Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Первый сборник рассказов

THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE

(СОЮЗ РЫЖИХ)

I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes (я посетил моего друга, мистера Шерлока Холмса), one day in the autumn of last year (в один день осенью прошлого года) and found him in deep conversation (и нашел его в глубоком разговоре: «увидел, что он был увлечен разговором») with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman (с очень полным, багроволицым = раскрасневшимся пожилым джентльменом; stout — плотный, тучный; florid-faced: florid — напыщенный красный, face — лицо) with fiery red hair (с огненно-красными волосами). With an apology for my intrusion (с извинением за свое вторжение), I was about to withdraw (я собрался /было/ удалиться; to be about to — намереваться), when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room (когда Холмс внезапно втащил меня в комнату) and closed the door behind me (и закрыл дверь за мной).

"You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson (вы пришли как нельзя более кстати: «вы не могли, возможно, прийти в лучшее время», мой дорогой Ватсон»)," he said cordially (сказал он радушно).

"I was afraid that you were engaged (я боялся, что вы были заняты = вам помешать)."

autumn [ˈɔ:tǝm], stout [staut], withdraw [wɪðˈdrɔ:], abruptly [ǝˈbrʌptlɪ]

I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw, when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.

"You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson," he said cordially.

"I was afraid that you were engaged."

"So I am (да, я занят). Very much so (/и/ очень даже)."

"Then I can wait in the next room (в таком случае = тогда я могу подождать в другой комнате; next — следующий, другой)."

"Not at all (вовсе нет). This gentleman, Mr. Wilson (этот джентльмен, мистер Уилсон), has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases (был моим товарищем и помощником во многих моих наиболее удачных делах = расследованиях), and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also (и я не сомневаюсь: «не имею сомнения», что он будет мне очень полезен: «величайшей пользы для меня» в вашем /деле/ также)."

successful [sǝkˈsesful], doubt [daut], utmost [ˈʌtmǝust]

"So I am. Very much so."

"Then I can wait in the next room."

"Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also."

The stout gentleman half rose from his chair (полный джентльмен наполовину встал = привстал со стула; to rise — подниматься) and gave a bob of greeting (и приветственно кивнул: «дал кивок приветствия»), with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes (с быстрым коротким вопрошающим взглядом /от/ его маленьких, заплывших жиром глаз; little — маленький, короткий; fat-encircled: fat — жир, encircled — окруженный).

glance [ɡlɑ:ns], encircled [ɪnˈsǝ:kld]

"Try the settee (садитесь на диван; to try — пробовать)," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together (снова опускаясь в свое кресло и соединяя кончики пальцев /обеих рук/ вместе; tip — кончик), as was his custom when in judicial moods (как была его привычка, когда /он находился/ в задумчивости: «в рассудительных настроениях»; judicial — судебный; рассудительный). "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all (что вы разделяете мою любовь всего /того/ = ко всему) that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life (что необычно и снаружи = выходит за рамки условностей и скучной рутины будней: «каждодневной жизни»). You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm (вы показали вашу склонность к этому = таким вещам тем энтузиазмом) which has prompted you to chronicle (который побудил вас записывать), and, if you will excuse my saying so (и, если вы извините мое говорение так = с вашего позволения сказать), somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures (отчасти приукрасить некоторые из моих /собственных/ маленьких приключений; so many — столько-то)."

settee [seˈti:], judicial [ʤu:ˈdɪʃ(ǝ)l], bizarre [bɪˈzɑ:], enthusiasm [ɪnˈƟju:zɪæzm]

The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes.

"Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures."

"Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me (ваши дела = расследования действительно были огромнейшего интереса для меня = очень интересны мне)," I observed (заметил я).

"You will remember that I remarked the other day (вы вспомните, что я отметил = я, помнится, сказал на днях; the other day — намедни, недавно), just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland (непосредственно перед тем, как мы приступили к решению той простой проблемы, представленной = сообщенной мисс Мэри Сатерлэнд; to go into — начинать заниматься), that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself (что за странными вещами и необычайными сочетаниями мы должны обратиться к самой жизни), which is always far more daring (которая всегда намного более дерзкая) than any effort of the imagination (чем любое усилие: «попытка» воображения)."

presented [prɪˈsentɪd], daring [ˈdeǝrɪŋ], effort [ˈefǝt], imagination [ɪˌmæʤɪˈneɪʃn]

"Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I observed.

"You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination."

"A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting (я ответил, что позволяю себе усомниться /в этом/: «заявление, которым я позволил себе усомниться»; to take the liberty of — позволять себе)."

proposition [prɒpǝˈzɪʃn], liberty [ˈlɪbǝtɪ], doubting [ˈdautɪŋ]

"You did, Doctor (вы сделали, доктор = так и сказали), but none the less (но, тем не менее) you must come round to my view (вы должны согласиться с моим мнением; to come round — идти на уступки, менять свое мнение), for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you (ибо иначе = в противном случае я продолжу обрушивать множество фактов: «складывание в кучу факта за фактом» на вас; to pile — складывать в кучу, в кипу) until your reason breaks down under them (до тех пор, пока ваш разум не обрушится под ними = найдет их убедительными) and acknowledges me to be right (и признает меня правым = что я прав). Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning (ну = вот, например, мистер Джабез Уилсон /здесь/ был достаточно любезен = так любезен, чтобы обратиться ко мне этим утром), and to begin a narrative (и начать рассказ) which promises to be one of the most singular (который обещает быть одной из самых необычайных /историй/) which I have listened to for some time (которые я слышал за последнее время: «в течение некоторого времени»). You have heard me remark (вы слышали, как я заметил) that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected (что самые странные и наиболее своеобразные вещи очень часто связаны) not with the larger but with the smaller crimes (не с крупными, а с мелкими преступлениями; larger — больший, больше; smaller — меньший, меньше), and occasionally, indeed (и порою, действительно), are those where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed (это те /вещи/, где есть место для сомнения, было ли совершено явное преступление; whether = if — если). As far as I have heard (насколько я слышал: «как далеко») it is impossible for me to say (для меня невозможно сказать = не могу сказать) whether the present case is an instance of crime or not (является ли настоящий = данный случай примером преступления или нет; instance — пример, вариант), but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to (но ход событий определенно из числа наиболее необычайных = своеобразных, которые я когда-либо слышал). Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative (возможно, мистер Уилсон, вы соблаговолите = я попрошу начать вновь ваш рассказ; great kindness — большое одолжение). I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part (я прошу вас /сделать это/ не только потому, что мой друг доктор Ватсон не слышал вступительную часть) but also because the peculiar nature of the story (но также потому, что специфическая природа этой истории) makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips (делает меня беспокойным = мне самому не терпится услышать каждую возможную = малейшую деталь из ваших уст; lips — губы, уста). As a rule (как правило), when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events (когда я услышу незначительный признак хода событий = едва мне начинают рассказывать какое-либо дело), I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases (я могу руководствоваться: «направлять себя» тысячами других подобных дел) which occur to my memory (которые приходят мне на память). In the present instance I am forced to admit (в настоящем примере я вынужден признать) that the facts are to the best of my belief, unique (что факты, насколько я могу оценить, уникальны)."

piling [ˈpaɪlɪŋ], acknowledges [ǝkˈnɒlɪʤɪz], unique [ju:ˈni:k], occasionally [ǝˈkeɪʒnǝlɪ]

"A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting."

"You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, are those where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique."

The portly client puffed out his chest (полный/тучный клиент выпятил свою грудь) with an appearance of some little pride (с видом некоторой гордости) and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat (и вытащил грязную и скомканную газету из внутреннего кармана пальто; newspaper: news — новости, paper — бумага). As he glanced down the advertisement column (пока он пробегал глазами рекламную колонку; advertisement — реклама), with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee (с вытянутой вперед головой = шеей и газетой, выровненной на коленях), I took a good look at the man and endeavored (я внимательно разглядывал его: «взял хороший взгляд» и попытался), after the fashion of my companion (подражая моему товарищу; after the fashion of — наподобие, по методу), to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance (прочитать знаки, которые могли быть представлены его одеждой и внешностью).

portly [ˈpɔ:tlɪ], advertisement [ǝdˈvɜ:tɪsmǝnt], column [ˈkɔlǝm], appearance [ǝˈpɪǝrǝns]

The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavored, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.

I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection (я не многого добился, однако, с помощью изучения, рассмотрения = мои наблюдения почти не дали результатов). Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman (наш посетитель нес все знаки = сразу было видно, что он средний заурядный английский лавочник), obese, pompous, and slow (тучный, напыщенный и медлительный). He wore rather baggy gray shepherd's check trousers (он носил весьма мешковатые серые, с шашечным рисунком брюки; shepherd's check: shepherd — пастух, check — клетка), a not over-clean black frock-coat (не сверхчистый = не слишком опрятный черный сюртук), unbuttoned in the front (не застегнутый спереди), and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain (и темный жилет с тяжелой медной цепочкой для часов «альберт»; drab — тускло-коричневая ткань), and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament (и квадратный просверленный насквозь кусочек металла, свисающего = болтающегося как украшение = как брелок). A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar (поношенный цилиндр и выцветшее коричневое пальто с измятым бархатным воротником) lay upon a chair beside him (лежали на стуле возле него). Altogether (в целом = одним словом), look as I would (сколько бы я его ни рассматривал), there was nothing remarkable about the man (не было ничего примечательного в этом: «насчет» человеке) save his blazing red head (кроме пылающей красной головы = огненно-рыжих волос), and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features (и выражения чрезвычайного разочарования и недовольства в его чертах).

average [ˈævǝrɪʤ], obese [ǝuˈbi:s], wrinkled [rɪŋkld], chagrin [ˈʃæɡrɪn]

I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy gray shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.

Sherlock Holmes's quick eye took in my occupation (от проницательного взора Шерлока Холмса не ускользнуло мое занятие; quick eye — хорошее зрение; to take in — понимать, уяснить), and he shook his head with a smile (и он качнул головой с улыбкой) as he noticed my questioning glances (когда заметил мои вопрошающие взгляды). "Beyond the obvious facts (помимо /таких/ очевидных фактов) that he has at some time done manual labour (что он одно время занимался физическим трудом), that he takes snuff (что он нюхает табак), that he is a Freemason (что он масон = вольный каменщик), that he has been in China (что он был в Китае), and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately (и что он сделал значительное количество написания = ему приходилось много писать в последнее время) I can deduce nothing else (я не могу заключить = сделать вывод более ни о чем)."

Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair (подскочил в кресле), with his forefinger upon the paper (с указательным пальцем на газете = не отрывая указательного пальца от газеты), but his eyes upon my companion (но со своими глазами на моем приятеле = глядя на моего приятеля).

occupation [ˌɔkjuˈpeɪʃn], manual [ˈmænjuǝl], labour [ˈleɪbǝ], amount [ǝˈmaunt]

Sherlock Holmes's quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else."

Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion.

"How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes (как, во имя хорошей судьбы = о Боже, откуда вы все это узнали, мистер Холмс)?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did manual labour (откуда вы узнали, например, что я занимался физическим трудом)? It's as true as gospel (это истинно так: «так же верно, как Евангелие»), for I began as a ship's carpenter (/так как/ я начинал как корабельный плотник)."

"Your hands, my dear sir (ваши руки, мой дорогой сэр). Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left (ваша правая рука примерно на размер больше, чем ваша левая). You have worked with it (вы работали ей), and the muscles are more developed (и мускулы /на ней/ сильнее развиты)."

"Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry (ну, /а/ нюханье табака тогда, и масонство)?"

fortune [ˈfɔ:tʃǝn], gospel [ˈɡɔsp(ǝ)l], carpenter [ˈkɑ:pɪntǝ], size [saɪz], muscles [mʌslz], developed [dɪˈvelǝpt]

"How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did manual labour? It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carpenter."

"Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more developed."

"Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?"

"I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that (я не оскорблю ваш интеллект, говоря вам, как я прочел = узнал об этом = об этом было нетрудно догадаться), especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order (особенно так как, вопреки строгим правилам вашего ордена), you use an arc-and-compass breastpin (вы используете = носите булавку, запонку с дугой и окружностью /масонский знак/; breast — грудь, pin — заколка, булавка)."

"Ah, of course, I forgot that (ах, ну конечно, я забыл /про/ это). But the writing (но писание = как вы узнали, что мне пришлось много писать)?"

"What else can be indicated (что еще может быть показано = на что еще может указывать) by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches (правый рукав, манжета, /такой/ лоснящийся на пять дюймов), and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow (и левый рукав с гладким пятном = с лоснящейся тканью возле локтя) where you rest it upon the desk (/в том месте/, где вы клали его на письменный стол)?"

"Well, but China (ну, а Китай)?"

intelligence [ɪnˈtelɪʤǝns], arc [ɑ:k], breastpin [ˈbrestpɪn], cuff [kʌf], smooth [smu:ð], elbow [ˈelbǝu]

"I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you use an arc-and-compass breastpin."

"Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?"

"What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?"

"Well, but China?"

"The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist (рыба, которую вы вытатуировали непосредственно над правым запястьем) could only have been done in China (могла быть сделана только в Китае). I have made a small study of tattoo marks (я провел небольшое исследование /разных типов/ татуировок) and have even contributed to the literature of the subject (и даже внес вклад в литературу по этому предмету; to contribute to — содействовать, помогать). That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China (/такой/ обычай окрашивать рыбью чешую в нежно-розовый цвет совершенно специфичен для Китая = свойствен только Китаю). When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain (когда, помимо всего прочего, я вижу китайскую монету, свисающую с = висящую на вашей цепочке для часов), the matter becomes even more simple (задача становится еще более простой)."

tattooed [ˈtætu:d], wrist [rɪst], literature [ˈlɪtrǝtʃǝ], scales [skeɪlz]

"The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter becomes even more simple."

Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily (громко: «тяжело» рассмеялся). "Well, I never (не может быть, ну и ну)!" said he. "I thought at first that you had done something clever (я подумал сначала, что вы сделали что-то умное = что вы применяете какие-то изощренные средства), but I see that there was nothing in it, after all (но я вижу, что это так просто: «было ничего в этом», в конечном итоге)."

laughed [lɑ:ft], heavily [ˈhevɪlɪ]

"I begin to think (я начинаю думать), Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in explaining (что я делаю ошибку, объясняя /свои выводы/). 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico (все неведомое кажется нам великолепным (лат.)),' you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is (и моя скромная маленькая репутация, как бы то ни было), will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid (потерпит кораблекрушение, если я /буду/ так откровенен). Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson (вы не можете найти объявление = вы нашли объявление, мистер Уилсон)?"

reputation [repjuˈteɪʃn], shipwreck [ˈʃɪprek], candid [ˈkændɪd]

"Yes, I have got it now (да, теперь нашел)," he answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column (он ответил со своим толстым красным пальцем, размещенным на полпути колонки = держа толстый красный палец в центре столбца; to plant — сажать, приставить). "Here it is (вот оно). This is what began it all (с этого все и началось). You just read it for yourself, sir (вы просто прочитайте это для самого себя = прочтите его сами, сэр)."

thick [Ɵɪk], halfway [ˈhɑ:fweɪ]

Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that there was nothing in it, after all."

"I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?"

"Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began it all. You just read it for yourself, sir."

I took the paper from him and read as follows (я взял газету у него и прочитал следующее: «как следует»):

TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE (союзу рыжих: «лиге красноголовых»): On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A. (на основании завещания покойного Изекии Хопкинса из Либанона, Пенсильвания, США), there is now another vacancy open (открыта новая вакансия) which entitles a member of the League (которая дает право члену Союза) to a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services (на получение зарплаты /в размере/ четырех фунтов в неделю за чисто символические услуги = работу). All red-headed men who are sound in body and mind (все рыжеволосые мужчины, которые здоровы физически и умственно = в здравом уме и твердой памяти) and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible (и в возрасте старше: «над» двадцати одного года, могут получить это место). Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope's Court, Fleet Street (обращаться лично в понедельник, в одиннадцать часов, к Дункану Россу, в контору Союза /по адресу/ Флит-стрит, Попс-корт, 7).

league [li:ɡ], bequest [bɪˈkwest], entitles [ɪnˈtaɪtlz], eligible [ˈelɪʤǝbl]

I took the paper from him and read as follows:

TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope's Court, Fleet Street.

"What on earth does this mean (что, черт побери: «на земле» это значит)?" I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement (воскликнул я, после того как дважды прочитал необычайное объявление; to read over — перечитывать).

earth [ɜ:Ɵ], ejaculated [ɪˈʤækjuleɪtɪd], twice [twaɪs]

Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair (Холмс усмехнулся и дернулся на стуле; to wriggle — извиваться, изгибаться), as was his habit when in high spirits (так как это была его привычка, когда /он находился/ в приподнятом настроении). "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it (это немного в стороне от проторенных дорог = своеобразное, незаурядное /объявление/, не так ли)?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch (а теперь, мистер Уилсон, начните сначала /ваш рассказ/: «отправляйтесь с линии старта») and tell us all about yourself, your household (и расскажите нам все о себе, о вашем доме = домашнем обиходе), and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes (и об эффекте = роли, которую это объявление сыграло в вашей жизни: «на ваших судьбах»). You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date (сначала запишите, доктор, /название/ газеты и дату)."

"It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890 (это «Утренняя хроника» от 27 апреля 1890 года). Just two months ago (ровно два месяца назад)."

chuckled [tʃʌkld], wriggled [ˈrɪɡld], household [ˈhaushǝuld], effect [ɪˈfekt]

"What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement.

Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date."

"It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago."

"Very good (очень хорошо). Now, Mr. Wilson (а теперь = продолжайте, мистер Уилсон)?"

"Well, it is just as I have been telling you (как я вам уже говорил: «был рассказывающим»), Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead (вытирая лоб); "I have a small pawnbroker's business at Saxe-Coburg Square, near the City (у меня есть маленькая ссудная касса на Сакс-Кобург-сквер, рядом с Сити; pawnbroker — ростовщик). It's not a very large affair (это не очень большое дело), and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living (и за последние годы оно не делало больше, чем только давать мне пропитание = доходов хватало лишь на кусок хлеба). I used to be able to keep two assistants (я привык иметь возможность держать двух помощников), but now I only keep one (но теперь у меня только один); and I would have a job to pay him (мне трудно было бы платить и ему: «я должен был бы иметь работу, чтобы платить ему»; to have a job — иметь хорошую работу), but that he is willing to come for half wages, so as to learn the business (но он желает работать за половину зарплаты, чтобы иметь возможность изучить мое дело; so as to — с тем чтобы)."

pawnbroker [ˈpɔ:nbrǝukǝ], affair [ǝˈfeǝ], assistant [ǝˈsɪstǝnt], wages [ˈweɪʤɪz]

"Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?"

"Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small pawnbroker's business at Saxe-Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him, but that he is willing to come for half wages, so as to learn the business."

"What is the name of this obliging youth (как зовут этого услужливого юношу)?" asked Sherlock Holmes.

obliging [ǝˈblaɪʤɪŋ], youth [juƟ]

"His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, either (его имя Винсент Сполдинг, и он не такой уж и юноша; either — также). It's hard to say his age (трудно сказать его возраст = сколько ему лет). I should not wish a smarter assistant (мне не следует желать более расторопного помощника = более проворного помощника мне не сыскать), Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him (и я знаю очень хорошо, что он мог бы улучшить свое положение и зарабатывать в два раза больше, чем я в состоянии предложить ему). But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head (но, в конце концов, если он доволен, зачем мне закладывать идеи в его голову = внушать мысли, которые повредят мне)?"

earn [ǝ:n], twice [twaɪs], satisfied [ˈsætɪsfaɪd]

"What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes.

"His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?"

"Why, indeed (зачем, в самом деле)? You seem most fortunate in having an employee (вам, кажется, повезло иметь работника: «вы кажетесь очень удачливыми в имении работника») who comes under the full market price (который работает ниже полной рыночной стоимости = которому вы платите меньше, чем другие). It is not a common experience among employers in this age (это необычный опыт среди нанимателей в наше время). I don't know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement (я не знаю, что более необыкновенно — ваш помощник или ваше объявление; remarkable — примечательный)."

employee [emplɔɪˈɪ], market [ˈmɑ:kɪt], price [praɪs]

"Oh, he has his faults, too (о, у него есть свои недостатки также)," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a fellow for photography (никогда не было такого парня для фотографии = никогда не встречал человека, так страстно увлеченного фотографией). Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind (щелкает фотоаппаратом, когда ему следует улучшать свой разум), and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole (а затем ныряет в погреб, как кролик в свою нору) to develop his pictures (чтобы проявить снимки). That is his main fault (это его главный недостаток), but on the whole he's a good worker (но в целом он хороший работник). There's no vice in him (в нем нет пороков)."

faults [fɔ:lts], fellow [ˈfelǝu], ought [ɔ:t], cellar [ˈselǝ]

"He is still with you, I presume (он все еще с вами = служит у вас, я предполагаю)?"

"Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employee who comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement."

"Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice in him."

"He is still with you, I presume?"

"Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean (он и девчонка четырнадцати /лет/, которая делает немного простой готовки = немного готовит и держит место /лавки/ чистым = делает уборку) — that's all I have in the house (это все, кто есть у меня = живет в доме), for I am a widower and never had any family (так как я вдовец и никогда не имел семьи). We live very quietly, sir, the three of us (мы живем очень тихо, сэр, втроем: «все трое из нас»); and we keep a roof over our heads (и мы держим крышу над нашими головами = поддерживаем огонь в очаге) and pay our debts, if we do nothing more (и оплачиваем долги, если мы не делаем ничего более = вот и все наши дела).

widower [ˈwɪdǝuǝ], quietly [ˈkwaɪǝtlɪ], roof [ru:f], debts [dets]

"The first thing that put us out was that advertisement (первой вещью, которая выбила нас из колеи, было то объявление; to put out — смущать). Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks (Сполдинг, он пришел в контору как раз в этот день восемь недель /назад/), with this very paper in his hand, and he says (с этой самой газетой в руке, и говорит):

"'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man (я хотел бы, мистер Уилсон, чтобы Господь создал меня рыжим /человеком/).'

"'Why’s that (почему это)?' I asks.

"Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean — that's all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts, if we do nothing more.

"The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says:

"'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.'

"'Why’s that?' I asks.

"'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Red-headed Men (ну вот, появилась новая вакансия в Союзе рыжих). It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it (она стоит = даст вполне небольшой достаток тому, кто ее займет: «получит»), and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men (и /как/ я понимаю, там больше вакансий, чем кандидатов), so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to do with the money (и что доверенные лица = душеприказчики ломают себе голову: «на краю их разума», что сделать с деньгами). If my hair would only change color (если бы мои волосы только могли изменить цвет), here's a nice little crib all ready for me to step into (я бы воспользовался этим выгодным местом: «здесь хорошая маленькая кормушка, полностью готовая, чтобы я пришел к ней»; to step into — входить, войти).'

vacancy [ˈveɪkǝnsɪ], worth [wǝ:Ɵ], trustees [trʌˈsti:z], ready [ˈredɪ]

"'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man (я большой домосед; to stay — оставаться), and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it (так как мое дело приходило ко мне, вместо того, чтобы мне приходилось идти к нему = клиенты сами приходили ко мне), I was often weeks on end (часто по целым неделям; on end — подряд, кряду) without putting my foot over the doormat (не переступал порога: «без переступания ногой через половик»). In that way (таким образом) I didn't know much of what was going on outside (я почти не знал о том, что происходило снаружи), and I was always glad of a bit of news (был всегда рад /получить/ немного новостей).

"'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change color, here's a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.'

"'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my foot over the doormat. In that way I didn't know much of what was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news.

"'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men (/разве/ вы никогда не слышали о Союзе рыжих)?' he asked with his eyes open (спросил он со своими открытыми глазами = широко открыв глаза).

"'Never (никогда).'

"'Why, I wonder at that (ну, я удивлен на это = это меня удивляет), for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies (так как вы сами подходите, чтобы занять одну из вакансий).'

"'And what are they worth (и чего они стоят = а много ли можно заработать)?' I asked.

"'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year (о, всего лишь пару сотен /фунтов/ в год), but the work is slight (но работа незначительная = пустяковая), and it need not interfere very much with one's other occupations (и не отвлекает очень сильно от других занятий).'

merely [ˈmɪǝlɪ], couple [kʌpl], interfere [ɪntǝˈfɪǝ]

"'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he asked with his eyes open.

"'Never.'

"'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies.'

"'And what are they worth?' I asked.

"'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one's other occupations.'

"Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears (итак, вы можете легко подумать, что это /объявление/ заставило меня навострить уши), for the business has not been over-good for some years (так как мой бизнес не был слишком прибыльным /уже/ несколько лет), and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy (и дополнительная пара сотен была бы очень кстати; handy — полезный, доступный).

ears [ɪǝz], business [ˈbɪznɪs], handy [ˈhændɪ]

"'Tell me all about it (расскажите мне все об этом),' said I.

"Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.

"'Tell me all about it,' said I.

"'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement (сказал он, показывая мне объявление), 'you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy (вы можете видеть для себя самих = как вы сами можете видеть, Союз имеет вакансию = имеется вакансия), and there is the address where you should apply for particulars (и здесь есть адрес, куда вам следует обращаться за справками/подробностями). As far as I can make out (насколько я понимаю; to make out — разбирать, понимать), the League was founded by an American millionaire (Союз был основан американским миллионером), Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways (который был очень странным в своих привычках = был большим чудаком). He was himself red-headed (он сам был рыжим: «красноголовым»), and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men (и он имел огромное сочувствие к = сочувствовал всем рыжим); so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees (поэтому, когда он умер, оказалось: «было обнаружено», что он оставил свое громадное состояние в руках попечителей = душеприказчиков), with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths (с указаниями употребить проценты /с этого состояния/ для предоставления легких мест; berth — койка; должность) to men whose hair is of that color (людям, чьи волосы того цвета). From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to do (от всех я слышу = все говорят, что это роскошное жалованье, а работать почти не требуется: «и очень мало /нужно/ делать»).'

particulars [pǝˈtɪkjulǝz], sympathy [ˈsɪmpǝƟɪ], enormous [ɪˈnɔ:mǝs], berth [bǝ:Ɵ]

"'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that color. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to do.'

"'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who would apply (найдутся миллионы рыжих, которые подадут заявление).'

"'Not so many as you might think (не так /уж и/ много, как вы можете подумать),' he answered. 'You see (видите ли), it is really confined to Londoners (это относится = обращено только к лондонцам; to confine — ограничивать), and to grown men (и /только/ к взрослым). This American had started from London when he was young (этот американец начинал /карьеру/ в Лондоне, когда он был молодым = в молодости; to start from — исходить), and he wanted to do the old town a good turn (и он хотел оказать старому городу хорошую услугу = облагодетельствовать родной город). Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red (также еще я слышал, /что это/ бесполезно обращаться, если ваши волосы светло-рыжие), or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red (или темно-рыжие, или какие-либо другие, кроме настоящего яркого, пылающего, огненно-рыжего цвета). Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wilson (теперь, если вы желаете обратиться, мистер Уилсон), you would just walk in (вы бы легко получили то место; to walk in — войти; легко получить работу); but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds (но, возможно, вам не стоит отвлекаться /от основной работы/ из-за нескольких сотен фунтов; hardly — едва; to be worth — стоить; while — промежуток времени; out of the way — лежащий в стороне, не по пути; for the sake of — ради).'

confined [kǝnˈfaɪnd], blazing [ˈbleɪzɪŋ], fiery [ˈfaɪǝrɪ], pound [paund]

"'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who would apply.'

"'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see, it is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds.'

"Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves (итак, это факт, джентльмены, как вы сами можете видеть), that my hair is of a very full and rich tint (что мои волосы очень насыщенного и богатого оттенка), so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter (и потому мне казалось, что если бы /там/ случилось состязание в этом деле) I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met (у меня был бы такой же хороший шанс, как и у любого человека, которого я когдf-либо встречал = как и у других /участников/). Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it (Винсент Сполдинг, казалось, так много знает об этом) that I thought he might prove useful (что я подумал, /что/ он может оказаться полезным), so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day (поэтому я приказал ему закрыть ставни на тот день) and to come right away with me (и пойти прямо туда вместе со мной). He was very willing to have a holiday (он был очень желающим иметь выходной = очень обрадовался выходному), so we shut the business up (и вот, мы закрыли контору) and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement (и отправились по адресу, который был дан нам в объявлении).

competition [kɒmpɪˈtɪʃn], thought [Ɵɔ:t], holiday [ˈhɒlɪdɪ]

"Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement.

"I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes (я не надеюсь более никогда увидеть вновь такое зрелище, как то = такого мне никогда не придется больше повидать). From north, south, east, and west (с севера, юга, востока и запада) every man who had a shade of red in his hair (каждый /человек/, кто имел хоть малейший оттенок рыжего в своих волосах; shade — тень; намек, оттенок) had tramped into the Сity to answer the advertisement (притопали в Сити откликнуться на объявление; to tramp — тяжело ступать, тащиться). Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk (Флит-стрит была забита рыжими людьми; to choke with — подавиться; folk — люди, племя), and Pope's Court looked like a coster's orange barrow (а Попс-корт был похож на тачку уличного торговца апельсинами). I should not have thought there were so many in the whole country (я не мог подумать = никогда бы не подумал, что во всей стране так много /рыжих/) as were brought together by that single advertisement (как /те/, которые собрались вместе по одному объявлению). Every shade of colour they were (они были всех оттенков цвета = рыжего) — straw (соломенного), lemon (лимонного), orange (апельсинового), brick (кирпичного), Irish-setter (/цвета/ ирландского сеттера), liver (темно-каштанового), clay (глиняного); but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-colored tint (там было немного /людей/, кто имел бы настоящий живой огненный тон). When I saw how many were waiting (когда я увидел, как много было ожидающих), I would have given it up in despair (я бы бросил это в отчаянии = чуть не пришел в отчаяние); but Spaulding would not hear of it (не захотел об этом слышать = настаивал на своем). How he did it I could not imagine (как он это сделал, я не мог представить), but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd (он толкался, и втискивался, и бодался, пока не провел меня через толпу), and right up to the steps which led to the office (и прямо к лестнице, которая вела к конторе). There was a double stream upon the stair (по лестнице двигался двойной поток), some going up in hope (некоторые поднимались в надежде = полные надежд), and some coming back dejected (а другие спускались угнетенные); but we wedged in as well as we could (но мы вклинились как могли) and soon found ourselves in the office (и вскоре очутились в конторе)."

sight [saɪt], north [nɔ:Ɵ], folk [fǝuk], straw [strɔ:], despair [dɪsˈpeǝ], wedged [weʤd]

"I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hair had tramped into the Сity to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought there were so many in the whole country as were brought together by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they were — straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-colored tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office."

"Your experience has been a most entertaining one (ваше приключение было наиболее занимательным /приключением/ = с вами произошла очень интересная история)," remarked Holmes as his client paused (заметил Холмс, когда его клиент сделал паузу) and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff (и освежил свою память огромной понюшкой табаку). "Pray continue your very interesting statement (прошу вас = пожалуйста, продолжайте ваше очень интересное изложение = рассказ)."

experience [ɪkˈspɪrɪǝns], huge [hju:ʤ], continue [kǝnˈtɪnju:]

"There was nothing in the office (в конторе не было ничего) but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table (кроме пары деревянных стульев и стола из сосновых досок), behind which sat a small man (за которым сидел маленький человек) with a head that was even redder than mine (с головой, которая была даже более рыжей, чем моя). He said a few words to each candidate as he came up (он говорил несколько слов каждому кандидату, когда тот подходил /к столу/), and then he always managed to find some fault in them (и затем он всегда ухитрялся найти какой-нибудь недостаток в них) which would disqualify them (что делало их неспособными занять вакансию; to disqualify — признать негодным, дисквалифицировать). Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter (получение вакансии не казалось таким уж простым делом), after all (в конечном счете). However (как бы то ни было), when our turn came (когда пришла наша очередь) the little man was much more favorable to me (маленький человек был намного более благосклонен ко мне) than to any of the others (чем к любому из других), and he closed the door as we entered (и он запер дверь, как только мы вошли), so that he might have a private word with us (так, чтобы он мог иметь частное слово с нами = чтобы побеседовать с нами без посторонних).

deal [di:l], candidate [ˈkændɪdǝt], favorable [ˈfeɪvǝrǝbl], private [ˈpraɪvɪt]

"Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement."

"There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn came the little man was much more favorable to me than to any of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might have a private word with us.

"'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant (сказал мой помощник), 'and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League (и он желает занять вакансию в Союзе; to fill — заполнять, занимать).'

"'And he is admirably suited for it (и он замечательно годится для этого),' the other answered (ответил тот). 'He has every requirement (у него есть каждое условие = он полностью подходит). I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine (я не могу вспомнит, когда /еще/ я видел что-либо столь прекрасное).' He took a step backward (он шагнул назад), cocked his head on one side (склонил голову на одну сторону = набок), and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful (и глядел на мои волосы до тех пор, пока я почувствовал /себя/ довольно сконфуженно = мне стало неловко). Then suddenly he plunged forward (затем внезапно он бросился вперед), wrung my hand (сжал мою руку; to wring — скручивать, жать), and congratulated me warmly on my success (и поздравил меня горячо с моим успехом).

requirement [rɪˈkwaɪǝmǝnt], plunged [plʌnʤd], congratulated [kǝnˈɡrætjuleɪtɪd]

"'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.'

"'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success.

"'It would be injustice to hesitate (было бы несправедливостью колебаться),' said he. 'You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution (вы, однако, я уверен, простите меня за принятие безусловных мер предосторожности).' With that he seized my hair in both his hands (с этим = с этими словами он схватил мои волосы обеими своими руками), and tugged until I yelled with the pain (и подергал /со всей силой/, пока я не вскрикнул от боли). 'There is water in your eyes (в ваших глазах слезы),' said he as he released me (сказал он, отпуская меня). 'I perceive that all is as it should be (я вижу, что все /есть/ так, как это и должно быть = все в порядке; to perceive — воспринимать, ощущать). But we have to be careful (но нам приходится быть осторожными), for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint (так как мы дважды были обмануты с помощью париков и один раз — с помощью краски). I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax (я мог бы рассказать вам истории о воске для вощения ниток; cobbler — сапожник) which would disgust you with human nature (которые внушили бы вам отвращение к человеческой натуре).' He stepped over to the window and shouted through it (он подошел к окну и крикнул в: «сквозь» него; to step over — переступать, перейти) at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled (во весь голос, что вакансия была заполнена = уже занята). A groan of disappointment came up from below (стон разочарования донесся снизу), and the folk all trooped away in different directions (и вся толпа удалилась в разных направлениях) until there was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the manager (пока там не было ни одной рыжей головы /чтобы увидеть/, кроме моей собственной и /головы/ распорядителя).

injustice [ɪnˈʤʌstɪs], hesitate [ˈhezɪteɪt], seized [si:zd], perceive [pǝˈsi:v]

"'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the manager.

"'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross (мое имя, сказал он, мистер Дункан Росс), and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund (и я сам один из пенсионеров этого фонда) left by our noble benefactor (оставленного нашим великодушным благодетелем). Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson (вы женатый человек = женаты, мистер Уилсон)? Have you a family (у вас есть семья)?'

"I answered that I had not (я ответил, что нет).

"His face fell immediately (его лицо вытянулось: «упало» немедленно).

pensioners [ˈpenʃǝnǝz], noble [nǝubl], benefactor [benɪˈfæktǝ]

"'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?'

"I answered that I had not.

"His face fell immediately.

"'Dear me (Боже мой)!' he said gravely (сказал он серьезно = мрачно), 'that is very serious indeed (это действительно очень серьезно)! I am sorry to hear you say that (мне жаль слышать, что вы говорите это). The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the red-heads (фонд был /создан/, конечно, для умножения и распространения рыжих) as well as for their maintenance (так же как и для их поддержки). It is exceedingly unfortunate (это чрезвычайно неудачно = какое несчастье) that you should be a bachelor (что вы оказались холостяком).'

gravely [ˈɡreɪvlɪ], maintenance [ˈmeɪntǝnǝns], bachelor [ˈbætʃǝlǝ]

"My face lengthened at this (мое лицо вытянулось на это = при таких словах), Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all (так как я подумал, что мне не удастся получить вакансию в конечном итоге); but after thinking it over for a few minutes (но после думания над этим = подумав несколько минут) he said that it would be all right (он сказал, что все будет в порядке = все обойдется).

lengthened [ˈleŋƟǝnd], vacancy [ˈveɪkǝnsɪ]

"'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor.'

"My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for a few minutes he said that it would be all right.

"'In the case of another (в случае другого = для кого-либо другого),' said he, 'the objection might be fatal (это препятствие могло быть фатальным), but we must stretch a point in favor of a man with such a head of hair as yours (но мы должны сделать уступки = пойти навстречу в интересах человека с головой таких волос как ваши = с такими волосами). When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties (когда вы будете готовы приступить к выполнению ваших новых обязанностей)?'

objection [ǝbˈʤekʃn], fatal [feɪtl], favor [ˈfeɪvǝ], duties [ˈdju:tɪz]

"'Well, it is a little awkward (ну, это немного неловко = несколько затруднительно) for I have a business already (так как у меня уже есть дело),' said I.

awkward [ˈɔ:kwǝd]

"'Oh, never mind about that (о, не беспокойтесь об этом), Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 'I should be able to look after that for you (я смогу присматривать за конторой для вас).'

"'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favor of a man with such a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties?'

"'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' said I.

"'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 'I should be able to look after that for you.'

"'What would be the hours (какие будут часы = в какое время я буду занят)?' I asked.

"'Ten to two (с десяти до двух).'

"Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening (теперь ссудный бизнес в основном делается вечером = главная работа происходит по вечерам), Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening (особенно по четвергам и пятницам /вечером/), which is just before pay-day (что как раз до = накануне /дня выдачи/ зарплаты); so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings (поэтому это подходило мне очень хорошо = было бы неплохо заработать немного утром). Besides (кроме того), I knew that my assistant was a good man (я знал, что мой помощник хороший человек), and that he would see to anything that turned up (и что он может заменить меня в случае чего; to turn up — случаться, появляться).

pawnbroker [ˈpɔ:nbrǝukǝ], Thursday [ˈƟǝ:zdɪ], besides [bɪˈsaɪdz]

"'What would be the hours?' I asked.

"'Ten to two.'

"Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and that he would see to anything that turned up.

"'That would suit me very well (это мне вполне подходит),' said I. 'And the pay (а жалованье)?'

"'Is 4 pounds a week (четыре фунта в неделю).'

"'And the work (а работа = в чем заключается работа)?'

"'Is purely nominal (чисто символическая).'

"'What do you call purely nominal (что вы называете чисто символической)?'

"'Well, you have to be in the office (ну, вам придется находиться в конторе), or at least in the building, the whole time (или, по крайней мере, в здании /где находится контора/ все время /работы/). If you leave (если вы уйдете /в рабочее время/; to leave — покидать, оставлять), you forfeit your whole position forever (вы потеряете службу: «всю должность» навсегда). The will is very clear upon that point (завещание очень ясно на этом пункте = настаивает на четком выполнении этого условия). You don't comply with the conditions (вы не соблюдаете условий) if you budge from the office during that time (если вы уходите из конторы в эти часы; to budge — шевелиться, перемещаться).'

least [li:st], building [ˈbɪldɪŋ], forfeit [ˈfɔ:fɪt], budge [bʌʤ]

"'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?'

"'Is 4 pounds a week.'

"'And the work?'

"'Is purely nominal.'

"'What do you call purely nominal?'

"'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time.'

"'It's only four hours a day (это всего лишь четыре часа в день), and I should not think of leaving (и мне в голову не придет уйти),' said I.

"'No excuse will avail (никакие извинения не помогут; to avail — быть полезным, помогать),' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness nor business nor anything else (ни болезнь, ни работа, ни что-либо еще; neither… nor… — ни тот, ни другой). There you must stay, or you lose your billet (там вы должны оставаться — или вы теряете место).'

excuse [ɪkˈskju:s], avail [ǝˈveil], lose [lu:z]

"'And the work (а /в чем состоит/ работа)?'

"'Is to copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica (переписывать Британскую энциклопедию; to copy out — выписывать). There is the first volume of it in that press (первый ее том — в шкафу). You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper (вы должны найти свои собственные = достать сами чернила, ручки и промокательную бумагу; to blot — промокать), but we provide this table and chair (а мы предоставляем этот стол и стул). Will you be ready tomorrow (вы будете готовы /начать/ завтра)?'

encyclopaedia [ɪnsaɪklǝˈpi:dɪǝ], volume [ˈvɒlju:m], provide [prǝˈvaɪd]

"'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' said I.

"'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose your billet.'

"'And the work?'

"'Is to copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica. There is the first volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be ready tomorrow?'

"'Certainly (конечно),' I answered.

"'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson (в таком случае, до свидания, мистер Джабез Уилсон), and let me congratulate you once more on the important position (и позвольте поздравить вас еще раз с важным = хорошим местом) which you have been fortunate enough to gain (которое вы были достаточно удачливы, чтобы получить).' He bowed me out of the room (он поклонился мне /в знак прощания, когда я выходил из комнаты/) and I went home with my assistant (и я пошел домой вместе с моим помощником), hardly knowing what to say or do (едва зная, что сказать или сделать), I was so pleased at my own good fortune (я был так доволен своим собственным успехом; good fortune — счастье, удача).

enough [ɪˈnʌf], bowed [baud], fortune [ˈfɔ:tʃǝn]

"'Certainly,' I answered.

"'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased at my own good fortune.

"Well, I thought over the matter all day (я размышлял об этом деле весь день; to think over — обдумывать), and by evening I was in low spirits again (и к вечеру я снова несколько упал духом: «был в плохом настроении»); for I had quite persuaded myself (так как я вполне убедил самого себя) that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud (что все это дело, должно быть, какой-то великий розыгрыш или мошенничество), though what its object might be I could not imagine (хотя что за цель могла этим преследоваться, я не мог вообразить). It seemed altogether past belief (/это/ казалось в целом совершенно невероятным; past belief — немыслимо: «за пределами веры») that anyone could make such a will (что кто-то мог оставить такое завещание), or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopaedia Britannica (или что они заплатят такую сумму за что-то столь простое, как переписка Британской энциклопедии). Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up (Винсент Сполдинг делал /все/ что /он/ мог, чтобы подбодрить меня), but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing (но, ложась спать, я решил отказаться от этой всей вещи; to reason out — разубеждать). However (тем не менее), in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow (утром я решился ознакомиться: «иметь взгляд на = глянуть на» с этим так или иначе), so I bought a penny bottle of ink (поэтому я купил дешевых: «однопенсовый флакон» чернил), and with a quill-pen (и с гусиным пером), and seven sheets of foolscap paper (и с семью листами писчей бумаги; foolscap paper — лист бумаги 13*16 дюймов), I started off for Pope's Court (я отправился в Попс-корт).

hoax [hǝuks], fraud [frɔ:d], belief [bɪˈli:f], quill [kwɪl], court [kɔ:t]

"Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope's Court.

"Well, to my surprise and delight (и вот, к моему удивлению и радости), everything was as right as possible (/там/ все было в порядке: «так правильно, как только возможно»). The table was set out ready for me (стол уже был подготовлен для меня; to set out — снабжать всем необходимым), and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work (и мистер Дункан Росс был там, чтобы убедиться, что я принялся честно за работу). He started me off upon the letter A (он велел мне начать с буквы А; to start off — засадить за работу), and then he left me (и затем он покинул меня = ушел); but he would drop in from time to time (но он заглядывал время от времени) to see that all was right with me (чтобы посмотреть, что все хорошо со мной = работаю ли я). At two o'clock he bade me good-day (в два часа он попрощался со мной: «пожелал мне хорошего дня»), complimented me upon the amount that I had written (похвалил меня за количество /статей/, которые я написал = переписал), and locked the door of the office after me (и запер дверь конторы после меня = за мной).

delight [dɪˈlaɪt], fairly [ˈfeǝlɪ], bade [beɪd], amount [ǝˈmaunt]

"Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me.

"This went on day after day (так шло изо дня в день), Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week's work (и в субботу мой хозяин вошел и выложил /на стол/ четыре золотых соверена за мою недельную работу). It was the same next week (так же было /и/ на следующую неделю), and the same the week after (и неделю спустя). Every morning I was there at ten (каждое утро я был там в десять), and every afternoon I left at two (и каждый день я уходил в два). By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning (постепенно мистер Дункан Росс стал приходить только один раз утром; to take to — увлечься, привыкнуть), and then, after a time, he did not come in at all (а затем, через некоторое время, он не заходил /в контору/ вообще). Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant (тем не менее, конечно, я никогда не смел выйти из комнаты /даже/ на мгновение), for I was not sure when he might come (так как не был уверен, когда он может прийти), and the billet was such a good one (и должность была такой хорошей), and suited me so well (и подходила мне так отлично), that I would not risk the loss of it (что я не стал бы рисковать потерей ее).

planked [plæŋkt], sovereign [ˈsɔvrɪn], dared [deǝd], sure [ʃuǝ]

"This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the loss of it.

"Eight weeks passed away like this (восемь недель прошли таким образом), and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica (и я написал = переписал статьи об аббатах, стрельбе из луков, доспехах, архитектуре и Аттике), and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very long (и надеялся с прилежанием = что благодаря старательности я могу перейти к букве Б в скором времени; before long — в ближайшее время, скоро). It cost me something in foolscap (это стоило мне кое-чего в том, что касается бумаги), and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings (и я почти заполнил полку моими писаниями = написанное мной едва умещалось на полке). And then suddenly the whole business came to an end (и затем внезапно все /занятие/ закончилось: «пришло к концу»)."

eight [eɪt], archery [ˈɑ:tʃǝrɪ], armour [ˈɑ:mǝ], diligence [ˈdɪlɪʤǝns]

"To an end (кончилось)?"

"Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole business came to an end."

"To an end?"

"Yes, sir. And no later than this morning (и не позднее, чем этим утром = сегодня утром). I went to my work as usual at ten o'clock (я пошел на работу, как обычно, к десяти часам), but the door was shut and locked (но дверь была закрыта и заперта /на замок/), with a little square of cardboard (с маленьким прямоугольником = клочком картона) hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack (прибитого к середине панели гвоздиком). Here it is, and you can read for yourself (вот он, и вы можете прочитать для себя = читайте сами)."

square [skweǝ], cardboard [ˈkɑ:dbɔ:d], hammered [ˈhæmǝd], tack [tæk]

He held up a piece of white cardboard (он протянул кусок белого картона) about the size of a sheet of notepaper (размером примерно с листок блокнота). It read in this fashion (там было написано следующее; in this fashion — таким образом):

piece [pi:s], white [wait], size [saɪz], notepaper [nǝutˈpeɪpǝ], fashion [fæʃn]

"Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself."

He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper. It read in this fashion:

THE RED-HEADED

LEAGUE IS DISSOLVED (Союз рыжих распущен; to dissolve — распускать, расторгать).

October 9, 1890.

Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement (Шерлок Холмс и я долго разглядывали это краткое сообщение; to survey — обозревать, изучать) and the rueful face behind it (и унылое лицо за ним), until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration (до тех пор, пока комическая сторона дела заслонила: «так полностью превысила» все другие факторы = стороны) that we both burst out into a roar of laughter (так, что мы оба разразились смехом = громко захохотали).

surveyed [sǝ:ˈveɪd], curt [kǝ:t], rueful [ˈru:ful], roar [rɔ:], laughter [ˈlɑ:ftǝ]

THE RED-HEADED

LEAGUE IS DISSOLVED.

October 9, 1890.

Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter.

"I cannot see that there is anything very funny (я не могу видеть, что там есть что-то очень забавное = не вижу здесь ничего смешного)," cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head (вскричал наш клиент, краснея до корней своей пылающей головы = своих огненных волос; to flush up — покраснеть). "If you can do nothing better than laugh at me (если вы не можете сделать ничего лучшего, чем = вместо того, чтобы помочь, думаете смеяться надо мной), I can go elsewhere (я могу пойти куда-нибудь еще = обращусь к кому-нибудь другому)."

funny [ˈfʌnɪ], flushing [ˈflʌʃɪŋ], elsewhere [ˈelsweǝ]

"I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere."

"No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen (усаживая его обратно на стул, с которого тот наполовину встал; to shove — толкать, пихать). "I really wouldn't miss your case for the world (я действительно не расстался бы с вашим делом ни за что на свете: «за /весь/ мир»). It is most refreshingly unusual (оно наиболее освежающе необычно = освежает своей новизной). But there is, if you will excuse my saying so (но в нем есть, если вы извините мои слова = простите, что я так говорю), something just a little funny about it (что-то немного забавное). Pray what steps did you take (пожалуйста /расскажите/, какие шаги вы приняли = что вы сделали) when you found the card upon the door (когда нашли карточку = записку на двери)?"

shoving [ˈʃʌvɪŋ], unusual [ʌnˈju:ʒuǝl]

"No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the door?"

"I was staggered, sir (я был ошеломлен, сэр). I did not know what to do (я не знал, что делать). Then I called at the offices round (затем я обошел /соседние/ конторы; to call round — заходить, посещать), but none of them seemed to know anything about it (но никто из них, казалось, не знал ничего об этом). Finally, I went to the landlord (наконец, я пошел к хозяину дома), who is an accountant living on the ground-floor (бухгалтеру, живущему на нижнем этаже; ground — земля), and I asked him if he could tell me what had become of the Red-headed League (и я спросил его, может ли он рассказать мне, что случилось с Союзом рыжих). He said that he had never heard of any such body (он сказал, что никогда не слышал о такой организации). Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was (затем я спросил его, кто такой мистер Дункан Росс). He answered that the name was new to him (он ответил, что это имя ново для него = что это имя слышит впервые).

"'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4 (джентльмен из номера четыре).'

"'What, the red-headed man (что, рыжий)?'

"'Yes.'

staggered [ˈstæɡǝd], landlord [ˈlændlɔ:d], accountant [ǝˈkauntǝnt], heard [hǝ:d]

"I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him.

"'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.'

"'What, the red-headed man?'

"'Yes.'

"'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris (его звали Уильям Моррис). He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience (он был адвокатом и использовал мое помещение как = в качестве временного удобства; solicitor — адвокат /дающий советы клиенту, подготавливающий дела для барристера и выступающий только в судах низшей инстанции/) until his new premises were ready (до тех пор, пока его новые помещения не были готовы). He moved out yesterday (он съехал /с квартиры/ вчера).'

solicitor [sǝˈlɪsɪtǝ], temporary [ˈtemprǝrɪ], convenience [kǝnˈvi:nɪǝns], premise [ˈpremɪs]

"'Where could I find him (где я мог бы его найти)?'

"'Oh, at his new offices (о, в его новой конторе). He did tell me the address (он действительно сказал мне адрес; to do перед глаголом используется для усиления). Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul's (да, Кинг-Эдуард-стрит, 17, рядом с собором Св. Павла).'

"'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.'

"'Where could I find him?'

"'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.'

"I started off, Mr. Holmes (я отправился /по этому адресу/, мистер Холмс), but when I got to that address (но когда я добрался до этого адреса) it was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps (там была мастерская /по производству/ искусственных коленных чашечек), and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross (и никто там никогда не слыхал ни о мистере Уильяме Моррисе, ни о мистере Дункане Россе)."

manufactory [mænjuˈfæktɔrɪ], artificial [ɑ:tɪˈfɪʃl], knee [ni:]

"And what did you do then?" asked Holmes.

"I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross."

"And what did you do then?" asked Holmes.

"I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square (я поехал домой на Сакс-Кобург-сквер), and I took the advice of my assistant (и я принял совет моего помощника = посоветовался со своим помощником). But he could not help me in any way (но он не мог мне помочь никак). He could only say that if I waited I should hear by post (он мог лишь сказать, что если я подожду, то услышу по почте = мне что-нибудь сообщат по почте). But that was not quite good enough (но это не было достаточно хорошо = меня это не устраивало), Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle (я не желал терять такое /отличное/ место без борьбы), so, as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it (поэтому, так как я слышал, что вы любезно даете советы бедным людям, которые в надобности этого = нуждаются в них), I came right away to you (я пришел немедленно к вам)."

advice [ǝdˈvaɪs], struggle [strʌɡl], poor [puǝ], folk [fǝuk]

"I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right away to you."

"And you did very wisely (и вы поступили очень мудро)," said Holmes. "Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one (ваше дело исключительно примечательное), and I shall be happy to look into it (и я буду счастлив заняться им; to look into — исследовать, изучать). From what you have told me (из /того/ что вы мне рассказали) I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it (я думаю, что более серьезные проблемы вытекают отсюда) than might at first sight appear (чем может показаться на первый взгляд)."

wisely [ˈwaɪzlɪ], exceedingly [ɪkˈsi:dɪlɪ], issues [ˈɪʃu:z], sight [saɪt], appear [ǝˈpɪǝ]

"Grave enough (серьезно достаточно = куда уж серьезнее)!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pound a week (я же потерял четыре фунта в неделю)."

"And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear."

"Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pound a week."

"As far as you are personally concerned (насколько: «как далеко» вас лично касается)," remarked Holmes (заметил Холмс), "I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league (я не вижу, чтобы у вас был повод для недовольства этим необычайным Союзом; against — против). On the contrary (наоборот), you are, as I understand (вы, как я понимаю), richer by some 30 pounds (богаче примерно на 30 фунтов), to say nothing of the minute knowledge (не говоря уже о: «сказать ничего о» детальных знаниях; minute — мелкий, подробный) which you have gained on every subject (которые вы получили по каждому предмету) which comes under the letter A (который идет под буквой А = начинается с А). You have lost nothing by them (вы ничего не потеряли /из-за них/)."

concerned [kǝnˈsǝ:nd], grievance [ˈɡri:vǝns], knowledge [ˈnɔlɪʤ]

"As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them."

"No, sir (не спорю, сэр). But I want to find out about them (но я хочу узнать о них), and who they are (и кто они такие), and what their object was in playing this prank (и какая их цель была в этой шутке: «в игрании этой шутки») — if it was a prank (если это была шутка) — upon me (со мной). It was a pretty expensive joke for them (это была довольно дорогая шутка для них), for it cost them two and thirty pounds (так как она стоила им тридцать два фунта)."

object [ˈɔbʤɪkt], prank [præŋk], expensive [ɪkˈspensɪv], joke [ʤǝuk]

"We shall endeavor to clear up these points for you (мы постараемся выяснить эти положения для вас). And, first, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson (а прежде один или два вопроса, мистер Уилсон). This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement (этот ваш помощник, который первым показал вам: «призвал ваше внимание» объявление) — how long had he been with you (как долго он с вами = давно ли служит у вас)?"

"About a month then (около месяца)."

endeavor [ɪnˈdevǝ], questions [ˈkwestʃǝnz], attention [ǝˈtenʃn]

"No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and what their object was in playing this prank — if it was a prank — upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cost them two and thirty pounds."

"We shall endeavor to clear up these points for you. And, first, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement — how long had he been with you?"

"About a month then."

"How did he come (как он пришел = где вы его нашли)?"

"In answer to an advertisement (в ответ на объявление = явился по объявлению)."

"Was he the only applicant (был ли он единственным кандидатом)?"

"No, I had a dozen (нет, у меня была дюжина /претендентов/)."

"Why did you pick him (почему вы выбрали его)?"

"Because he was handy and would come cheap (потому что он был ловким, проворным и обошелся бы дешево)."

applicant [ˈæplɪkǝnt], dozen [dʌzn], handy [ˈhændɪ], cheap [tʃi:p]

"How did he come?"

"In answer to an advertisement."

"Was he the only applicant?"

"No, I had a dozen."

"Why did you pick him?"

"Because he was handy and would come cheap."

"At half-wages, in fact (за ползарплаты, фактически)."

"Yes."

"What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding (каков он из себя, этот Винсент Сполдинг)?"

"Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways (маленький, коренастый, очень живой: «быстрый в своих путях»), no hair on his face (на лице нет волос), though he's not short of thirty (хотя ему уже около тридцати). Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead (имеет белое пятно от /ожога/ кислотой на лбу)."

stout-built [stautˈbɪlt], quick [kwɪk], acid [ˈæsɪd], forehead [ˈfɔrɪd]

"At half-wages, in fact."

"Yes."

"What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?"

"Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead."

Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement (Холмс выпрямился в кресле в значительном волнении). "I thought as much (я думал именно так = я так и думал)," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings (вы когда-нибудь замечали, что его уши проколоты; ear — ухо; ring — кольцо; earring — серьга)?"

considerable [kǝnˈsɪdǝrǝbl], excitement [ɪkˈsaɪtmǝnt], pierced [pɪǝst], earring [ˈɪǝrɪŋ]

"Yes, sir. He told me that a gypsy had done it for him when he was a lad (он сказал мне, что какой-то цыган сделал это /для него/, когда он был мальчиком = маленьким)."

gypsy [ˈʤɪpsɪ], lad [læd]

"Hum (хм)!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought (откидываясь в глубокой мысли = раздумье). "He is still with you (он все еще с вами)?"

sinking [ˈsɪŋkɪŋ], thought [Ɵɔ:t]

Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?"

"Yes, sir. He told me that a gypsy had done it for him when he was a lad."

"Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still with you?"

"Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him (я только что оставил его = видел его)."

"And has your business been attended to in your absence (а хорошо ли он справлялся с вашими делами в ваше отсутствие; to attend to — заботиться, следить)?"

"Nothing to complain of, sir (ничего чтобы пожаловаться = не могу жаловаться, сэр). There's never very much to do of a morning (утром никогда не бывает много работы)."

absence [ˈæbsǝns], complain [kǝmˈpleɪn], sir [sǝ:]

"That will do, Mr. Wilson (достаточно, мистер Уилсон). I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two (я буду счастлив = буду иметь удовольствие высказать вам мое мнение по этой теме через день или два; in the course of — в течение). Today is Saturday (сегодня суббота), and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion (и я надеюсь, что к понедельнику мы сможем прийти к заключению = все выясним)."

opinion [ǝˈpɪnjǝn], course [kɔ:s], Saturday [ˈsætǝdɪ], conclusion [kǝnˈklu:ʒn]

"Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him."

"And has your business been attended to in your absence?"

"Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a morning."

"That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. Today is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion."

"Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us (когда наш посетитель покинул нас = ушел), "what do you make of it all (что вы обо всем этом думаете: «что вы делаете из этого всего»)?"

"I make nothing of it (я ничего не думаю)," I answered frankly (ответил я откровенно). "It is a most mysterious business (это совершенно таинственное дело)."

frankly [ˈfræŋklɪ], mysterious [mɪˈstɪrɪǝs]

"As a rule (как правило)," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be (чем более странная вещь = случай, тем менее таинственным он оказывается). It is your commonplace, featureless crimes (это заурядные, бесцветные преступления) which are really puzzling (которые действительно озадачивают), just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify (так же как и заурядное лицо наиболее трудно опознать). But I must be prompt over this matter (но я должен = мне нужно быть быстрым с этим делом)."

"What are you going to do, then (что вы собираетесь делать в таком случае)?" I asked.

rule [ru:l], bizarre [bɪˈzɑ:], featureless [ˈfi:tʃǝlɪs], identify [aɪˈdentɪfaɪ]

"Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what do you make of it all?"

"I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most mysterious business."

"As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this matter."

"What are you going to do, then?" I asked.

"To smoke (курить)," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem (это как раз трехтрубочная проблема = задача на три трубки табаку), and I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes (и я попрошу, чтобы вы не говорили со мной пятьдесят минут)." He curled himself up in his chair (он свернулся в своем кресле), with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose (подтянув худые колени к ястребиному носу; hawk — ястреб), and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe (и вот = в такой позе он сидел с закрытыми глазами и своей черной глиняной трубкой) thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird (торчащей, как клюв какой-то странной птицы; to thrust out — высунуть). I had come to the conclusion (я пришел к заключению) that he had dropped asleep (что он уснул), and indeed was nodding myself (и сам уже начал дремать, клевать носом), when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man (когда он внезапно вскочил со своего кресла с жестом = видом человека) who has made up his mind (который «собрал свой разум» = принял решение) and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece (и положил свою трубку на каминную полку).

pipe [paɪp], hawk [hɔ:k], gesture [ˈʤestʃǝ], mantelpiece [ˈmæntlpi:s]

"To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.

"Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon (Сарасате играет в Сент-Джеймс-холле сегодня днем)," he remarked. "What do you think, Watson (что вы думаете /об этом/, Ватсон)? Could your patients spare you for a few hours (могут ли ваши пациенты обойтись без вас в течение нескольких часов; to spare — экономить, беречь)?"

patients [ˈpeɪʃnts], spare [speǝ], few [fju:], hours [ˈauǝz]

"I have nothing to do today (мне нечего делать сегодня = я свободен сегодня). My practice is never very absorbing (моя практика никогда не поглощает = отнимает много времени)."

practice [ˈpræktɪs], absorbing [ǝbˈzɔ:bɪŋ]

"Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you for a few hours?"

"I have nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing."

"Then put on your hat and come (тогда надевайте вашу шляпу и идемте). I am going through the City first (я собираюсь /проехать/ через Сити сначала), and we can have some lunch on the way (и мы можем иметь ланч = перекусить по пути). I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme (я вижу: «наблюдаю», что в программе много немецкой музыки), which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French (что значительно больше мне по вкусу, чем итальянская или французская). It is introspective (она интроспективна = способствует самоуглублению), and I want to introspect (и я хочу заняться углубиться в себя). Come along (пойдемте; to come along — сопровождать; поторапливаться)!"

through [Ɵru:], deal [di:l], programme [ˈprǝuɡræm], introspective [ɪntrǝˈspektɪv]

"Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!"

We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate (мы доехали: «пропутешествовали» с помощью метро до Олдерсгейта); and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square (и короткая прогулка привела нас до Сакс-Кобург-сквер), the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning (места действия странной истории, которую мы слышали этим утром). It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place (это было убогое, маленькое, пытающееся скрыть свою нищету место; shabby — поношенный; потрепанный; genteel — благородный; изящный), where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses (где четыре ряда грязных двухэтажных кирпичных домов) looked out into a small railed-in enclosure (смотрели /окнами/ на маленькое отгороженное пространство; enclosure — огороженное место, загон), where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel-bushes (где газон сорной травы и несколько /групп/ блеклых лавровых кустов) made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere (делали тяжелый бой = вели тяжелую борьбу с: «против» насыщенной дымом и неблагоприятной атмосферой; laden — нагруженный; сочащийся). Three gilt balls and a brown board with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters (три позолоченных шара и бурая доска с /надписью/ «Джабез Уилсон», выведенной белыми буквами), upon a corner house (на угловом доме), announced the place where our red-headed client carried on his business (объявляли о месте, где = указывали, что здесь наш рыжий клиент вел свое дело). Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it (Шерлок Холмс остановился перед этим = перед дверью) with his head on one side (с головой на одной стороне = склоненной набок головой) and looked it all over (и тщательно осмотрел ее), with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids (/с/ глазами, сверкающими ярко из-под: «между» полуприкрытых век). Then he walked slowly up the street (затем он прошелся медленно /вверх/ по улице), and then down again to the corner (и затем /вниз/ обратно к углу), still looking keenly at the houses (все еще вглядываясь внимательно в дома). Finally he returned to the pawnbroker's (наконец, он вернулся к ссудной кассе), and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times (и, постучав энергично по мостовой своей тростью два или три раза), he went up to the door and knocked (он подошел к двери и постучал /в дверь/). It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in (она была тотчас же открыта расторопным, чисто выбритым молодым человеком, который попросил его войти; bright — живой, расторопный; to shave — бриться).

poky [ˈpǝukɪ], dingy [ˈdɪnʤɪ], lawn [lɔ:n], uncongenial [ʌnkǝnˈʤjnɪǝl], brightly [ˈbraɪtlɪ], pawnbroker [ˈpɔ:n,brǝukǝ], vigorously [ˈvɪɡǝrǝslɪ], pavement [ˈpeɪvmǝnt]

We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in.

"Thank you (спасибо)," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand (я только хотел спросить вас, как пройти: «как бы вы прошли» отсюда на Стрэнд)."

"Third right, fourth left (третий поворот направо, четвертый налево)," answered the assistant promptly, closing the door (ответил помощник быстро, закрывая дверь).

"Smart fellow, that (ловкий парень; that — этот, так, очень)," observed Holmes as we walked away (заметил Холмс, когда мы ушли). "He is, in my judgment (он, по моему мнению: «приговору»), the fourth smartest man in London (четвертый по ловкости человек в Лондоне), and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third (а по смелости, я не уверен, что у него нет притязания /на то, чтобы/ быть третьим = пожалуй, занимает третье место). I have known something of him before (я знал кое-что о нем раньше)."

fellow [ˈfelǝu], judgment [ˈʤʌʤmǝnt], daring [ˈdeǝrɪŋ]

"Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand."

"Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, closing the door.

"Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, in my judgment. the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before."

"Evidently (очевидно)," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League (помощник мистера Уилсона играет немалую роль: «стоит значительного количества» в этой тайне Союза рыжих). I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him (я уверен, что вы спросили дорогу лишь для того, чтобы /вы могли/ увидеть его)."

"Not him (не его)."

"What then (что /же/ тогда)?"

"The knees of his trousers (колени его брюк)."

"And what did you see (и что вы увидели)?"

evidently [ˈevɪdǝntlɪ], inquired [ɪnˈkwaɪǝd], merely [ˈmɪǝlɪ]

"Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him."

"Not him."

"What then?"

"The knees of his trousers."

"And what did you see?"

"What I expected to see (/то/ что я ожидал увидеть)."

"Why did you beat the pavement (зачем вы ударяли мостовую = стучали по камням мостовой)?"

"My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk (мой дорогой доктор, это время = сейчас время для наблюдений, не для разговора). We are spies in an enemy's country (мы шпионы на вражеской территории). We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square (мы знаем кое-что о Сакс-Кобург-сквер). Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it (теперь давайте исследуем: «позвольте нам теперь исследовать» части = улицы, которые лежат позади нее)."

trousers [ˈtrauzǝs], beat [bi:t], spies [spaɪz], explore [ɪkˈsplɔ:]

"What I expected to see."

"Why did you beat the pavement?"

"My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it."

The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square (дорога, в которой мы нашли себя = где мы очутились, когда свернули за угол с уединенной Сакс-Кобург-сквер) presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back (представляла такой же большой контраст = так же сильно отличалась от Сакс-Кобург-сквер, как передняя часть картины от ее оборотной стороны). It was one of the main arteries (это была одна из главных артерий) which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west (которая переправляла уличное движение Сити на север и запад = соединяющая Сити с севером и западом). The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce (дорога была перегорожена = забита нескончаемым потоком экипажей; commerce — транспорт, перевозки) flowing in a double tide inward and outward (движущихся двумя потоками внутрь и наружу; to flow — течь, струиться), while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians (в то время как тротуары: «ножные тропинки» были черными от спешащего роя пешеходов). It was difficult to realize (трудно было представить себе) as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises (глядя на: «когда мы смотрели» ряд прекрасных магазинов и представительных торговых помещений) that they really abutted on the other side (что они действительно граничили с другой стороны) upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted (с блеклой и безлюдной площадью, которую мы только что покинули; stagnant — застойный, неразвивающийся).

retired [rɪˈtaɪǝd], conveyed [kǝnˈveɪd], immense [ɪˈmens], double [dʌbl], swarm [swɔ:m], pedestrians [pɪˈdestrɪǝn], stately [ˈsteɪtlɪ], stagnant [ˈstæɡnǝnt]

The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realize as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted.

"Let me see (позвольте мне взглянуть)," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line (сказал Холмс, вставая на углу и глядя вдоль ряда домов), "I should like just to remember the order of the houses here (я хотел бы только запомнить порядок домов здесь). It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London (это мое хобби — точное знание Лондона). There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist (там магазин Мортимера, владельца табачной фабрики), the little newspaper shop (маленький газетный магазин = лавчонка), the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank (кобургское отделение Городского и Пригородного Банка; branch — ветвь, филиал), the Vegetarian Restaurant (вегетарианский ресторан), and McFarlane's carriage-building depot (и экипажестроительное = каретное депо Макфарлена). That carries us right on to the other block (это приводит нас прямо к следующему кварталу). And now, Doctor, we've done our work (а теперь, доктор, мы сделали нашу работу = наша работа окончена), so it's time we had some play (так что теперь мы можем немного поразвлечься: «время у нас была бы забава, игра»). A sandwich and a cup of coffee (сэндвич с чашкой кофе), and then off to violin-land (а затем — в страну скрипок: «скрипичную страну»), where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony (где все сладость и изысканность и гармония), and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums (и там нет рыжих клиентов, чтобы досаждать нам своими головоломками)."

order [ˈɔ:dǝ], exact [ɪɡˈzækt], knowledge [ˈnɔlɪʤ], branch [brɑ:ntʃ], violin [ˌvaɪǝˈlɪn], delicacy [ˈdelɪkǝsɪ], harmony [ˈhɑ:mǝnɪ], conundrums [kǝˈnʌndrǝmz]

"Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums."

My friend was an enthusiastic musician (мой друг был увлеченным музыкантом), being himself not only a very capable performer (будучи сам не только очень способным исполнителем), but a composer of no ordinary merit (но и композитором необычного достоинства = незаурядным композитором). All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness (весь вечер он сидел в кресле /в партере/, окутанный наиболее совершенным счастьем = очень счастливый), gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music (слегка качая своими длинными, тонкими пальцами в такт музыке), while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes (в то время как его слегка улыбающееся лицо и томные, задумчивые глаза) were as unlike those of Holmes, the sleuth-hound (были так непохожи на = ничем не напоминали глаза Холмса-ищейки), Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent (Холмса безжалостного, сообразительного, всегда готового действовать преследователя преступников; keen — острый, проницательный; wit /чаще wits/ — рассудок, разум), as it was possible to conceive (как это возможно было постичь = каков был только мыслим). In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself (в его удивительном характере двойственная природа поочередно заявляла о себе = характер слагался из двух начал), and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented (и его потрясающая точность и проницательность представляли собой), as I have often thought (как я часто думал), the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood (реакцию против поэтического и созерцательного настроения = рождались в борьбе с поэтической задумчивостью) which occasionally predominated in him (которая временами преобладала в нем). The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy (колебание его природы переносило его = он постоянно переходил от чрезвычайной апатичности к необыкновенной: «пожирающей» энергии); and, as I knew well (и, как я хорошо знал), he was never so truly formidable as when (он никогда не был столь воистину грозен, как когда; formidable — страшный, жуткий; огромный), for days on end (дни напролет = несколько дней подряд), he had been lounging in his armchair (он бездельничал /развалясь/ в своем кресле) amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions (посреди своих импровизаций и напечатанных готическим шрифтом книг). Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him (затем бывало, что жажда преследования внезапно нисходила на него = охватывала его), and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition (и /что/ его блистательный разум возрастал до уровня интуиции), until those who were unacquainted with his methods (что те, кто был не знаком с его методами /работы/) would look askance at him as on a man (начинали коситься на него, как на человека; askance — косо; неодобрительно) whose knowledge was not that of other mortals (чье знание не было /знанием/ других смертных). When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall (когда я видел его тем вечером столь окутанным музыкой: «завернутым в музыку» в Сент-Джеймс-холле) I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down (я почувствовал, что злое время может прийти к тем, на кого он решил охотиться = тем, за кем он охотится, будет плохо; to set to — ставить задачу).

"You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor (вы хотите, без сомнения, пойти домой, доктор)," he remarked as we emerged (заметил он, когда мы вышли; to emerge — появляться, всплывать).

enthusiastic [ɪnˌƟju:zɪˈæstik], musician [mju:ˈzɪʃn], capable [ˈkeɪpǝbl], wrapped [ræpt], sleuth [slu:Ɵ], hound [haund], alternately [ɔ:lˈtǝ:nǝtlɪ], astuteness [ǝˈstju:tnɪs], languor [ˈlæŋɡǝ], askance [ǝˈskæns]

My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer, but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes, the sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down.

"You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we emerged.

"Yes, it would be as well (да, это было бы желательно)."

"And I have some business to do which will take some hours (а у меня есть кое-какое дело, которое займет несколько часов). This business at Coburg Square is serious (это дело = происшествие на Кобург-сквер — /дело/ серьезное)."

"Why serious (почему серьезное)?"

"A considerable crime is in contemplation (значительное преступление в намерении = там готовится крупное преступление). I have every reason to believe (у меня есть все основания полагать) that we shall be in time to stop it (что мы должны быть вовремя, чтобы остановить их). But today being Saturday rather complicates matters (но то, что сегодня суббота, довольно усложняет дело). I shall want your help tonight (мне может потребоваться ваша помощь сегодня вечером)."

"At what time (в какое время)?"

сontemplation [ˌkɔntǝmˈpleɪʃ(ǝ)n], believe [bɪˈli:v], rather [ˈrɑ:ðǝ]

"Yes, it would be as well."

"And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious."

"Why serious?"

"A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help tonight."

"At what time?"

"Ten will be early enough (десять будет рано достаточно = не раньше десяти)."

"I shall be at Baker Street at ten (я буду на Бейкер-стрит /ровно/ в десять)."

"Very well (отлично). And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger (и, послушайте: «я говорю», доктор, там может быть небольшая опасность), so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket (поэтому, будьте добры, положите в карман ваш армейский револьвер)." He waved his hand, turned on his heel (он помахал рукой, круто повернулся /на каблуке/), and disappeared in an instant among the crowd (и мгновенно исчез в толпе: «среди толпы»).

аrmy [ˈɑ:mɪ], revolver [rɪˈvɔlvǝ], among [ǝˈmʌŋ], crowd [kraud]

"Ten will be early enough."

"I shall be at Baker Street at ten."

"Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd.

I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours (я верю, что я не более глупый, чем мои соседи = я не считаю себя глупее других; dense — плотный, густой; тупой), but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity (но я всегда подавлен чувством моей собственной глупости = меня угнетает осознание собственной тупости) in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes (во время моих контактов = когда я имею дело с Шерлоком Холмсом). Here I had heard what he had heard (здесь = в этом деле я слышал /то же/, что он слышал), I had seen what he had seen (видел то же самое, что и он), and yet from his words it was evident (и, тем не менее, из его слов было очевидно) that he saw clearly not only what had happened (что он видел не только то, что произошло) but what was about to happen (но /также то/, что случится), while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque (тогда как для меня все это дело было по-прежнему запутанным и нелепым). As I drove home to my house in Kensington (когда я поехал домой в Кенсингтон) I thought over it all (я обдумал это /хорошенько/), from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia (от = начиная с необычайной истории рыжего переписчика энциклопедии) down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square (до посещения = заканчивая посещением Сакс-Кобург-сквер), and the ominous words with which he had parted from me (и зловещие слова, с которыми он расстался со мной; to part from — распрощаться с кем-то). What was this nocturnal expedition (что это была за ночная экспедиция), and why should I go armed (и почему мне следует прийти вооруженным)? Where were we going, and what were we to do (куда мы собирались идти и что нам предстояло делать)? I had the hint from Holmes (у меня был намек от Холмса = Холмс намекнул мне) that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant (что этот безбородый = гладковыбритый помощник владельца ссудной кассы) was a formidable man — a man who might play a deep game (был опасным человеком — человеком, который мог сыграть глубокую игру = вести сложную игру). I tried to puzzle it out (я попытался разобраться в этом), but gave it up in despair (но бросил это /дело/ в отчаянии) and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation (и оставил эту задачу в стороне, до тех пор, пока ночь принесет объяснение).

dense [dens], neighbours [ˈneɪbǝz], sense [sens], stupidity [stju:ˈpɪdɪtɪ], grotesque [ɡrǝuˈtesk]

I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a formidable man — a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.

It was a quarter past nine (была четверть после девяти = четверть десятого) when I started from home and made my way across the Park (когда я вышел из дома и пошел: «сделал свой путь» через парк), and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street (и затем через Оксфорд-стрит /добрался/ до Бейкер-стрит). Two hansoms were standing at the door (два экипажа стояли у двери), and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above (и когда я зашел в коридор, то услышал звук голосов сверху). On entering his room (войдя: «по вхождении» в комнату) I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men (я нашел = застал Холмса в оживленном разговоре с двумя людьми), one of whom I recognized as Peter Jones (одного из которых я узнал как Питера Джонса), the official police agent (официального полицейского агента), while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man (тогда как другой был высоким, тощим, мрачным: «печальнолицым» мужчиной), with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat (с очень сверкающим цилиндром и в угнетающе приличном фраке).

quarter [ˈkwɔ:tǝ], passage [ˈpæsɪʤ], recognized [ˈrekǝɡnaɪzd], respectable [rɪˈspektǝbl]

It was a quarter past nine when I started from home and made my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognized as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.

"Ha! Our party is complete (ага, наша компания завершена = вот мы и в сборе)," said Holmes, buttoning up his peajacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack (сказал Холмс, застегивая бушлат и беря с полки тяжелый охотничий хлыст). "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard (я думаю, вы знаете мистера Джонса из Скотланд-Ярда)? Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather (позвольте представить вас мистеру Мерриуэзеру), who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure (который будет нашим товарищем в ночном приключении)."

party [ˈpɑ:tɪ], heavy [ˈhevɪ], Yard [jɑ:d]

"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see (мы снова охотимся вместе: «парами», доктор, как вы видите)," said Jones in his consequential way (сказал Джонс в своей важной/весомой манере). "Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase (ваш друг /здесь/ — прекрасный человек для начинания преследования). All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down (все, чего он хочет, /так это/ чтобы старый /гончий/ пес помог ему в погоне)."

couples [kʌplz], consequential [kɒnsɪˈkwenʃn], wonderful [ˈwʌndǝfl], chase [tʃeɪs]

"Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his peajacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure."

"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down."

"I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase (я надеюсь, дикий гусь не окажется концом нашей погони = боюсь, мы подстрелим не зверя, а гуся)," observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily (заметил мистер Мерриуэзер мрачно).

goose [ɡu:s], gloomily [ˈɡlu:mɪlɪ]

"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir (вы можете вполне довериться: «поместить достаточно уверенности» мистеру Холмсу, сэр)," said the police agent loftily (сказал полицейский агент высокомерно). "He has his own little methods (у него есть свои маленькие методы), which are, if he won't mind my saying so (которые, позволю себе заметить: «если вы не будете возражать против моего говорения так»), just a little too theoretical and fantastic (совсем немного умозрительные и фантастические), but he has the makings of a detective in him (но в нем есть задатки детектива). It is not too much to say that once or twice (это не слишком много сказать = нужно признать, что раз или два), as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure (как, например, в делах об убийстве Шолто и сокровищах Агры), he has been more nearly correct than the official force (он был более верный, чем официальные силы = он оказался прав, а официальная полиция ошиблась)."

confidence [ˈkɔnfɪdǝns], theoretical [Ɵɪǝˈretɪkl], murder [ˈmǝ:dǝ], treasure [ˈtreʒǝ]

"I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily.

"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force."

"Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right (ну, если вы так говорите, мистер Джонс, тогда все в порядке)," said the stranger with deference (сказал незнакомец с почтением). "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber (и все-таки мне, признаться, жаль, что я пропускаю /партию в/ роббер). It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber (это первый субботний вечер за двадцать семь лет, в который я не играл мою партию в роббер)."

stranger [ˈstreɪnʤǝ], deference [ˈdef(ǝ)r(ǝ)ns], confess [kǝnˈfes], rubber [ˈrʌbǝ]

"I think you will find (я думаю, что вы найдете = поймете)," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will play for a higher stake tonight (что вы будете играть на более высокую ставку сегодня вечером) than you have ever done yet (чем вы когда-либо делали), and that the play will be more exciting (и что игра будет более волнующей). For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds (для вас, мистер Мерриуэзер, ставка составит где-то тридцать тысяч фунтов); and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands (а для вас, Джонс, это будет человек, на которого вы хотите наложить руки = которого давно хотите поймать)."

stake [steɪk], exciting [ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ], lay [leɪ]

"Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber."

"I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will play for a higher stake tonight than you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands."

"John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger (Джон Клэй, убийца, вор, фальшивомонетчик и мошенник). He's a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession (он молод, но он во главе своей профессии = искуснейший вор в стране), and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London (и я бы охотнее имел мои браслеты на нем, чем на любом другом преступнике в Лондоне = ни на кого другого я не надел бы наручники охотнее, чем на него). He's a remarkable man, is young John Clay (он удивительный человек, этот юный Джон Клэй). His grandfather was a royal duke (его дед был королевским герцогом), and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford (а сам он был = учился в Итоне и Оксфорде). His brain is as cunning as his fingers (его мозг так же изощрен, как и его пальцы), and though we meet signs of him at every turn (и хотя мы встречаем его следы на каждом шагу), we never know where to find the man himself (мы никогда не знаем, где найти самого человека). He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week (он совершит кражу со взломом в Шотландии на одной неделе), and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next (и будет собирать: «собирающим» деньги на постройку сиротского приюта в Корнуолле на следующей). I've been on his track for years (я на его следу /уже/ годы = гоняюсь за ним уже несколько лет) and have never set eyes on him yet (и еще никогда = ни разу не видел его)."

thief [Ɵi:f], forger [ˈfɔ:ʤǝ], royal [ˈrɔɪǝl], duke [dju:k]

"John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet."

"I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight (я надеюсь, что могу иметь удовольствие представления = представить его вам). I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay (мне тоже приходилось раз или два сталкиваться с мистером Джоном Клэем), and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession (и я согласен с вами, что он самый искусный вор в стране). It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started (после десяти = уже одиннадцатый час, однако, и вполне время, чтобы мы отправились = и нам пора двигаться в путь). If you two will take the first hansom (если вы двое возьмете первый экипаж), Watson and I will follow in the second (Ватсон и я последуем во втором)."

introducing [ɪntrǝˈdju:sɪŋ], hansom [hænsm], second [ˈsekǝnd]

"I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second."

Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive (Шерлок Холмс не был слишком общительным во время долгой поездки), and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon (и наклонился = откинулся назад в кебе, мурлыкая мелодии, которые он слышал днем). We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets (мы мчались через бесконечный лабиринт освещенных газом улиц) until we emerged into Farrington Street (пока не добрались до Фаррингтон-стрит; to emerge — появляться, всплывать).

humming [ˈhʌmɪŋ], labyrinth [ˈlæbǝrɪnƟ], emerged [ɪˈmǝ:ʤd]

"We are close there now (мы теперь /совсем/ близко)," my friend remarked. "This fellow Merryweather is a bank director (этот парень Мерриуэзер — директор банка), and personally interested in the matter (и лично заинтересован в этом деле). I thought it as well to have Jones with us also (я подумал также взять Джонса). He is not a bad fellow (он неплохой парень), though an absolute imbecile in his profession (хотя и абсолютный глупец = ничего не смыслит в своей профессии). He has one positive virtue (у него есть одно несомненное достоинство). He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster (он храбр, как бульдог, и цепок, как рак) if he gets his claws upon anyone (если он хватает кого-то своими клешнями). Here we are, and they are waiting for us (мы приехали, и они нас ожидают)."

imbecile [ˈɪmbǝsi:l], virtue [ˈvǝ:tʃǝ], tenacious [tɪˈneɪʃ(ǝ)s], claws [klɔ:z]

Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and, lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.

"We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us."

We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare (мы достигли снова той же оживленной главной улицы) in which we had found ourselves in the morning (где были утром: «в которой мы нашли себя утром»). Our cabs were dismissed (наши кебы были отпущены), and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather (и, следуя за = под руководством мистера Мерриуэзера), we passed down a narrow passage and through a side door (мы вошли в узкий коридор и /прошли/ в боковую дверь), which he opened for us (которую он открыл для нас). Within there was a small corridor (внутри там был короткий коридор), which ended in a very massive iron gate (который кончался очень массивными железными воротами). This also was opened (они также были открыты), and led down a flight of winding stone steps (и вели вниз = за ними был пролет винтовой каменной лестницы), which terminated at another formidable gate (которая кончалась у других внушительных ворот). Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern (остановился зажечь фонарь), and then conducted us down a dark, earth-smelling passage (и затем провел нас по темному, пахнущему землей коридору), and so, after opening a third door (и затем, после открытия третьей двери), into a huge vault or cellar (в огромный подвал или погреб; vault — хранилище, подвал), which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes (который был заставлен повсюду ящиками и тяжелыми коробками).

thoroughfare [ˈƟʌrǝfeǝ], guidance [ɡaɪdns], narrow [ˈnærǝu], gate [ɡeɪt], vault [vɔ:lt]

We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes.

"You are not very vulnerable from above (вы не слишком уязвимы сверху = проникнуть сюда сверху нелегко)," Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him (подняв фонарь и оглядевшись вокруг себя).

"Nor from below (снизу тоже)," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor (ударяя своей тростью по плиткам, которые облицовывали пол). "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow (почему, черт возьми, это звучит = звук такой, словно там пустота)!" he remarked, looking up in surprise (поднимая глаза в изумлении).

vulnerable [ˈvʌlnrǝbl], lantern [ˈlæntǝn], hollow [ˈhɔlǝu]

"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet (я должен действительно = вынужден попросить вас вести себя потише)!" said Holmes severely (сказал Холмс строго). "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition (вы уже подвергнули опасности весь успех нашей экспедиции; peril — опасность; риск, угроза). Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes (могу ли я попросить, чтобы вы соблаговолили = будьте любезны, сядьте на одну из тех коробок; goodness — любезность), and not to interfere (и не мешайте; to interfere — вмешиваться)?"

severely [sɪˈvɪǝlɪ], imperilled [ɪmˈperɪld], success [sǝkˈses], interfere [ɪntǝˈfɪǝ]

"You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him.

"Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise.

"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?"

The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate (важный мистер Мерриуэзер уселся на ящик), with a very injured expression upon his face (с очень обиженным выражением на лице), while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor (в то время как Холмс упал = опустился на колени /на пол/) and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens (и с фонарем и увеличительным стеклом), began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones (начал исследовать скрупулезно трещины между камнями). A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him (нескольких секунд было достаточно, чтобы удовлетворить его), for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket (так как он снова вскочил на ноги и положил стекло = лупу в карман).

solemn [ˈsɔlǝm], injured [ˈɪnʤǝd], magnifying [ˈmæɡnɪfaɪŋ], sufficed [sǝˈfaɪst]

The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket.

"We have at least an hour before us (у нас есть впереди по крайней мере час)," he remarked, "for they can hardly take any steps (так как они едва ли могут предпринять какие-либо шаги) until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed (прежде, чем почтенный владелец ссудной кассы /благополучно/ заснет). Then they will not lose a minute (затем они не будут терять ни минуты), for the sooner they do their work the longer time they will have for their escape (так как чем раньше они сделают свою работу, тем больше времени у них будет для побега). We are at present, Doctor (мы /находимся/ в настоящее время, доктор) — as no doubt you have divined (как вы, без сомнения, догадались) — in the cellar of the City branch of one of the principal London banks (в подвале отделения Сити одного из ведущих банков Лондона). Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors (мистер Мерриуэзер — председатель правления банка), and he will explain to you that there are reasons (и он объяснит вам, что есть причины) why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present (почему наиболее дерзким преступникам Лондона следует проявлять особый интерес к этому подвалу в настоящий момент)."

hardly [ˈhɑ:dlɪ], escape [ɪˈskeɪp], doubt [daut], principal [ˈprɪnsɪpl], chairman [ˈtʃeǝmǝn]

"It is our French gold (это наше французское золото)," whispered the director (прошептал директор). "We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it (мы имели несколько предупреждений, что может быть совершена попытка /похитить золото/)."

whispered [ˈwɪspǝd], warning [ˈwɔ:nɪŋ]

"We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at present, Doctor — as no doubt you have divined — in the cellar of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present."

"It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it."

"Your French gold (ваше французское золото)?"

"Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources (у нас была необходимость несколько месяцев назад усилить наши активы) and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France (и заняли по этой причине тридцать тысяч наполеондоров у Банка Франции). It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money (стало известно, что нам так и не представилось возможности распаковать деньги), and that it is still lying in our cellar (и они до сих пор лежат в нашем подвале). The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil (ящик, на котором я сижу, содержит две тысячи наполеондоров между листами свинцовой фольги). Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present (наш запас золотых слитков намного больше в настоящее время) than is usually kept in a single branch office (чем обычно хранится в одном отделении банка), and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject (и у директоров появились дурные предчувствия = опасения по этому вопросу)."

occasion [ǝˈkeɪʒn], strengthen [ˈstreŋƟ(ǝ)n], layers [ˈleɪǝz], foil [fɔɪl]

"Your French gold?"

"Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject."

"Which were very well justified (что было очень хорошо оправдано = есть все основания для опасения)," observed Holmes (подметил Холмс). "And now it is time that we arranged our little plans (и теперь /пришло/ время привести в порядок наши маленькие планы). I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head (я ожидаю, что в течение часа вопросы будут решены = достигнут решающей стадии: «придут к голове»). In the meantime (тем временем), Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern (мы должны поместить ширму на этот потайной: «темный» фонарь = закрыть чем-нибудь фонарь)."

"And sit in the dark (и сидеть в темноте)?"

justified [ˈʤʌstɪfaɪd], meantime [ˈmi:ntaɪm], screen [skri:n]

"Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime, Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern."

"And sit in the dark?"

"I am afraid so (боюсь, что так). I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket (я принес колоду карт /в моем кармане/), and I thought that, as we were a partie carree (и я думал, что раз нас здесь четверо; partie carree — прогулка вчетвером (фр.)), you might have your rubber after all (вы могли бы сыграть партию в роббер, в конце концов). But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone so far (но я вижу, что вражеские приготовления зашли так далеко) that we cannot risk the presence of a light (что мы не можем рисковать присутствием света = оставить свет). And, first of all, we must choose our positions (и, прежде всего, мы должны выбрать наши положения = подобрать /подходящее/ место). These are daring men (они дерзкие = смелые люди), and though we shall take them at a disadvantage (и хотя мы застанем их врасплох), they may do us some harm unless we are careful (они могут причинить нам вред, если мы не будем осторожны). I shall stand behind this crate (я встану за этим ящиком), and do you conceal yourselves behind those (а вы спрячьтесь: «скройте себя» за теми /ящиками). Then, when I flash a light upon them (затем, когда я направлю на них свет), close in swiftly (окружайте /их/ быстро). If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down (если они начнут стрелять, Ватсон, без колебания стреляйте в них, пристрелите их; compunction — сожаление)."

preparation [prepǝˈreɪʃn], careful [keǝful], fire [ˈfaɪǝ], compunction [kǝmˈpʌŋkʃn]

"I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I thought that, as we were a partie carree, you might have your rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down."

I placed my revolver, cocked (я положил мой взведенный револьвер), upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched (на крышку деревянного ящика, за которым я притаился). Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lantern (Холмс закрыл заслонку перед фонарем) and left us in pitch darkness (и оставил нас в кромешной тьме) — such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced (такой полной темноте, какой мне не приходилось никогда раньше видеть: «испытывать»). The smell of hot metal remained to assure us (запах горячего металла продолжал убеждать нас = напоминал нам) that the light was still there (что свет был все еще там = не погашен), ready to flash out at a moment's notice (готовый вспыхнуть по первому требованию = в любое мгновение). To me, with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy (для меня, с нервами, напряженными /до предела/ ожиданием), there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom (было что-то подавляющее и подчиняющее во внезапной темноте), and in the cold dank air of the vault (и в холодном сыром воздухе подземелья).

crouched [krautʃt], nerves [nǝ:vz], expectancy [ɪkˈspektǝnsɪ], gloom [ɡlu:m]

"They have but one retreat (у них есть только одно отступление = для бегства у них лишь один путь)," whispered Holmes (прошептал Холмс). "That is back through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square (/это/ обратно через дом на Сакс-Кобург-сквер). I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones (я надеюсь, что вы сделали /то/ что я вас просил, Джонс)?"

I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness — such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the vault.

"They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones?"

"I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door (инспектор и два офицера ждут у парадного входа)."

"Then we have stopped all the holes (тогда мы заткнули все дыры). And now we must be silent and wait (а теперь мы должны быть тихими = молчать и ждать)."

holes [hǝulz], silent [ˈsaɪlǝnt]

What a time it seemed (что за время это казалось = как медленно тянулось время)! From comparing notes afterwards (из обмена мнениями позже) it was but an hour and a quarter (/было ясно/ что прошел только час с четвертью), yet it appeared to me that the night must have almost gone (тем не менее, мне казалось, что ночь, должно быть, уже почти прошла), and the dawn be breaking above us (и наверху: «над нами» рассветает). My limbs were weary and stiff (мои конечности были усталыми и затекшими = устали и затекли), for I feared to change my position (так как я боялся шевельнуться: «сменить положение»); yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension (однако нервы мои были натянуты до предела; pitch — высота /тона, звука/), and my hearing was so acute (и мое слышание было таким острым = слух обострился настолько) that I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions (что я не только мог слышать тихое дыхание моих товарищей), but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones (но я мог отличить более глубокий, низкий вдох грузного Джонса) from the thin, sighing note of the bank director (от тонкого, вздыхающего тона директора банка). From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the floor (со своего места я мог смотреть через ящик в направлении пола). Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light (внезапно мои глаза поймали отблеск света).

dawn [dɔ:n], limbs [lɪmz], acute [ǝˈkju:t], distinguish [dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃ], bulky [ˈbʌlkɪ]

"I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door."

"Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent and wait."

What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must have almost gone, and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light.

At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement (сначала это была только слабая искра на = между /плитами/ каменного пола). Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line (затем она вытянулась, пока не стала желтой линией = превратилась в желтую полоску), and then, without any warning or sound (и затем, без какого-либо признака или звука = абсолютно бесшумно), a gash seemed to open and a hand appeared (показалось, что открылся паз = в полу возникло отверстие и /из него/ появилась рука); a white, almost womanly hand (белая, почти женственная рука), which felt about in the centre of the little area of light (которая шарила = двигалась ощупью в центре маленькой зоны света = освещенного пространства). For a minute or more the hand (в течение минуты или больше эта рука), with its writhing fingers (со своими извивающимися пальцами; to writhe — корчиться), protruded out of the floor (торчала из пола; to protrude out — высунуться наружу). Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared (затем она была отдернута /назад/ так же внезапно, как и появилась), and all was dark again save the single lurid spark (и все было темно опять = все погрузилось во тьму, за исключением слабого огонька) which marked a chink between the stones (который отмечал щель между камнями).

lurid [ˈljurɪd], lengthened [ˈleŋƟǝnd], gash [ɡæʃ], area [ˈeǝrɪǝ], withdrawn [wɪðˈdrɔ:n]

At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand appeared; a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stones.

Its disappearance, however, was but momentary (ее исчезновение, однако, было лишь кратковременным). With a rending, tearing sound (с раскалывающим, царапающим звуком), one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side (одна из широких белых плит перевернулась на боковую сторону) and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of a lantern (и оставила квадратную глубокую яму, через которую = из которой заструился свет фонаря). Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, boyish face (над краем /ямы/ выглянуло чисто выбритое мальчишеское лицо), which looked keenly about it (которое внимательно осмотрелось), and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture (и затем, с рукой на каждой стороне проема = упершись в края ямы), drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high (вытянуло себя до уровня плеч и по пояс = из ямы показались плечи, затем поднялось все туловище), until one knee rested upon the edge (пока одно колено уперлось в пол: «остановилось на краю»). In another instant he stood at the side of the hole (в следующий момент он встал /во весь рост/ возле ямы) and was hauling after him a companion (и тянул за собой товарища = помогал влезть своему товарищу), lithe and small like himself (гибкому и маленькому, как и он сам), with a pale face and a shock of very red hair (с бледным лицом и с копной очень рыжих волос).

"It's all clear (все чисто = в порядке)," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bags (у тебя стамеска и мешки)? Great Scott (черт возьми)! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it (прыгай, Арчи, прыгай, а я за себя постою)!"

tearing [ˈteǝrɪŋ], broad [brɔ:d], aperture [ˈæpǝtʃjuǝ], hauling [ˈhɔ:lɪŋ]

Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and a shock of very red hair.

"It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!"

Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar (выскочил /из своего укрытия/ и схватил незваного гостя за воротник). The other dived down the hole (другой нырнул в дыру), and I heard the sound of rending cloth (я услышал звук рвущейся ткани) as Jones clutched at his skirts (когда Джонс схватил его края /одежды/). The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver (свет блеснул на стволе револьвера), but Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist (но охотничий хлыст Холмса обрушился на запястье человека), and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor (и пистолет звякнул о каменный пол).

intruder [ɪnˈtru:dǝ], cloth [klɒƟ], barrel [ˈbærǝl], wrist [rɪst]

"It's no use, John Clay (бесполезно, Джон Клэй)," said Holmes blandly (сказал Холмс мягко). "You have no chance at all (у вас нет шансов вообще = вы попались)."

"So I see (вижу)," the other answered with the utmost coolness (ответил тот с величайшим спокойствием). "I fancy that my pal is all right (я полагаю, что мой приятель в порядке), though I see you have got his coat-tails (хотя я вижу, вы поймали фалду его пиджака)."

Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor.

"It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no chance at all."

"So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails."

"There are three men waiting for him at the door (там три человека, ожидающие его у двери)," said Holmes.

"Oh, indeed (ах вот как)! You seem to have done the thing very completely (кажется, вы сделали эту вещь очень полно = чисто сработано). I must compliment you (я должен похвалить вас = поздравляю вас)."

"And I you (а я вас)," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and effective (ваша рыжая идея = выдумка насчет рыжих — нова и результативна)."

"You'll see your pal again presently (вы увидите своего приятеля вскоре)," said Jones. "He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am (он более проворный в слезании в ямы = он лучше ныряет в норы, чем я; quick — быстрый, резвый; to climb — карабкаться, лазить). Just hold out while I fix the derbies (просто протяните /руки/, пока я надеваю наручники; to hold out — протягивать)."

pal [ˈpæl], climbing [ˈklaɪmɪŋ], derbies [ˈdǝ:bɪz]

"There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes.

"Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I must compliment you."

"And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and effective."

"You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the derbies."

"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands (я попрошу вас не трогать меня своими грязными руками)," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists (заметил наш узник, когда наручники: «ручные браслеты» загремели на его запястьях). "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins (вы можете не быть осведомленными = вам, наверное, не известно, что в моих венах = жилах течет королевская кровь). Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please (будьте добры, также, когда обращаетесь ко мне говорить «сэр» и «пожалуйста»).'"

touch [tʌtʃ], filthy [ˈfɪlƟɪ], handcuffs [ˈhændkʌfs], blood [blʌd], veins [veɪnz]

"All right (хорошо)," said Jones with a stare and a snigger (сказал Джонс с изумленным взглядом и хихиканьем). "Well, would you please, sir, march upstairs (не соблаговолите ли вы, сэр, подняться: «прошагать» наверх), where we can get a cab to carry your Highness to the police-station (где вы можете сесть в кеб, который отвезет ваше высочество в полицейский участок)?"

stare [steǝ], march [mɑ:tʃ], Highness [ˈhaɪnɪs]

"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please.'"

"All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry your Highness to the police-station?"

"That is better (так-то лучше)," said John Clay serenely (сказал Клэй спокойно/безмятежно). He made a sweeping bow to the three of us (он сделал широкий поклон = величаво поклонился нам троим) and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective (и медленно удалился под опекой сыщика).

bow [bau], custody [ˈkʌstǝdɪ]

"Really, Mr. Holmes (действительно, мистер Холмс)," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the cellar (когда мы проследовали за ними из подвала), "I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you (я не знаю, как банк может отблагодарить или вознаградить вас). There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner (без сомнения, вы распознали и провалили самым лучшим образом) one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery (одну из самых решительных = крупных попыток ограбления банка) that have ever come within my experience (которую я когда-либо встречал; experience — опыт)."

defeated [dɪˈfi:tɪd], complete [kǝmˈpli:t], robbery [ˈrɔbǝrɪ]

"That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective.

"Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience."

"I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. John Clay (у меня были один или два маленьких счета, чтобы расплатиться с мистером Джоном Клэем = у меня с ним были свои старые счеты; to settle — урегулировать, привести в порядок)," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this matter (я понес небольшие расходы на этом деле), which I shall expect the bank to refund (которые я ожидаю от банка возместить = которые банк легко возместит мне), but beyond that I am amply repaid (но помимо этого я уже вполне вознагражден) by having had an experience which is in many ways unique (испытав опыт = приключение, которое во многих путях уникально = единственное в своем роде), and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League (и услышав очень занимательный рассказ о Союзе рыжих)."

scores [skɔ:z], expense [ɪkˈspens], refund [ri:ˈfʌnd], amply [ˈæmplɪ], unique [ju:ˈni:k]

"I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League."

"You see, Watson (видите ли, Ватсон)," he explained in the early hours of the morning (объяснил он в ранние утренние часы) as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street (когда мы сидели за стаканчиком виски с содовой на Бэйкер-стрит), "it was perfectly obvious from the first (было совершенно очевидно с самого начала) that the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the League (что единственной возможной целью это довольного фантастичного дела с объявлением о Союзе), and the copying of the Encyclopaedia (и переписыванием энциклопедии), must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day (должно было быть /только/ удаление этого не слишком умного: «сверхсмышленого» владельца ссудной кассы в сторону = из дома на несколько часов ежедневно). It was a curious way of managing it (это был курьезный способ исполнения этого /плана/), but, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better (но, действительно, было бы трудно предложить /что-то/ лучше). The method was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind (способ, без сомнения, был предложен = подсказан изобретательному уму Клэя) by the color of his accomplice's hair (цветом волос его сообщника). The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw him (четыре фунта в неделю были приманкой, которая должна вытащить его /из дома/), and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands (а что это значит для них, которые играли на тысячи = рассчитывали получить тысячи)? They put in the advertisement (они дали объявление), one rogue has the temporary office (один жулик снял временную контору), the other rogue incites the man to apply for it (другой жулик подстрекает человека = своего хозяина обратиться туда), and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the week (а вместе они смогли обеспечить его отсутствие каждое утро в течение недели). From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for half wages (с того момента, когда я услышал о помощнике, работающем за половинное жалованье), it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation (для меня стало очевидным, что у него есть сильный мотив = веская причина для этого: «для обеспечения такой ситуации»)."

obvious [ˈɔbvɪǝs], curious [ˈkjuerɪǝs], suggest [sǝˈʤest], ingenious [ɪnˈʤɪnɪǝs], lure [ljuǝ], rogue [rǝuɡ], incites [ɪnˈsaɪts], secure [sɪˈkjuǝ], wage [weɪʤ]

"You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the League, and the copying of the Encyclopaedia, must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the color of his accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation."

"But how could you guess what the motive was (но как вы могли догадаться, что это была за причина)?"

"Had there been women in the house (будь /там/ женщина в доме), I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue (я подозревал бы лишь о пошлой интриге). That, however, was out of the question (это, однако, было вне вопроса). The man's business was a small one (бизнес = предприятие человека = нашего клиента было небольшим), and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations (и в доме не было ничего, что могло бы явиться причиной таким детальным приготовлениям = ради чего стоило затевать такую сложную игру), and such an expenditure as they were at (и такие расходы, какие понесли они). It must, then, be something out of the house (должно было, следовательно, быть что-то вне дома). What could it be (что это могло быть)? I thought of the assistant's fondness for photography (я подумал об увлечении помощника фотографией), and his trick of vanishing into the cellar (и этой штуке с исчезновением в погребе). The cellar (погреб)! There was the end of this tangled clew (там был конец этого запутанного клубка = вот другой конец запутанной нити). Then I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant (затем я навел справки = расспросил о таинственном помощнике) and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in London (и обнаружил, что имею дело с одним из самых хладнокровных и дерзких преступников Лондона). He was doing something in the cellar (он делал: «был делающим» что-то в погребе) — something which took many hours a day for months on end (что-то, что занимает много часов в день месяцы напролет). What could it be, once more (еще раз = и снова — что это может быть)? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building (я не мог подумать ни о чем /другом/, кроме /того/ что он рыл: «был роющим» туннель к какому-то другому зданию).

intrigue [ɪnˈtri:ɡ], elaborate [ɪˈlæbǝrǝt], expenditure [ɪkˈspendɪtʃǝ], building [ˈbɪldɪŋ]

"But how could you guess what the motive was?"

"Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clew. Then I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in London. He was doing something in the cellar — something which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building.

"So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action (к такому выводу: «так далеко» я пришел = успел прийти, /к тому моменту/ когда мы отправились посмотреть место действия; so far — до сих пор, пока). I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick (я удивил вас битьем по мостовой моей тростью). I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind (я устанавливал, протягивался ли погреб = прокладывался ли подкоп вперед или назад). It was not in front (перед фасадом его не было). Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the assistant answered it (затем я позвонил, и, как и ожидал, открыл помощник). We have had some skirmishes (у нас бывали /прежде/ кое-какие стычки), but we had never set eyes upon each other before (но мы никогда раньше не видели друг друга в лицо). I hardly looked at his face (я едва взглянул в его лицо). His knees were what I wished to see (его колени были /тем/ что я хотел увидеть). You must yourself have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were (вы сами должны были заметить, как потерты, помяты и запачканы они были). They spoke of those hours of burrowing (они говорили о тех часах рытья). The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for (единственным оставшимся пунктом было /выяснить/ куда они рыли подкоп). I walked round the corner (я свернул за угол), saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises (увидел Городской и Пригородный Банк, примыкающий к дому наших друзей), and felt that I had solved my problem (и понял, что я решил проблему). When you drove home after the concert (когда вы поехали домой после концерта) I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors (я обратился в Скотланд-Ярд и к председателю правления банка), with the result that you have seen (с результатом, который вы видели = что было дальше — вам известно)."

scene [si:n], skirmish [ˈskǝ:mɪʃ], wrinkled [rɪŋkld], burrow [ˈbǝ:rǝu], abutted [ǝˈbʌtɪd]

"So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors, with the result that you have seen."

"And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight (как вы могли сказать мне = откуда вы знали, что они совершат попытку /ограбления/ этой ночью)?" I asked.

"Well, when they closed their League offices (ну, когда они закрыли свою контору Союза) that was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence (это был знак, что их не волновало больше присутствие = что они не нуждались больше в отсутствии мистера Джабеза Уилсона) — in other words (иными словами), that they had completed their tunnel (что они закончили свой туннель). But it was essential that they should use it soon (но было существенно, что они должны использовать его в ближайшее время), as it might be discovered (так как он мог быть обнаружен), or the bullion might be removed (или слитки золота могли быть перевезены /в другое место/). Saturday would suit them better than any other day (суббота подошла бы им лучше, чем любой другой день), as it would give them two days for their escape (так как она дала бы им два дня для побега). For all these reasons I expected them to come tonight (на основании всех этих соображений я ожидал их = что они придут этой ночью)."

presence [prezns], essential [ɪˈsenʃl], discovered [dɪsˈkʌvǝd], bullion [ˈbuljǝn], suit [sju:t]

"And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight?" I asked.

"Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence — in other words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. For all these reasons I expected them to come tonight."

"You reasoned it out beautifully (вы продумали это прекрасно = ваши рассуждения изумительны)," I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration (воскликнул я в неподдельном восхищении; to feign — притворяться; подделывать). "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true (это такая длинная цепь = вы создали такую длинную цепь, и каждое звено ее правильно = безупречно)."

beautiful [ˈbju:tɪful], unfeigned [ʌnˈfeɪnd], admiration [ˌædmǝˈreɪʃn], chain [tʃeɪn], true [tru:]

"It saved me from ennui (это спасло меня от апатии)," he answered, yawning (ответил он, зевая). "Alas (увы)! I already feel it closing in upon me (я уже чувствую ее, приближающуюся ко мне = чувствую, что скука снова одолевает меня). My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence (моя жизнь проведена в одном долгом усилии убежать от = избежать банальностей существования). These little problems help me to do so (эти маленькие проблемы помогают мне сделать это)."

ennui [ɑ:nˈwi:], yawning [ˈjɔ:nɪŋ], alas [ǝˈlɑ:s], commonplaces [ˈkɔmǝnpleɪsɪz], existence [ɪɡˈzɪstǝns]

"You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true."

"It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so."

"And you are a benefactor of the race (вы благодетель расы = человечества)," said I.

He shrugged his shoulders (он пожал плечами). "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some little use (ну, пожалуй, в конце концов, это имеет небольшую пользу = я действительно приношу кое-какую пользу)," he remarked. 'L'homme c'est rien — l'œuvre c'est tout,' (человек — ничто, дело/создание — все (фр.)) as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand (как Густав Флобер написал /в письме/ к Жорж Санд)."

shrugged [ʃrʌɡd], shoulders [ˈʃǝuldǝz], use [ju:s]

"And you are a benefactor of the race," said I.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some little use," he remarked. 'L'homme c'est rien — l'œuvre c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand."