиниц; to select – выбирать, подбирать; select – избранный; отборный).”
   “How did you deduce the select (как вы определили, что это первоклассная гостиница)?”
   “By the select prices (по первоклассным ценам). Eight shillings for a bed (восемь шиллингов за кровать = за номер) and eight-pence for a glass of sherry (и восемь пенсов за стакан хереса) pointed to one of the most expensive hotels (указывает на одну из самых дорогих гостиниц). There are not many in London which charge at that rate (в Лондоне немного /гостиниц/ с такими ценами; to charge – назначать, запрашивать цену, плату; взимать; rate – норма, ставка, расценка, тариф). In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue (во второй гостинице, которую я посетил на Нортумберленд-Авеню), I learned by an inspection of the book (я узнал, изучив книгу регистрации постояльцев) that Francis H. Moulton, an American gentleman (что Фрэнсис Х. Моултон, американский джентльмен), had left only the day before (выехал как раз накануне), and on looking over the entries against him (а просмотрев записи напротив его имени = его счета), I came upon the very items which I had seen in the duplicate bill (я обнаружил те самые статьи расходов, которые видел в копии счета).

   value ['vælju:], deduce [dɪ'dju:s], eight [eɪt], item ['aɪtǝm]

   “It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held information in his hands the value of which he did not himself know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels.”
   “How did you deduce the select?”
   “By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eight‑pence for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I had seen in the duplicate bill.

   “His letters were to be forwarded to 226 Gordon Square (его письма должны были пересылаться /по адресу/: Гордон-Сквер, 226); so thither I travelled (туда я и направился), and being fortunate enough to find the loving couple at home (и поскольку мне посчастливилось застать влюбленную пару дома), I ventured to give them some paternal advice (я отважился дать им отеческий совет) and to point out to them that it would be better in every way (и обратил их внимание на то, что будет лучше во всех отношениях) that they should make their position a little clearer (если они немного разъяснят свое положение) both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in particular (широкой публике и особенно лорду Сент-Саймону). I invited them to meet him here (я пригласил их, чтобы они встретились с ним здесь), and, as you see, I made him keep the appointment (и, как видите, я убедил лорда явиться на это свидание; appointment – встреча, свидание).”
   “But with no very good result (но результат не очень хороший),” I remarked (заметил я). “His conduct was certainly not very gracious (его поведение определенно было не слишком любезно).”
   “Ah, Watson,” said Holmes, smiling (сказал Холмс, улыбаясь), “perhaps you would not be very gracious either (быть может, вы тоже были бы не слишком любезны), if, after all the trouble of wooing and wedding (если бы после всех хлопот, связанных с ухаживанием и со свадьбой; to woo – ухаживать; свататься; добиваться руки /девушки/), you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of fortune (обнаружилось, что вы вмиг лишились и жены, и состояния). I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully (я думаю, мы можем судить лорда Сент-Саймона очень мягко = должны быть к лорду снисходительны) and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the same position (и благодарить судьбу: «наши звезды» за то, что, вероятно, никогда не окажемся в том же положении). Draw your chair up (подвиньте кресло поближе) and hand me my violin (и передайте мне скрипку), for the only problem we have still to solve (так как у нас осталась нерешенной только одна проблема) is how to while away these bleak autumnal evenings (как нам коротать эти унылые осенние вечера; bleak – холодный, промозглый; унылый, мрачный).”

   paternal [pǝ'tɜ:n(ǝ)l], gracious ['ɡreɪʃǝs], autumnal [ɔ:'tʌmn(ǝ)l]

   “His letters were to be forwarded to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be better in every way that they should make their position a little clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I made him keep the appointment.”
   “But with no very good result,” I remarked. “His conduct was certainly not very gracious.”
   “Ah, Watson,” said Holmes, smiling, “perhaps you would not be very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away these bleak autumnal evenings.”

The beryl coronet [2 - Coronet – корона /пэров/; диадема.]
(Берилловая диадема)

   “Holmes,” said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking down the street (сказал я, стоя однажды утром у окна и глядя на улицу; bow-window – полукруглое окно; окно с выступом; bow – дуга), “here is a madman coming along (какой-то сумасшедший идет/появился; to come along – /неожиданно/ приходить). It seems rather sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone (очень печально, что родные позволяют ему ходить одному).”
   My friend rose lazily from his armchair (мой друг лениво поднялся с кресла) and stood with his hands in the pockets of his dressing-gown (и встал /у меня за спиной/, засунув руки в карманы халата), looking over my shoulder (глядя через мое плечо). It was a bright, crisp February morning (было ясное морозное февральское утро; crisp – хрустящий; бодрящий, свежий), and the snow of the day before still lay deep upon the ground (и вчерашний снег лежал толстым слоем на земле), shimmering brightly in the wintry sun (ярко сверкая на зимнем солнце; to shimmer – мерцать; блестеть). Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic (на середине Бейкер-Стрит колеса превратили его в бурую рыхлую полосу; to plough – пахать; бороздить, рассекать; plough – плуг; crumbly – крошащийся; рассыпчатый, рыхлый; to crumble up – раскрошить, растолочь, растереть /в порошок/; traffic – движение; транспорт), but at either side and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths (но по краям /дороги/ и у пешеходных дорожек с сугробами по бокам; foot-path – пешеходная дорожка; тротуар; to heap up – сваливать в кучу, нагромождать; edge – кромка, край; грань, граница) it still lay as white as when it fell (он по-прежнему был таким же белым, как будто только выпал). The gray pavement had been cleaned and scraped (серый тротуар очистили; to clean – чистить; to scrape – скоблить, скрести, чистить), but was still dangerously slippery (но все же было опасно скользко; to slip – скользить), so that there were fewer passengers than usual (так что пешеходов: «пассажиров» было меньше, чем обычно). Indeed, from the direction of the Metropolitan Station no one was coming (/по направлению/ от станции подземки никто не приближался) save the single gentleman whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention (кроме одного джентльмена, чье эксцентричное поведение и привлекло мое внимание).

   relatives ['relǝtɪvz], plough [plaʋ], eccentric [ɪk'sentrɪk]

   “Holmes,” said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking down the street, “here is a madman coming along. It seems rather sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone.”
   My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as when it fell. The gray pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention.

   He was a man of about fifty (это был мужчина лет пятидесяти), tall (высокий), portly (полный), and imposing (внушительный), with a massive, strongly marked face (с широким лицом, покрытым оспинами; to mark – отмечать, ставить знак, метку; оставлять шрам, рубец; иметь родимые пятна; marked – отмеченный, помеченный; пестрый /о масти/) and a commanding figure (и представительной фигурой). He was dressed in a sombre yet rich style (он был одет неброско, но богато; sombre, somber – мрачный; темный /о цвете/), in black frock-coat (черный сюртук), shining hat (блестящий цилиндр), neat brown gaiters (изящные коричневые гетры; neat – аккуратный, опрятный; изящный), and well-cut pearl-gray trousers (и хорошо скроенные жемчужно-серые брюки). Yet his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and features (однако его действия совсем не соответствовали достоинству его одежды и внешности: «были абсурдной противоположностью его…»), for he was running hard (он бежал со всех ног), with occasional little springs (то и дело подскакивая; spring – прыжок, скачок: to take a spring – прыгнуть; occasional – случающийся время от времени, иногда, редко), such as a weary man gives (как утомленный человек) who is little accustomed to set any tax upon his legs (мало привыкший давать ногам нагрузку; tax – налог, пошлина; бремя, испытание; чрезмерное требование). As he ran he jerked his hands up and down (на бегу он размахивал руками: «дергал руки вверх и вниз»; jerk – резкое движение, рывок, толчок; судорожное подергивание), waggled his head (мотал головой), and writhed his face into the most extraordinary contortions (и его лицо искажалось самыми удивительными гримасами: «и корчил лицо в самые необыкновенные искривления»; to writhe – корчиться, извиваться; исказить /лицо/; contortion – искривление; искажение).
   “What on earth can be the matter with him (что же это с ним такое; on earth: «на земле» – же, просто, только, все-таки /для усиления/: how on earth – каким же образом)?” I asked. “He is looking up at the numbers of the houses (он смотрит на номера домов).”
   “I believe that he is coming here (думаю, он направляется сюда),” said Holmes, rubbing his hands (сказал Холмс, потирая руки).
   “Here?”

   figure ['fɪɡǝ], sombre ['sɒmbǝ], writhed [raɪðd]

   He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-gray trousers. Yet his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most extraordinary contortions.
   “What on earth can be the matter with him?” I asked. “He is looking up at the numbers of the houses.”
   “I believe that he is coming here,” said Holmes, rubbing his hands.
   “Here?”

   “Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally (да, думаю, он спешит, чтобы проконсультироваться со мной профессионально = получить совет специалиста). I think that I recognize the symptoms (узнаю симптомы). Ha! did I not tell you (прав я был или нет: «разве я вам не говорил»)?”
   As he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing (при этих его словах незнакомец, тяжело и шумно дыша), rushed at our door and pulled at our bell (кинулся к нашей двери и /стал/ дергать колокольчик) until the whole house resounded with the clanging (пока весь дом не огласился звоном; clang – лязг, звон, бряцание, резкий металлический звук; to resound – громко звучать, раздаваться; оглашаться /with/).
   A few moments later he was in our room (через минуту он уже был в нашей комнате), still puffing, still gesticulating (все еще тяжело дыша и жестикулируя), but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in his eyes (но в его глазах застыл такой горестный и отчаянный взгляд) that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and pity (что наши улыбки тотчас превратились в тревогу и жалость = уступили место тревоге и жалости). For a while he could not get his words out (некоторое время он не мог вымолвить ни слова), but swayed his body and plucked at his hair like one (только раскачивался: «раскачивал свое тело» и дергал себя за волосы, как человек) who has been driven to the extreme limits of his reason (доведенный до пределов разума = до грани сумасшествия). Then, suddenly springing to his feet (вдруг он бросился вперед; to spring to one's feet – вскочить на ноги), he beat his head against the wall with such force (и ударился головой о стену с такой силой) that we both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room (что мы оба кинулись к нему и оттащили его на середину комнаты). Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair (Холмс усадил его в мягкое кресло) and, sitting beside him, patted his hand (и, сев рядом, похлопал его по руке) and chatted with him in the easy, soothing tones (и заговорил с ним так мягко, успокаивающе: «в тех легких/непринужденных, успокаивающих тонах»; to chat – непринужденно болтать, беседовать, разговаривать) which he knew so well how to employ (как он очень хорошо умел: «как он очень хорошо умел использовать»; to employ – употреблять, применять, использовать).

   symptom ['sɪmptǝm], gesticulating [ʤe'stɪkjʋleɪtɪŋ], extreme [ɪk'stri:m]

   “Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I think that I recognize the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?”
   As he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the clanging.
   A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy‑chair and, sitting beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ.

   “You have come to me to tell your story, have you not (вы пришли ко мне, чтобы рассказать о своем деле, не так ли)?” said he. “You are fatigued with your haste (вы устали от спешки). Pray wait until you have recovered yourself (пожалуйста, придите в себя: «подождите, пока вы придете в себя»), and then I shall be most happy to look into any little problem (а потом я с радостью выслушаю вашу проблему; to look into – изучать, рассматривать) which you may submit to me (о которой вы, вероятно, хотите мне поведать; to submit – представлять на рассмотрение; предлагать /свою точку зрения и т. д./).”
   The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest (незнакомец минуту или больше сидел, шумно, тяжело дыша: «со вздымающейся грудью»; to heave – поднимать; вздыматься, подниматься и опускаться /обычно в каком-либо ритме; о волнах, груди и т. п./; тяжело дышать), fighting against his emotion (борясь с волнением). Then he passed his handkerchief over his brow (затем он провел платком по лбу), set his lips tight (сжал губы; tight – сжатый, сжавшийся, тесный, плотный), and turned his face towards us (и повернулся к нам).
   “No doubt you think me mad (вы, конечно, думаете, что я сумасшедший)?” said he.
   “I see that you have had some great trouble (я вижу, что у вас случилась большая беда),” responded Holmes (ответил Холмс).
   “God knows I have (так и есть, видит Бог)! – a trouble which is enough to unseat my reason (беда, которой достаточно, чтобы потерять рассудок; to unseat – ссаживать, сталкивать с места; сбрасывать /всадника/; выбивать из седла), so sudden and so terrible is it (настолько она неожиданная и страшная). Public disgrace I might have faced (публичный позор я мог бы вынести; to face – смело смотреть в лицо /например, опасности/; не избегать, не уклоняться /от чего-либо/), although I am a man whose character has never yet borne a stain (хотя я человек, чья репутация никогда не несла ни единого пятна /позора/ = хотя репутация моя безупречна). Private affliction also is the lot of every man (личное несчастье, в общем-то, случается с каждым: «также доля каждого»); but the two coming together (но и то, и другое), and in so frightful a form (да еще в такой страшной форме), have been enough to shake my very soul (это потрясло меня до /глубины/ души: «этого было достаточно, чтобы потрясти самую мою душу»). Besides, it is not I alone (кроме того, это касается не только одного меня). The very noblest in the land may suffer (одна из знатнейших /персон/ в стране может пострадать) unless some way be found out of this horrible affair (если не будет найден какой-нибудь выход из этого ужасного инцидента).”

   fatigued [fǝ'ti:ɡd], handkerchief ['hæŋkǝʧɪf], although [ɔ:l'ðǝʋ]

   “You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?” said he. “You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into any little problem which you may submit to me.”
   The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us.
   “No doubt you think me mad?” said he.
   “I see that you have had some great trouble,” responded Holmes.
   “God knows I have! – a trouble which is enough to unseat my reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found out of this horrible affair.”

   “Pray compose yourself, sir (прошу вас, успокойтесь, сэр; to compose – составлять; улаживать /ссору, разногласия/; успокаивать),” said Holmes, “and let me have a clear account of who you are (и ясно скажите мне = расскажите, кто вы) and what it is that has befallen you (и что с вами случилось; to befall – приключаться, происходить, случаться, совершаться).”
   “My name (мое имя),” answered our visitor (ответил наш посетитель), “is probably familiar to your ears (возможно, знакомо вам: «вашему слуху»). I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder Stevenson (я Александр Холдер из банка «Холдер и Стивенсон»), of Threadneedle Street (на Треднидл-Стрит; Threadneedle Street – Треднидл-Стрит /улица в лондонском Сити, на которой находится несколько крупных банков, в том числе Английский банк/).”
   The name was indeed well known to us (имя действительно было нам хорошо известно) as belonging to the senior partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of London (как принадлежащее старшему компаньону второго крупнейшего банковского концерна лондонского Сити; the City – Сити /исторический центр Лондона; один из крупнейших финансовых и коммерческих центров/). What could have happened, then (что же такое могло произойти), to bring one of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass (что привело одного из виднейших граждан Лондона в такое жалкое состояние; foremost – передовой; выдающийся; pity – жалость; pass – ущелье; перевал; дорога сквозь трудно проходимые места; стечение обстоятельств, сложившаяся ситуация, /критическое/ положение)? We waited, all curiosity (мы ждали с нетерпением), until with another effort he braced himself to tell his story (пока Холдер еще одним усилием /воли/ взял себя в руки и /начал/ рассказывать свою историю; brace – связь; скоба; скрепа; to brace – связывать, скреплять; охватывать; to brace oneself – собираться с духом, концентрироваться).

   account [ǝ'kaʋnt], concern [kǝn'sɜ:n], curiosity [,kjʋ (ǝ)rɪ'ɒsǝtɪ]

   “Pray compose yourself, sir,” said Holmes, “and let me have a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen you.”
   “My name,” answered our visitor, “is probably familiar to your ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street.”
   The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced himself to tell his story.

   “I feel that time is of value (понимаю, что время очень ценно; value – ценность),” said he; “that is why I hastened here (вот почему я поспешил сюда) when the police inspector suggested that I should secure your cooperation (как только инспектор полиции предложил заручиться вашей поддержкой; to secure – обеспечивать безопасность; получать, приобретать). I came to Baker Street by the Underground (я добрался до Бейкер-Стрит подземной железной дорогой; Underground – Подземная железная дорога /официальное название лондонского метро/) and hurried from there on foot (и оттуда бежал; on foot – пешком; to hurry – спешить), for the cabs go slowly through this snow (так как кебы движутся медленно по такому снегу). That is why I was so out of breath (вот почему я так запыхался), for I am a man who takes very little exercise (ведь я человек, который очень мало двигается; exercise – упражнение, тренировка; физическая зарядка, моцион, прогулки: to take exercise – делать моцион, гулять; делать гимнастику). I feel better now (теперь я чувствую себя лучше), and I will put the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can (я изложу вам факты так коротко и вместе с тем так ясно, как только смогу).
   “It is, of course, well known to you (вам, конечно, хорошо известно) that in a successful banking business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative investments for our funds (что в успешном банковском деле многое зависит как от способности находить прибыльные капиталовложения для наших средств = выгодно вкладывать средства) as upon our increasing our connection and the number of our depositors (так и от расширения клиентуры, увеличения числа вкладчиков; connection – связь; клиентура, покупатели; deposit – вклад в банке; депозит). One of our most lucrative means of laying out money is in the shape of loans (один из наших наиболее прибыльных способов инвестировать средства: «тратить деньги» – выдача ссуд), where the security is unimpeachable (при самых надежных гарантиях; security – безопасность; обеспечение; гарантия, залог; unimpeachable – безупречный; безукоризненный). We have done a good deal in this direction during the last few years (мы многое сделали в этом направлении за последние несколько лет), and there are many noble families (существует множество знатных семейств) to whom we have advanced large sums (которым мы предоставили огромные ссуды; to advance money on securities – предоставить ссуду под ценные бумаги) upon the security of their pictures, libraries, or plate (под залог их картин, библиотек, сервизов; plate – тарелка, блюдо; столовое серебро; металлическая посуда /серебряная или золотая/: the family plate included… – среди фамильного серебра были…).

   exercise ['eksǝsaɪz], remunerative [rɪ'mju:nǝrǝtɪv], unimpeachable [,ʌnɪm'pi:ʧǝb(ǝ)l]

   “I feel that time is of value,” said he; “that is why I hastened here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure your cooperation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can.
   “It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction during the last few years, and there are many noble families to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their pictures, libraries, or plate.

   “Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank (вчера утром я сидел в своем кабинете в банке) when a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks (когда один из клерков принес мне визитную карточку). I started when I saw the name (я вздрогнул, увидев имя), for it was that of none other than (так как это был не кто иной, как) – well, perhaps even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name (впрочем, пожалуй, даже вам я скажу лишь: «мне лучше сказать не больше, чем», что это имя) which is a household word all over the earth (известное всему миру; household word – повседневное, хорошо знакомое слово, выражение) – one of the highest, noblest, most exalted names in England (/имя/ одной из самых высокопоставленных и знатных особ Англии; exalted – высокий; благородный; высокопоставленный; высокий /о положении, сане/). I was overwhelmed by the honor (я был ошеломлен /оказанной мне/ честью) and attempted, when he entered, to say so (и попытался, когда он вошел, сказать об этом), but he plunged at once into business with the air of a man (но он сразу перешел к делу с видом человека; to plunge – погружать/ся/; окунать/ся/; пускаться /во что-либо/, начинать /что-либо/) who wishes to hurry quickly through a disagreeable task (который желает побыстрее разобраться с неприятной ситуацией; to hurry through – делать наспех, наскоро; task – задача, задание; урок).
   “'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the habit of advancing money (мне сообщили, что вы предоставляете ссуды; to be in the habit of doing something – иметь привычку делать что-либо).'
   “'The firm does so when the security is good (наша фирма дает ссуды под надежные гарантии),' I answered (ответил я).

   clerk [klɑ:k], exalted [ɪɡ'zɔ:ltɪd], overwhelmed [,ǝʋvǝ'welmd]

   “Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I saw the name, for it was that of none other than – well, perhaps even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name which is a household word all over the earth – one of the highest, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the honor and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry quickly through a disagreeable task.
   “'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the habit of advancing money.'
   “'The firm does so when the security is good,' I answered.

   “'It is absolutely essential to me (мне совершенно необходимы),' said he, 'that I should have 50,000 pounds at once (пятьдесят тысяч фунтов, и немедленно). I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sum ten times over from my friends (конечно, я мог бы одолжить сумму в десять раз больше, чем этот пустяк, у своих друзей), but I much prefer to make it a matter of business (но предпочитаю сделать это в деловом порядке; matter of business – деловой вопрос) and to carry out that business myself (и самому заниматься этим делом; to carry out – выполнять, осуществлять). In my position you can readily understand (вы легко можете понять, что в моем положении) that it is unwise to place one's self under obligations (неблагоразумно вмешивать сюда кого-то постороннего: «ставить себя под обязательства = в положение обязанного /кому-либо/»; under obligation – обязанный сделать что-либо, связанный /обязательствами, договором/).'
   “'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum (могу я спросить, на какой срок вам нужна эта сумма)?' I asked.
   “'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me (в следующий понедельник мне вернут крупную сумму; due to – из-за, обусловленный; принадлежащий, причитающийся), and I shall then most certainly repay what you advance (и тогда я непременно погашу вашу ссуду), with whatever interest you think it right to charge (с уплатой любого процента, который вы сочтете нужным запросить). But it is very essential to me that the money should be paid at once (но для меня очень важно получить деньги сразу).'

   essential [ɪ'senʃ(ǝ)l], prefer [prɪ'fɜ:], advance [ǝd'vɑ:ns]

   “'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place one's self under obligations.'
   “'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked.
   “'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the money should be paid at once.'

   “'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my own private purse (я был бы счастлив сразу же дать вам ссуду из своих личных средств; parley – переговоры; without further parley – без долгих разговоров; purse – кошелек; деньги, денежные средства; the public purse – казна),' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be rather more than it could bear (если бы эта нагрузка не была больше того, что я могу перенести = однако эта слишком крупная для меня сумма). If, on the other hand (с другой стороны, если), I am to do it in the name of the firm (я сделаю это от имени фирмы), then in justice to my partner I must insist that (тогда, отдавая должное своему компаньону, я вынужден настаивать на том), even in your case, every businesslike precaution should be taken (чтобы, даже в вашем случае, были приняты все меры деловой предосторожности).'
   “'I should much prefer to have it so (я бы охотно предпочел, чтобы это было так = ну разумеется, о чем речь),' said he, raising up a square, black morocco case (сказал он и взял квадратный футляр из черного сафьяна) which he had laid beside his chair (который перед тем положил возле своего стула). 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet (вы, несомненно, слышали о берилловой диадеме)?'
   “'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire (это одно из ценнейших сокровищ, достояние империи; possessions – собственность; имущество),' said I.

   purse [pɜ:s], precaution [prɪ'kɔ:ʃ(ǝ)n], beryl ['berɪl], precious ['preʃǝs]

   “'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution should be taken.'
   “'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?'
   “'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' said I.

   “'Precisely (совершенно верно).' He opened the case (он открыл футляр), and there, imbedded in soft, flesh-colored velvet (и в нем на мягком бархате телесного цвета; to imbed – вставлять, врезать, вделывать), lay the magnificent piece of jewellery which he had named (лежало великолепное произведение ювелирного искусства, о котором он говорил). 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls (в диадеме тридцать девять огромных бериллов),' said he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable (а ценность золотой оправы неизмерима; chasing – чеканка; гравировка; резная работа; to calculate – вычислять, исчислять). The lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the sum which I have asked (по самой минимальной оценке диадема стоит вдвое больше суммы, запрошенной мной). I am prepared to leave it with you as my security (я готов оставить ее у вас в качестве залога).'
   “I took the precious case into my hands (я взял драгоценный футляр в руки) and looked in some perplexity from it to my illustrious client (и в некотором недоумении/замешательстве перевел взгляд с него на моего именитого клиента).
   “'You doubt its value (вы сомневаетесь в ее ценности)?' he asked.
   “'Not at all. I only doubt (вовсе нет; я сомневаюсь лишь…) —'

   magnificent [mæɡ'nɪfɪs(ǝ)nt], incalculable [ɪn'kælkjʋlǝbl], perplexity [pǝ'pleksǝtɪ]

   “'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, flesh‑colored velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my security.'
   “I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some perplexity from it to my illustrious client.
   “'You doubt its value?' he asked.
   “'Not at all. I only doubt —'

   “'The propriety of my leaving it (удобно ли мне оставить ее здесь; propriety – правильность, правомерность, уместность). You may set your mind at rest about that (можете не беспокоиться на этот счет; to set one's mind at rest – успокоиться). I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely certain (я даже не подумал бы сделать это, если бы не был абсолютно уверен) that I should be able in four days to reclaim it (что через четыре дня получу диадему обратно; to reclaim – требовать обратно; вернуть себе /утраченное/; получить или взять обратно). It is a pure matter of form (это чистая формальность). Is the security sufficient (достаточно ли такого обеспечения /ссуды/)?'
   “'Ample (вполне; ample – обильный; богатый; /вполне/ достаточный /для чего-либо/).'
   “'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of the confidence which I have in you (вы понимаете, мистер Холдер, что я представляю вам сильное доказательство уверенности в вас = мой поступок свидетельствует о глубоком к вам доверии), founded upon all that I have heard of you (основанном на всем том, что я о вас слышал). I rely upon you not only to be discreet (я рассчитываю на то, что вы не только будете благоразумны; discreet – здравомыслящий, благоразумный; осмотрительный, действующий с оглядкой; неболтливый, сдержанный) and to refrain from all gossip upon the matter (и воздержитесь от всяческих разговоров об этом деле; gossip – болтовня, разговоры; сплетня; слухи) but, above all, to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution (но, прежде всего, будете беречь эту диадему со всеми мерами предосторожности) because I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused (потому что, должен сказать, что случится громкий скандал) if any harm were to befall it (если с ней произойдет какой-либо вред = если с ней что-нибудь случится). Any injury to it would be almost as serious as its complete loss (любое повреждение было бы почти столь же серьезным /по своим последствиям/, как и /полная/ пропажа), for there are no beryls in the world to match these (поскольку в мире больше нет таких бериллов, как эти; to match – подходить под пару, под стать; соответствовать), and it would be impossible to replace them (и было бы нечем их заменить). I leave it with you, however, with every confidence (однако я оставляю диадему вам в полной уверенности), and I shall call for it in person on Monday morning (и я зайду за ней лично в понедельник утром).'

   sufficient [sǝ'fɪʃ(ǝ)nt], confidence ['kɒnfɪd(ǝ)ns], injury ['ɪnʤǝrɪ]

   “'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?'
   “'Ample.'
   “'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall call for it in person on Monday morning.'

   “Seeing that my client was anxious to leave (видя, что мой клиент стремится уйти = спешит), I said no more but, calling for my cashier (я без дальнейших разговоров вызвал кассира: «не сказал больше ничего, но, вызвав кассира»), I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 pound notes (и распорядился выдать пятьдесят банковских билетов по тысяче фунтов). When I was alone once more, however (однако, когда я снова остался один), with the precious case lying upon the table in front of me (и передо мной на столе лежал драгоценный футляр), I could not but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility (я не мог не подумать с некоторыми опасениями об огромной ответственности) which it entailed upon me (которую я принял на себя, взяв диадему; to entail – влечь за собой; вызывать; навлекать; tail – хвост). There could be no doubt that, as it was a national possession (не было сомнения, что, поскольку это национальное достояние), a horrible scandal would ensue if any misfortune should occur to it (последовал бы ужасный скандал, если бы с диадемой что-нибудь случилось; to ensue – следовать; являться результатом, вытекать; misfortune – беда, несчастье; неудача). I already regretted having ever consented to take charge of it (я уже начал жалеть, что вообще согласился ее оставить; to take charge of – взять на себя заботу, ответственность; брать на хранение). However, it was too late to alter the matter now (тем не менее, теперь было слишком поздно, чтобы что-то менять), so I locked it up in my private safe (поэтому я запер диадему в свой личный сейф) and turned once more to my work (и снова принялся за работу).
   “When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence (когда настал вечер, я подумал, что было бы опрометчиво: «опрометчивостью») to leave so precious a thing in the office behind me (оставлять такую драгоценность в кабинете). Bankers' safes had been forced before now (банкирские сейфы взламывали и раньше), and why should not mine be (а вдруг взломают и мой: «и почему мой не должен быть /взломан/»)? If so, how terrible would be the position in which I should find myself (каким ужасным будет тогда мое положение, в котором я окажусь)!

   immense [ɪ'mens], consented [kǝn'sentɪd], imprudence [ɪm'pru:d(ǝ)ns]

   “Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned once more to my work.
   “When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how terrible would be the position in which I should find myself!

   “I determined, therefore, that for the next few days (тогда я решил, что следующие несколько дней) I would always carry the case backward and forward with me (буду постоянно всюду носить футляр с собой; backward and forward – взад и вперед), so that it might never be really out of my reach (чтобы он всегда был под рукой: «чтобы он никогда не был по-настоящему вне моей досягаемости»). With this intention, I called a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham (с этим намерением я вызвал кеб и поехал домой в Стритем), carrying the jewel with me (увозя с собой драгоценность). I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs (я не мог успокоиться: «не дышал свободно», пока не отнес ее наверх) and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room (и не запер в бюро в гардеробной; dressing-room – гардеробная, комната для одевания).
   “And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes (а теперь, мистер Холмс, /пара/ слов о моих домашних), for I wish you to thoroughly understand the situation (так как я хочу, чтобы вы полностью понимали ситуацию; thoroughly – полностью, вполне, совершенно, совсем; основательно, тщательно). My groom and my page sleep out of the house (мой конюх и мальчик-слуга – приходящие работники: «спят вне дома»; to sleep out – жить не по месту работы /о прислуге/; быть приходящей /о няне и т. д./), and may be set aside altogether (и их можно вообще не учитывать/о них вовсе не стоит говорить). I have three maid-servants who have been with me a number of years (у меня три горничные, которые служат у меня много лет) and whose absolute reliability is quite above suspicion (и чья абсолютная надежность вне всяких подозрений; reliable – надежный; верный, испытанный).

   breathe [bri:ð], bureau ['bjʋ(ǝ)rǝʋ], thoroughly ['θʌrǝlɪ]

   “I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room.
   “And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose absolute reliability is quite above suspicion.

   “Another, Lucy Parr, the second waiting-maid (еще одна, Люси Парр, младшая горничная; second – второй; подчиненный), has only been in my service a few months (на службе у меня только несколько месяцев). She came with an excellent character, however (однако она пришла с прекрасной рекомендацией), and has always given me satisfaction (и я всегда был удовлетворен ее работой: «всегда давала мне удовлетворение»). She is a very pretty girl and has attracted admirers (она очень хорошенькая девушка и привлекла поклонников = у нее есть поклонники; admirer – поклонник; кавалер, воздыхатель; to admire – восхищаться, восторгаться) who have occasionally hung about the place (которые околачиваются возле дома; occasionally – изредка; время от времени; to hang about – бродить вокруг; околачиваться). That is the only drawback which we have found to her (это единственный недостаток, который мы в ней нашли), but we believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way (но мы считаем, что она вполне порядочная девушка во всех отношениях).
   “So much for the servants (это все, что касается слуг). My family itself is so small that it will not take me long to describe it (моя собственная семья настолько мала, что ее описание не займет много времени). I am a widower and have an only son, Arthur (я вдовец, у меня есть единственный сын, Артур). He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Holmes (он обманул мои надежды, мистер Холмс; disappointment – разочарование, досада; обманутая надежда) – a grievous disappointment (горько обманул; grievous – печальный, скорбный; to grieve – огорчать, глубоко опечаливать; горевать). I have no doubt that I am myself to blame (несомненно, я сам виноват: «меня самого следует винить»; to blame – винить). People tell me that I have spoiled him (говорят, что я его избаловал). Very likely I have (очень может быть). When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I had to love (когда моя дорогая жена умерла, я понял, что мой сын – моя единственная привязанность: «все, что у меня есть, чтобы любить»). I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a moment from his face (я не мог вынести, чтобы улыбка исчезла с его лица даже на миг = не мог вынести даже минутного его неудовольствия; to fade – вянуть; исчезать). I have never denied him a wish (я ни в чем ему не отказывал: «никогда не отказывал ему ни в одном желании»; to deny – отрицать; отказывать). Perhaps it would have been better for both of us (быть может, для нас обоих было бы лучше) had I been sterner, but I meant it for the best (если бы я был строже, но я хотел как лучше).

   always ['ɔ:lwǝz], widower ['wɪdǝʋǝ], son [sʌn], denied [dɪ'naɪd]

   “Another, Lucy Parr, the second waiting‑maid, has only been in my service a few months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way.
   “So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Holmes – a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I meant it for the best.

   “It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my business (моим намерением, естественно, было, чтобы Артур продолжил мое дело; to succeed – следовать за; сменять /кого-либо/; наследовать, быть преемником), but he was not of a business turn (но он оказался не делового склада). He was wild, wayward, and, to speak the truth (он был необузданным, своенравным, и, по правде говоря), I could not trust him in the handling of large sums of money (я не мог бы доверить ему крупные суммы денег; handling – обхождение, обращение /с кем-либо/; to handle smth. – обращаться с чем-либо). When he was young he became a member of an aristocratic club (когда он был юным = юношей, он стал членом аристократического клуба), and there, having charming manners (и, обладая обаятельными манерами), he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long purses and expensive habits (вскоре стал своим в кругу людей богатых и расточительных: «с длинным кошельком и дорогими привычками»; intimate – близкий, задушевный друг; лицо, пользующееся доверием кого-либо; приятельский, близкий). He learned to play heavily at cards and to squander money on the turf (он пристрастился много играть в карты и проматывать деньги на скачках; heavily – тяжело; сильно, много, интенсивно: to lose heavily – много проигрывать; to drink heavily – сильно пить; turf – дерн; торф; беговая дорожка /ипподрома/; скачки), until he had again and again to come to me (пока не был вынужден снова и снова приходить ко мне) and implore me to give him an advance upon his allowance (и умолять меня дать ему денег в счет /будущих/ карманных расходов; allowance – довольствие, содержание; карманные деньги), that he might settle his debts of honor (чтобы он мог расплатиться с карточными долгами; a debt of honour – долг чести /обычно о карточном долге/; to settle – уладить). He tried more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he was keeping (он пытался неоднократно: «больше, чем один раз» порвать с этой опасной компанией; to keep someone company – составить кому-либо компанию), but each time the influence of his friend, Sir George Burnwell (но каждый раз влияния его друга, сэра Джорджа Бэрнвелла), was enough to draw him back again (было достаточно, чтобы вернуть его обратно; to draw back – брать назад, отодвигать назад).

   intimate ['ɪntɪmǝt], squander ['skwɒndǝ], implore [ɪm'plɔ:], draw [drɔ:]

   “It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his allowance, that he might settle his debts of honor. He tried more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again.

   “And, indeed, I could not wonder (на самом деле меня не удивляло) that such a man as Sir George Burnwell should gain an influence over him (что такой человек, как сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл, приобрел на Артура влияние), for he has frequently brought him to my house (так как мой сын часто приводил его в мой дом), and I have found myself that I could hardly resist the fascination of his manner (и я сам убедился, что едва могу сопротивляться обаянию его манер). He is older than Arthur (он старше Артура), a man of the world to his finger-tips (светский человек до мозга костей: «до кончиков пальцев»), one who had been everywhere, seen everything (который везде побывал, видел все), a brilliant talker (блестящий собеседник), and a man of great personal beauty (и очень привлекательной наружности: «мужчина большой личной красоты»). Yet when I think of him in cold blood (но все же, думая о нем спокойно/хладнокровно), far away from the glamour of his presence (вдали от обаяния его общества: «присутствия»), I am convinced from his cynical speech (я убеждаюсь, судя по его циничным высказываниям) and the look which I have caught in his eyes (и взгляду, который я замечал в его глазах) that he is one who should be deeply distrusted (что этому человеку вообще нельзя доверять: «что это такой человек, которому нужно оказывать глубокое недоверие»; to distrust – не доверять; сомневаться; подозревать). So I think, and so, too, thinks my little Mary (так думаю я и так же считает моя маленькая Мэри), who has a woman's quick insight into character (обладающая живой женской интуицией, когда дело касается человеческого характера; insight – понимание; проницательность; способность проникновения в сущность: a man of insight – проницательный человек; insight into human character – способность понять /постигнуть/ человеческий характер; quick – быстрый, скорый; живой, чувствительный).

   frequently ['fri:kwǝntlɪ], beauty ['bju:tɪ], cynical ['sɪnɪk(ǝ)l]

   “And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into character.

   “And now there is only she to be described (теперь осталось описать лишь ее). She is my niece (это моя племянница); but when my brother died five years ago (когда мой брат умер пять лет назад) and left her alone in the world I adopted her (и она осталась одна на /всем/ свете, я удочерил ее), and have looked upon her ever since as my daughter (и с тех пор считал ее своей дочерью). She is a sunbeam in my house (она – солнечный луч в моем доме) – sweet (ласковая), loving (нежная), beautiful (прекрасная), a wonderful manager and housekeeper (замечательная хозяйка; housekeeper – домашняя хозяйка), yet as tender and quiet and gentle as a woman could be (и вместе с тем такая мягкая, чуткая и добрая, какой только может быть женщина). She is my right hand (она моя правая рука). I do not know what I could do without her (не знаю, что бы я без нее делал). In only one matter has she ever gone against my wishes (только в одном она пошла против моей воли). Twice my boy has asked her to marry him (дважды мой мальчик просил ее руки), for he loves her devotedly (так как он нежно, самозабвенно любит ее; to devote – посвящать /себя чему-л. возвышенному/; уделять, жертвовать /время, деньги/), but each time she has refused him (но каждый раз она отказывала ему). I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it would have been she (я думаю, что если кто-то и мог бы направить Артура на путь истинный, так это она), and that his marriage might have changed his whole life (и что брак с ней мог бы изменить всю его жизнь); but now, alas! it is too late – forever too late (но теперь, увы, слишком поздно – навсегда = и никогда этому не бывать)!

   niece [ni:s], daughter ['dɔ:tǝ], path [pɑ:θ], alas [ǝ'læs]

   “And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house – sweet, loving, beautiful, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late – forever too late!

   “Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof (теперь, мистер Холмс, вы знаете людей, которые живут под моей крышей), and I shall continue with my miserable story (и я продолжу свой печальный рассказ).
   “When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after dinner (когда мы пили кофе в гостиной в тот вечер после обеда), I told Arthur and Mary my experience (я рассказал Артуру и Мэри о том, что произошло; experience – /жизненный/ опыт; случай, приключение; впечатление), and of the precious treasure which we had under our roof (и о драгоценном сокровище, которое хранится под нашей крышей), suppressing only the name of my client (не назвав лишь имени моего клиента; to suppress – сдерживать, подавлять; умалчивать, утаивать). Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee (Люси Парр, подавшая кофе), had, I am sure, left the room (я уверен, уже вышла из комнаты); but I cannot swear that the door was closed (но не берусь утверждать, что дверь была закрыта; to swear – клясться). Mary and Arthur were much interested (Мэри и Артур очень заинтересовались) and wished to see the famous coronet (и захотели увидеть знаменитую диадему), but I thought it better not to disturb it (но я решил, будет лучше не трогать ее; to disturb – нарушать /покой/; тревожить, беспокоить).
   “'Where have you put it (куда ты ее положил)?' asked Arthur.
   “'In my own bureau (в мое бюро).'
   “'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the night (что ж, надеюсь, что в дом не вломятся грабители ночью; goodness – доброта; любезность; высокое качество; здесь употреблено вместо слова God – Бог; I hope to goodness – как бы мне хотелось),' said he.
   “'It is locked up (бюро заперто),' I answered.

   continue [kǝn'tɪnju:], treasure ['treʒǝ], burgled ['bɜ:ɡld]

   “Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and I shall continue with my miserable story.
   “When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it.
   “'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur.
   “'In my own bureau.'
   “'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the night.' said he.
   “'It is locked up,' I answered.

   “'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau (о, любой старый ключ подойдет к нему). When I was a youngster I have opened it myself (мальчиком я сам его открывал) with the key of the box-room cupboard (ключом от шкафа в чулане; box-room – кладовка, чулан; box – коробка, ящик, сундук; cupboard – шкаф; буфет; чулан).'
   “He often had a wild way of talking (он часто нес всякий вздор), so that I thought little of what he said (поэтому я придал мало значения его словам). He followed me to my room, however, that night with a very grave face (как бы то ни было, в тот вечер Артур последовал за мной в мою комнату с очень мрачным лицом).
   “'Look here, dad (послушай, папа),' said he with his eyes cast down (сказал он, опустив глаза), 'can you let me have 200 pounds (ты можешь мне одолжить двести фунтов)?'
   “'No, I cannot (нет, не могу)!' I answered sharply (резко ответил я). 'I have been far too generous with you in money matters (я и так был слишком щедр к тебе в денежных делах).'
   “'You have been very kind (ты был очень добр),' said he, 'but I must have this money (но мне необходимы эти деньги), or else I can never show my face inside the club again (иначе я больше никогда не смогу показаться в клубе; to show one's face – появиться, выйти; показаться /на глаза/).'
   “'And a very good thing, too (и очень хорошо)!' I cried.

   youngster ['jʌŋstǝ], key [ki:], generous ['ʤen(ǝ)rǝs]

   “'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.'
   “He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with a very grave face.
   “'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let me have 200 pounds?'
   “'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too generous with you in money matters.'
   “'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.'
   “'And a very good thing, too!' I cried.

   “'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonored man (да, но ты же не позволишь мне стать опозоренным человеком),' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace (я не вынесу такого бесчестья). I must raise the money in some way (так или иначе, я должен найти деньги), and if you will not let me have it (и если ты мне их не дашь), then I must try other means (я буду вынужден прибегнуть к другим средствам).'
   “I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the month (я очень рассердился, так как это была третья просьба за месяц).
   'You shall not have a farthing from me (от меня ты не получишь ни гроша; farthing – фартинг /бронзовая монета, равная 1/4 пенни/; грош),' I cried, on which he bowed and left the room without another word (вскричал я, на что он поклонился и вышел из комнаты, не сказав ни слова).
   “When he was gone I unlocked my bureau (когда он ушел, я открыл бюро), made sure that my treasure was safe (убедился, что драгоценность в безопасности), and locked it again (и снова запер его). Then I started to go round the house to see that all was secure (затем я решил обойти дом и убедиться, что все в порядке) – a duty which I usually leave to Mary (эту обязанность я обычно оставляю Мэри) but which I thought it well to perform myself that night (но в тот вечер я решил, что лучше это сделать самому: «но которую в этот вечер…»). As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself at the side window of the hall (спускаясь по лестнице, я увидел Мэри у бокового окна в гостиной), which she closed and fastened as I approached (которое она закрыла и заперла, когда я подошел).

   demand [dɪ'mɑ:nd], farthing ['fɑ:ðɪŋ], fastened ['fɑ:s(ǝ)nd]

   “'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonored man,' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try other means.'
   “I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the month.
   'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which he bowed and left the room without another word.
   “When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go round the house to see that all was secure – a duty which I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I approached.

   “'Tell me, dad (скажите, папа),' said she, looking, I thought, a little disturbed (сказала она, как мне показалось, немного взволнованно), 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out tonight (вы разрешили Люси, горничной, отлучиться; to give leave to do – дать разрешение, позволить сделать что-либо)?'
   “'Certainly not (конечно, нет).'
   “'She came in just now by the back door (она только что вошла с черного хода). I have no doubt that she has only been to the side gate to see someone (не сомневаюсь, она ходила к боковой калитке повидаться с кем-то), but I think that it is hardly safe and should be stopped (но я думаю, это небезопасно и должно быть прекращено).'
   “'You must speak to her in the morning (тебе нужно поговорить с ней завтра утром), or I will if you prefer it (или я поговорю, если хочешь). Are you sure that everything is fastened (ты уверена, что все заперто)?'
   “'Quite sure, dad (вполне уверена, папа).'
   “'Then, good-night (тогда спокойной ночи).'
   I kissed her and went up to my bedroom again, where I was soon asleep (я поцеловал ее и снова поднялся к себе в спальню, где вскоре и уснул).

   certainly ['sɜ:t(ǝ)nlɪ], thought [θɔ:t], prefer [prɪ'fɜ:]

   “'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out tonight?'
   “'Certainly not.'
   “'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.'
   “'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?'
   “'Quite sure, dad.'
   “'Then, good-night.'
   I kissed her and went up to my bedroom again, where I was soon asleep.

   “I am endeavoring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes (я стараюсь рассказывать вам все, мистер Холмс), which may have any bearing upon the case (что может иметь хоть какое-нибудь отношение к делу), but I beg that you will question me upon any point (но, прошу вас, уточняйте любые моменты) which I do not make clear (которые я излагаю неясно; to make clear – прояснять, выяснять).”
   “On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid (напротив, ваш рассказ необыкновенно четкий/ясный; statement – заявление, утверждение; изложение, формулировка; отчет; дача показаний; to state – заявлять, утверждать; констатировать).”
   “I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be particularly so (теперь я перехожу к той части моего рассказа, в которой я хотел бы быть особенно ясным). I am not a very heavy sleeper (я не очень крепко сплю), and the anxiety in my mind tended, no doubt (и беспокойство норовило, несомненно; to tend – иметь тенденцию /к чему-либо/; клониться, склоняться /к чему-либо/), to make me even less so than usual (сделать меня даже менее крепко спящим, чем обычно). About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the house (около двух утра я был разбужен каким-то шумом в доме). It had ceased ere I was wide awake (он прекратился прежде, чем я окончательно проснулся; wide awake – бодрствующий; совсем проснувшись, вполне очнувшись от сна), but it had left an impression behind it (но у меня осталось впечатление) as though a window had gently closed somewhere (будто где-то осторожно закрыли окно). I lay listening with all my ears (я лежал и напряженно прислушивался). Suddenly, to my horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps (вдруг, к своему ужасу, я услышал отчетливый звук шагов) moving softly in the next room (/человека/, мягко ступавшего в соседней комнате). I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear (я выскользнул из постели, дрожа от страха), and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door (и заглянул за угол двери = выглянул из-за двери гардеробной).
   “'Arthur!' I screamed (закричал я), 'you villain! you thief (негодяй! вор)! How dare you touch that coronet (как ты смеешь трогать диадему)?'

   lucid ['lu:sɪd], anxiety [æŋ'zaɪǝtɪ], listening ['lɪs(ǝ)nɪŋ], distinct [dɪs'tɪŋ(k)t], touch [tʌʧ]

   “I am endeavoring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question me upon any point which I do not make clear.”
   “On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid.”
   “I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an impression behind it as though a window had gently closed somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and peeped round the corner of my dressing‑room door.
   “'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you touch that coronet?'

   “The gas was half up, as I had left it (газ был включен наполовину, как я его и оставил), and my unhappy boy, dressed only in his shirt and trousers (и мой злополучный мальчик, одетый только в рубашку и брюки), was standing beside the light, holding the coronet in his hands (стоял около горелки, держа в руках диадему). He appeared to be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength (мне показалось, он изо всех сил то ли дергал ее, то ли старался согнуть; to wrench – дергать; вывертывать, выкручивать). At my cry he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death (при моем крике он выронил ее и стал бледен как смерть; to turn – поворачивать, переворачивать; делаться, становиться, превращаться). I snatched it up and examined it (я схватил диадему и осмотрел). One of the gold corners, with three of the beryls in it, was missing (не хватало одного золотого зубца с тремя бериллами).
   “'You blackguard (ах ты мерзавец)!' I shouted, beside myself with rage (крикнул я вне себя от ярости). 'You have destroyed it (ты сломал ее)! You have dishonored me forever (ты опозорил меня навсегда)! Where are the jewels which you have stolen (где камни, которые ты украл; to steal-stole-stolen)?'
   “'Stolen (украл)!' he cried.
   “'Yes, thief (да, вор)!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder (закричал я, тряся его за плечи).
   “'There are none missing (ничего не пропало/все на месте). There cannot be any missing (не может быть, чтобы чего-то недоставало),' said he.

   half [hɑ:f], wrenching ['renʧɪŋ], shouted ['ʃaʋtɪd]

   “The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with three of the beryls in it, was missing.
   “'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have destroyed it! You have dishonored me forever! Where are the jewels which you have stolen?'
   “'Stolen!' he cried.
   “'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder.
   “'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he.

   “'There are three missing (не хватает трех /камней/). And you know where they are (и ты знаешь, где они). Must I call you a liar as well as a thief (ты, оказывается, не только вор, но и лжец)? Did I not see you trying to tear off another piece (я сам видел, как ты пытался оторвать еще один зубец)?'
   “'You have called me names enough (хватит оскорблений; to call names – оскорблять, обзывать /кого-либо/),' said he, 'I will not stand it any longer (я больше не буду их терпеть). I shall not say another word about this business (я больше ни слова не скажу об этом), since you have chosen to insult me (раз ты решил меня оскорблять; to choose-chose-chosen). I will leave your house in the morning (утром я уйду из дома) and make my own way in the world (и сам буду устраиваться в жизни; to make one's way in the world – делать карьеру, завоевывать положение в обществе).'
   “'You shall leave it in the hands of the police (ты уйдешь отсюда только в сопровождении полиции: «в руках полиции»)!' I cried half-mad with grief and rage (я кричал, обезумев от горя и гнева). 'I shall have this matter probed to the bottom (я постараюсь /сделать так/, чтобы в этом разобрались до основания; to probe – зондировать; прощупывать; расследовать, исследовать).'
   “'You shall learn nothing from me (от меня ты ничего не узнаешь),' said he with a passion such as I should not have thought was in his nature (сказал Артур с такой яростью, которой я не ожидал от его характера). 'If you choose to call the police (если хочешь вызвать полицию), let the police find what they can (/пожалуйста/, пусть ищут).'

   insult [ɪn'sʌlt], police [pǝ'li:s], passion ['pæʃ(ǝ)n]

   “'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to tear off another piece?'
   “'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the morning and make my own way in the world.'
   “'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the bottom.'
   “'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to call the police, let the police find what they can.'

   “By this time the whole house was astir (к этому времени весь дом поднялся на ноги; astir – находящийся в движении; взволнованный, возбужденный; на ногах, вставший с постели; to stir – шевелить/ся/; двигать/ся/), for I had raised my voice in my anger (так как я кричал в гневе; to raise one's voice – повышать голос). Mary was the first to rush into my room (Мэри первой вбежала в мою комнату), and, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face (и при виде диадемы и лица Артура), she read the whole story (она все поняла: «прочла всю историю») and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the ground (и, вскрикнув, упала на пол без чувств; scream – крик; senseless – бесчувственный, без чувств). I sent the house-maid for the police (я послал горничную за полицией) and put the investigation into their hands at once (и сразу же передал дело в руки полицейских). When the inspector and a constable entered the house (когда инспектор и констебль вошли в дом), Arthur, who had stood sullenly with his arms folded (Артур, мрачно стоявший со скрещенными руками), asked me whether it was my intention to charge him with theft (спросил меня, /действительно/ ли я намереваюсь предъявить ему обвинение в воровстве). I answered that it had ceased to be a private matter (я ответил, что это перестало быть личным делом), but had become a public one (и стало общественным), since the ruined coronet was national property (поскольку сломанная диадема является государственной собственностью). I was determined that the law should have its way in everything (я твердо решил, что /делу/ нужно дать законный оборот: «закон должен присутствовать во всем»).
   “'At least (по крайней мере),' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once (ты не дашь арестовать меня сейчас же). It would be to your advantage as well as mine (это было бы для твоей пользы, а также для моей) if I might leave the house for five minutes (если бы я смог выйти из дома на пять минут).'

   constable ['kʌnstǝb(ǝ)l], answered ['ɑ:nsǝd], ruined ['ru:ɪnd]

   “By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was national property. I was determined that the law should have its way in everything.
   “'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the house for five minutes.'

   “'That you may get away (чтобы ты убежал), or perhaps that you may conceal what you have stolen (или спрятал то, что украл),' said I. And then, realizing the dreadful position in which I was placed (затем, осознавая ужасное положение, в котором я оказался), I implored him to remember that not only my honor (я /стал/ заклинать его вспомнить о том, что не только моя честь) but that of one who was far greater than I was at stake (но и честь гораздо более высокого лица поставлена на карту); and that he threatened to raise a scandal (что он грозил скандалом) which would convulse the nation (который потрясет /всю/ нацию). He might avert it all if he would but tell me (он может предотвратить все это, если только скажет мне) what he had done with the three missing stones (что он сделал с тремя пропавшими камнями).
   “'You may as well face the matter (посмотри на дело прямо = осознай свое положение),' said I; 'you have been caught in the act (ты пойман на месте преступления), and no confession could make your guilt more heinous (и признание не сделает твою вину более тяжелой; heinous – отвратительный, мерзкий, гнусный, ужасный). If you but make such reparation as is in your power (если ты только попытаешься сделать все, что в твоих силах, чтобы исправить ситуацию; reparation – компенсация, возмещение; исправление, заглаживание /вины/: to make reparation for a wrong – загладить вину), by telling us where the beryls are (рассказав нам, где находятся бериллы), all shall be forgiven and forgotten (все будет прощено и забыто; to forgive; to forget).'

   threatened ['θretnd], guilt [ɡɪlt], heinous ['heɪnǝs]

   “'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you have stolen,' said I. And then, realizing the dreadful position in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only my honor but that of one who was far greater than I was at stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell me what he had done with the three missing stones.
   “'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.'

   “'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it (прибереги свое прощение для тех, кто в нем нуждается: «просит»),' he answered, turning away from me with a sneer (ответил он, отвернувшись от меня с усмешкой).
   “I saw that he was too hardened for any words of mine to influence him (я видел, что он слишком ожесточен, чтобы какие-либо мои слова могли повлиять на него; to harden – делать/ся/ твердым; бесчувственным, бессердечным; ожесточать). There was but one way for it (оставался лишь один выход). I called in the inspector and gave him into custody (я пригласил инспектора и передал Артура под стражу). A search was made at once not only of his person (немедленно был проведен обыск не только Артура) but of his room and of every portion of the house (но и его комнаты и каждого уголка в доме; portion – часть) where he could possibly have concealed the gems (где он мог бы спрятать драгоценные камни); but no trace of them could be found (но их не удалось обнаружить: «ни следа их не было найдено»), nor would the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our threats (а негодный мальчишка не раскрывал рта, несмотря на все наши убеждения и угрозы).
   “This morning he was removed to a cell (сегодня утром его отправили в камеру; to remove – удалять), and I, after going through all the police formalities (а я, исполнив все полицейские формальности), have hurried round to you (поспешил к вам) to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter (чтобы умолять вас применить свое искусство для раскрытия этого дела; to unravel – распутывать /нитки/; распутываться; разгадывать /тайну и т. д./). The police have openly confessed that they can at present make nothing of it (в полиции открыто признались, что в настоящее время сделать ничего не могут; to make nothing of – не понять что-либо, не разобраться в чем-либо). You may go to any expense which you think necessary (можете делать любые расходы, которые посчитаете необходимыми). I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds (я уже предложил вознаграждение в тысячу фунтов). My God, what shall I do (Боже, что мне делать)! I have lost my honor, my gems, and my son in one night (я потерял честь, драгоценные камни и сына в одну ночь). Oh, what shall I do (о, что мне делать)!”

   custody ['kʌstǝdɪ], wretched ['reʧɪd], persuasion [pǝ'sweɪʒ(ǝ)n]

   “'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, turning away from me with a sneer.
   “I saw that he was too hardened for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our threats.
   “This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My God, what shall I do! I have lost my honor, my gems, and my son in one night. Oh, what shall I do!”

   He put a hand on either side of his head (он схватился за голову: «приложил руку к каждой стороне головы») and rocked himself to and fro (и стал раскачиваться из стороны в сторону; to and fro – туда и сюда, взад и вперед; из стороны в сторону, в разные стороны), droning to himself like a child (что-то бормоча, как ребенок; drone – трутень; to drone – гудеть, жужжать; бубнить, монотонно говорить) whose grief has got beyond words (который не может выразить свое горе: «чье горе зашло за пределы слов = чье горе вне слов»).
   Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes (Холмс сидел молча несколько минут), with his brows knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire (нахмурив брови и устремив взгляд на огонь; to knit – вязать; соединять/ся/, скреплять/ся/; хмурить /брови/).
   “Do you receive much company (вы принимаете много гостей = у вас часто бывают гости)?” he asked.
   “None save my partner with his family (нет, никого не бывает, кроме моего компаньона с семьей) and an occasional friend of Arthur's (и иногда друзей Артура). Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately (сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл был недавно несколько раз; lately – недавно; за последнее время, в последнее время, на днях). No one else, I think (больше никого, пожалуй).”
   “Do you go out much in society (а вы часто бываете в обществе)?”
   “Arthur does (Артур – да). Mary and I stay at home (мы с Мэри сидим дома). We neither of us care for it (ни мне, ни ей это /выход в свет/ не интересно).”

   knitted ['nɪtɪd], company ['kʌmpǝnɪ], society [sǝ'saɪǝtɪ], neither ['naɪðǝ]

   He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got beyond words.
   Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire.
   “Do you receive much company?” he asked.
   “None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No one else, I think.”
   “Do you go out much in society?”
   “Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for it.”

   “That is unusual in a young girl (это необычно для молодой девушки).”
   “She is of a quiet nature (она тихого нрава). Besides, she is not so very young (кроме того, она не такая уж юная). She is four-and-twenty (ей двадцать четыре).”
   “This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her also (эта история, судя по вашим словам, кажется, стала для нее потрясением).”
   “Terrible (ужасным)! She is even more affected than I (она потрясена даже больше, чем я).”
   “You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt (ни у нее, ни у вас нет никаких сомнений относительно виновности вашего сына)?”
   “How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet in his hands (какие у нас могут быть сомнения, когда я своими глазами видел, как он держал диадему в руках)?”
   “I hardly consider that a conclusive proof (я не могу считать это окончательным = неопровержимым доказательством). Was the remainder of the coronet at all injured (была ли повреждена оставшаяся часть диадемы)?”
   “Yes, it was twisted (да, она была погнута).”
   “Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to straighten it (а вы не думаете, что, возможно, он пытался выпрямить ее; straight – прямой, неизогнутый)?”

   unusual [ʌn'ju:ʒʋǝl; ʌn'ju:ʒ(ǝ)l], affected [ǝ'fektɪd], straighten ['streɪtn]

   “That is unusual in a young girl.”
   “She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She is four‑and‑twenty.”
   “This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her also.”
   “Terrible! She is even more affected than I.”
   “You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?”
   “How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet in his hands?”
   “I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the coronet at all injured?”
   “Yes, it was twisted.”
   “Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to straighten it?”

   “God bless you (что вы: «благослови вас Бог»)! You are doing what you can for him and for me (вы делаете все, что можете, для него и для меня). But it is too heavy a task (но это невозможно: «слишком трудная задача»). What was he doing there at all (что он вообще там делал)? If his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so (если его намерения были чистыми, почему он не сказал этого; innocent – невиновный, невинный; чистый)?”
   “Precisely (совершенно верно). And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie (но если он был виновен, почему же он не солгал /в свое оправдание/: «не выдумал ложь»)? His silence appears to me to cut both ways (его молчание, по-моему, указывает и на то, и на другое; to cut both ways – быть обоюдоострым; иметь как положительные, так и отрицательные стороны). There are several singular points about the case (в этом деле есть несколько неясных деталей; singular – единичный; необычный, своеобразный, странный). What did the police think of the noise (что полиция подумала о шуме) which awoke you from your sleep (который разбудил вас)?”
   “They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his bedroom door (они посчитали, что его мог вызвать Артур, закрывая дверь своей спальни).”
   “A likely story (очень правдоподобная версия)! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door so as to wake a household (человек, решившийся на преступление, хлопает дверью, чтобы разбудить весь дом; to bend – изгибать/ся/; направляться; to be bent on something – решиться на что-либо; твердо решить сделать что-либо). What did they say, then, of the disappearance of these gems (а что они сказали насчет исчезновения тех камней)?”
   “They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture in the hope of finding them (они по-прежнему простукивают стены и обследуют мебель в надежде отыскать их; planking – обшивка досками; доски; настил).”
   “Have they thought of looking outside the house (а они не думали искать вне дома)?”

   innocent ['ɪnǝs(ǝ)nt], invent [ɪn'vent], furniture ['fɜ:nɪʧǝ]

   “God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?”
   “Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several singular points about the case. What did the police think of the noise which awoke you from your sleep?”
   “They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his bedroom door.”
   “A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the disappearance of these gems?”
   “They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture in the hope of finding them.”
   “Have they thought of looking outside the house?”

   “Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy (да, они проявили исключительную энергию). The whole garden has already been minutely examined (весь сад уже тщательно прочесали: «был тщательно/детально обследован»).”
   “Now, my dear sir (ну, мой дорогой сэр),” said Holmes, “is it not obvious to you now that this matter really strikes very much deeper (разве вам еще не очевидно, что эта история оказалась гораздо глубже и сложнее; to strike – ударять/ся/; проникать сквозь) than either you or the police were at first inclined to think (чем первоначально считали вы и полиция; to be inclined – быть склонным)? It appeared to you to be a simple case (вам казалось, что это простое дело); to me it seems exceedingly complex (а мне оно представляется чрезвычайно сложным). Consider what is involved by your theory (смотрите, что по вашей теории вовлечено /в эту историю/ = вот как, по-вашему, развивались события; to consider – рассматривать; принимать во внимание, учитывать). You suppose that your son came down from his bed (вы полагаете, что ваш сын поднялся с постели), went, at great risk, to your dressing‑room (пошел, сильно рискуя: «с большим риском», в вашу комнату), opened your bureau, took out your coronet (открыл бюро, достал диадему), broke off by main force a small portion of it (отломал с большим трудом небольшую часть), went off to some other place (вышел куда-то), concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine (спрятал три драгоценных камня из тридцати девяти), with such skill that nobody can find them (с такой сноровкой, что никто не может их найти), and then returned with the other thirty-six into the room (а затем вернулся с остальными тридцатью шестью в вашу комнату) in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of being discovered (где подверг себя огромной опасности быть обнаруженным). I ask you now, is such a theory tenable (и теперь я спрашиваю вас: разве это разумная, правдоподобная теория; tenable – крепкий, прочный; здравый, разумный, логичный)?”
   “But what other is there (но что тогда произошло: «какая другая /теория/»)?” cried the banker with a gesture of despair (воскликнул банкир, взмахнув в отчаянии руками: «с жестом отчаяния»). “If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain them (если его намерения были невинными, почему он молчит: «не объясняет их»)?”

   minutely ['mɪnɪtlɪ], obvious ['ɒbvɪǝs], tenable ['tenǝbl]

   “Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has already been minutely examined.”
   “Now, my dear sir,” said Holmes, “is it not obvious to you now that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing‑room, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, concealed three gems out of the thirty‑nine, with such skill that nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?”
   “But what other is there?” cried the banker with a gesture of despair. “If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain them?”

   “It is our task to find that out (нашей задачей и является выяснить это),” replied Holmes (ответил Холмс); “so now, if you please, Mr. Holder (а теперь, мистер Холдер, с вашего позволения), we will set off for Streatham together (мы отправимся вместе в Стритем), and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into details (и потратим: «посвятим» час, чтобы вникнуть в детали немного более внимательно; closely – близко; вплотную, тесно; густо, плотно; внимательно, тщательно).”
   My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition (мой друг настоял, чтобы я сопровождал их в этой поездке), which I was eager enough to do (что я охотно и сделал), for my curiosity and sympathy were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened (так как история, которую мы услышали, пробудила во мне сильное любопытство и глубокое сочувствие). I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be as obvious (признаюсь, виновность сына банкира казалась мне столь же очевидной) as it did to his unhappy father (как и его несчастному отцу), but still I had such faith in Holmes's judgment that I felt (и все же я настолько верил в чутье Холмса, что понимал; faith – вера, доверие) that there must be some grounds for hope (что должны быть какие-то основания для надежды) as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted explanation (раз он недоволен признанным объяснением). He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the southern suburb (он почти не проронил ни слова на всем пути к южной окраине; suburb – окраина, пригород), but sat with his chin upon his breast (но сидел, опустив голову на грудь; chin – подбородок) and his hat drawn over his eyes (и надвинув шляпу на глаза), sunk in the deepest thought (погруженный в глубочайшее раздумье).

   accompanying [ǝ'kʌmpǝnɪɪŋ], sympathy ['sɪmpǝθɪ], suburb ['sʌbɜ:b]

   “It is our task to find that out,” replied Holmes; “so now, if you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into details.”
   My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such faith in Holmes's judgment that I felt that there must be some grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought.

   Our client appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope (казалось, наш клиент воспрянул духом от слабого проблеска надежды; to take heart – воспрянуть духом, приободриться; glimpse – мелькание; проблеск, слабый свет, слабая вспышка) which had been presented to him (которою ему подали; to present – представлять; дарить, преподносить), and he even broke into a desultory chat with me over his business affairs (и он даже пустился/затеял со мной бесцельный разговор о своих коммерческих делах; desultory – несвязный, отрывочный; бессвязный, несистематический; бесцельный). A short railway journey (короткая поездка по железной дороге) and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank (и еще более короткая прогулка пешком привели нас в Фэрбенк), the modest residence of the great financier (скромную резиденцию крупного финансиста).
   Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone (Фэрбенк представлял собой большой квадратный дом из белого камня), standing back a little from the road (расположенный недалеко: «немного отстоящий» от /главной/ дороги). A double carriage-sweep (/от которой к дому поворачивала/ дорога для двух экипажей; sweep – кривая; изгиб; поворот /дороги/: a wide sweep leads up to the house – дорога к дому широко изогнулась дугой), with a snow-clad lawn (/проходила через/ покрытую снегом лужайку), stretched down in front to two large iron gates (и упиралась в большие железные ворота) which closed the entrance (закрывавшие подъезд /к дому/). On the right side was a small wooden thicket (справа находился небольшой лесок; thicket – чаща, заросль; поросль; молодой лес), which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges (который переходил в узкую тропинку между двумя аккуратными изгородями) stretching from the road to the kitchen door (тянущуюся от дороги до двери кухни), and forming the tradesmen's entrance (и образовавшую вход для торговцев = этой дорогой доставлялись продукты; tradesman – торговец, лавочник; tradesmen's entrance – служебный вход /в магазине/). On the left ran a lane which led to the stables (налево шла дорожка, которая вела к конюшням; lane – узкая дорога, тропинка /обычно между живыми изгородями/), and was not itself within the grounds at all (она, собственно, не относилась к владениям), being a public, though little used, thoroughfare (а являлась общественной, хотя и мало используемой, дорогой; thoroughfare – оживленная улица; главная артерия /города/, главная дорога; путь общего пользования). Holmes left us standing at the door and walked slowly all round the house (Холмс оставил нас у дверей и медленно обошел вокруг дома), across the front (прошел вдоль фасада), down the tradesmen's path (по дорожке, ведущей к кухне), and so round by the garden behind into the stable lane (и дальше через сад позади вышел на дорожку к конюшням).

   desultory ['des(ǝ)lt(ǝ)rɪ], financier [f(a)ɪ'nænsɪǝ], thoroughfare ['θʌrǝfeǝ]

   Our client appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest residence of the great financier.
   Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden behind into the stable lane.

   So long was he that Mr. Holder and I went into the dining-room (его не было так долго, что мы с мистером Холдером вошли в столовую) and waited by the fire until he should return (и принялись ждать, /сев/ у камина, пока он вернется). We were sitting there in silence (мы сидели молча) when the door opened and a young lady came in (как вдруг дверь отворилась, и вошла молодая девушка). She was rather above the middle height (она была немного выше среднего роста), slim (стройная), with dark hair and eyes (с темными волосами и глазами), which seemed the darker against the absolute pallor of her skin (которые казались еще темнее на фоне совершенной бледности ее кожи). I do not think that I have ever seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face (не думаю, что когда-либо видел такую мертвенную бледность женского лица). Her lips, too, were bloodless (ее губы также были совсем побелевшие; bloodless – бескровный, бледный), but her eyes were flushed with crying (а глаза, напротив, покраснели от слез). As she swept silently into the room (когда она тихо вошла в комнату) she impressed me with a greater sense of grief (то поразила меня еще бóльшим ощущением горести = она показалась мне более горюющей) than the banker had done in the morning (чем банкир утром), and it was the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong character (и это было особенно необыкновенно, так как она, по-видимому, была женщиной сильного характера), with immense capacity for self-restraint (и обладала огромным самообладанием: «с огромной способностью к самообладанию»; to restrain – сдерживать; обуздывать). Disregarding my presence (не обращая внимания на мое присутствие), she went straight to her uncle (она подошла сразу к дяде) and passed her hand over his head with a sweet womanly caress (и провела рукой по его волосам с женской нежностью и лаской = нежно, ласково провела рукой по его волосам; caress – ласка; проявление нежности).

   height [haɪt], bloodless ['blʌdlɪs], grief [ɡri:f], capacity [kǝ'pæsǝtɪ]

   So long was he that Mr. Holder and I went into the dining‑room and waited by the fire until he should return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand over his head with a sweet womanly caress.

   “You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated (вы распорядились, чтобы Артура освободили; liberty – свобода), have you not, dad (не так ли, папа)?” she asked.
   “No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom (нет, моя девочка, дело нужно расследовать до конца).”
   “But I am so sure that he is innocent (но я уверена, он невиновен). You know what woman's instincts are (вы знаете, что такое женское чутье). I know that he has done no harm (я знаю, что он не сделал ничего дурного; harm – вред; убыток, урон, ущерб) and that you will be sorry for having acted so harshly (и вы пожалеете, что поступили /с ним/ столь сурово).”
   “Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent (почему же тогда он молчит, если невиновен)?”
   “Who knows (кто знает)? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should suspect him (возможно, потому что очень рассердился, что вы подозреваете его).”
   “How could I help suspecting him (как же мне его не подозревать), when I actually saw him with the coronet in his hand (если я действительно видел его с диадемой в руках)?”
   “Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it (ну, он только взял ее, чтобы посмотреть). Oh, do, do take my word for it that he is innocent (о, поверьте мне, он невиновен; to take smb.'s word for it – верить на слово). Let the matter drop and say no more (прекратите это дело, хватит /прошу вас/; to drop – бросать, прекращать; снимать, отменять: to drop charges – снять обвинения). It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in prison (как ужасно думать о том, что наш дорогой Артур в тюрьме)!”

   instinct ['ɪnstɪŋkt], suspecting [sǝ'spektɪŋ], prison ['prɪz(ǝ)n]

   “You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you not, dad?” she asked.
   “No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom.”
   “But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will be sorry for having acted so harshly.”
   “Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?”
   “Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should suspect him.”
   “How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the coronet in his hand?”
   “Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in prison!”

   “I shall never let it drop until the gems are found – never, Mary (я не прекращу дела, пока камни не будут найдены, Мэри)! Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to me (твоя привязанность к Артуру ослепляет тебя настолько, что ты /забываешь/ об ужасных для меня последствиях). Far from hushing the thing up (я не собираюсь замалчивать это дело; far from – далек от; to hush up – замалчивать, скрывать; замять), I have brought a gentleman down from London to inquire more deeply into it (я пригласил одного джентльмена из Лондона для более тщательного расследования).”
   “This gentleman (этого джентльмена)?” she asked, facing round to me (спросила она, поворачиваясь ко мне).
   “No, his friend (нет, его друга). He wished us to leave him alone (он захотел, чтобы мы оставили его одного). He is round in the stable lane now (сейчас он идет по дорожке, ведущей к конюшне).”
   “The stable lane?” She raised her dark eyebrows (она подняла темные брови). “What can he hope to find there (что он надеется там найти)? Ah! this, I suppose, is he (а вот, полагаю, он сам). I trust, sir, that you will succeed in proving (я надеюсь, сэр, вам удастся доказать), what I feel sure is the truth (в чем я убеждена), that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime (что мой кузен Артур невиновен в этом преступлении).”

   awful ['ɔ:f(ǝ)l], consequence ['kɒnsɪkwǝns], eyebrow ['aɪbraʋ]

   “I shall never let it drop until the gems are found – never, Mary! Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman down from London to inquire more deeply into it.”
   “This gentleman?” she asked, facing round to me.
   “No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the stable lane now.”
   “The stable lane?” She raised her dark eyebrows. “What can he hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime.”

   “I fully share your opinion (полностью разделяю ваше мнение), and I trust, with you, that we may prove it (и надеюсь, с вашей помощью, мы сможем это доказать),” returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the snow from his shoes (ответил Холмс, возвращаясь к половику и стряхивая снег с ботинок). “I believe I have the honor of addressing Miss Mary Holder (полагаю, я имею честь говорить с мисс Мэри Холдер). Might I ask you a question or two (могу я задать вам пару вопросов)?”
   “Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up (конечно, сэр, если это поможет распутать ужасное дело).”
   “You heard nothing yourself last night (вы ничего не слышали прошлой ночью)?”
   “Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly (ничего, пока мой дядя не начал громко говорить). I heard that, and I came down (я услышала его и спустилась).”
   “You shut up the windows and doors the night before (вы закрывали окна и двери накануне вечером). Did you fasten all the windows (вы заперли все окна)?”
   “Yes.”
   “Were they all fastened this morning (они все были заперты сегодня утром)?”
   “Yes.”

   prove [pru:v], knock [nɒk], loudly ['laʋdlɪ], fastened ['fɑ:s(ǝ)nd]

   “I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may prove it,” returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the snow from his shoes. “I believe I have the honor of addressing Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?”
   “Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up.”
   “You heard nothing yourself last night?”
   “Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard that, and I came down.”
   “You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you fasten all the windows?”
   “Yes.”
   “Were they all fastened this morning?”
   “Yes.”

   “You have a maid who has a sweetheart (у вас работает горничная, у которой есть возлюбленный)? I think that you remarked to your uncle last night (вы говорили дяде вчера вечером) that she had been out to see him (что она вышла повидаться с ним)?”
   “Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room (да, она была той девушкой, что подавала нам /кофе/ в гостиной; to wait – ждать; прислуживать, обслуживать /за столом и т. п./). And who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet (и /была тем/ кто мог слышать замечания дяди о диадеме = как дядя рассказывал о диадеме).”
   “I see (понятно). You infer that she may have gone out to tell her sweetheart (вы подразумеваете, что она могла выйти из дома и сообщить /об этом/ своему возлюбленному; to infer – заключать; делать /логический/ вывод; выводить /заключение, следствие из чего-либо/; делать предположение, высказывать догадку), and that the two may have planned the robbery (и они вместе могли спланировать ограбление).”
   “But what is the good of all these vague theories (но какой толк от этих всех туманных предположений; vague – расплывчатый),” cried the banker impatiently (нетерпеливо воскликнул банкир; patient – терпеливый), “when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the coronet in his hands (ведь я уже сказал вам, что видел Артура с диадемой в руках)?”
   “Wait a little, Mr. Holder (подождите немного, мистер Холдер). We must come back to that (мы к этому /еще/ вернемся). About this girl, Miss Holder (/теперь/ относительно этой девушки, мисс Холдер). You saw her return by the kitchen door, I presume (полагаю, вы видели, как она вернулась через дверь кухни)?”
   “Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I met her slipping in (да, когда я пошла посмотреть, заперта ли на ночь дверь, я увидела, как она тихо входила; to slip in – прокрасться, незаметно войти; to slip – скользить). I saw the man, too, in the gloom (я также видела в темноте ее поклонника).”
   “Do you know him (вы знаете его)?”

   sweetheart ['swi:thɑ:t], vague [veɪɡ], impatiently [ɪm'peɪʃ(ǝ)ntlɪ], presume [prɪ'zju:m]

   “You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?”
   “Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing‑room. And who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet.”
   “I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery.”
   “But what is the good of all these vague theories,” cried the banker impatiently, “when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the coronet in his hands?”
   “Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I presume?”
   “Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom.”
   “Do you know him?”

   “Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round (он зеленщик, который приносит нам овощи). His name is Francis Prosper (его зовут Фрэнсис Проспер).”
   “He stood (он стоял),” said Holmes, “to the left of the door – that is to say (слева от двери, другими словами), farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door (дальше по дорожке, чем необходимо, чтобы достать до двери)?”
   “Yes, he did.”
   “And he is a man with a wooden leg (и это человек с деревянной ногой)?”
   Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive black eyes (что-то похожее на страх промелькнуло в выразительных черных глазах юной леди).
   “Why, you are like a magician (да вы словно волшебник),” said she. “How do you know that (откуда вы это знаете)?” She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes's thin, eager face (она улыбнулась, но на худощавом напряженном лице Холмса не появилось ответной улыбки).
   “I should be very glad now to go upstairs (теперь мне бы очень хотелось подняться наверх),” said he. “I shall probably wish to go over the outside of the house again (возможно, мне снова захочется обойти дом; outside – наружная сторона). Perhaps I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up (быть может, лучше сначала взглянуть на нижние окна, прежде чем подниматься).”

   vegetables ['veʤ(ǝ)tǝblz], necessary ['nesǝsǝrɪ], answering ['ɑ:nsǝrɪŋ]

   “Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. His name is Francis Prosper.”
   “He stood,” said Holmes, “to the left of the door – that is to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?”
   “Yes, he did.”
   “And he is a man with a wooden leg?”
   Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive black eyes.
   “Why, you are like a magician,” said she. “How do you know that?” She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes's thin, eager face.
   “I should be very glad now to go upstairs,” said he. “I shall probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up.”

   He walked swiftly round from one to the other (он быстро обошел /первый этаж/, переходя от одного /окна/ к другому), pausing only at the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane (остановившись лишь у большого окна гостиной, которое выходило на дорожку, ведущую к конюшне). This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill with his powerful magnifying lens (он открыл его и очень тщательно осмотрел подоконник с помощью мощной лупы; magnifying lens – лупа; увеличительное стекло; to magnify – увеличивать; усиливать).
   “Now we shall go upstairs (теперь пойдемте наверх),” said he at last (сказал он наконец).
   The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little chamber (гардеробная банкира представляла собой просто обставленную маленькую комнатку), with a gray carpet (с серым ковром), a large bureau (большим бюро), and a long mirror (и высоким зеркалом). Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock (Холмс сначала подошел к бюро и внимательно посмотрел на замок).
   “Which key was used to open it (каким ключом его открыли: «какой ключ использовался, чтобы отпереть его»)?” he asked.
   “That which my son himself indicated (тем самым, о котором говорил мой сын) – that of the cupboard of the lumber-room (ключом от шкафа в чулане; lumber – ненужные громоздкие вещи; хлам).”
   “Have you it here (он у вас здесь)?”
   “That is it on the dressing-table (он на туалетном столике).”

   pausing ['pɔ:zɪŋ], magnifying ['mæɡnɪfaɪɪŋ], mirror ['mɪrǝ]

   He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill with his powerful magnifying lens.
   “Now we shall go upstairs,” said he at last.
   The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little chamber, with a gray carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock.
   “Which key was used to open it?” he asked.
   “That which my son himself indicated – that of the cupboard of the lumber-room.”
   “Have you it here?”
   “That is it on the dressing‑table.”

   Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau (Холмс взял его и открыл бюро).
   “It is a noiseless lock (замок бесшумный),” said he. “It is no wonder that it did not wake you (не удивительно, что он вас не разбудил). This case, I presume, contains the coronet (в этом футляре, полагаю, находится диадема; to contain – содержать, вмещать). We must have a look at it (нужно взглянуть на нее).” He opened the case, and taking out the diadem he laid it upon the table (он открыл футляр, достал диадему и положил на стол).
   It was a magnificent specimen of the jeweller's art (это был великолепный образец ювелирного искусства), and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I have ever seen (и тридцать шесть камней были прекраснейшими /из камней/, которые я когда-либо видел). At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge (с одной стороны диадемы край был отколот), where a corner holding three gems had been torn away (там, где зубец: «уголок» с тремя бериллами был отломан).
   “Now, Mr. Holder,” said Holmes, “here is the corner which corresponds to that (вот зубец, который соответствует тому) which has been so unfortunately lost (что был к несчастью утерян). Might I beg that you will break it off (могу я попросить вас отломить его).”
   The banker recoiled in horror (банкир отшатнулся в ужасе; to recoil – отскочить, отпрыгнуть; отпрянуть).
   “I should not dream of trying (и не подумаю),” said he.

   wonder ['wʌndǝ], magnificent [mæɡ'nɪfɪs(ǝ)nt], specimen ['spesɪmǝn]

   Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau.
   “It is a noiseless lock,” said he. “It is no wonder that it did not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must have a look at it.” He opened the case, and taking out the diadem he laid it upon the table.
   It was a magnificent specimen of the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away.
   “Now, Mr. Holder,” said Holmes, “here is the corner which corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I beg that you will break it off.”
   The banker recoiled in horror.
   “I should not dream of trying,” said he.

   “Then I will (тогда я попробую).” Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but without result (Холмс внезапно напряг все силы, но безрезультатно; to bend – сгибать/ся/; приложить /усилия/; направить /энергию/). “I feel it give a little (чувствую, что немного поддается),” said he; “but, though I am exceptionally strong in the fingers (но, хотя у меня исключительно сильные пальцы), it would take me all my time to break it (потребовалось бы много времени, чтобы отломить зубец). An ordinary man could not do it (обычный человек не смог бы этого сделать). Now, what do you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder (как вы думаете, что бы произошло, если бы я действительно отломил его, мистер Холдер)? There would be a noise like a pistol shot (раздался бы треск, /похожий/ на пистолетный выстрел). Do you tell me that all this happened within a few yards of your bed (и вы говорите, что все это произошло в нескольких ярдах от вашей кровати) and that you heard nothing of it (а вы ничего не слышали)?”
   “I do not know what to think (даже не знаю, что и думать). It is all dark to me (мне это совершенно непонятно: «темно»).”
   “But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go (может быть, все немного прояснится: «станет светлее»). What do you think, Miss Holder (а что вы думаете, мисс Холдер)?”
   “I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity (признаюсь, я по-прежнему разделяю недоумение моего дяди).”
   “Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him (ваш сын не был /ли/ в ботинках или туфлях, когда вы его увидели)?”

   result [rɪ'zʌlt], exceptionally [ɪk'sepʃ(ǝ)n(ǝ)lɪ], pistol ['pɪstl], perplexity [pǝ'pleksǝtɪ]

   “Then I will.” Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but without result. “I feel it give a little,” said he; “but, though I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard nothing of it?”
   “I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me.”
   “But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Miss Holder?”
   “I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity.”
   “Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?”

   “He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt (на нем были только брюки и рубашка).”
   “Thank you (благодарю вас). We have certainly been favored with extraordinary luck during this inquiry (в этом расследовании нам сопутствует исключительная удача; to favor – благоволить, быть благосклонным; благоприятствовать; содействовать), and it will be entirely our own fault (и будет целиком наша вина) if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up (если мы не сумеем раскрыть это дело). With your permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations outside (с вашего позволения, мистер Холдер, я продолжу изыскания снаружи).”
   He went alone, at his own request (он вышел один, по своей собственной просьбе), for he explained that any unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult (поскольку, как он объяснил, лишние следы могут затруднить его работу). For an hour or more he was at work (час или больше Холмс был занят), returning at last with his feet heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever (наконец он вернулся, ноги у него были все в снегу: «тяжелы от снега», а лицо непроницаемо, как обычно).
   “I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Holder (думаю, теперь я увидел все, что нужно, мистер Холдер),” said he; “I can serve you best by returning to my rooms (и теперь буду вам наиболее полезным, вернувшись домой).”

   entirely [ɪn'taɪǝlɪ], request [rɪ'kwest], inscrutable [ɪn'skru:tǝbl]

   “He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt.”
   “Thank you. We have certainly been favored with extraordinary luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations outside.”
   He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever.
   “I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Holder,” said he; “I can serve you best by returning to my rooms.”

   “But the gems, Mr. Holmes (но как же камни, мистер Холмс). Where are they (где они)?”
   “I cannot tell (не могу сказать).”
   The banker wrung his hands (банкир заломил руки /в отчаянии/; to wring – скручивать; заламывать).
   “I shall never see them again (я их больше никогда не увижу)!” he cried. “And my son? You give me hopes (а мой сын? вы ведь дали мне надежду)?”
   “My opinion is in no way altered (мое мнение никоим образом не изменилось).”
   “Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business (тогда, ради Бога, что это за темная история) which was acted in my house last night (произошедшая в моем доме прошлой ночью)?”
   “If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow morning between nine and ten (если вы зайдете ко мне /в квартиру/ на Бейкер-Стрит завтра утром между девятью и десятью) I shall be happy to do what I can to make it clearer (я буду рад сделать все, чтобы прояснить это дело). I understand that you give me carte blanche to act for you (как я понимаю, вы предоставляете мне полную свободу действий в ваших интересах; carte blanche – /франц./ карт-бланш /дословно – «белая карточка», т. е. подписанный незаполненный документ, в который его предъявитель может внести все, что угодно/; полная свобода действий), provided only that I get back the gems (только при условии, что я верну камни; provided that – при условии, если только; в том случае, если; to provide – предоставлять; предусматривать), and that you place no limit on the sum I may draw (и вы не постоите за расходами: «не будете ставить ограничения на сумму, которую я запрошу»; to draw – получать /зарплату, проценты и т. д./; извлекать /доход/; брать /деньги со счета и т. д./; to draw a salary – получать зарплату; to draw a check – выписывать чек).”

   gem [ʤem], altered ['ɔ:ltǝd], carte blanche [,kɑ:t'blɑ:nʃ]

   “But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?”
   “I cannot tell.”
   The banker wrung his hands.
   “I shall never see them again!” he cried. “And my son? You give me hopes?”
   “My opinion is in no way altered.”
   “Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was acted in my house last night?”
   “If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you place no limit on the sum I may draw.”

   “I would give my fortune to have them back (я отдал бы /все/ состояние, чтобы вернуть их).”
   “Very good (прекрасно). I shall look into the matter between this and then (я займусь этим делом на досуге; between this and then – на досуге; между делом). Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here again before evening (возможно, что мне придется снова вернуться сюда сегодня: «до вечера»).”
   It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up about the case (мне было ясно, что мой товарищ уже что-то решил насчет этой истории; to make up one's mind – принять решение, решиться /на что-либо/), although what his conclusions were was more than I could even dimly imagine (хотя какими были его выводы, я даже смутно представить не мог). Several times during our homeward journey I endeavored to sound him upon the point (несколько раз на обратном пути я пытался прозондировать его на эту тему; homeward – ведущий, идущий к дому; обратный /о пути/; to sound – осторожно выяснять, зондировать, выспрашивать; sound – зонд, щуп), but he always glided away to some other topic (но он каждый раз менял предмет разговора; to glide – скользить; двигаться плавно, бесшумно; незаметно, постепенно переходить /в какое-либо состояние/), until at last I gave it over in despair (пока наконец я не бросил попытки в отчаянии). It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our rooms once more (еще не было трех часов, когда мы снова были дома). He hurried to his chamber (он поспешил в свою комнату) and was down again in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer (и через несколько минут появился вновь, одетый как обыкновенный бродяга; loafer – бездельник; попрошайка, бродяга; to loaf /about, around/ – проводить время в безделье; бездельничать; зря терять время). With his collar turned up (с поднятым воротником), his shiny, seedy coat (в потрепанном старом пальто; shiny – яркий, блестящий; залоснившийся, потертый; seedy – изношенный, старый, потрепанный), his red cravat (с красным шарфом; cravat – галстук; шарф), and his worn boots (в стоптанных ботинках), he was a perfect sample of the class (он являл собой превосходный образец бродяги/выглядел, как типичнейший бродяга).

   fortune ['fɔ:ʧ(ǝ)n], although [ɔ:l'ðǝʋ], collar ['kɒlǝ]

   “I would give my fortune to have them back.”
   “Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Good‑bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here again before evening.”
   It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward journey I endeavored to sound him upon the point, but he always glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was a perfect sample of the class.

   “I think that this should do (думаю, так сойдет),” said he, glancing into the glass above the fireplace (сказал он, взглянув в зеркало над камином). “I only wish that you could come with me, Watson (я хотел бы взять вас с собой, Ватсон), but I fear that it won't do (но, боюсь, ничего не выйдет). I may be on the trail in this matter (на верном ли я пути), or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp (или преследую недостижимую цель; will-o'-the-wisp – блуждающий огонек /на болоте/; обманчивая надежда, нечто неуловимое), but I shall soon know which it is (скоро я это выясню). I hope that I may be back in a few hours (надеюсь, вернусь через несколько часов).” He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard (он отрезал немного говядины от куска, /лежавшего/ на буфете; slice – ломоть; ломтик; joint – сустав; мясной отруб; a joint of meat – кусок мяса), sandwiched it between two rounds of bread (положил ее между двумя ломтями хлеба), and thrusting this rude meal into his pocket (и, сунув эту незатейливую пищу в карман; rude – грубый; примитивный) he started off upon his expedition (отправился выполнять миссию: «в свою вылазку»).
   I had just finished my tea when he returned (я только закончил пить чай, когда Холмс вернулся), evidently in excellent spirits (очевидно, в прекрасном расположении духа), swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his hand (размахивая каким-то старым ботинком; elastic-side boots – штиблеты с резинкой). He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a cup of tea (он отшвырнул его в угол и налил себе чашку чая).
   “I only looked in as I passed (я только заглянул на минутку, проходя мимо),” said he. “I am going right on (сейчас же отправлюсь дальше).”
   “Where to (куда)?”

   hour [aʋǝ], excellent ['eks(ǝ)lǝnt], corner ['kɔ:nǝ]

   “I think that this should do,” said he, glancing into the glass above the fireplace. “I only wish that you could come with me, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few hours.” He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition.
   I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic‑sided boot in his hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a cup of tea.
   “I only looked in as I passed,” said he. “I am going right on.”
   “Where to?”

   “Oh, to the other side of the West End (на другой конец Уэст-Энда; West End – Уэст-Энд /западная, аристократическая часть Лондона/). It may be some time before I get back (может пройти много времени, прежде чем я вернусь). Don't wait up for me in case I should be late (не ждите меня, если опоздаю).”
   “How are you getting on (как ваши успехи)?”
   “Oh, so so (так себе). Nothing to complain of (не могу жаловаться). I have been out to Streatham since I saw you last (я был в Стритеме, /с тех пор как видел вас в последний раз/), but I did not call at the house (но не заходил в дом). It is a very sweet little problem (преинтересное дельце: «милая задачка»), and I would not have missed it for a good deal (я бы ни за что его не упустил = ни на что бы не променял). However, I must not sit gossiping here (однако я не должен сидеть тут и болтать), but must get these disreputable clothes off (мне надо сбросить это позорное тряпье; disreputable – недостойный уважения; дискредитирующий, компрометирующий, бесчестящий; позорный, постыдный) and return to my highly respectable self (и вернуться к глубоко уважаемому, приличному себе = стать снова приличным человеком).”
   I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction (по поведению Холмса я понял, что у него есть более веские основания для радости; satisfaction – удовлетворение) than his words alone would imply (чем одни лишь его слова могли выразить). His eyes twinkled (глаза его блестели), and there was even a touch of color upon his sallow cheeks (а на бледных щеках даже появился слабый румянец; touch – прикосновение; чуточка; примесь; оттенок; sallow – желтоватый, болезненный, землистый /о цвете лица/). He hastened upstairs (он поспешил наверх), and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the hall door (и через несколько минут я услышал, как хлопнула входная дверь), which told me that he was off once more upon his congenial hunt (что говорило о том, что Холмс снова отправился на свою «охоту»; congenial – сходный, близкий по духу; /благо/приятный; to hunt – охотиться).

   disreputable [dɪs'repjʋtǝbl], respectable [rɪ'spektǝbl], congenial [kǝn'ʤi:nɪǝl]

   “Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be late.”
   “How are you getting on?”
   “Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly respectable self.”
   I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and there was even a touch of color upon his sallow cheeks. He hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his congenial hunt.

   I waited until midnight (я ждал до полуночи), but there was no sign of his return (но его все не было: «не было ни признака его возвращения»), so I retired to my room (поэтому я отправился спать). It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for days and nights on end (это не было необычной вещью для него – уходить на долгие дни и ночи; on end – непрерывно, подряд) when he was hot upon a scent (когда он шел по горячему следу), so that his lateness caused me no surprise (так что его опоздание ничуть меня не удивило). I do not know at what hour he came in (не знаю, в котором часу он пришел), but when I came down to breakfast in the morning (но когда я утром спустился к завтраку) there he was with a cup of coffee in one hand (он сидел /за столом/ с чашкой кофе в одной руке) and the paper in the other (и с газетой в другой), as fresh and trim as possible (очень бодрый и подтянутый: «такой бодрый и подтянутый, как только возможно»; trim – аккуратный, опрятный; элегантный; подтянутый).
   “You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson (извините, что начал без вас, Ватсон),” said he, “but you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning (но вспомните, что нашему клиенту назначена встреча на это утро, и довольно рано).”
   “Why, it is after nine now (да, уже десятый час: «после девяти»),” I answered. “I should not be surprised if that were he (не удивлюсь, если это он). I thought I heard a ring (кажется, я слышал звонок).”

   lateness ['leɪtnɪs], appointment [ǝ'pɔɪntmǝnt], surprised [sǝ'praɪzd]

   I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the other, as fresh and trim as possible.
   “You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson,” said he, “but you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning.”
   “Why, it is after nine now,” I answered. “I should not be surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring.”

   It was, indeed, our friend the financier (это и в самом деле был наш друг финансист). I was shocked by the change which had come over him (меня поразила перемена, произошедшая в нем), for his face which was naturally of a broad and massive mould (его лицо, обычно широкое и крупное; mould – форма; лекало, шаблон), was now pinched and fallen in (теперь осунулось, /щеки/ ввалились; pinched – застроченный; худой, истощенный, измученный: pinched features – исхудалое лицо, лицо с заостренными чертами), while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter (а волосы, казалось, побелели еще немного больше; shade – тень; тон, оттенок). He entered with a weariness and lethargy (он вошел усталой и вялой /походкой/; weariness – усталость, истощение) which was even more painful than his violence of the morning before (что было еще более тягостным /зрелищем/, чем его /отчаянное/ неистовство вчерашним утром), and he dropped heavily into the armchair (и он тяжело опустился в кресло) which I pushed forward for him (которое я придвинул ему).
   “I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried (не знаю, что я сделал, чтобы /заслужить/ такие тяжелые испытания),” said he. “Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man (лишь два дня назад я был счастливым и процветающим человеком), without a care in the world (живущим без забот: «без какой-либо заботы в мире»). Now I am left to a lonely and dishonored age (теперь я обречен на одинокую и опозоренную старость). One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another (одна печаль наступает на пятки другой = беда не приходит одна). My niece, Mary, has deserted me (моя племянница, Мэри, покинула меня).”
   “Deserted you?”

   lethargy ['leθǝʤɪ], severely [sɪ'vɪǝlɪ], deserted [dɪ'zɜ:tɪd]

   It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the armchair which I pushed forward for him.
   “I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried,” said he. “Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonored age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Mary, has deserted me.”
   “Deserted you?”

   “Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in (ее постель не тронута этим утром: «в постели не спали»), her room was empty (ее комната пуста), and a note for me lay upon the hall table (и записка для меня лежала на столе в гостиной). I had said to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger (вчера вечером я сказал ей, /пребывая/ в печали, а не в гневе), that if she had married my boy all might have been well with him (что если бы она вышла замуж за моего мальчика, с ним все было бы хорошо). Perhaps it was thoughtless of me to say so (вероятно, с моей стороны было неосторожно говорить так; thoughtless – необдуманный, неразумный, неосторожный; thought – мысль). It is to that remark that she refers in this note (на это высказывание она намекает в записке):
   “'MY DEAREST UNCLE (дражайший дядя): – I feel that I have brought trouble upon you (я знаю, что я навела на вас беду = стала причиной беды), and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred (и что, поступи я иначе, этого ужасного несчастья никогда бы не случилось). I cannot, with this thought in my mind (я не смогу, думая об этом), ever again be happy under your roof (когда-либо снова быть счастливой под вашей крышей), and I feel that I must leave you forever (думаю: «чувствую», я должна покинуть вас навсегда). Do not worry about my future (не беспокойтесь о моем будущем), for that is provided for (так как оно обеспечено); and, above all, do not search for me (и, самое главное, не ищите меня), for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me (потому что это будет тщетно и повредит мне: «будет бесплодным трудом и дурной услугой мне»). In life or in death (всю жизнь до самой смерти: «в жизни или в смерти»), I am ever your loving MARY (остаюсь любящей вас Мэри).'

   thoughtless ['θɔ:tlɪs], remark [rɪ'mɑ:k], fruitless ['fru:tlɪs]

   “Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers in this note:
   “'MY DEAREST UNCLE: – I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in death, I am ever your loving MARY.'

   “What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes (что она хотела сказать этой запиской, мистер Холмс)? Do you think it points to suicide (думаете, она /записка/ указывает на самоубийство)?”
   “No, no, nothing of the kind (нет, ничего подобного). It is perhaps the best possible solution (возможно, это лучшее решение /проблем/). I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of your troubles (я уверен, что ваши неприятности близятся к концу).”
   “Ha! You say so (вы так думаете)! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes (вы узнали что-то /новое/, мистер Холмс); you have learned something (что-то узнали)! Where are the gems (где камни)?”
   “You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for them (вы не сочтете чрезмерной платой тысячу фунтов за штуку)?”
   “I would pay ten (я заплатил бы десять /тысяч/).”
   “That would be unnecessary (в этом нет необходимости). Three thousand will cover the matter (трех тысяч хватит: «три тысячи покроют дело»). And there is a little reward, I fancy (и небольшое вознаграждение). Have you your check-book (у вас с собой чековая книжка)? Here is a pen (вот перо). Better make it out for 4000 pounds (лучше выпишите /чек/ на четыре тысячи фунтов).”

   suicide ['s(j)u:ɪsaɪd], excessive [ɪk'sesɪv], reward [rɪ'wɔ:d]

   “What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it points to suicide?”
   “No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of your troubles.”
   “Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have learned something! Where are the gems?”
   “You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for them?”
   “I would pay ten.”
   “That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds.”

   With a dazed face the banker made out the required check (в изумлении: «с изумленным лицом» банкир выписал требуемый чек). Holmes walked over to his desk (Холмс подошел к своему столу), took out a little triangular piece of gold with three gems in it (достал маленький треугольный кусочек золота с тремя бериллами), and threw it down upon the table (и бросил на стол).
   With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up (с радостным криком наш клиент схватил зубец).
   “You have it (вы нашли его)!” he gasped (воскликнул он, задыхаясь). “I am saved! I am saved (я спасен)!”
   The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been (реакция радости = радость его была такой же бурной, как и горе), and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom (он прижал вновь обретенные камни к груди; to recover – вновь обретать; возвращать, получать обратно).
   “There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder (вы должны еще кое-что, мистер Холдер),” said Sherlock Holmes rather sternly (сказал Холмс очень строго).
   “Owe!” He caught up a pen (он схватил перо). “Name the sum, and I will pay it (назовите сумму, и я выплачу ее).”
   “No, the debt is not to me (нет, вы должны не мне). You owe a very humble apology to that noble lad, your son (вы должны смиренно просить прощения у того благородного юноши, вашего сына; humble – скромный, смиренный; apology – извинение), who has carried himself in this matter (который держался в этом деле /так мужественно/) as I should be proud to see my own son do (что я гордился бы, если бы мой сын поступил так же), should I ever chance to have one (если бы он у меня был).”

   triangular [traɪ'æŋɡjʋlǝ], bosom ['bʋzǝm], apology [ǝ'pɒlǝʤɪ]

   With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table.
   With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up.
   “You have it!” he gasped. “I am saved! I am saved!”
   The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom.
   “There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder,” said Sherlock Holmes rather sternly.
   “Owe!” He caught up a pen. “Name the sum, and I will pay it.”
   “No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to have one.”

   “Then it was not Arthur who took them (значит, не Артур их взял)?”
   “I told you yesterday, and I repeat today, that it was not (я говорил вам вчера и повторяю сегодня – не он).”
   “You are sure of it (вы в этом уверены)! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him know that the truth is known (так поспешим же к нему и сообщим: «дадим ему знать», что правда /теперь/ известна = что все выяснилось).”
   “He knows it already (он уже знает). When I had cleared it all up I had an interview with him (когда я распутал дело, я побеседовал с ним), and finding that he would not tell me the story (и, поняв, что он не хочет все мне рассказать об этой истории), I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was right (я сам рассказал ему, и ему пришлось признать, что я прав) and to add the very few details which were not yet quite clear to me (и добавить некоторые подробности, которые все еще были неясны мне). Your news of this morning, however, may open his lips (однако ваша утренняя новость может заставить его говорить: «разомкнуть уста»; lip – губа; not to open one's lips – не проронить ни слова).”
   “For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary mystery (так расскажите мне, ради Бога, об этой невероятной тайне)!”

   interview ['ɪntǝvju:], confess [kǝn'fes], extraordinary [ɪk'strɔ:dnrɪ]

   “Then it was not Arthur who took them?”
   “I told you yesterday, and I repeat today, that it was not.”
   “You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him know that the truth is known.”
   “He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his lips.”
   “For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary mystery!”

   “I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached it (я расскажу и покажу, каким образом я достиг /истины/: «покажу шаги, с помощью которых я дошел до истины»). And let me say to you, first (но сначала разрешите сообщить вам /одну весть/), that which it is hardest for me to say and for you to hear (которую мне очень тяжело говорить, а вам – слышать): there has been an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary (между сэром Джорджем Бэрнвеллом и вашей племянницей Мэри существовал сговор; understanding – понимание; договоренность, соглашение). They have now fled together (теперь они оба сбежали; to flee).”
   “My Mary? Impossible (невозможно)!”
   “It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain (к сожалению, более, чем возможно; это несомненный факт: «это определенно /так/»). Neither you nor your son knew the true character of this man (ни вы, ни ваш сын не знали истинного облика этого человека) when you admitted him into your family circle (когда впустили его в свою семью; to admit – допускать; принимать; family circle – семейный, домашний круг). He is one of the most dangerous men in England (это один из опаснейших субъектов Англии) – a ruined gambler (закоренелый игрок; ruined – разрушенный; опустошенный, разоренный), an absolutely desperate villain (совершенно отъявленный негодяй), a man without heart or conscience (человек без сердца и совести). Your niece knew nothing of such men (ваша племянница ничего не знала о подобных людях). When he breathed his vows to her (когда он шептал ей клятвы /в своей любви/; to breathe – дышать; негромко говорить; шептать, «ворковать»), as he had done to a hundred before her (как он делал сотне до нее = как и многим другим до нее), she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart (Мэри тешила себя мыслью, что лишь она одна сумела завоевать: «тронуть» его сердце; to flatter oneself – тешить себя надеждой, мыслью; to flatter – льстить). The devil knows best what he said (одному дьяволу известно, что он говорил), but at least she became his tool (но так или иначе она стала орудием в его руках; at /the/ least – по крайней мере, по меньшей мере) and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening (и имела обыкновение видеться с ним почти каждый вечер).”

   certain ['sɜ:tn], desperate ['despǝrǝt], conscience ['kɒnʃ(ǝ)ns]

   “I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now fled together.”
   “My Mary? Impossible!”
   “It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most dangerous men in England – a ruined gambler, an absolutely desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening.”

   “I cannot, and I will not, believe it (я не могу и не стану этому верить)!” cried the banker with an ashen face (вскричал банкир, лицо его при этом было мертвенно-бледным; ash – пепел; ashen – пепельный, из пепла; мертвенно-бледный).
   “I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night (тогда я расскажу вам, что произошло в вашем доме вчера ночью). Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room (ваша племянница, когда вы, как она подумала, ушли к себе в комнату), slipped down and talked to her lover through the window (спустилась вниз и стала говорить со своим возлюбленным через окно) which leads into the stable lane (выходящее на дорожку к конюшне). His footmarks had pressed right through the snow (его следы ясно и глубоко отпечатались на снегу), so long had he stood there (настолько долго он там стоял). She told him of the coronet (она сообщила ему о диадеме). His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news (его мерзкая страсть к золоту вспыхнула при этом известии), and he bent her to his will (и он подчинил Мэри своей воле: «склонил к своей воле»). I have no doubt that she loved you (я не сомневаюсь, что она любила вас), but there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all other loves (но есть такие женщины, для которых любовь возлюбленного затмевает все другие виды любви; to extinguish – гасить, тушить; убивать, гасить /надежду, любовь/; превосходить), and I think that she must have been one (и, думаю, Мэри из их числа). She had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming downstairs (едва она /успела/ получить его указания, как увидела, что вы спускаетесь по лестнице), on which she closed the window rapidly (тогда: «на что» она быстро закрыла окно) and told you about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover (и сказала вам о том, что к одной из служанок приходил возлюбленный с деревянной ногой; escapade – веселая и смелая проделка; шальная выходка; побег /из заключения/), which was all perfectly true (что было совершенной правдой).

   doubt [daʋt], extinguish [ɪk'stɪŋɡwɪʃ], escapade ['eskǝpeɪd]

   “I cannot, and I will not, believe it!” cried the banker with an ashen face.
   “I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, which was all perfectly true.

   “Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you (Артур после разговора с вами отправился спать) but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts (но он спал плохо – его тревожили клубные долги; on account of – из-за, вследствие, по причине; uneasiness – неудобство; беспокойство, тревога). In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door (среди ночи он услышал тихие шаги мимо своей двери = как кто-то тихо прошел мимо его комнаты), so he rose and, looking out (тогда он встал, выглянул за дверь), was surprised to see his cousin walking very stealthily along the passage (и с изумлением увидел свою двоюродную сестру, которая крадущейся походкой шла по коридору; stealthily – втихомолку, тайно, украдкой) until she disappeared into your dressing-room (пока она /не/ исчезла в вашей гардеробной). Petrified with astonishment (оцепенев от изумления; petrified – окаменелый; застывший; оцепеневший, парализованный), the lad slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see (юноша наскоро оделся: «накинул кое-какую одежду» и принялся ждать в темноте; to slip on – накинуть, надеть) what would come of this strange affair (как дальше станет развиваться это странное дело). Presently she emerged from the room again (вскоре она снова вышла из комнаты), and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw (и в свете коридорной лампы ваш сын увидел) that she carried the precious coronet in her hands (что в руках у нее драгоценная диадема; to carry – нести). She passed down the stairs (Мэри спустилась вниз), and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and slipped behind the curtain near your door (а он, дрожа от ужаса, метнулся вперед и незаметно проскользнул за портьеру около вашей двери), whence he could see what passed in the hall beneath (откуда мог видеть, что происходит в гостиной внизу). He saw her stealthily open the window (он видел, как Мэри тихонько открыла окно), hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom (передала диадему кому-то в темноте), and then closing it once more hurry back to her room (и затем, снова закрыв окно, поспешила обратно в свою комнату), passing quite close to where he stood hid behind the curtain (пройдя совсем близко от Артура, спрятавшегося за портьерой; to hide).

   debt [det], petrified ['petrɪfaɪd], emerged [ɪ'mɜ:ʤd], curtain ['kɜ:tn]

   “Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close to where he stood hid behind the curtain.

   “As long as she was on the scene (поскольку Мэри была на месте преступления = замешана в этом преступлении; scene – место действия /в пьесе, романе и т. п./; место происшествия, события; the scene of the crime – место преступления) he could not take any action without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved (Артур не мог ничего предпринять без ужасного разоблачения женщины = не разоблачив при этом женщину, которую любил; exposure – подвергание какому-либо воздействию; выставление, оставление /на солнце, под дождем и т. п./; разоблачение, выведение на чистую воду). But the instant that she was gone he realized (но в тот миг, как она ушла, он понял) how crushing a misfortune this would be for you (каким сокрушительным несчастьем будет для вас /пропажа диадемы/), and how all-important it was to set it right (и как важно исправить дело; all-important – имеющий первостепенное значение, крайне важный). He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet (он бросился вниз, в том виде, в каком был, босиком), opened the window (открыл окно), sprang out into the snow (выскочил на снег), and ran down the lane (и побежал по дорожке), where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight (где в лунном свете различил темную фигуру). Sir George Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him (сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл попытался бежать, но Артур догнал его), and there was a struggle between them (и между ними завязалась борьба), your lad tugging at one side of the coronet (ваш мальчик тянул диадему за один конец), and his opponent at the other (а его противник – за другой).
   “In the scuffle, your son struck Sir George (в драке ваш сын ударил сэра Джорджа) and cut him over the eye (и рассек ему бровь). Then something suddenly snapped (затем что-то неожиданно хрустнуло), and your son, finding that he had the coronet in his hands (и ваш сын, почувствовав, что диадема у него в руках), rushed back (бросился назад), closed the window (закрыл окно), ascended to your room (поднялся в вашу комнату), and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the struggle (и только тут заметил, что диадема погнута во время борьбы) and was endeavoring to straighten it (и пытался распрямить ее) when you appeared upon the scene (когда появились вы).”

   scene [si:n], exposure [ɪk'spǝʋʒǝ], opponent [ǝ'pǝʋnǝnt], ascended [ǝ'sendɪd]

   “As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the instant that she was gone he realized how crushing a misfortune this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the coronet, and his opponent at the other.
   “In the scuffle, your son struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the struggle and was endeavoring to straighten it when you appeared upon the scene.”

   “Is it possible (возможно ли это)?” gasped the banker (задыхаясь, воскликнул банкир).
   “You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment (затем вы разозлили его: «вызвали его гнев» своими оскорблениями в тот момент) when he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks (когда он заслуживал ваших самых искренних/теплых благодарностей). He could not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one (он не мог объяснить истинное положение вещей, чтобы не выдать ту) who certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands (которая, безусловно, не заслуживала снисхождения и защиты от него; consideration – внимание, предупредительность; уважение; благодарность). He took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her secret (Артур повел себя как рыцарь и сохранил ее тайну; chivalrous – рыцарский, благородный).”
   “And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coronet (вот почему она вскрикнула и упала в обморок, когда увидела диадему),” cried Mr. Holder. “Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been (Боже мой! каким же я был слепым глупцом)! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes (а ведь он просил позволить ему выйти на пять минут)! The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the scene of the struggle (мой дорогой мальчик хотел посмотреть, не осталось ли пропавшего куска на месте борьбы). How cruelly I have misjudged him (как жестоко я в нем ошибался; to misjudge – составить себе неправильное, ошибочное мнение)!'

   roused [raʋzd], chivalrous ['ʃɪv(ǝ)lrǝs], misjudged [mɪs'ʤʌʤd]

   “Is it possible?” gasped the banker.
   “You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her secret.”
   “And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coronet,” cried Mr. Holder. “Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!'

   “When I arrived at the house (когда я прибыл в этот дом),” continued Holmes (продолжал Холмс), “I at once went very carefully round it to observe (я сразу же очень тщательно его обошел = осмотрел его, чтобы проверить) if there were any traces in the snow which might help me (нет ли на снегу каких-либо следов, которые могут мне помочь). I knew that none had fallen since the evening before (я знал, что со вчерашнего вечера снега не выпадало; to fall-fell-fallen), and also that there had been a strong frost to preserve impressions (и что сильный мороз, должно быть, сохранил следы). I passed along the tradesmen's path (я прошел по дорожке, по которой подвозят продукты), but found it all trampled down and indistinguishable (но она вся была утоптана, и /следы на ней/ были неразличимы; to distinguish – различать). Just beyond it, however, at the far side of the kitchen door (однако сразу за ней, на противоположной стороне от кухонной двери; far side – дальняя сторона: at the far side of the garden – в дальнем углу сада), a woman had stood and talked with a man (стояла женщина и разговаривала с мужчиной), whose round impressions on one side showed that he had a wooden leg (чьи круглые отпечатки с одной стороны показывали, что у него деревянная нога).
   “I could even tell that they had been disturbed (я даже смог определить, что их побеспокоили), for the woman had run back swiftly to the door (поскольку женщина быстро побежала обратно к двери), as was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks (что видно по глубоким отпечаткам носков и слабым отпечаткам пяток), while Wooden-leg had waited a little, and then had gone away (в то время как «Деревянная нога» подождал немного, а затем ушел). I thought at the time that this might be the maid and her sweetheart (тогда я подумал, что это, должно быть, горничная и ее возлюбленный), of whom you had already spoken to me (о которых вы уже говорили мне), and inquiry showed it was so (и расследование показало, что так оно и есть). I passed round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks (я обошел сад, но больше ничего не нашел, кроме беспорядочных следов; random – случайный; произвольный; беспорядочный), which I took to be the police (которые я посчитал следами полиции); but when I got into the stable lane (но когда я вышел на дорожку, ведущую к конюшне) a very long and complex story was written in the snow in front of me (очень длинная и запутанная история была написана на снегу передо мной).

   preserve [prɪ'zɜ:v], path [pɑ:θ], random ['rændǝm]

   “When I arrived at the house,” continued Holmes, “I at once went very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that he had a wooden leg.
   “I could even tell that they had been disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in front of me.

   “There was a double line of tracks of a booted man (одна двойная линия следов, /принадлежавших/ обутому человеку), and a second double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked feet (а вторая, как я с удовлетворением заметил, принадлежала человеку с босыми ногами). I was at once convinced from what you had told me (я сразу же понял, /вспомнив/, что вы мне говорили) that the latter was your son (что вторым человеком был ваш сын). The first had walked both ways (первый человек прошел туда и обратно), but the other had run swiftly (а второй быстро пробежал), and as his tread was marked in places over the depression of the boot (и, так как его следы кое-где остались поверх отпечатков ботинок), it was obvious that he had passed after the other (было ясно, что он преследовал другого = что второй преследовал первого). I followed them up and found they led to the hall window (я пошел по следам и обнаружил, что они ведут к окну гостиной), where Boots had worn all the snow away while waiting (где этот «Ботинки» истоптал весь снег, ожидая /кого-то/; to wear away – стирать, изнашивать).
   “Then I walked to the other end (затем я пошел к другому концу /следов/), which was a hundred yards or more down the lane (они тянулись по дорожке на сотню ярдов или больше). I saw where Boots had faced round (я увидел, где «Ботинки» развернулся), where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle (в том месте снег был сильно истоптан, словно там произошла борьба; to cut up – разрезать, разрубать на куски; разбивать, уничтожать), and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen (и наконец /я нашел место/, где упало несколько капель крови), to show me that I was not mistaken (и это свидетельствовало о том, что я не ошибся). Boots had then run down the lane (человек в ботинках затем побежал по дорожке), and another little smudge of blood showed (а еще одно небольшое пятно крови говорило о том) that it was he who had been hurt (что ранен был именно он). When he came to the highroad at the other end (когда он вышел на главную дорогу; highroad – большая/столбовая дорога; главный путь), I found that the pavement had been cleared (я обнаружил, что /снег/ с тротуара был счищен), so there was an end to that clew (и там следы обрывались; clew = clue – путеводная нить; улика).

   naked ['neɪkɪd], blood [blʌd], pavement ['peɪvmǝnt]

   “There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while waiting.
   “Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clew.

   “On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember (войдя в дом, я осмотрел, как вы помните), the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens (подоконник и раму окна гостиной с помощью лупы), and I could at once see that someone had passed out (и сразу обнаружил, что кто-то вылезал из окна; to pass – идти, проходить, переходить). I could distinguish the outline of an instep (я смог разглядеть очертания следа /там/; outline – очертание, контур, абрис; instep – подъем /ноги, ботинка/) where the wet foot had been placed in coming in (где /кто-то/ поставил мокрую ногу, залезая внутрь). I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what had occurred (тогда я был в состоянии составить мнение относительно того, что произошло). A man had waited outside the window (какой-то человек ждал на улице у окна); someone had brought the gems (кто-то принес /и передал ему/ камни); the deed had been overseen by your son (это действие случайно увидел ваш сын); he had pursued the thief (он погнался за вором); had struggled with him (вступил с ним в борьбу); they had each tugged at the coronet (каждый из них тянул диадему /к себе/), their united strength causing injuries which neither alone could have effected (их общее усилие вызвало такие повреждения, которые ни один из них не смог бы причинить /диадеме/ в одиночку). He had returned with the prize (Артур вернулся с диадемой: «наградой»), but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent (но оставил кусок в руках у противника; grasp – схватывание; крепкое сжатие; хватка). So far I was clear (пока все было понятно). The question now was (но возникал вопрос), who was the man and who was it who brought him the coronet (кто же тот человек, и кто принес ему диадему)?

   opinion [ǝ'pɪnjǝn], brought [brɔ:t], pursued [pǝ'sju:d], grasp [ɡrɑ:sp]

   “On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who was it who brought him the coronet?

   “It is an old maxim of mine that (мой старый принцип /расследования состоит в том, что/; maxim – афоризм, изречение; правило поведения, принцип) when you have excluded the impossible (когда исключаешь невозможное), whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth (то, что остается, каким бы неправдоподобным оно ни казалось, является истиной). Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down (итак, я знал, что это не вы отдали диадему), so there only remained your niece and the maids (значит, оставались только ваша племянница и горничные). But if it were the maids (если это горничные), why should your son allow himself to be accused in their place (то ради чего вашему сыну позволять себя обвинить вместо них: «на их месте» = зачем тогда ваш сын согласился взять вину на себя)? There could be no possible reason (для этого не было возможных оснований). As he loved his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation (однако, поскольку он любит свою кузину, то появлялось великолепное объяснение) why he should retain her secret (почему он сохранил ее тайну) – the more so as the secret was a disgraceful one (тем более, что это была позорная тайна; disgrace – позор, бесчестье; унижение). When I remembered that you had seen her at that window (когда я вспомнил, что вы видели ее у окна), and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again (и что она упала в обморок, увидев диадему снова), my conjecture became a certainty (мое предположение превратилось в уверенность).

   excluded [ɪk'sklu:dɪd], truth [tru:θ], conjecture [kǝn'ʤekʧǝ]

   “It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should retain her secret – the more so as the secret was a disgraceful one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture became a certainty.

   “And who could it be who was her confederate (но кто же мог быть ее сообщником)? A lover evidently, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude (очевидно, возлюбленный, потому что кто еще мог пересилить любовь и благодарность) which she must feel to you (которые она должна была питать к вам = должно быть, питала к вам)? I knew that you went out little (я знал, что вы мало бываете в обществе), and that your circle of friends was a very limited one (и что круг ваших друзей очень ограничен). But among them was Sir George Burnwell (но среди них был сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл). I had heard of him before as being a man of evil reputation among women (я и раньше слышал о нем как о человеке дурной репутации среди женщин = что он нехорошо поступает по отношению к женщинам). It must have been he who wore those boots and retained the missing gems (должно быть, это он носил те ботинки и держал у себя пропавшие бериллы = это он человек в ботинках, и у него находятся пропавшие бериллы; to wear – носить /обувь, одежду/; to retain – держать /у себя/; удерживать). Even though he knew that Arthur had discovered him (даже если он и понимал, что Артур узнал его), he might still flatter himself that he was safe (он все равно мог тешить себя мыслью, что находится в безопасности; safe – защищенный от опасности; в безопасности), for the lad could not say a word without compromising his own family (так как ваш сын не мог бы сказать ни слова, не скомпрометировав /при этом/ свою собственную семью).
   “Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took next (ваш здравый смысл предположит = логика подскажет вам, какие меры я предпринял затем). I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house (переодевшись бродягой: «в виде бродяги» я отправился к дому сэра Джорджа), managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet (сумел познакомиться с его лакеем), learned that his master had cut his head the night before (узнать он него, что его хозяин расшиб голову накануне вечером), and, finally, at the expense of six shillings (и наконец за шесть шиллингов: «ценой шести шиллингов»), made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes (удостовериться во всем, купив пару старых ботинок сэра Джорджа; cast-off – выброшенная, ненужная вещь). With these I journeyed down to Streatham (с ними я отправился в Стритем) and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks (и убедился, что они в точности соответствуют следам /на снегу/).”

   outweigh [aʋt'weɪ], among [ǝ'mʌŋ], compromising ['kɒmprǝmaɪzɪŋ], measure ['meʒǝ]

   “And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his own family.
   “Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks.”

   “I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening (я видел какого-то скверно одетого бродягу на тропинке вчера вечером),” said Mr. Holder.
   “Precisely (совершенно верно). It was I (это был я). I found that I had my man (я понял, что сэр Джордж у меня в руках: «что я получил моего человека»), so I came home and changed my clothes (поэтому я пошел домой и переоделся: «переменил одежду»). It was a delicate part which I had to play then (мне нужно было играть деликатную роль = действовать очень осторожно), for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal (так как я осознавал, что необходимо было избежать /судебного/ преследования, чтобы предотвратить скандал; prosecution – ведение /войны, судебного дела и т. д./; судебное преследование; обвинение; to avoid – избегать, остерегаться, сторониться, уклоняться), and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter (и знал, что такой хитрый/проницательный негодяй понимает, что у нас связаны руки). I went and saw him (я пошел и навестил его). At first, of course, he denied everything (сначала он, разумеется, все отрицал). But when I gave him every particular that had occurred (но когда я рассказал во всех подробностях, что произошло /ночью/; particular – частность, подробность; particulars – подробный отчет: to give particulars of – давать /представлять/ подробный отчет), he tried to bluster and took down a life-preserver from the wall (он попытался угрожать и снял со стены тяжелую трость; life-preserver: «спаситель жизни» – спасательный пояс, спасательный жилет; тяжелая дубинка или трость, налитая свинцом /применяемая для самообороны/). I knew my man, however (однако я знал его = с кем имею дело), and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike (я приставил револьвер к его голове, прежде чем тот успел ударить; to clap – хлопать; сделать быстрое, энергичное движение). Then he became a little more reasonable (тогда он стал немного благоразумнее). I told him that we would give him a price for the stones he held 1000 pounds apiece (я сказал, что мы дадим ему за камни, которые он держит у себя, по тысяче фунтов за каждый). That brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown (тут он обнаружил первые признаки огорчения; to bring out – выявлять, обнаруживать).
   'Why, dash it all (черт побери)!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the three (я уже отдал три камня за шестьсот /фунтов/)!'

   vagabond ['væɡǝbɒnd], astute [ǝ'stju:t], denied [dɪ'naɪd], life-preserver ['laɪfprɪ,zɜ:vǝ]

   “I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening,” said Mr. Holder.
   “Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give him a price for the stones he held 1000 pounds apiece. That brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown.
   'Why, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the three!'

   “I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had them (вскоре мне удалось узнать адрес скупщика, у которого были камни; receiver – получатель; укрыватель или скупщик краденого), on promising him that there would be no prosecution (пообещав сэру Джорджу, что /против него/ не будет возбуждено расследование). Off I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pounds apiece (я поехал туда и после долгого торга выкупил камни по тысяче фунтов каждый; to chaffer – спорить о цене, торговаться). Then I looked in upon your son (затем я навестил вашего сына), told him that all was right (сказал ему, что все в порядке), and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock (и в конце концов около двух /ночи/ лег спать: «добрался до кровати»), after what I may call a really hard day's work (после действительно тяжелого трудового дня).”
   “A day which has saved England from a great public scandal (дня, который спас Англию от огромного государственного скандала),” said the banker, rising (сказал банкир, поднимаясь). “Sir, I cannot find words to thank you (сэр, у меня не хватает слов, чтобы выразить благодарность), but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done (но вы не найдете меня неблагодарным за то, что вы сделали = вы убедитесь, что я не забуду того, что вы сделали). Your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it (ваше искусство действительно превзошло все, что я слышал о нем). And now I must fly to my dear boy (а сейчас я должен поспешить к моему дорогому мальчику) to apologize to him for the wrong which I have done him (и извиниться перед ним за то, что так несправедливо обошелся с ним; wrong – зло, несправедливость). As to what you tell me of poor Mary (что касается вашего рассказа о бедной Мэри), it goes to my very heart (то он проник в самое мое сердце = ее поступок глубоко поразил меня). Not even your skill can inform me where she is now (но даже вы со всем вашим искусством не сможете сообщить мне, где она).”
   “I think that we may safely say (думаю, можно с уверенностью сказать; safely – безопасно; надежно: it may safely be said – можно с уверенностью сказать),” returned Holmes (возразил Холмс), “that she is wherever Sir George Burnwell is (что она там же, где и сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл). It is equally certain, too, that whatever her sins are (и несомненно также, что, каковы бы ни были ее грехи; equally – в равной степени; равным образом), they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment (они в скором времени получат = скоро она понесет за них более чем достаточное наказание).”

   receiver [rɪ'si:vǝ], wrong [rɒŋ], sufficient [sǝ'fɪʃ(ǝ)nt]

   “I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after what I may call a really hard day's work.”
   “A day which has saved England from a great public scandal,” said the banker, rising. “Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I must fly to my dear boy to apologize to him for the wrong which I have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now.”
   “I think that we may safely say,” returned Holmes, “that she is wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment.”

Артур Конан Дойл Английский с Шерлоком Холмсом. Человек с рассеченной губой / Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes

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Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes

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