Английский язык с Джеком Лондоном. В далекой стране (рассказы)

THE STORY OF KEESH (Сказание о Кише)

KEESH lived long ago on the rim of the polar sea (Киш жил давно, на краю полярного моря; rim — край, ободок), was head man of his village through many and prosperous years (был первым мужчиной в своей деревне в течение многих и процветающих лет), and died full of honors with his name on the lips of men (и умер, полный почета/окруженный почетом, с его именем на губах /устах людей). So long ago did he live (и так давно он жил) that only the old men remember his name (что только старики помнят его имя), his name and the tale, which they got from the old men before them (его имя и сказание, которое они получили от стариков до них), and which the old men to come will tell to their children (и которое старики, которые придут = будут жить после них, расскажут своим детям) and their children's children down to the end of time (и детям их детей до конца времен). And the winter darkness (зимняя темнота/полярная ночь), when the north gales make their long sweep across the ice-pack (когда северные ветры метут от края до края пакового льда = делают свои порывы от края до края; gale — сильный ветер, шторм; sweep — сильное, порывистое движение; pack — пакет, пачка, связка; пак, паковый лед — многолетний полярный морской лед, просуществовавший более двух годовых циклов нарастания и таяния), and the air is filled with flying white (а воздух наполнен летающим белым /снегом/), and no man may venture forth (и никакой человек не может отважиться /выйти/ наружу; venture — отважиться, рискнуть; forth — вперед, дальше, вовне, наружу), is the chosen time for the telling of how Keesh (является избранным временем для рассказа о том, как Киш), from the poorest igloo in the village (из самой бедной иглу в деревне; иглу — хижины канадских эскимосов, сложенные из снежных плит), rose to power and place over them all (поднялся до власти и положения над ними всеми).

through [TrH], prosperous ['prOsp(q)rqs], venture ['venCq]

KEESH lived long ago on the rim of the polar sea, was head man of his village through many and prosperous years, and died full of honors with his name on the lips of men. So long ago did he live that only the old men remember his name, his name and the tale, which they got from the old men before them, and which the old men to come will tell to their children and their children's children down to the end of time. And the winter darkness, when the north gales make their long sweep across the ice-pack, and the air is filled with flying white, and no man may venture forth, is the chosen time for the telling of how Keesh, from the poorest igloo in the village, rose to power and place over them all.

He was a bright boy (он был смышленым мальчиком; bright — сообразительный, смышленый), so the tale runs (так сказание гласит; to run — гласить; бегать), healthy and strong (здоровым и сильным), and he had seen thirteen suns (и он видел тринадцать солнц), in their way of reckoning time (по их способу исчисления времени; reckoning — вычисление, счет). For each winter the sun leaves the land in darkness (потому что каждую зиму солнце оставляет землю в темноте), and the next year a new sun returns (а на следующий год новое солнце возвращается) so that they may be warm again and look upon one another's faces (так, что они могут быть согреты опять и рассмотреть лица друг друга). The father of Keesh had been a very brave man (отец Киша был очень смелым мужчиной), but he had met his death in a time of famine (но он встретил свою смерть во время голода), when he sought to save the lives of his people (когда он пытался спасти жизни своих людей; to seek to do something — пытаться, стараться что-либо сделать) by taking the life of a great polar bear (отнимая жизнь большого полярного медведя = убивая большого полярного медведя). In his eagerness he came to close grapples with the bear (в своем стремлении он дошел до тесных схваток/объятий с этим медведем; eagerness — пыл, рвение, стремление; grapple — схватка, борьба), and his bones were crushed (и его кости были раздавлены); but the bear had much meat on him and the people were saved (но медведь имел много мяса на себе, и люди были спасены). Keesh was his only son (Киш был его единственным сыном), and after that Keesh lived alone with his mother (и после этого Киш жил один со своей матерью). But the people are prone to forget (но люди склонны забывать), and they forgot the deed of his father (и они забыли гибель его отца); and he being but a boy (а /поскольку/ он был только мальчиком), and his mother only a woman (а его мать — только женщиной), they, too, were swiftly forgotten (они тоже были быстро забыты; swift — быстрый, скорый), and ere long came to live in the meanest of all the igloos (и вскоре стали жить в самой бедной из всех иглу; ere — до, прежде; ere long — вскоре; mean — бедный, жалкий, убогий).

bright [braIt], eagerness ['JgqnIs], bear [beq]

He was a bright boy, so the tale runs, healthy and strong, and he had seen thirteen suns, in their way of reckoning time. For each winter the sun leaves the land in darkness, and the next year a new sun returns so that they may be warm again and look upon one another's faces. The father of Keesh had been a very brave man, but he had met his death in a time of famine, when he sought to save the lives of his people by taking the life of a great polar bear. In his eagerness he came to close grapples with the bear, and his bones were crushed; but the bear had much meat on him and the people were saved. Keesh was his only son, and after that Keesh lived alone with his mother. But the people are prone to forget, and they forgot the deed of his father; and he being but a boy, and his mother only a woman, they, too, were swiftly forgotten, and ere long came to live in the meanest of all the igloos.

It was at a council, one night (это было/произошло на совете, однажды ночью), in the big igloo of Klosh-Kwan (в большой иглу Клош-Квана), the chief (вождя), that Keesh showed the blood that ran in his veins (где Киш показал кровь, что бежит в его венах) and the manhood that stiffened his back (и мужество, которое укрепило его спину; to stiffen — укрепляться, закаляться). With the dignity of an elder (с достоинством взрослого человека; dignity — достоинство, величие), he rose to his feet (он поднялся на ноги), and waited for silence amid the babble of voices (и подождал тишины среди шума голосов; amid — среди, между).

council [kaunsl], blood [blAd], night [naIt]

It was at a council, one night, in the big igloo of Klosh-Kwan, the chief, that Keesh showed the blood that ran in his veins and the manhood that stiffened his back. With the dignity of an elder, he rose to his feet, and waited for silence amid the babble of voices.

"It is true that meat be apportioned me and mine," he said (это правда, что мясо делится на меня и мою мать, — сказал он; to apportion — распределять, разделять, делить)."But it is ofttimes old and tough, this meat (но оно время от времени старое и жесткое, это мясо) and, moreover (и, более того), it has an unusual quantity of bones (оно имеет необычное количество костей = слишком много костей)."

true [trH], apportion [q'pLS(q)n], tough [tAf]

"It is true that meat be apportioned me and mine," he said. "But it is ofttimes old and tough, this meat, and, moreover, it has an unusual quantity of bones."

The hunters, grizzled and gray (охотники, поседевшие и серые/седые; to grizzle — седеть, становиться серым; gray = grey — седой, серый, седеть, стареть), and lusty and young, were aghast (и здоровые, и молодые, были ошеломлены). The like had never been known before (подобное никогда прежде не было известно). A child, that talked like a grown man (ребенок, который говорил/разговаривал подобно взрослому мужчине), and said harsh things to their very faces (и сказал резкие вещи им прямо в лицо; harsh — резкий, грубый)!

harsh [hRS], hunter ['hAntq], aghast [q'gRst]

The hunters, grizzled and gray, and lusty and young, were aghast. The like had never been known before. A child, that talked like a grown man, and said harsh things to their very faces!

But steadily and with seriousness (но тведро и с серьезностью), Keesh went on (Киш продолжил). "For that I know my father, Bok (потому что я знаю, что мой отец, Бок), was a great hunter, I speak these words (был великим охотником, я говорю эти слова). It is said that Bok brought home more meat (говорили, что Бок приносил домой больше мяса) than any of the two best hunters (чем любой из этих двух самых лучших охотников), that with his own hands (что своими собственными руками) he attended to the division of it (он заботился о разделении его; to attend /to/ — заботиться о чем-либо, следить за чем-либо), that with his own eyes he saw to it (что своими собственными глазами он смотрел за тем) that the least old woman and the last old man received fair share (чтобы самая слабейшая старая женщина/старуха и последний старик получили справедливую долю; least — нижайший по положению, слабейший)."

seriousness ['sIqrIqsnIs], division [dI'vIZ(q)n], fair [feq]

But steadily and with seriousness, Keesh went on. "For that I know my father, Bok, was a great hunter, I speak these words. It is said that Bok brought home more meat than any of the two best hunters, that with his own hands he attended to the division of it, that with his own eyes he saw to it that the least old woman and the last old man received fair share."

"Na! Na!" the men cried (нет! нет! — закричали мужчины; na — нет; шотл.). "Put the child out (выгоните этого ребенка вон; to put out — выгонять)!" "Send him off to bed (уложите: «отошлите» его спать)!" "He is no man that he should talk to men and graybeards (он не мужчина, чтобы разговаривать с мужчинами и седобородыми; beard — борода)!"

He waited calmly till the uproar died down (он /Киш/ ждал спокойно, пока волнение уляжется; uproar — волнение, шум, гам; to die — умирать; затихать).

child [CaIld], beard [bIqd], calmly ['kRmlI], uproar ['AprL]

"Na! Na!" the men cried. "Put the child out!" "Send him off to bed!" "He is no man that he should talk to men and graybeards!"

He waited calmly till the uproar died down.

"Thou hast a wife, Ugh-Gluk," he said (у тебя есть жена, Уг-Глук; thou — ты, уст.; hast — имеешь; уст. 2 л. ед.ч. наст. вр. глагола to have), "and for her dost thou speak (и за нее ты говоришь; dost — говоришь, уст. 2 л. ед.ч. наст. вр. глагола to do). And thou, too, Massuk, a mother also (а ты, к тому же, Массук, мать также /имеешь/), and for them dost thou speak (и за них ты говоришь). My mother has no one, save me (моя мать не имеет никого, кроме меня; save — книжн. кроме, за исключением); wherefore I speak (вот почему говорю я). As I say (как я говорю), though Bok be dead because he hunted over-keenly (несмотря на то, что Бок погиб, потому что он охотился слишком напряженно/увлеченно; keen — острый; увлеченный, интенсивный, напряженный; over — чрезмерный, сверхсильный), it is just that I, who am his son (справедливо, что я, кто является его сыном), and that Ikeega, who is my mother and was his wife (и что Айкига, кто моя мать, и была его женой), should have meat in plenty so long (должны иметь мясо в достатке так долго; plenty — изобилие, достаток) as there be meat in plenty in the tribe (пока есть вдоволь мяса в племени). I, Keesh, the son of Bok, have spoken (я, Киш, сын Бока, сказал)".

wherefore ['weqfL], though [Dqu], because [bI'kOz]

"Thou hast a wife, Ugh-Gluk," he said, "and for her dost thou speak. And thou, too, Massuk, a mother also, and for them dost thou speak. My mother has no one, save me; wherefore I speak. As I say, though Bok be dead because he hunted over-keenly, it is just that I, who am his son, and that Ikeega, who is my mother and was his wife, should have meat in plenty so long as there be meat in plenty in the tribe. I, Keesh, the son of Bok, have spoken."

He sat down, his ears keenly alert to the flood of protest (он сел, его уши были настороже = обостренно воспринимали поток протестов) and indignation his words had created (и возмущения, его словами созданного).

"That a boy should speak in council!" old Ugh-Gluk was mumbling (разве мальчишка может говорить на совете! — старый Уг-Глук пробормотал).

ear [Iq], indignation [IndIg'neIS(q)n]

He sat down, his ears keenly alert to the flood of protest and indignation his words had created.

"That a boy should speak in council!" old Ugh-Gluk was mumbling.

"Shall the babes in arms tell us men the things we shall do (разве могут грудные младенцы говорить нам, мужчинам, вещи, которые мы должны делать)?" Massuk demanded in a loud voice (Массук спросил громким голосом). "Am I a man that I should be made a mock by every child (разве я — мужчина, если я могу быть сделан посмешищем каждым/любым ребенком) that cries for meat (который требует мяса; to cry — кричать; плакать; to cry for — просить, требовать)?"

loud [laud], voice [vOIs]

"Shall the babes in arms tell us men the things we shall do?" Massuk demanded in a loud voice. "Am I a man that I should be made a mock by every child that cries for meat?"

The anger boiled a white heat (гнев кипел ключом; white heat — белый жар, белое каление). They ordered him to bed (они приказали ему /идти/ в постель), threatened that he should have no meat at all (грозили, что он не будеть иметь = не получит мяса совсем), and promised him sore beatings for his presumption (и обещали ему жестокую порку за его самонадеянность). Keesh's eyes began to flash (глаза Киша начали вспыхивать), and the blood to pound darkly under his skin (и кровь /стала/ биться темным оттенком под его кожей = забурлила и прилила к коже; to pound — сильно биться /о сердце/; dark — темный). In the midst of the abuse he sprang to his feet (в середине этой брани он вскочил на ноги; abuse — брань, ругательства; to spring — прыгать, скакать).

threaten [Tretn], presumption [prI'zAmpS(q)n], abuse [q'bjHs]

The anger boiled a white heat. They ordered him to bed, threatened that he should have no meat at all, and promised him sore beatings for his presumption. Keesh's eyes began to flash, and the blood to pound darkly under his skin. In the midst of the abuse he sprang to his feet.

"Hear me, ye men!" he cried (слушайте меня, вы, мужчины! — он крикнул; ye = you). "Never shall I speak in the council again (никогда не стану я говорить на совете снова), never again till the men come to me and say (никогда больше до тех пор, пока эти мужчины не придут ко мне и не скажут), 'It is well, Keesh, that thou shouldst speak (ну, Киш, /то/ что ты скажешь), it is well and it is our wish (это хорошо и это наше желание). Take this now, ye men, for my last word (примите это сейчас, вы, мужчины, как мое последнее слово). Bok, my father, was a great hunter (Бок, мой отец, был великим охотником). I, too, his son, shall go and hunt the meat that I eat (я, его сын, также буду идти и добывать мясо, которое я ем). And be it known, now, that the division of that which I kill shall be fair (и знайте: «и да будет известно» отныне, что разделение того, что я убью будет справедливым). And no widow nor weak one shall cry in the night (и ни одна вдова, ни один слабый /человек/ не будет плакать ночью) because there is no meat (потому что нет мяса = из-за отсутствия мяса), when the strong men are groaning in great pain (когда сильные мужчины стонут от великой боли) for that they have eaten overmuch (потому что они поели сверх меры = объелись). And in the days to come there shall be shame upon the strong men (и в те дни, что придут, будет стыдно сильным мужчинам: «будет стыд на сильных мужчинах») who have eaten overmuch (которые объедятся /мясом/). I, Keesh, have said it (я, Киш, сказал это!)!"

groaning ['grqunIN], widow ['wIdqu], overmuch ['quvq" mAC]

"Hear me, ye men!" he cried. "Never shall I speak in the council again, never again till the men come to me and say, 'It is well, Keesh, that thou shouldst speak, it is well and it is our wish. Take this now, ye men, for my last word. Bok, my father, was a great hunter. I, too, his son, shall go and hunt the meat that I eat. And be it known, now, that the division of that which I kill shall be fair. And no widow nor weak one shall cry in the night because there is no meat, when the strong men are groaning in great pain for that they have eaten overmuch. And in the days to come there shall be shame upon the strong men who have eaten overmuch. I, Keesh, have said it!"

Jeers and scornful laughter followed him out of the igloo (насмешки и презрительный смех следовали за ним из иглу), but his jaw was set (но его челюсти были стиснуты) and he went his way (и он пошел своей дорогой), looking neither to right nor left (не глядя ни вправо, ни влево).

jeer [GIq], scornful ['skLnful], laughter ['lRftq]

Jeers and scornful laughter followed him out of the igloo, but his jaw was set and he went his way, looking neither to right nor left.

The next day he went forth along the shore-line (на следующий день он пошел вдоль береговой линии) where the ice and the land met together (где лед и земля встретились вместе). Those who saw him go (те, кто видел, что он уходил) noted that he carried his bow (заметили, что он нес свой лук), with a goodly supply of bone-barbed arrows (с хорошим запасом стрел с костяными наконечниками), and that across his shoulder was his father's big hunting-spear (и что за его плечами было большое охотничье копье его отца). And there was laughter, and much talk, at the event (и был смех, и много разговоров об этом событии). It was an unprecedented occurrence (это было невиданное событие). Never did boys of his tender age go forth to hunt (никогда мальчики такого: «его» нежного возраста не ходили охотиться), much less to hunt alone (тем более охотиться в одиночку). Also were there shaking of heads and prophetic mutterings (также были качание головами и пророческие бормотания), and the women looked pityingly at Ikeega (и женщины смотрели жалостливо на Айкигу), and her face was grave and sad (а ее лицо было строгим и печальным).

arrow ['xrqu], occurrence [q'kAr(q)ns], prophetic [prq'fetIk], pityingly ['pItIINlI]

The next day he went forth along the shore-line where the ice and the land met together. Those who saw him go noted that he carried his bow, with a goodly supply of bone-barbed arrows, and that across his shoulder was his father's big hunting-spear. And there was laughter, and much talk, at the event. It was an unprecedented occurrence. Never did boys of his tender age go forth to hunt, much less to hunt alone. Also were there shaking of heads and prophetic mutterings, and the women looked pityingly at Ikeega, and her face was grave and sad.

"He will be back ere long," they said cheeringly (он вернется скоро, — говорили они сочувственно).

"Let him go (пусть он идет = дайте ему идти); it will teach him a lesson (это научит его уроку)," the hunters said (сказали охотники). "And he will come back shortly (и он вернется скоро), and he will be meek and soft of speech in the days to follow (и он будет кроткий и мягкий в /своей/ речи в последующие дни; to follow — следовать)."

cheering ['CIqrIN], teach [tJC], shortly ['SLtlI]

"He will be back ere long," they said cheeringly.

"Let him go; it will teach him a lesson," the hunters said. "And he will come back shortly, and he will be meek and soft of speech in the days to follow."

But a day passed (но день прошел), and a second (и второй), and on the third a wild gale blew (и на третий /день/ дикий шторм подул; to blow), and there was no Keesh (а Киша не было). Ikeega tore her hair (Айкига разорвала свои волосы; to tear) and put soot of the seal-oil on her face in token of her grief (и размазала по лицу сажу /сгоревшего/ тюленьего жира: «положила сажу /сгоревшего/ тюленьего жира на лицо» в знак своей скорби; oil — масло); and the women assailed the men with bitter words (а женщины нападали на мужчин с горькими словами) in that they had mistreated the boy and sent him to his death (за то, что они плохо обошлись с мальчиком и послали его на смерть); and the men made no answer (и мужчины не отвечали), preparing to go in search of the body when the storm abated (готовясь идти на поиски тела, когда шторм утихнет; to abate — уменьшаться, утихать).

third [TWd], blew [blH], hair [heq], answer ['Rnsq]

But a day passed, and a second, and on the third a wild gale blew, and there was no Keesh. Ikeega tore her hair and put soot of the seal-oil on her face in token of her grief; and the women assailed the men with bitter words in that they had mistreated the boy and sent him to his death; and the men made no answer, preparing to go in search of the body when the storm abated.

Early next morning, however (ранним утром следующего дня = ранним следующим утром однако), Keesh strode into the village (Киш вошел большими шагами в деревню; to stride — шагать /большими шагами/). But he came not shamefacedly (но он пришел не со стыдливым лицом; shame — стыд; face — лицо). Across his shoulders he bore a burden of fresh-killed meat (на своих плечах он нес тяжесть свежеубитого мяса). And there was importance in his step and arrogance in his speech (и была важность в его поступи и надменность в его речи; arrogance — высокомерие, надменность).

"Go, ye men, with the dogs and sledges (идите, вы, мужчины, с собаками и нартами), and take my trail for the better part of a day's travel," he said (и возьмите мой след = идите по моему следу несколько дальше, чем один дневной перегон: «на лучшую часть дневного пути», — сказал он). "There is much meat on the ice (там много мяса на льду) — a she-bear and two half-grown cubs (медведица и двое полувзрослых детенышей; cub — детеныш /зверя/)."

however [hau'evq], shoulder ['Squldq], burden [bWdn]

Early next morning, however, Keesh strode into the village. But he came not shamefacedly. Across his shoulders he bore a burden of fresh-killed meat. And there was importance in his step and arrogance in his speech.

"Go, ye men, with the dogs and sledges, and take my trail for the better part of a day's travel," he said. "There is much meat on the ice — a she-bear and two half-grown cubs."

Ikeega was overcome with joy (Айкига была обрадована: «была переполнена радостью»), but he received her demonstrations in manlike fashion (но он принял ее восторги по-мужски: «в мужской манере»), saying: "Come, Ikeega, let us eat (говоря: пойдем, Айкига, давай поедим). And after that I shall sleep (а после этого я буду спать), for I am weary (потому что я утомлен; weary — усталый, утомленный)."

And he passed into their igloo and ate profoundly (и он проследовал в их иглу и поел основательно/сытно; profound — глубокий; основательный), and after that slept for twenty running hours (и после этого спал двадцать часов подряд; to run — бежать; идти, продолжаться, длиться /о времени/).

fashion ['fxS(q)n], weary ['wIqrI], hour ['auq]

Ikeega was overcome with joy, but he received her demonstrations in manlike fashion, saying: "Come, Ikeega, let us eat. And after that I shall sleep, for I am weary."

And he passed into their igloo and ate profoundly, and after that slept for twenty running hours.

There was much doubt at first (было много сомнений сначала), much doubt and discussion (много сомнений и споров). The killing of a polar bear is very dangerous (убийство полярного медведя очень опасно), but thrice dangerous is it (но трижды опаснее), and three times thrice (и три раза трижды опаснее), to kill a mother bear with her cubs (убить медведицу с детенышами). The men could not bring themselves to believe (мужчины не могли заставить себя поверить; to bring somebody to do something — заставлять, вынуждать, убеждать) that the boy Keesh, single-handed (что мальчик Киш, совсем один), had accomplished so great a marvel (совершил такое великое чудо; marvel — чудо, диво; to accomplish — выполнять, завершать). But the women spoke of the fresh-killed meat he had brought on his back (но женщины говорили о мясе только что убитого медведя = о свежеубитом мясе, /что/ он принес на своей спине), and this was an overwhelming argument (и это был подавляющий аргумент; to overwhelm — /уст./ переворачивать кверх ногами; подавлять, сокрушать) against their unbelief (против их неверия). So they finally departed (поэтому они наконец отправились), grumbling greatly that in all probability (ворча сильно, что, по всей вероятности), if the thing were so (если все так и было), he had neglected to cut up the carcasses (он забыл разделать тушу: «разрезать костяк»). Now in the north it is very necessary (дело в том, что на севере очень важно; now — теперь, сейчас; так вóт) that this should be done as soon as a kill is made (чтобы это было сделано сразу, как только зверь убит: «как только убийство сделано»). If not (если нет), the meat freezes so solidly (мясо замерзает так крепко) as to turn the edge of the sharpest knife (что сопротивляется лезвию самого острого ножа; to turn — поворачивать), and a three-hundred-pound bear (а трехсотфутовый медведь), frozen stiff (замерзший крепко), is no easy thing to put upon a sled and haul over the rough ice (является нелегкой вещью, чтобы положить на нарты и тащить по неровному льду; to haul — тащить, тянуть, волочить; rough — грубый; неотделанный, необработанный; неровный). But arrived at the spot (но, прибыв на место), they found not only the kill (они нашли не только убитых /медведей/), which they had doubted (в чем они сомневались), but that Keesh had quartered the beasts in true hunter fashion (но и то, что Киш рассек туши на четыре части в лучшей манере охотников), and removed the entrails (и удалил внутренности).

doubt [daut], rough [rAf], thrice [TraIs], dangerous ['deInGrqs]

There was much doubt at first, much doubt and discussion. The killing of a polar bear is very dangerous, but thrice dangerous is it, and three times thrice, to kill a mother bear with her cubs. The men could not bring themselves to believe that the boy Keesh, single-handed, had accomplished so great a marvel. But the women spoke of the fresh-killed meat he had brought on his back, and this was an overwhelming argument against their unbelief. So they finally departed, grumbling greatly that in all probability, if the thing were so, he had neglected to cut up the carcasses. Now in the north it is very necessary that this should be done as soon as a kill is made. If not, the meat freezes so solidly as to turn the edge of the sharpest knife, and a three-hundred-pound bear, frozen stiff, is no easy thing to put upon a sled and haul over the rough ice. But arrived at the spot, they found not only the kill, which they had doubted, but that Keesh had quartered the beasts in true hunter fashion, and removed the entrails.

Thus began the mystery of Keesh (таким образом началась тайна Киша), a mystery that deepened and deepened with the passing of the days (тайна, которая усиливалась и усиливалась в последующие дни). His very next trip he killed a young bear (в свой следующий поход он убил молодого медведя), nearly full-grown (почти взрослого), and on the trip following (а в последующий поход), a large male bear and his mate (большого самца медведя и его самку; mate — самец или самка; товарищ, напарник). He was ordinarily gone from three to four days (он обычно уходил на три-четыре дня), though it was nothing unusual for him to stay away a week at a time on the ice-field (хотя не было ничего необычного для него пропадать за раз и неделю на ледяных просторах). Always he declined company on these expeditions (всегда он отказывался от компании в этих вылазках; to decline — отклонять, отвергать, отказываться), and the people marvelled (и люди диву давались). "How does he do it?" they demanded of one another (как он это делает? — они спрашивали друг у друга). "Never does he take a dog with him (никогда он не берет собаку с собой), and dogs are of such great help, too (а ведь, собаки — тоже такая большая помощь)."

young [jAN], marvel ['mRv(q)l], unusual [An'jHZuql]

Thus began the mystery of Keesh, a mystery that deepened and deepened with the passing of the days. His very next trip he killed a young bear, nearly full-grown, and on the trip following, a large male bear and his mate. He was ordinarily gone from three to four days, though it was nothing unusual for him to stay away a week at a time on the ice-field. Always he declined company on these expeditions, and the people marvelled. "How does he do it?" they demanded of one another. "Never does he take a dog with him, and dogs are of such great help, too."

"Why dost thou hunt only bear (почему ты охотишься только на медведя)?" Klosh-Kwan once ventured to ask him (Клош-Кван однажды осмелился спросить его; to venture — отважиться, рискнуть, решиться, осмелиться).

And Keesh made fitting answer (и Киш дал надлежащий ответ; to fit — быть впору, быть в самый раз, подходить). "It is well known that there is more meat on the bear (хорошо известно, что на медведе больше мяса)," he said.

venture ['venCq], why [waI], once [wAns]

"Why dost thou hunt only bear?" Klosh-Kwan once ventured to ask him.

And Keesh made fitting answer. "It is well known that there is more meat on the bear," he said.

But there was also talk of witchcraft in the village (но был также разговор о колдовстве в деревне; witchcraft — колдовство, черная магия). "He hunts with evil spirits," some of the people contended (он охотится со злыми духами, — некоторые из людей утверждали), "wherefore his hunting is rewarded (поэтому его охота удачна; to reward — вознаграждать, воздавать). How else can it be, save that he hunts with evil spirits (как еще может быть, кроме того, что он охотится со злыми духами; save that — за исключением того, что; кроме того, что)?"

witchcraft ['wICkrRft], reward [rI'wLd], evil [Jvl]

But there was also talk of witchcraft in the village. "He hunts with evil spirits," some of the people contended, "wherefore his hunting is rewarded. How else can it be, save that he hunts with evil spirits?"

"Mayhap they be not evil, but good, these spirits," others said (может быть, они не злые, а добрые, эти духи, — говорили другие; mayhap — maybe /архаичное/). "It is known that his father was a mighty hunter (известно, что его отец был могущественным охотником). May not his father hunt with him (не может ли быть, что его отец охотится с ним) so that he may attain excellence and patience and understanding (так что он может достигать совершенства, и терпения, и понимания)? Who knows (кто знает)?"

mayhap ['meIhqp], mighty ['maItI], patience ['peISqns]

"Mayhap they be not evil, but good, these spirits," others said. "It is known that his father was a mighty hunter. May not his father hunt with him so that he may attain excellence and patience and understanding? Who knows?"

None the less (тем не менее), his success continued (его успех продолжался), and the less skilful hunters were often kept busy hauling in his meat (и менее искусные охотники были часто заняты притаскиванием его мяса). And in the division of it he was just (и в дележе его /мяса/ он был справедлив). As his father had done before him (как его отец делал/поступал до него), he saw to it that the least old woman and the last old man received a fair portion (он смотрел за тем, чтобы самая жалкая старуха и самый последний старик получили справедливую долю; to see — наблюдать, смотреть, видеть), keeping no more for himself than his needs required (оставляя для себя не больше, чем требовали его нужды = чем ему требовалось). And because of this (и из-за этого), and of his merit as a hunter (и его заслуг как охотника), he was looked upon with respect (на него стали смотреть с уважением), and even awe (и даже /с/ благоговением/трепетом); and there was talk of making him chief after old Klosh-Kwan (и был разговор о том, чтобы сделать его вождем после старого Клош-Квана). Because of the things he had done (из-за вещей, которые он делал), they looked for him to appear again in the council (они ожидали, что он появится снова на совете; to look for — надеяться, ожидать), but he never came (но он никогда не приходил), and they were ashamed to ask (а им было стыдно пригласить).

success [s(q)k'ses], awe [L], require [rI'kwaIq]

None the less, his success continued, and the less skilful hunters were often kept busy hauling in his meat. And in the division of it he was just. As his father had done before him, he saw to it that the least old woman and the last old man received a fair portion, keeping no more for himself than his needs required. And because of this, and of his merit as a hunter, he was looked upon with respect, and even awe; and there was talk of making him chief after old Klosh-Kwan. Because of the things he had done, they looked for him to appear again in the council, but he never came, and they were ashamed to ask.

"I am minded to build me an igloo (я хочу построить иглу)," he said one day to Klosh-Kwan and a number of the hunters (сказал он однажды Клош-Квану и ряду охотников). "It shall be a large igloo (это должна быть большая иглу), wherein Ikeega and I can dwell in comfort (где Айкига и я могли бы жить с удобством; to dwell — жить, обитать)."

"Ay," they nodded gravely (так, — они закивали головой важно; ay — положительный ответ).

"But I have no time (но у меня нет времени). My business is hunting (мое дело — охота), and it takes all my time (и она занимает все мое время). So it is but just that the men and women of the village (поэтому это только справедливо, чтобы мужчины и женщины деревни) who eat my meat should build me my igloo (которые едят мое мясо, построили мне мою иглу)."

build [bIld], wherein [weqr'In], dwell [dwel]

"I am minded to build me an igloo," he said one day to Klosh-Kwan and a number of the hunters. "It shall be a large igloo, wherein Ikeega and I can dwell in comfort."

"Ay," they nodded gravely.

"But I have no time. My business is hunting, and it takes all my time. So it is but just that the men and women of the village who eat my meat should build me my igloo."

And the igloo was built accordingly (и, таким образом, иглу была построена), on a generous scale (большого размера/с широким размахом; generous — щедрый; scale — чаша весов; шкала) which exceeded even the dwelling of Klosh-Kwan (которая превосходила даже жилище Клош-Квана). Keesh and his mother moved into it (Киш и его мать переселились/переехали туда), and it was the first prosperity she had enjoyed (и это было первое благополучие, которым она /мать Киша/ наслаждалась) since the death of Bok (со времени смерти Бока). Nor was material prosperity alone hers (не только материальное благополучие окружало ее), for (потому что), because of her wonderful son (из-за своего замечательного сына) and the position he had given her (и положения, которое он дал ей), she came to be looked upon as the first woman in all the village (она стала считаться первой женщиной во всей деревне; to look upon — смотреть как на; считать за); and the women were given to visiting her (и женщины посещали ее: «женщины были предрасположены к посещению ее»; given to — склонный, предрасположенный к чему-либо, подверженный чему-либо), to asking her advice (чтобы спросить у нее совета), and to quoting her wisdom (и ссылались на ее мудрость) when arguments arose among themselves or with the men (когда споры возникали среди них или с мужчинами; to arise).

accordingly [q'kLdINlI], generous ['Gen(q)rqs], death [deT], wonderful ['wAndqful], quote [kwqut]

And the igloo was built accordingly, on a generous scale which exceeded even the dwelling of Klosh-Kwan. Keesh and his mother moved into it, and it was the first prosperity she had enjoyed since the death of Bok. Nor was material prosperity alone hers, for, because of her wonderful son and the position he had given her, she came to be looked upon as the first woman in all the village; and the women were given to visiting her, to asking her advice, and to quoting her wisdom when arguments arose among themselves or with the men.

But it was the mystery of Keesh's marvellous hunting (но именно тайна чудесной охоты Киша) that took chief place in all their minds (заняла главное место во всех умах). And one day Ugh-Gluk taxed him with witchcraft to his face (и однажды Уг-Глук обвинил его в колдовстве = бросил ему в лицо обвинение в колдовстве; to tax — обвинять, упрекать).

"It is charged," Ugh-Gluk said ominously (обвиняют /тебя/, — Уг-Глук сказал зловеще; to charge — обвинять, выдвигать обвинение), "that thou dealest with evil spirits (что ты имеешь дело со злыми духами), wherefore thy hunting is rewarded (вот почему твоя охота удачна)."

marvelous ['mRv(q)lqs], ominously ['OmInqslI], face [feIs]

But it was the mystery of Keesh's marvellous hunting that took chief place in all their minds. And one day Ugh-Gluk taxed him with witchcraft to his face.

"It is charged," Ugh-Gluk said ominously, "that thou dealest with evil spirits, wherefore thy hunting is rewarded."

"Is not the meat good?" Keesh made answer (разве мясо не хорошее? — ответил Киш). "Has one in the village yet to fall sick from the eating of it (разве кто-нибудь в деревне уже заболел от того, что ел его: «разве кому-нибудь пришлось = случилось заболеть…»)? How dost thou know that witchcraft be concerned (откуда ты знаешь, что тут замешано колдовство; to concern — касаться, быть причиной; thou = you /устар./)? Or dost thou guess, in the dark (или ты говоришь наугад: «предполагаешь в темноте»), merely because of the envy that consumes thee (только потому, что зависть поглощает тебя; merely — только, просто)?"

merely ['mIqlI], thee [DJ], concern [kqn'sWn]

"Is not the meat good?" Keesh made answer. "Has one in the village yet to fall sick from the eating of it? How dost thou know that witchcraft be concerned? Or dost thou guess, in the dark, merely because of the envy that consumes thee?"

And Ugh-Gluk withdrew discomfited (и Уг-Глук ушел, пристыженный; to withdraw — уходить, удаляться), the women laughing at him as he walked away (женщины смеялись над ним, когда он уходил = смеялись ему вслед). But in the council one night (но на совете одной ночью), after long deliberation (после долгого обсуждения), it was determined to put spies on his track (было определено = решено послать соглядатаев по его следу) when he went forth to hunt (когда он отправится охотиться; to go forth — отправляться в путь), so that his methods might be learned (так, что его методы /охоты/ могли бы быть изучены). So, on his next trip (итак, в его следующий поход), Bim and Bawn, two young men (Бим и Боун, два молодых мужчины), and of hunters the craftiest (и из охотников самые ловкие), followed after him (последовали за ним), taking care not to be seen (стараясь не быть увиденными). After five days they returned (через пять дней они вернулись), their eyes bulging and their tongues a-tremble to tell (их глаза были расширенными и их языки дрожавшими, /чтобы/ рассказать; bulging — расширенный, выпученный; to bulge — выдаваться, выпячиваться) what they had seen (чтó они видели). The council was hastily called in Klosh-Kwan's dwelling (совет был спешно созван в жилище Клош-Квана), and Bim took up the tale (и Бим начал рассказ).

withdrew [wID'drH], tongue [tAN], care [keq], might [maIt]

And Ugh-Gluk withdrew discomfited, the women laughing at him as he walked away. But in the council one night, after long deliberation, it was determined to put spies on his track when he went forth to hunt, so that his methods might be learned. So, on his next trip, Bim and Bawn, two young men, and of hunters the craftiest, followed after him, taking care not to be seen. After five days they returned, their eyes bulging and their tongues a-tremble to tell what they had seen. The council was hastily called in Klosh-Kwan's dwelling, and Bim took up the tale.

"Brothers! As commanded (как было приказано), we journeyed on the trail of Keesh (мы шли по следу Киша), and cunningly we journeyed (и осторожно мы шли), so that he might not know (так, чтобы он не смог узнать = заметить). And midway of the first day (в середине пути первого дня) he picked up with a great he-bear (он нашел большого медведя-самца; to pick up — подобрать; to pick up with — связаться с). It was a very great bear (это был очень большой медведь)."

journey ['GWnI], cunningli ['kAnINlI], first [fWst]

"Brothers! As commanded, we journeyed on the trail of Keesh, and cunningly we journeyed, so that he might not know. And midway of the first day he picked up with a great he-bear. It was a very great bear."

"None greater," Bawn corroborated, and went on himself (больше не бывает, — перебил Боун и продолжил сам; to go on — продолжать). "Yet was the bear not inclined to fight (но медведь не хотел вступать в борьбу; inclined — склонный), for he turned away and made off slowly over the ice (потому что он повернул назад и пошел прочь медленно по льду). This we saw from the rocks of the shore (это мы видели со скал берега), and the bear came toward us (и медведь пошел по направлению к нам), and after him came Keesh (а за ним шел Киш), very much unafraid (без всякого страха = совершенно не боясь). And he shouted harsh words after the bear (и он кричал бранные слова медведю), and waved his arms about (и размахивал руками), and made much noise (и поднял большой шум). Then did the bear grow angry (и тогда медведь стал сердитым/рассердился), and rise up on his hind legs, and growl (и поднялся на задние лапы и зарычал). But Keesh walked right up to the bear (но Киш шел прямо на медведя)."

corroborate [kq'rObqreIt], toward ['tquqd], harsh [hRS], growl [graul]

"None greater," Bawn corroborated, and went on himself. "Yet was the bear not inclined to fight, for he turned away and made off slowly over the ice. This we saw from the rocks of the shore, and the bear came toward us, and after him came Keesh, very much unafraid. And he shouted harsh words after the bear, and waved his arms about, and made much noise. Then did the bear grow angry, and rise up on his hind legs, and growl. But Keesh walked right up to the bear."

"Ay," Bim continued the story (да, — Бим продолжил этот рассказ). "Right up to the bear Keesh walked (прямо на медведя шел Киш). And the bear took after him (и медведь бросился на него: «начал его преследовать»), and Keesh ran away (и Киш побежал прочь). But as he ran he dropped a little round ball on the ice (но пока он бежал, он уронил маленький круглый шарик на лед). And the bear stopped and smelled of it (и медведь остановился и понюхал его), then swallowed it up (затем проглотил его). And Keesh continued to run away and drop little round balls (а Киш продолжал убегать и бросать маленькие круглые шарики), and the bear continued to swallow them up."

swallow ['swOlqu], right [raIt], bear [beq]

"Ay," Bim continued the story. "Right up to the bear Keesh walked. And the bear took after him, and Keesh ran away. But as he ran he dropped a little round ball on the ice. And the bear stopped and smelled of it, then swallowed it up. And Keesh continued to run away and drop little round balls, and the bear continued to swallow them up."

Exclamations and cries of doubt were being made (вопли и крики сомнения были сделаны = последовали), and Ugh-Gluk expressed open unbelief (и Уг-Глук выразил открытое неверие).

"With our own eyes we saw it," Bim affirmed (своими собственными глазами мы видели это, утверждал Бим). And Bawn — "Ay, with our own eyes."

exclamation ["eksklq'meIS(q)n], unbelief ["AnbI'lJf], affirm [q'fWm]

Exclamations and cries of doubt were being made, and Ugh-Gluk expressed open unbelief.

"With our own eyes we saw it," Bim affirmed.

And Bawn — "Ay, with our own eyes."

"And this continued until the bear stood suddenly upright (и это продолжалось, пока медведь вдруг не встал вертикально = на задние лапы) and cried aloud in pain (и /не/ завыл громко от боли), and thrashed his fore paws madly about (и колотил передними лапами по-сумашедшему вокруг). And Keesh continued to make off over the ice (а Киш продолжал убегать по льду; to make off — убегать, удирать) to a safe distance (на безопасное расстояние). But the bear gave him no notice (но медведь не обращал не него внимания), being occupied with the misfortune the little round balls had wrought within him (будучи занятым бедой, которую маленькие круглые шарики наделали внутри него; wrought — уст. р.p. от to work — делать, выполнять, совершать)."

thrash [TrxS], occupied ['OkjupaId], misfortune [mIs'fLC(q)n]

"And this continued until the bear stood suddenly upright and cried aloud in pain, and thrashed his fore paws madly about. And Keesh continued to make off over the ice to a safe distance. But the bear gave him no notice, being occupied with the misfortune the little round balls had wrought within him."

"Ay, within him," Bim interrupted (да, внутри него, — прервал Бим). "For he did claw at himself (потому что он царапал себя), and leap about over the ice like a playful puppy (и прыгал вокруг по льду, как игривый щенок), save from the way he growled and squealed (разве что по тому, как он рычал и вопил) it was plain it was not play but pain (было ясно, что это была не игра, а боль). Never did I see such a sight (никогда я не видал такого зрелища)!"

claw [klL], puppy ['pApI], squeal [skwJl]

"Ay, within him," Bim interrupted. "For he did claw at himself, and leap about over the ice like a playful puppy, save from the way he growled and squealed it was plain it was not play but pain. Never did I see such a sight!"

"Nay, never was such a sight seen," Bawn took up the strain (нет, никогда такого не видел: «не было виденным такое зрелище», — Боун подхватил; nay — отрицательный ответ; to take up — подхватить; strain — натяжение; напев, мелодия). "And furthermore, it was such a large bear (и, более того, это был такой крупный медведь)."

"Witchcraft," Ugh-Gluk suggested (колдовство, — проговорил Уг-Глук).

sight ['saIt], furthermore ["fWDq'mL], strain [streIn]

"Nay, never was such a sight seen," Bawn took up the strain. "And furthermore, it was such a large bear."

"Witchcraft," Ugh-Gluk suggested.

"I know not," Bawn replied (я не знаю, — ответил Боун). "I tell only of what my eyes beheld (я рассказываю только то, что мои глаза видели; to behold — /книжн./ — видеть, замечать, узреть). And after a while the bear grew weak and tired (и через некоторое время медведь стал слабым и уставшим; while — промежуток времени), for he was very heavy (потому что он был очень тяжелым) and he had jumped about with exceeding violence (и он прыгал вокруг с чрезвычайным неистовством; to exceed — превышать; переступать пределы, границы), and he went off along the shore-ice (он пошел прочь вдоль берегового льда), shaking his head slowly from side to side (мотая головой медленно из стороны в сторону) and sitting down ever and again to squeal and cry (и садясь опять и опять повизжать и порычать). And Keesh followed after the bear (а Киш последовал за медведем), and we followed after Keesh (а мы последовали за Кишем), and for that day and three days more we followed (и тот день и три дня еще мы шли следом). The bear grew weak (медведь стал слабым; to grow — расти; становиться), and never ceased crying from his pain (и никогда = вовсе не прекращал кричать от боли)."

cease [sJs], beheld [bI'held], squeal [skwJl]

"I know not," Bawn replied. "I tell only of what my eyes beheld. And after a while the bear grew weak and tired, for he was very heavy and he had jumped about with exceeding violence, and he went off along the shore-ice, shaking his head slowly from side to side and sitting down ever and again to squeal and cry. And Keesh followed after the bear, and we followed after Keesh, and for that day and three days more we followed. The bear grew weak, and never ceased crying from his pain."

"It was a charm!" Ugh-Gluk exclaimed (это было заклинание/заговор — Уг-Глук воскликнул). "Surely it was a charm (конечно, это было заклинание)!"

"It may well be (вполне могло быть)."

And Bim relieved Bawn (и Бим сменил Боуна). "The bear wandered (медведь блуждал), now this way and now that (то в эту сторону, то в ту = в другую), doubling back and forth (мечась то назад, то вперед) and crossing his trail in circles (и пересекая свой след кругами), so that at the end he was near where Keesh had first come upon him (так что в конце он был около /того места/, где Киш первый раз встретил его). By this time he was quite sick, the bear (к этому времени он был совсем больным, этот медведь), and could crawl no farther (и не мог более ползти), so Keesh came up close and speared him to death (поэтому Киш подошел близко и проткнул его копьем /до смерти/)."

charm [CRm], surely ['SuqlI], wander ['wOndq], quite [kwaIt]

"It was a charm!" Ugh-Gluk exclaimed. "Surely it was a charm!"

"It may well be."

And Bim relieved Bawn. "The bear wandered, now this way and now that, doubling back and forth and crossing his trail in circles, so that at the end he was near where Keesh had first come upon him. By this time he was quite sick, the bear, and could crawl no farther, so Keesh came up close and speared him to death."

"And then?" Klosh-Kwan demanded (а потом? — спросил Клош-Кван).

"Then we left Keesh skinning the bear (потом мы оставили/покинули Киша снимать шкуру с медведя = освежевывать медведя), and came running that the news of the killing might be told (и побежали, чтобы эти новости об убийстве могли быть рассказаны)."

And in the afternoon of that day (и во второй половине того дня) the women hauled in the meat of the bear (женщины притащили мясо/тушу медведя) while the men sat in council assembled (в то время, как мужчины сидели на созванном совете). When Keesh arrived (когда Киш вернулся) a messenger was sent to him (к нему послали гонца = гонец был послан к нему; to send), bidding him come to the council (приглашая его прийти на совет). But he sent reply (но он послал ответ), saying that he was hungry and tired (говоря, что он был голодный и уставший); also that his igloo was large and comfortable and could hold many men (а также, что его иглу — большая и удобная, и могла бы вместить много мужчин/людей).

afternoon ['Rftq'nHn], haul [hLl], reply [rI'plaI]

"And then?" Klosh-Kwan demanded.

"Then we left Keesh skinning the bear, and came running that the news of the killing might be told."

And in the afternoon of that day the women hauled in the meat of the bear () while the men sat in council assembled. When Keesh arrived a messenger was sent to him, bidding him come to the council. But he sent reply, saying that he was hungry and tired; also that his igloo was large and comfortable and could hold many men.

And curiosity was so strong on the men (и любопытство было так сильно у мужчин) that the whole council (что весь совет), Klosh-Kwan to the fore (во главе с Клош-Кваном), rose up and went to the igloo of Keesh (поднялся и пошел в иглу Киша; to rise up). He was eating (он обедал/кушал), but he received them with respect (но он встретил их с почтением) and seated them according to their rank (и усадил их согласно их рангу = по старшинству). Ikeega was proud and embarrassed by turns (Айкига была горда и смущена по очереди = то гордилась, то смущалась), but Keesh was quite composed (но Киш был совершенно спокоен).

curiosity ["kjuqrI'OsItI], whole [hqul], embarrassed [Im'bxrqst]

And curiosity was so strong on the men that the whole council, Klosh-Kwan to the fore, rose up and went to the igloo of Keesh. He was eating, but he received them with respect and seated them according to their rank. Ikeega was proud and embarrassed by turns, but Keesh was quite composed.

Klosh-Kwan recited the information brought by Bim and Bawn (и Клош-Кван изложил сведения, принесенные Бимом и Боуном), and at its close said in a stern voice (и в завершение этого сказал строгим голосом): "So explanation is wanted, O Keesh (итак, желательно объяснение, о Киш), of thy manner of hunting (твоего способа охоты). Is there witchcraft in it (есть ли в нем колдовство)?"

explanation ["eksplq'neIS(q)n], witchcraft ['wICkrRft], voice [vOIs]

Klosh-Kwan recited the information brought by Bim and Bawn, and at its close said in a stern voice: "So explanation is wanted, O Keesh, of thy manner of hunting. Is there witchcraft in it?"

Keesh looked up and smiled (Киш взглянул на него и улыбнулся). "Nay, O Klosh-Kwan. It is not for a boy to know aught of witches (это не для мальчика — знать что бы то ни было из колдовства; witch — ведьма, колдунья), and of witches I know nothing (и в колдовстве я ничего не знаю/не смыслю). I have but devised a means (я только придумал способ) whereby I may kill the ice-bear with ease, that is all (с помощью которого я могу убить полярного медведя с легкостью, вот и все). It be headcraft, not witchcraft (это смекалка, не колдовство; craft — ремесло; ловкость, умение)."

"And may any man (и каждый может)?"

"Any man."

There was a long silence (наступило долгое молчание). The men looked in one another's faces (мужчины глядели на /лица/ друг друга), and Keesh went on eating (а Киш продолжал есть).

aught [Lt], whereby [weq'baI], ice [aIs]

Keesh looked up and smiled. "Nay, O Klosh-Kwan. It is not for a boy to know aught of witches, and of witches I know nothing. I have but devised a means whereby I may kill the ice-bear with ease, that is all. It be headcraft, not witchcraft."

"And may any man?"

"Any man."

There was a long silence. The men looked in one another's faces, and Keesh went on eating.

"And… and… and wilt thou tell us, O Keesh (и ты расскажешь нам, о Киш)?" Klosh-Kwan finally asked in a tremulous voice (Клош-Кван наконец спросил дрожащим голосом).

"Yea, I will tell thee (да, я расскажу тебе)." Keesh finished sucking a marrow-bone (Киш закончил высасывание мозговой кости) and rose to his feet (и поднялся на ноги). "It is quite simple (это довольно просто). Behold (смотри)!"

tremulous ['tremjulqs], behold [bI'hquld], marrow ['mxrqu]

"And… and… and wilt thou tell us, O Keesh?" Klosh-Kwan finally asked in a tremulous voice.

"Yea, I will tell thee." Keesh finished sucking a marrow-bone and rose to his feet. "It is quite simple. Behold!"

He picked up a thin strip of whalebone (он поднял тонкую полоску китового уса) and showed it to them (и показал ее всем). The ends were sharp as needle-points (концы были острыми, как иглы). The strip he coiled carefully (эту полоску он скатал осторожно), till it disappeared in his hand (пока она не исчезла в его руке). Then, suddenly releasing it (затем внезапно освободил ее), it sprang straight again (она сразу распрямилась). He picked up a piece of blubber (он подобрал кусок тюленьего жира).

whalebone ['weIlbqun], carefully ['keqflI], releasing [rI'lJsIN], straight [streIt]

He picked up a thin strip of whalebone and showed it to them. The ends were sharp as needle-points. The strip he coiled carefully, till it disappeared in his hand. Then, suddenly releasing it, it sprang straight again. He picked up a piece of blubber.

"So," he said, "one takes a small chunk of blubber (вот так, — он сказал, — нужно взять маленький кусочек тюленьего жира), thus, and thus makes it hollow (так и так делается в нем ямка; hollow — полый). Then into the hollow goes the whalebone (потом в эту ямку кладется китовый ус), so, tightly coiled (вот так, хорошенько свернутый), and another piece of blubber is fitted over the whalebone (и другой кусочек жира пристраивается сверху на этот китовый ус). After that it is put outside (после этого он выставляется наружу /на мороз/) where it freezes into a little round ball (где он замерзает в маленький круглый шарик). The bear swallows the little round ball (медведь глотает этот маленький круглый шарик), the blubber melts (жир плавится), the whalebone with its sharp ends stands out straight (китовый ус с его острыми концами распрямляется: «становится наружу прямо»), the bear gets sick (медведь становится больным), and when the bear is very sick (и когда медведь очень болен), why, you kill him with a spear (почему бы тебе и не убить его копьем). It is quite simple."

chunk [CANk], hollow ['hOlqu], spear ['spIq]

"So," he said, "one takes a small chunk of blubber, thus, and thus makes it hollow. Then into the hollow goes the whalebone, so, tightly coiled, and another piece of blubber is fitted over the whalebone. After that it is put outside where it freezes into a little round ball. The bear swallows the little round ball, the blubber melts, the whalebone with its sharp ends stands out straight, the bear gets sick, and when the bear is very sick, why, you kill him with a spear. It is quite simple."

And Ugh-Gluk said "Oh!" and Klosh-Kwan said "Ah!" And each said something after his own manner, and all understood (и каждый сказал что-то по-своему, и все поняли; to understand).

And this is the story of Keesh (и это сказание о Кише), who lived long ago on the rim of the polar sea (который жил давно на краю полярного моря). Because he exercised headcraft (и потому, что он применял смекалку) and not witchcraft (а не колдовство), he rose from the meanest igloo to be head man of his village (он поднялся из самой жалкой иглу до вождя своей деревни), and through all the years that he lived (и в течение всех лет, что он прожил), it is related, his tribe was prosperous (как рассказывают, его племя было процветающим), and neither widow nor weak one cried aloud in the night because there was no meat (и ни вдова, ни слабый /человек/ не плакали громко ночью, потому что не было мяса = из-за нехватки мяса).

exercise ['eksqsaIz], through [TrH], prosperous ['prOsp(q)rqs]

And Ugh-Gluk said "Oh!" and Klosh-Kwan said "Ah!" And each said something after his own manner, and all understood.

And this is the story of Keesh, who lived long ago on the rim of the polar sea. Because he exercised headcraft and not witchcraft, he rose from the meanest igloo to be head man of his village, and through all the years that he lived, it is related, his tribe was prosperous, and neither widow nor weak one cried aloud in the night because there was no meat.