Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Собака Баскервилей

CHAPTER IX. (SECOND REPORT OF DR. WATSON) THE LIGHT UPON THE MOOR

(Второй отчет доктора Ватсона. Свет на болотах)

Baskerville Hall, Oct. 15th (Баскервиль-холл, 15 октября). MY DEAR HOLMES, — If I was compelled to leave you without much news (если я был вынужден оставлять вас без новостей) during the early days of my mission (на протяжении первых: «ранних» дней моей миссии) you must acknowledge that I am making up for lost time (вы должны признать, что я наверстываю потерянное время), and that events are now crowding thick and fast upon us (и что сейчас события вокруг нас развиваются очень быстро; to crowd thick and fast — развиваться со стремительной быстротой: «густо и быстро»; to crowd — давить, толкать; толпиться). In my last report I ended upon my top note with Barrymore at the window (в своем последнем отчете я остановился: «закончил» на интригующем моменте: «на верхней ноте» с Бэрримором, /стоящим/ у окна), and now I have quite a budget already (и сейчас у меня целая гора /новостей/; budget — бюджет; запас, количество /устар./) which will, unless I am much mistaken, considerably surprise you (которые, если не сильно ошибаюсь, весьма вас удивят). Things have taken a turn (дела приняли такой оборот) which I could not have anticipated (какой я не мог /и/ ожидать). In some ways (в некотором смысле = с одной стороны) they have within the last forty-eight hours become much clearer (за последние сорок восемь часов они стали намного яснее/понятнее) and in some ways they have become more complicated (а с другой стороны, стали сложнее). But I will tell you all (но я расскажу вам все) and you shall judge for yourself (и вы сделаете выводы сами; to judge — судить; делать выводы).

compel [kǝmˈpel], crowd [kraud], budget [ˈbʌdʒɪt]

Baskerville Hall, Oct. 15th. MY DEAR HOLMES, — If I was compelled to leave you without much news during the early days of my mission you must acknowledge that I am making up for lost time, and that events are now crowding thick and fast upon us. In my last report I ended upon my top note with Barrymore at the window, and now I have quite a budget already which will, unless I am much mistaken, considerably surprise you. Things have taken a turn which I could not have anticipated. In some ways they have within the last forty-eight hours become much clearer and in some ways they have become more complicated. But I will tell you all and you shall judge for yourself.

Before breakfast on the morning following my adventure (перед завтраком, на следующее утро после моего приключения) I went down the corridor and examined the room (я прошел вниз по коридору и обследовал комнату) in which Barrymore had been on the night before (в которой был Бэрримор предыдущей ночью). The western window through which he had stared so intently (западное окно, в которое он так упорно смотрел) has, I noticed, one peculiarity above all other windows in the house (имеет, как я заметил, одно преимущество: «одну особенность» перед всеми остальными окнами в доме) — it commands the nearest outlook on to the moor (оно предоставляет наилучший: «ближайший» вид на болота; to command — возвышаться, господствовать, давать обзор). There is an opening between two trees (между двумя деревьями есть просвет) which enables one from this point of view (который позволяет с этой точки; view — вид; обзор) to look right down upon it (смотреть прямо на /болота/), while from all the other windows it is only a distant glimpse which can be obtained (тогда как из всех других окон о них можно получить лишь смутное представление; distant — дальний; отдаленный; glimpse — проблеск). It follows, therefore, that Barrymore (из этого следует, что Бэрримор), since only this window would serve his purpose (поскольку только это окно служило его целям), must have been looking out for something or somebody upon the moor (должно быть, высматривал что-то или кого-то на болотах).

through [Ɵru:], peculiarity [pɪˌkjulɪˈærɪtɪ], command [kǝˈmɑ:nd]

Before breakfast on the morning following my adventure I went down the corridor and examined the room in which Barrymore had been on the night before. The western window through which he had stared so intently has, I noticed, one peculiarity above all other windows in the house — it commands the nearest outlook on to the moor. There is an opening between two trees which enables one from this point of view to look right down upon it, while from all the other windows it is only a distant glimpse which can be obtained. It follows, therefore, that Barrymore, since only this window would serve his purpose, must have been looking out for something or somebody upon the moor.

The night was very dark (ночь была очень темной), so that I can hardly imagine (так что едва ли я могу себе представить) how he could have hoped to see anyone (как он мог рассчитывать: «надеяться» кого-то увидеть). It had struck me (/вдруг/ меня осенило; to strike — ударять; поражать, осенять) that it was possible that some love intrigue was on foot (возможно, это какая-то любовная интрига; to be on foot — происходить; готовиться). That would have accounted for his stealthy movements (этим бы объяснялись и его тайные хождения /по ночам/; to account for smth. — давать отчет в чем-либо; объяснять что-либо) and also for the uneasiness of his wife (а также переживания его жены; uneasiness — неудобство; беспокойство, тревога). The man is a striking-looking fellow (он — мужчина видный: «с заметной внешностью»), very well equipped to steal the heart of a country girl (имеет все шансы покорить: «украсть» сердце какой-нибудь деревенской девушки; equipped — оборудованный, оснащенный), so that this theory seemed to have something to support it (так что, похоже, в этой теории что-то есть, чтобы ее поддерживать). That opening of the door (/звук/ открывающейся двери) which I had heard after I had returned to my room (который я слышал после того, как вернулся в свою комнату) might mean that he had gone out (мог означать, что он выходил) to keep some clandestine appointment (на какое-то тайное свидание; to keep — держать; выполнять, осуществлять). So I reasoned with myself in the morning (такие доводы я приводил сам себе утром; to reason — рассуждать; доказывать), and I tell you the direction of my suspicions (и рассказываю вам, в каком направлении шли мои подозрения; direction — направление), however much the result may have shown that they were unfounded (какими бы, как мог показать результат, они ни были безосновательными; to show).

intrigue [ɪnˈtri:ɡ], movement [ˈmu:vmǝnt], clandestine [klænˈdestɪn]

The night was very dark, so that I can hardly imagine how he could have hoped to see anyone. It had struck me that it was possible that some love intrigue was on foot. That would have accounted for his stealthy movements and also for the uneasiness of his wife. The man is a striking-looking fellow, very well equipped to steal the heart of a country girl, so that this theory seemed to have something to support it. That opening of the door which I had heard after I had returned to my room might mean that he had gone out to keep some clandestine appointment. So I reasoned with myself in the morning, and I tell you the direction of my suspicions, however much the result may have shown that they were unfounded.

But whatever the true explanation of Barrymore's movements might be (но какой бы ни была истинная причина: «объяснение» действий Бэрримора), I felt that the responsibility of keeping them to myself (я чувствовал, что ответственность за то, что держу их при себе = за то, что о них умалчиваю) until I could explain them (пока не смогу их объяснить = дать им надлежащее объяснение) was more than I could bear (была больше, чем я мог вынести). I had an interview with the baronet in his study after breakfast (после завтрака у нас с баронетом состоялась беседа; interview — деловая встреча, беседа), and I told him all that I had seen (и я рассказал ему обо всем, что видел). He was less surprised than I had expected (он был удивлен меньше, чем я ожидал).

"I knew that Barrymore walked about nights (я знаю, что Бэрримор разгуливает по ночам), and I had a mind to speak to him about it (и я собирался поговорить с ним об этом; to have a mind to — быть не прочь; быть склонным)," said he. "Two or three times I have heard his steps in the passage (раза два или три я слышал его шаги в коридоре), coming and going (туда и обратно), just about the hour you name (как раз примерно в то время: «в тот час», /какой и/ вы указали)."

true [tru:], bear [bɛǝ], about [ǝˈbaut]

But whatever the true explanation of Barrymore's movements might be, I felt that the responsibility of keeping them to myself until I could explain them was more than I could bear. I had an interview with the baronet in his study after breakfast, and I told him all that I had seen. He was less surprised than I had expected.

"I knew that Barrymore walked about nights, and I had a mind to speak to him about it," said he. "Two or three times I have heard his steps in the passage, coming and going, just about the hour you name."

"Perhaps then he pays a visit every night (тогда, возможно, он наносит визиты = ходит) to that particular window (к определенному окну; particular — особенный)," I suggested (предположил я).

"Perhaps he does (возможно). If so, we should be able to shadow him (если так, то мы смогли бы выследить его; to shadow — отбрасывать тень; следовать по пятам), and see what it is that he is after (и посмотреть, что ему /там/ нужно; to be after — искать /что-либо/). I wonder what your friend Holmes would do (интересно, что бы сделал ваш друг Холмс) if he were here (будь он здесь)?"

"I believe that he would do exactly what you now suggest (полагаю, он сделал бы в точности /то/, что вы сейчас предложили)," said I. "He would follow Barrymore (он бы последовал за Бэрримором) and see what he did (и посмотрел, что тот делает)."

"Then we shall do it together (тогда мы сделаем это вместе)."

"But surely he would hear us (но он наверняка нас услышит)."

"The man is rather deaf (он немного глуховат), and in any case we must take our chance of that (и, в любом случае, мы должны рискнуть; to take a chance — пойти на риск). We'll sit up in my room to-night (этой ночью мы будем сидеть в моей комнате), and wait until he passes (и ждать, пока он не пройдет мимо)." Sir Henry rubbed his hands with pleasure (сэр Генри потер руки от удовольствия), and it was evident that he hailed the adventure (и было очевидно, что он приветствует нашу авантюру) as a relief to his somewhat quiet life upon the moor (как разнообразие в своей весьма скучной жизни на болотах; relief — облегчение, помощь, утешение; разнообразие, приятная перемена обстановки; quiet — тихий; ничем не нарушаемый).

The baronet has been in communication with the architect (баронет уже связался с архитектором; communication — информация; общение) who prepared the plans for Sir Charles (который готовил проекты для сэра Чарльза), and with a contractor from London (и с подрядчиком из Лондона), so that we may expect great changes to begin here soon (так что вскоре здесь можно ожидать начало больших перемен).

exactly [ɪɡˈzæktlɪ], deaf [def], relief [rɪˈli:f]

"Perhaps then he pays a visit every night to that particular window," I suggested.

"Perhaps he does. If so, we should be able to shadow him, and see what it is that he is after. I wonder what your friend Holmes would do if he were here?"

"I believe that he would do exactly what you now suggest," said I. "He would follow Barrymore and see what he did."

"Then we shall do it together."

"But surely he would hear us."

"The man is rather deaf, and in any case we must take our chance of that. We'll sit up in my room to-night, and wait until he passes." Sir Henry rubbed his hands with pleasure, and it was evident that he hailed the adventure as a relief to his somewhat quiet life upon the moor.

The baronet has been in communication with the architect who prepared the plans for Sir Charles, and with a contractor from London, so that we may expect great changes to begin here soon.

There have been decorators and furnishers up from Plymouth (декораторы и мебельщики уже приезжали сюда из Плимута), and it is evident that our friend has large ideas (очевидно, наш друг имеет большие планы; idea — мысль; замысел план), and means to spare no pains or expense (и намерен не жалеть ни усилий, ни средств) to restore the grandeur of his family (/чтобы/ восстановить былое величие своего рода; grandeur — грандиозность; величие). When the house is renovated and refurnished (когда дом будет отреставрирован и заново обставлен), all that he will need will be a wife (все, что ему будет нужно — это жена) to make it complete (/чтобы/ сделать /идиллию/ полной). Between ourselves there are pretty clear signs (/говоря/ между нами, есть довольно явные признаки) that this will not be wanting (что в этом не будет недостатка = что жену долго искать не придется; to want smth. — испытывать недостаток, нехватку, нужду в чем-л.) if the lady is willing (если дама согласна: «готова»), for I have seldom seen a man more infatuated with a woman (так как я не часто встречал мужчину более влюбленного в женщину; infatuated — влюбленный до безумия) than he is with our beautiful neighbour, Miss Stapleton (чем он в нашу прекрасную соседку, мисс Стэплтон). And yet the course of true love does not run quite as smoothly (однако, путь истинной любви не проходит совсем так гладко; "The course of true love never did run smooth… " — цитата из Шекспира /"Сон в летнюю ночь"/) as one would under the circumstances expect (как ожидалось бы при подобных обстоятельствах). To-day, for example (сегодня, к примеру), its surface was broken by a very unexpected ripple (ее поверхность была потревожена неожиданной рябью), which has caused our friend considerable perplexity and annoyance (которая вызвала у нашего друга изрядное недоумение и раздражение; to cause — послужить причиной; to perplex — ставить в тупик, приводить в недоумение; смущать; ошеломлять, сбивать с толку).

grandeur [ˈɡrændʒǝ], pretty [ˈprɪtɪ], perplexity [pǝˈpleksɪtɪ]

There have been decorators and furnishers up from Plymouth, and it is evident that our friend has large ideas, and means to spare no pains or expense to restore the grandeur of his family. When the house is renovated and refurnished, all that he will need will be a wife to make it complete. Between ourselves there are pretty clear signs that this will not be wanting if the lady is willing, for I have seldom seen a man more infatuated with a woman than he is with our beautiful neighbour, Miss Stapleton. And yet the course of true love does not run quite as smoothly as one would under the circumstances expect. To-day, for example, its surface was broken by a very unexpected ripple, which has caused our friend considerable perplexity and annoyance.

After the conversation which I have quoted about Barrymore (после разговора о Бэрриморе, который я процитировал) Sir Henry put on his hat and prepared to go out (сэр Генри надел шляпу и собирался выходить). As a matter of course I did the same (естественно, я сделал то же самое; as a matter of course — как и следовало ожидать).

"What, are you coming, Watson (что, вы идете /со мной/, Ватсон)?" he asked, looking at me in a curious way (спросил он, взглянув на меня с любопытством).

"That depends on whether you are going on the moor (это зависит /от того/, идете ли вы на болота)," said I.

"Yes, I am (да, иду)."

"Well, you know what my instructions are (ну, вы же знаете, какие у меня инструкции). I am sorry to intrude (простите за навязчивость; to intrude — вторгаться, входить без приглашения/разрешения; навязывать/ся/, быть назойливым), but you heard how earnestly Holmes insisted (но вы слышали, как Холмс убедительно настаивал) that I should not leave you (чтобы я не оставлял вас), and especially that you should not go alone upon the moor (и в особенности, чтобы вы не выходили один на болота)."

Sir Henry put his hand upon my shoulder, with a pleasant smile (сэр Генри положил мне руку на плечо, весело улыбаясь).

"My dear fellow," said he, "Holmes, with all his wisdom (Холмс со всем своим здравым смыслом), did not foresee some things (не предусмотрел некоторые вещи) which have happened since I have been on the moor (которые произошли с тех пор, как я здесь, на болотах). You understand me (понимаете меня)? I am sure that you are the last man in the world (я уверен, что вы — последний человек в мире) who would wish to be a spoil-sport (который захочет мне в чем-то помешать; spoil-sport — тот, кто портит удовольствие другим; to spoil — портить; наносить ущерб). I must go out alone (я должен пойти один)."

quote [kwǝut], prepare [prɪˈpɛǝ], shoulder [ˈʃǝuldǝ]

After the conversation which I have quoted about Barrymore Sir Henry put on his hat and prepared to go out. As a matter of course I did the same.

"What, are you coming, Watson?" he asked, looking at me in a curious way.

"That depends on whether you are going on the moor," said I.

"Yes, I am."

"Well, you know what my instructions are. I am sorry to intrude, but you heard how earnestly Holmes insisted that I should not leave you, and especially that you should not go alone upon the moor."

Sir Henry put his hand upon my shoulder, with a pleasant smile.

"My dear fellow," said he, "Holmes, with all his wisdom, did not foresee some things which have happened since I have been on the moor. You understand me? I am sure that you are the last man in the world who would wish to be a spoil-sport. I must go out alone."

It put me in a most awkward position (это поставило меня в очень неудобное положение). I was at a loss what to say or what to do (я растерялся, /не зная/, что сказать или что делать; to be at a loss — быть в затруднении, растерянности), and before I had made up my mind (и до того, как я принял решение; to make up one’s mind — решиться) he picked up his cane and was gone (он взял свою трость и ушел; to pick up — поднимать, подбирать).

But when I came to think the matter over (но когда я /немного/ поразмыслил над этим вопросом; to come to think — если подумать, по зрелом размышлении) my conscience reproached me bitterly (моя совесть сильно упрекнула меня) for having on any pretext allowed him (за то, что позволил ему под каким-либо предлогом) to go out of my sight (выйти из поля моего внимания: «зрения»). I imagined what my feelings would be (я представил, что бы я чувствовал: «какие бы у меня были бы чувства») if I had to return to you and to confess (если бы мне пришлось вернуться к вам и признаться) that some misfortune had occurred (что произошло какое-то несчастье) through my disregard for your instructions (из-за моего пренебрежения вашими указаниями). I assure you my cheeks flushed at the very thought (уверяю вас, меня бросило в пот: «мои щеки вспыхнули» от одной только мысли /об этом/). It might not even now be too late to overtake him (даже теперь могло быть еще не поздно, /чтобы/ догнать его), so I set off at once in the direction of Merripit House (поэтому я сразу же отправился в сторону Меррипит-хаус).

awkward [ˈɔ:kwǝd], disregard [ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑ:d], assure [ǝˈʃuǝ]

It put me in a most awkward position. I was at a loss what to say or what to do, and before I had made up my mind he picked up his cane and was gone.

But when I came to think the matter over my conscience reproached me bitterly for having on any pretext allowed him to go out of my sight. I imagined what my feelings would be if I had to return to you and to confess that some misfortune had occurred through my disregard for your instructions. I assure you my cheeks flushed at the very thought. It might not even now be too late to overtake him, so I set off at once in the direction of Merripit House.

I hurried along the road at the top of my speed (я спешил по дороге с максимальной скоростью, на которую был способен; at the top of one’s speed — полным ходом, во всю прыть) without seeing anything of Sir Henry (не видя сэра Генри), until I came to the point (пока не подошел к тому месту) where the moor path branches off (где начинается тропа, /ведущая/ на болота; to branch off — ответвляться, отделяться; branch — ветвь). There, fearing that perhaps I had come in the wrong direction after all (там, боясь что я все-таки, возможно, пошел в неверном направлении), I mounted a hill from (я поднялся на холм) which I could command a view (с которого я мог /хорошо все/ видеть) — the same hill which is cut into the dark quarry (тот самый холм, в котором /раньше/ была каменоломня). Thence I saw him at once (оттуда я его сразу же увидел). He was on the moor path (он был на тропе, /идущей/ через болота), about a quarter of a mile off (примерно в четверти мили /от меня/), and a lady was by his side (рядом с ним была дама) who could only be Miss Stapleton (которой могла быть только мисс Стэплтон). It was clear that there was already an understanding between them (было очевидно, что между ними уже было = царило полное /взаимо/понимание) and that they had met by appointment (и что они повстречались, договорившись заранее; appointment — назначение; условленная встреча; to appoint — назначать, определять /время, место и т. п./). They were walking slowly along in deep conversation (они медленно прогуливались, увлеченно беседуя), and I saw her making quick little movements of her hands (и я видел, как она производила быстрые короткие движения руками) as if she were very earnest in what she was saying (как будто была очень убеждена в том, что говорила), while he listened intently (тогда как он слушал внимательно), and once or twice shook his head in strong dissent (и несколько раз качнул головой, явно /с чем-то/ не соглашаясь; to shake — трясти; качать; strong — сильно; решительно; dissent — несогласие). I stood among the rocks watching them (я стоял среди камней, наблюдая за ними), very much puzzled as to what I should do next (сильно озадаченный тем, как мне теперь поступить; next — затем, после).

hurry [ˈhʌrɪ], between [bɪˈtwi:n], dissent [dɪˈsent]

I hurried along the road at the top of my speed without seeing anything of Sir Henry, until I came to the point where the moor path branches off. There, fearing that perhaps I had come in the wrong direction after all, I mounted a hill from which I could command a view — the same hill which is cut into the dark quarry. Thence I saw him at once. He was on the moor path, about a quarter of a mile off, and a lady was by his side who could only be Miss Stapleton. It was clear that there was already an understanding between them and that they had met by appointment. They were walking slowly along in deep conversation, and I saw her making quick little movements of her hands as if she were very earnest in what she was saying, while he listened intently, and once or twice shook his head in strong dissent. I stood among the rocks watching them, very much puzzled as to what I should do next.

To follow them and break into their intimate conversation seemed to be an outrage (пойти за ними и вмешаться в их интимный разговор казалось возмутительным поступком), and yet my clear duty was never for an instant (но моей обязанностью было никогда, даже на миг; clear — ясный, четкий) to let him out of my sight (не упускать его из виду). To act the spy upon a friend was a hateful task (действовать, как шпион = шпионить за другом было ненавистной задачей). Still, I could see no better course (и все же я не видел лучшего решения; course — направление; линия поведения) than to observe him from the hill (чем наблюдать за ним с холма), and to clear my conscience by confessing to him afterwards (и после очистить совесть, признавшись ему) what I had done (/в том, что/ я /это/ делал). It is true that if any sudden danger had threatened him (правда, если бы какая-то внезапная опасность угрожала ему) I was too far away to be of use (я был слишком далеко, чтобы быть полезным = чтобы прийти на помощь), and yet I am sure that you will agree with me (но я уверен, вы согласитесь со мной) that the position was very difficult (что положение было очень трудным), and that there was nothing more which I could do (и что ничего более я не мог сделать).

Our friend, Sir Henry, and the lady had halted on the path (наш друг сэр Генри и девушка остановились на тропе) and were standing deeply absorbed in their conversation (и стояли, полностью погруженные в разговор), when I was suddenly aware (когда я вдруг понял) that I was not the only witness of their interview (что я не единственный свидетель их встречи).

outrage [ˈautreɪdʒ], conscience [ˈkɔnʃǝns], halt [hɔ:lt]

To follow them and break into their intimate conversation seemed to be an outrage, and yet my clear duty was never for an instant to let him out of my sight. To act the spy upon a friend was a hateful task. Still, I could see no better course than to observe him from the hill, and to clear my conscience by confessing to him afterwards what I had done. It is true that if any sudden danger had threatened him I was too far away to be of use, and yet I am sure that you will agree with me that the position was very difficult, and that there was nothing more which I could do.

Our friend, Sir Henry, and the lady had halted on the path and were standing deeply absorbed in their conversation, when I was suddenly aware that I was not the only witness of their interview.

A wisp of green floating in the air caught my eye (/краем/ глаза я уловил /какой-то/ зеленый лоскут, плывущий в воздухе), and another glance showed me (приглядевшись, я понял = другой взгляд показал мне) that it was carried on a stick by a man (что его нес на палке /какой-то/ человек) who was moving among the broken ground (идущий по неровной почве: «пересеченной местности»). It was Stapleton with his butterfly-net (это был Стэплтон со своим сачком). He was very much closer to the pair than I was (он был намного ближе к парочке, чем я), and he appeared to be moving in their direction (и, казалось, он двигался в их направлении). At this instant Sir Henry suddenly drew Miss Stapleton to his side (в этот момент сэр Генри внезапно притянул мисс Стэплтон к себе; to draw). His arm was round her (его рука обвила ее /талию/), but it seemed to me that she was straining away from him with her face averted (но мне показалось, что она, отвернув от него лицо, пыталась вырваться; to strain — натягивать; напрягаться). He stooped his head to hers (он наклонил голову к ее /голове/), and she raised one hand as if in protest (а она подняла руку, как будто протестуя; protest — протест; несогласие). Next moment I saw them spring apart (в следующий момент я увидел, как они отскочили в /разные/ стороны) and turn hurriedly round (и поспешно обернулись). Stapleton was the cause of the interruption (Стэплтон был тому причиной; interruption — перерыв; помеха). He was running wildly towards them (он бежал к ним сломя голову; wild — дикий; исступленный, безудержный), his absurd net dangling behind him (его нелепый сачок болтался сзади). He gesticulated and almost danced with excitement in front of the lovers (он жестикулировал и почти что танцевал от возбуждения перед влюбленными).

glance [ɡlɑ:ns], ground [ɡraund], absurd [ǝbˈsǝ:d]

A wisp of green floating in the air caught my eye, and another glance showed me that it was carried on a stick by a man who was moving among the broken ground. It was Stapleton with his butterfly-net. He was very much closer to the pair than I was, and he appeared to be moving in their direction. At this instant Sir Henry suddenly drew Miss Stapleton to his side. His arm was round her, but it seemed to me that she was straining away from him with her face averted. He stooped his head to hers, and she raised one hand as if in protest. Next moment I saw them spring apart and turn hurriedly round. Stapleton was the cause of the interruption. He was running wildly towards them, his absurd net dangling behind him. He gesticulated and almost danced with excitement in front of the lovers.

What the scene meant I could not imagine (я не мог представить, что означает эта сцена), but it seemed to me that Stapleton was abusing Sir Henry (но мне показалось, что Стэплтон оскорблял сэра Генри), who offered explanations (который оправдывался: «предлагал объяснения»), which became more angry as the other refused to accept them (становясь более сердитым = все более раздражаясь, поскольку тот отказывался их принять). The lady stood by in haughty silence (девушка стояла рядом и высокомерно молчала). Finally Stapleton turned upon his heel (наконец Стэплтон круто повернулся; to turn on one’s heels — круто повернуться /и уйти/; heel — пятка) and beckoned in a peremptory way to his sister (и сделал повелительный знак сестре; to beckon — подзывать кивком головы; делать знак /рукой, пальцем/; peremptory — безаппеляционный; властный, повелительный), who, after an irresolute glance at Sir Henry (которая, /бросив/ нерешительный взгляд на сэра Генри), walked off by the side of her brother (пошла рядом с братом). The naturalist's angry gestures showed (недовольные жесты натуралиста показывали) that the lady was included in his displeasure (что девушка тоже попала у него в немилость: «была включена в его немилость»; to include — включать в себя; displeasure — недовольство, раздражение). The baronet stood for a minute looking after them (баронет с минуту стоял, смотря им вслед), and then he walked slowly back the way that he had come (потом медленно пошел назад по пути, по которому пришел), his head hanging, the very picture of dejection (повесив голову, истинное воплощение уныния; dejection — сход, сошествие вниз /чего-либо/; упадок сил, подавленное состояние, уныние).

abuse [ǝˈbju:z], angry [ˈæŋɡrɪ], dejection [dɪˈdʒekʃ(ǝ)n]

What the scene meant I could not imagine, but it seemed to me that Stapleton was abusing Sir Henry, who offered explanations, which became more angry as the other refused to accept them. The lady stood by in haughty silence. Finally Stapleton turned upon his heel and beckoned in a peremptory way to his sister, who, after an irresolute glance at Sir Henry, walked off by the side of her brother. The naturalist's angry gestures showed that the lady was included in his displeasure. The baronet stood for a minute looking after them, and then he walked slowly back the way that he had come, his head hanging, the very picture of dejection.

What all this meant I could not imagine (я не мог вообразить, что все это значит), but I was deeply ashamed to have witnessed so intimate a scene (но я /чувствовал/ глубокий стыд /за то, что/ стал свидетелем такой сцены; intimate — внутренний; глубоко личный, интимный) without my friend's knowledge (без ведома моего друга). I ran down the hill therefore and met the baronet at the bottom (поэтому я сбежал вниз и встретил баронета у подножия /холма/). His face was flushed with anger (его лицо пылало от гнева) and his brows were wrinkled (а брови были насуплены; to wrinkle — морщить), like one who is at his wits' ends what to do (как у человека, который не представляет, что делать /дальше/; to be at one’s wits’ end — стать в тупик; не знать, что делать).

"Halloa, Watson! Where have you dropped from (а, Ватсон, откуда вы свалились)?" said he. "You don't mean to say (не хотите же вы сказать) that you came after me in spite of all (что пошли за мной, несмотря ни на что)?"

I explained everything to him (я ему все объяснил): how I had found it impossible to remain behind (как я нашел невозможным оставаться дома; to remain behind — держаться сзади, позади /кого-либо, чего-либо/; оставаться, задерживаться /после окончания чего-либо/), how I had followed him (как я пошел за ним), and how I had witnessed all that had occurred (и как я /стал/ свидетелем всего, что произошло). For an instant his eyes blazed at me (на мгновение он сверкнул на меня глазами), but my frankness disarmed his anger (но моя откровенность обезоружила его гнев; frank — откровенный, искренний, открытый), and he broke at last into a rather rueful laugh (и, наконец он рассмеялся, /но/ довольно печально).

ashamed [ǝˈʃeɪmd], wrinkle [rɪŋkl], laugh [lɑ:f]

What all this meant I could not imagine, but I was deeply ashamed to have witnessed so intimate a scene without my friend's knowledge. I ran down the hill therefore and met the baronet at the bottom. His face was flushed with anger and his brows were wrinkled, like one who is at his wits' ends what to do.

"Halloa, Watson! Where have you dropped from?" said he. "You don't mean to say that you came after me in spite of all?"

I explained everything to him: how I had found it impossible to remain behind, how I had followed him, and how I had witnessed all that had occurred. For an instant his eyes blazed at me, but my frankness disarmed his anger, and he broke at last into a rather rueful laugh.

"You would have thought (можно было бы подумать) the middle of that prairie a fairly safe place for a man to be private (/что уж самая/ середина этих болот — довольно надежное место, чтобы уединиться; prairie — прерия; болото /амер. диал./; private — личный; собственный, отдельный)," said he, "but, by thunder, the whole country-side seems to have been out to see me do my wooing (но, разрази меня гром, похоже, вся округа вышла посмотреть на мои ухаживания /за женщиной/; to woo — ухаживать; свататься) — and a mighty poor wooing at that (весьма жалкие ухаживания вдобавок; mighty /нареч./ — весьма; poor — бедный; жалкий)! Where had you engaged a seat (где вы забронировали: «заняли» место)?"

"I was on that hill (я был на том холме)."

"Quite in the back row (почти в заднем ряду), eh? But her brother was well up to the front (но ее брат был в передних /рядах/). Did you see him come out on us (вы видели, как он к нам подскочил; to come out — выходить, выскакивать)?"

"Yes, I did (да, /видел/)."

"Did he ever strike you as being crazy — this brother of hers (он никогда не казался вам сумасшедшим, этот ее братец; to strike — ударять; производить впечатление)?"

"I can't say that he ever did (не могу сказать, что когда-либо замечал /это/)."

"I daresay not (думаю, что нет; I daresay — полагаю, мне кажется). I always thought him sane enough until to-day (я всегда считал, что он в здравом уме, /вплоть/ до сегодняшнего дня), but you can take it from me that either he or I ought to be in a strait-jacket (но можете мне поверить, что либо он, либо я должны быть в смирительной рубашке; take it from me — поверьте мне). What's the matter with me, anyhow (что же во мне не так; what’s the matter with..? — в чем провинился..? чем не подходит..?)? You've lived near me for some weeks (вы живете рядом со мной уже несколько недель), Watson. Tell me straight, now (скажите мне прямо, сейчас же)! Is there anything that would prevent me (есть что-то такое, что помешало бы мне) from making a good husband to a woman that I loved (сделаться хорошим мужем для женщины, которую я люблю)?"

"I should say not (я бы сказал, нет)."

mighty [ˈmaɪtɪ], woo [wu:], husband [ˈhʌzbǝnd]

"You would have thought the middle of that prairie a fairly safe place for a man to be private," said he, "but, by thunder, the whole country-side seems to have been out to see me do my wooing — and a mighty poor wooing at that! Where had you engaged a seat?"

"I was on that hill."

"Quite in the back row, eh? But her brother was well up to the front. Did you see him come out on us?"

"Yes, I did."

"Did he ever strike you as being crazy — this brother of hers?"

"I can't say that he ever did."

"I daresay not. I always thought him sane enough until to-day, but you can take it from me that either he or I ought to be in a strait-jacket. What's the matter with me, anyhow? You've lived near me for some weeks, Watson. Tell me straight, now! Is there anything that would prevent me from making a good husband to a woman that I loved?"

"I should say not."

"He can't object to my worldly position (его не может не устраивать мое общественное положение; to object — возражать; относиться неодобрительно; worldly — мирской; светский), so it must be myself that he has this down on (поэтому, он, должно быть, невзлюбил меня лично; to have a down on someone — питать недобрые чувства к кому-либо /брит. разг./). What has he against me (что он имеет против меня)? I never hurt man or woman in my life (я за свою жизнь никогда = ни разу не обидел ни мужчины, ни женщины) that I know of (насколько мне известно). And yet he would not so much as let me touch the tips of her fingers (и однако же он не позволит мне даже дотронуться до кончиков ее пальцев)."

"Did he say so (он так /и/ сказал)?"

"That, and a deal more (это и многое другое). I tell you, Watson (говорю вам, Ватсон), I've only known her these few weeks (я знаю ее всего лишь эти несколько недель), but from the first I just felt (но с самого начала я безошибочно ощутил) that she was made for me (что она создана для меня), and she, too (а она тоже) — she was happy when she was with me (она была счастлива, когда была со мной), and that I'll swear (клянусь в этом). There's a light in a woman's eyes that speaks louder than words (блеск в глазах женщины говорит больше: «громче», чем слова). But he has never let us get together (но он никогда не позволяет нам быть вместе; to get together — встречаться), and it was only to-day for the first time (и только сегодня впервые) that I saw a chance (я увидел возможность = мне выпала возможность) of having a few words with her alone (сказать ей несколько слов наедине). She was glad to meet me (она была рада встретиться со мной), but when she did it was not love that she would talk about (но сделала это не для того, чтоб поговорить о любви), and she wouldn't have let me talk about it (и она не позволила бы и мне говорить о ней) either if she could have stopped it (если бы могла это остановить).

object [ǝbˈdʒekt] /гл./ [ˈɔbdʒɪkt] /сущ./, few [fju:], finger [ˈfɪŋɡǝ]

"He can't object to my worldly position, so it must be myself that he has this down on. What has he against me? I never hurt man or woman in my life that I know of. And yet he would not so much as let me touch the tips of her fingers."

"Did he say so?"

"That, and a deal more. I tell you, Watson, I've only known her these few weeks, but from the first I just felt that she was made for me, and she, too — she was happy when she was with me, and that I'll swear. There's a light in a woman's eyes that speaks louder than words. But he has never let us get together, and it was only to-day for the first time that I saw a chance of having a few words with her alone. She was glad to meet me, but when she did it was not love that she would talk about, and she wouldn't have let me talk about it either if she could have stopped it.

"She kept coming back to it (она постоянно возвращалась к тому; to keep — держать; продолжать делать /что-либо/) that this was a place of danger (что это — опасное место), and that she would never be happy (и что он никогда не будет счастлива) until I had left it (пока я не уеду отсюда). I told her that since I had seen her (я сказал, что с тех пор как увидел ее) I was in no hurry to leave it (я не спешу уезжать отсюда), and that if she really wanted me to go (и что, если она действительно хочет, чтобы я уехал) the only way to work it (/то/ это произойдет: «сработает» только в /том/ случае) was for her to arrange to go with me (/если/ она согласится поехать со мной; to arrange — приводить в порядок; договариваться). With that I offered in as many words to marry her (этим я недвусмысленно предложил ей выйти за меня замуж; in as many words — ясно, недвусмысленно), but before she could answer (но прежде чем она смогла ответить) down came this brother of hers (подскочил этот ее братец), running at us with a face on him like a madman (/и/ набросился на нас с лицом, как у сумасшедшего; to run at — бросаться). He was just white with rage (он прямо-таки побелел от гнева), and those light eyes of his were blazing with fury (и эти его светлые глаза пылали от бешенства). What was I doing with the lady (что я делал с дамой)? How dared I offer her attentions (как я осмелился оказывать ей /знаки/ внимания) which were distasteful to her (которые для нее противны)? Did I think that because I was a baronet (не думаю ли я, что если я баронет) I could do what I liked (я могу делать все, что захочу; to like — любить; хотеть, желать)?

marry [ˈmærɪ], blaze [bleɪz], because [bɪˈkɔz]

"She kept coming back to it that this was a place of danger, and that she would never be happy until I had left it. I told her that since I had seen her I was in no hurry to leave it, and that if she really wanted me to go the only way to work it was for her to arrange to go with me. With that I offered in as many words to marry her, but before she could answer down came this brother of hers, running at us with a face on him like a madman. He was just white with rage, and those light eyes of his were blazing with fury. What was I doing with the lady? How dared I offer her attentions which were distasteful to her? Did I think that because I was a baronet I could do what I liked?

"If he had not been her brother (если бы он не был ее братом) I should have known better how to answer him (я бы знал, как получше ему ответить). As it was I told him that my feelings towards his sister were such (тогда я сказал ему, что мои чувства к его сестре таковы) as I was not ashamed of (что мне /нечего/ стыдиться), and that I hoped that she might honour me by becoming my wife (и что я надеюсь, она окажет мне честь стать моей женой). That seemed to make the matter no better (казалось, и от этого дело не улучшилось), so then I lost my temper too (и тогда я тоже потерял самообладание), and I answered him rather more hotly than I should perhaps (и я ответил ему более резко, чем, возможно, следовало бы), considering that she was standing by (учитывая то, что она стояла рядом). So it ended by his going off with her, as you saw (и вот, /дело/ кончилось тем, что он ушел с ней, как вы видели), and here am I as badly puzzled a man as any in this county (а я /стою/ здесь в полной растерянности: «столь же неприятно озадаченный человек, как любой в этом графстве = насколько это возможно»; badly — скверно; крайне, очень сильно /придает эмоционально-усилительный оттенок/; county — графство; округ; in this county ≈ in this world — вообще, совсем /употребляется для усиления/). Just tell me what it all means (только скажите мне, что все это значит), Watson, and I'll owe you more than ever I can hope to pay (и я буду должен вам больше, чем когда-либо могу надеяться заплатить = и я буду вашим вечным должником)."

brother [ˈbrʌðǝ], temper [ˈtempǝ], owe [ˈǝu]

"If he had not been her brother I should have known better how to answer him. As it was I told him that my feelings towards his sister were such as I was not ashamed of, and that I hoped that she might honour me by becoming my wife. That seemed to make the matter no better, so then I lost my temper too, and I answered him rather more hotly than I should perhaps, considering that she was standing by. So it ended by his going off with her, as you saw, and here am I as badly puzzled a man as any in this county. Just tell me what it all means, Watson, and I'll owe you more than ever I can hope to pay."

I tried one or two explanations (я испробовал несколько версий: «объяснений»), but, indeed, I was completely puzzled myself (но и сам был в совершеннейшем недоумении; indeed — в самом деле; служит для усиления, подчеркивания). Our friend's title, his fortune, his age, his character, and his appearance (титул нашего друга, его состояние, возраст, характер и внешность) are all in his favour (все это говорило в его пользу; to be in favour — быть за), and I know nothing against him (и я не знал ничего, что /было бы/ против него), unless it be this dark fate (кроме этого темного проклятия; fate — судьба; доля, фатум) which runs in his family (преследовавшего его семью). That his advances should be rejected so brusquely (то, что его ухаживания были отвергнуты столь бесцеремонно) without any reference to the lady's own wishes (без каких бы то ни было упоминаний о желаниях самой девушки), and that the lady should accept the situation without protest (и то, что девушка смирилась с ситуацией без возражений), is very amazing (очень удивительно). However, our conjectures were set at rest (однако, на /все/ наши вопросы мы получили ответ; conjecture — гипотеза, догадка; to set at rest — успокоить; уладить) by a visit from Stapleton himself that very afternoon (/после/ визита самого Стэплтона в тот же день). He had come to offer apologies for his rudeness of the morning (он приходил принести извинения за свою грубость утром), and after a long private interview with Sir Henry in his study (и после долгой беседы с сэром Генри в его кабинете) the upshot of their conversation was (итогом их разговора стало то; upshot — окончание; заключение, вывод) that the breach is quite healed (что ссоре /теперь/ положен конец; to heal the breach — положить конец ссоре; breach — брешь, пролом, дыра; повреждение; to heal — исцелять), and that we are to dine at Merripit House next Friday as a sign of it (и что в знак этого мы должны отобедать = мы приглашены на обед в Меррипит-хаус в следующую пятницу).

unless [ǝnˈles], brusquely [brusklɪ], apology [ǝˈpɔlǝdʒɪ]

I tried one or two explanations, but, indeed, I was completely puzzled myself. Our friend's title, his fortune, his age, his character, and his appearance are all in his favour, and I know nothing against him, unless it be this dark fate which runs in his family. That his advances should be rejected so brusquely without any reference to the lady's own wishes, and that the lady should accept the situation without protest, is very amazing. However, our conjectures were set at rest by a visit from Stapleton himself that very afternoon. He had come to offer apologies for his rudeness of the morning, and after a long private interview with Sir Henry in his study the upshot of their conversation was that the breach is quite healed, and that we are to dine at Merripit House next Friday as a sign of it.

"I don't say now that he isn't a crazy man (/и/ сейчас не могу сказать, что он не сумасшедший)," said Sir Henry; "I can't forget the look in his eyes (не могу забыть выражение его глаз) when he ran at me this morning (когда он набросился на меня этим утром), but I must allow (но я должен признать; to allow — позволять; допускать, признавать) that no man could make a more handsome apology (что никто другой не мог бы принести более удовлетворительные извинения; handsome — красивый) than he has done (чем это сделал он)."

"Did he give any explanation of his conduct (он дал какие-то объяснения своему поведению; conduct — руководство; поведение)?"

"His sister is everything in his life, he says (его сестра — это все в его жизни, /как/ он сказал). That is natural enough (это довольно естественно), and I am glad that he should understand her value (и я рад, что он понимает ее ценность = так ценит ее). They have always been together (они всегда были вместе), and according to his account (и по его словам; account — счет; рассказ) he has been a very lonely man with only her as a companion (он очень одинок, а она — единственный для него близкий человек; companion — товарищ; спутник), so that the thought of losing her was really terrible to him (поэтому мысль о ее потере по-настоящему ужасна для него). He had not understood, he said (он не понимал, как он сказал), that I was becoming attached to her (что я привязываюсь к ней), but when he saw with his own eyes that it was really so (но когда он увидел собственными глазами, что это действительно так), and that she might be taken away from him (и что ее могут у него отнять; to take away — убирать; отнимать), it gave him such a shock (это было для него таким потрясением; to give smb. a shock — потрясти кого-либо, вызвать у кого-либо потрясение) that for a time he was not responsible (что некоторое время он не /мог/ нести ответственность; responsible — ответственный) for what he said or did (за то, что он говорит или делает).

crazy [ˈkreɪzɪ], allow [ǝˈlau], terrible [ˈterǝbl]

"I don't say now that he isn't a crazy man," said Sir Henry; "I can't forget the look in his eyes when he ran at me this morning, but I must allow that no man could make a more handsome apology than he has done."

"Did he give any explanation of his conduct?"

"His sister is everything in his life, he says. That is natural enough, and I am glad that he should understand her value. They have always been together, and according to his account he has been a very lonely man with only her as a companion, so that the thought of losing her was really terrible to him. He had not understood, he said, that I was becoming attached to her, but when he saw with his own eyes that it was really so, and that she might be taken away from him, it gave him such a shock that for a time he was not responsible for what he said or did.

"He was very sorry for all that had passed (он очень сожалел о том, что произошло), and he recognised how foolish and how selfish it was (и теперь он понимает, как глупо и эгоистично то) that he should imagine (что он вообразил) that he could hold a beautiful woman like his sister to himself (будто может удерживать возле себя такую прекрасную женщину, как его сестра) for her whole life (на протяжении всей ее жизни). If she had to leave him (если ей бы и пришлось покинуть его /ради кого-то/) he had rather it was to a neighbour like myself (он бы предпочел, чтобы это был сосед вроде меня; had rather — находить предпочтительным) than to anyone else (чем кто-то еще). But in any case it was a blow to him (но, в любом случае, это было бы для него ударом), and it would take him some time (и ему потребуется некоторое время) before he could prepare himself to meet it (прежде чем он сможет подготовить себя к этому; to meet — встречать; пережить /что-либо/). He would withdraw all opposition upon his part (он не будет возражать: «заберет все возражения» со своей стороны) if I would promise for three months to let the matter rest (если я пообещаю в течение трех месяцев не касаться этого вопроса: «оставить это дело в покое») and to be content with cultivating the lady's friendship during that time (и довольствоваться дружбой девушки на протяжении этого времени; to cultivate — возделывать /почву/; искать чьего-либо общества, дружбы) without claiming her love (не требуя ее любви). This I promised, and so the matter rests (это я пообещал, тем дело и кончилось; to rest — отдыхать; прекращать дело /юр./)."

whole [hǝul], withdraw [wɪðˈdrɔ:], cultivate [ˈkʌltɪveɪt]

"He was very sorry for all that had passed, and he recognised how foolish and how selfish it was that he should imagine that he could hold a beautiful woman like his sister to himself for her whole life. If she had to leave him he had rather it was to a neighbour like myself than to anyone else. But in any case it was a blow to him, and it would take him some time before he could prepare himself to meet it. He would withdraw all opposition upon his part if I would promise for three months to let the matter rest and to be content with cultivating the lady's friendship during that time without claiming her love. This I promised, and so the matter rests."

So there is one of our small mysteries cleared up (так разъяснилась одна из наших маленьких загадок). It is something to have touched bottom anywhere in this bog (и это уже кое-что — коснуться дна где-нибудь в том болоте) in which we are floundering (в котором мы барахтаемся). We know now why Stapleton looked with disfavour upon his sister's suitor (теперь вы знаете, почему Стэплтон с неприязнью смотрел на поклонника своей сестры) — even when that suitor was so eligible a one as Sir Henry (даже если этот поклонник столь желателен, как сэр Генри; eligible — имеющий право, могущий быть избранным /for — в должность; into — в члены какого-либо общества/; годный; подходящий, желательный). And now I pass on to another thread (а теперь я перехожу к другой ниточке) which I have extricated out of the tangled skein (которую я вытащил из этого запутанного клубка; to extricate — объяснять, разгадывать; вытаскивать), the mystery of the sobs in the night (к загадке ночных рыданий), of the tear-stained face of Mrs. Barrymore (заплаканному лицу миссис Бэрримор), of the secret journey of the butler to the western lattice window (/и/ тайному хождению дворецкого к западному зарешеченному окну). Congratulate me, my dear Holmes (поздравьте меня, дорогой Холмс), and tell me that I have not disappointed you as an agent (и скажите, что я не разочаровал вас в роли вашего представителя) — that you do not regret the confidence (что вы не жалеете о доверии) which you showed in me when you sent me down (которое мне оказали, послав меня сюда). All these things have by one night's work been thoroughly cleared (полностью прояснить все эти вопросы было делом одной ночи).

bottom [ˈbɔtǝm], suitor [ˈsju:tǝ], lattice [ˈlætɪs]

So there is one of our small mysteries cleared up. It is something to have touched bottom anywhere in this bog in which we are floundering. We know now why Stapleton looked with disfavour upon his sister's suitor — even when that suitor was so eligible a one as Sir Henry. And now I pass on to another thread which I have extricated out of the tangled skein, the mystery of the sobs in the night, of the tear-stained face of Mrs. Barrymore, of the secret journey of the butler to the western lattice window. Congratulate me, my dear Holmes, and tell me that I have not disappointed you as an agent — that you do not regret the confidence which you showed in me when you sent me down. All these things have by one night's work been thoroughly cleared.

I have said "by one night's work" (я сказал, "делом одной ночи"), but, in truth, it was by two nights' work (но по правде /говоря/, двух ночей), for on the first we drew entirely blank (поскольку в первую /ночь/ мы потерпели полную неудачу; to draw blank — вытащить пустышку, вернуться ни с чем). I sat up with Sir Henry in his room until nearly three o'clock in the morning (мы с сэром Генри просидели в его комнате почти до трех утра), but no sound of any sort did we hear (но мы не услышали никаких звуков) except the chiming clock upon the stairs (кроме боя часов на лестнице). It was a most melancholy vigil (это дежурство было совершенно утомительным), and ended by each of us falling asleep in our chairs (и закончилось /тем, что/ мы оба заснули в своих креслах; to fall asleep — засыпать). Fortunately we were not discouraged (к счастью, нас /это/ не обескуражило), and we determined to try again (и мы решили попробовать снова; to determine — определять; решать, выносить решение). The next night we lowered the lamp and sat smoking cigarettes (следующей ночью мы убавили в лампе свет и сидели, куря папиросы), without making the least sound (не производя ни малейшего шума). It was incredible how slowly the hours crawled by (время тянулось: «часы ползли» невероятно медленно), and yet we were helped through it (но, тем не менее, нам помогла это /выдержать/) by the same sort of patient interest (та же настойчивая увлеченность) which the hunter must feel as he watches the trap (которую должен чувствовать охотник, когда караулит у капкана) into which he hopes the game may wander (на который, как он надеется, может набрести зверь; game — дичь, добыча на охоте). One struck, and two (пробило час, потом два; to strike), and we had almost for the second time given it up in despair (и мы, отчаявшись, почти отказались /от своей затеи/ во второй раз; to give up — оставить, отказаться), when in an instant we both sat bolt upright in our chairs (когда через мгновение мы оба резко выпрямились: «сели прямо» в наших креслах; bolt upright — совершенно прямо /стоять, сидеть и т. п./; bolt — арбалетная стрела), with all our weary senses keenly on the alert once more (/и/ все наши /притупившиеся/ от усталости чувства вновь резко обострились; keenly — сильно; on the alert — быть начеку, настороже; once more — еще раз, снова). We had heard the creak of a step in the passage (мы услышали скрип ступеньки = звук шагов в коридоре; to hear; step — шаг; ступенька, приступка).

mystery [ˈmɪst(ǝ)rɪ], thoroughly [ˈƟʌrǝlɪ], creak [kri:k]

I have said "by one night's work," but, in truth, it was by two nights' work, for on the first we drew entirely blank. I sat up with Sir Henry in his room until nearly three o'clock in the morning, but no sound of any sort did we hear except the chiming clock upon the stairs. It was a most melancholy vigil, and ended by each of us falling asleep in our chairs. Fortunately we were not discouraged, and we determined to try again. The next night we lowered the lamp and sat smoking cigarettes, without making the least sound. It was incredible how slowly the hours crawled by, and yet we were helped through it by the same sort of patient interest which the hunter must feel as he watches the trap into which he hopes the game may wander. One struck, and two, and we had almost for the second time given it up in despair, when in an instant we both sat bolt upright in our chairs, with all our weary senses keenly on the alert once more. We had heard the creak of a step in the passage.

Very stealthily we heard it pass along (мы услышали, /как кто-то/ прошел /мимо нашей двери/; stealthily — тайно, украдкой) until it died away in the distance (и /его шаги/ замерли вдалеке; until — /до тех пор/ пока). Then the baronet gently opened his door (тогда баронет тихонько открыл дверь; gently — мягко; тихо, осторожно) and we set out in pursuit (и мы начали преследование; to set out — начинать). Already our man had gone round the gallery (наш человек = тот, за кем мы охотились уже обошел галерею), and the corridor was all in darkness (и коридор был полностью /погружен/ во тьму). Softly we stole along (мы бесшумно двигались /по коридору/; to steal — воровать; прокрасться) until we had come into the other wing (пока не вошли = не попали в другое крыло). We were just in time (мы подоспели как раз вовремя) to catch a glimpse of the tall, black-bearded figure, his shoulders rounded (чтобы заметить мелькнувшую высокую чернобородую фигуру с покатыми плечами; to catch a glimpse — увидеть мельком), as he tip-toed down the passage (идущую на цыпочках по коридору). Then he passed through the same door as before (потом он прошел в ту же дверь, что и раньше), and the light of the candle framed it in the darkness (и свет свечи обозначил ее в темноте; to frame — собирать /конструкцию/; обрамлять) and shot one single yellow beam across the gloom of the corridor (бросив одинокий желтый лучик сквозь мрак коридора; to shoot — стрелять; бросать). We shuffled cautiously towards it (мы осторожно заскользили по направлению к нему; to shuffle — волочить /ноги/; скользить по полу), trying every plank (проверяя каждую половицу) before we dared to put our whole weight upon it (прежде чем отважиться перенести на нее весь свой вес). We had taken the precaution of leaving our boots behind us (мы из предосторожности /заранее/ сняли ботинки: «оставили наши ботинки позади»), but, even so, the old boards snapped and creaked beneath our tread (но все равно старые доски потрескивали и скрипели под нашими шагами; tread — поступь, шаги). Sometimes it seemed impossible (иногда казалось невозможным) that he should fail to hear our approach (чтобы он не услышал нашего приближения; to fail — потерпеть неудачу; не удаваться).

gently [ˈdʒentlɪ], stealthily [ˈstelƟɪlɪ], tread [tred]

Very stealthily we heard it pass along until it died away in the distance. Then the baronet gently opened his door and we set out in pursuit. Already our man had gone round the gallery, and the corridor was all in darkness. Softly we stole along until we had come into the other wing. We were just in time to catch a glimpse of the tall, black-bearded figure, his shoulders rounded, as he tip-toed down the passage. Then he passed through the same door as before, and the light of the candle framed it in the darkness and shot one single yellow beam across the gloom of the corridor. We shuffled cautiously towards it, trying every plank before we dared to put our whole weight upon it. We had taken the precaution of leaving our boots behind us, but, even so, the old boards snapped and creaked beneath our tread. Sometimes it seemed impossible that he should fail to hear our approach.

However, the man is fortunately rather deaf (однако этот человек, к счастью, глуховат), and he was entirely preoccupied in that which he was doing (и /к тому же/ он был полностью поглощен тем, что он делал = своим занятием). When at last we reached the door and peeped through (когда наконец мы достигли двери и заглянули /внутрь/) we found him crouching at the window, candle in hand (мы нашли его согнувшимся у окна со свечой в руке), his white, intent face pressed against the pane (с бледным, напряженным лицом, прижатым к оконному стеклу), exactly as I had seen him two nights before (в точности так, как я видел его позапрошлой ночью).

We had arranged no plan of campaign (мы /заранее/ не подготовили плана действий), but the baronet is a man (но баронет такой человек) to whom the most direct way is always the most natural (для которого самый прямой путь — всегда самый естественный). He walked into the room (он вошел в комнату), and as he did so Barrymore sprang up from the window (и как только он это сделал, Бэрримор отпрыгнул от окна) with a sharp hiss of his breath (c резким свистом вдохнув /воздух/), and stood, livid and trembling, before us (и стал, мертвенно-бледный и дрожащий, перед нами). His dark eyes, glaring out of the white mask of his face (его глаза, сверкающие на белой маске лица), were full of horror and astonishment (были полны ужаса и удивления) as he gazed from Sir Henry to me (когда он переводил взгляд с сэра Генри на меня; to gaze — пристально смотреть; уставиться).

crouch [krautʃ], sharp [ʃɑ:p], mask [mɑ:sk]

However, the man is fortunately rather deaf, and he was entirely preoccupied in that which he was doing. When at last we reached the door and peeped through we found him crouching at the window, candle in hand, his white, intent face pressed against the pane, exactly as I had seen him two nights before.

We had arranged no plan of campaign, but the baronet is a man to whom the most direct way is always the most natural. He walked into the room, and as he did so Barrymore sprang up from the window with a sharp hiss of his breath, and stood, livid and trembling, before us. His dark eyes, glaring out of the white mask of his face, were full of horror and astonishment as he gazed from Sir Henry to me.

"What are you doing here, Barrymore (что вы здесь делаете, Бэрримор)?"

"Nothing, sir (ничего, сэр)." His agitation was so great that he could hardly speak (его волнение было столь велико, что он едва мог говорить), and the shadows sprang up and down from the shaking of his candle (и тени прыгали вверх-вниз от свечи, дрожащей /в его руке/). "It was the window, sir (это окно, сэр). I go round at night to see that they are fastened (я обхожу /дом/ по ночам, посмотреть = убедиться, что они заперты)."

"On the second floor (на втором этаже)?"

"Yes, sir, all the windows (да, сэр, все окна)."

"Look here, Barrymore," said Sir Henry, sternly (послушайте: «взгляните сюда», Бэрримор, — сказал сэр Генри сурово); "we have made up our minds to have the truth out of you (мы решили узнать у вас правду; to have out — выяснять), so it will save you trouble (так что вы избежите неприятностей) to tell it sooner rather than later (рассказав обо всем лучше раньше, чем позже). Come, now! No lies (давайте-ка, и не лгать)! What were you doing at that window (что вы делали у того окна)?"

The fellow looked at us in a helpless way (он беспомощно посмотрел на нас), and he wrung his hands together like one (и заломил руки; to wring one’s hands — заламывать руки) who is in the last extremity of doubt and misery (как человек, /находящийся/ в крайней степени сомнения и страданий).

"I was doing no harm, sir (я не делал вреда, сэр). I was holding a candle to the window (я держал свечу у окна)."

"And why were you holding a candle to the window (а зачем вы держали свечу у окна)?"

"Don't ask me, Sir Henry — don't ask me (не спрашивайте меня, сэр Генри, не спрашивайте)! I give you my word, sir (даю вам слово, сэр), that it is not my secret (что это не моя тайна), and that I cannot tell it (и что я не могу раскрыть ее). If it concerned no one but myself (если бы это не касалось никого, кроме меня) I would not try to keep it from you (я бы и не пытался утаить ее от вас)."

A sudden idea occurred to me (внезапная мысль пришла мне в голову; to occur — происходить; приходить на ум), and I took the candle from the window-sill (и я взял свечу с подоконника), where the butler had placed it (где ее поставил дворецкий).

"He must have been holding it as a signal (он, должно быть, держал ее как сигнал)," said I. "Let us see if there is any answer (давайте посмотрим, не будет ли какого ответа)." I held it as he had done (я держал ее так, как он это делал), and stared out into the darkness of the night (и всматривался в темноту ночи). Vaguely I could discern the black bank of the trees (я едва мог разглядеть темную линию деревьев) and the lighter expanse of the moor (и более светлую ширь болот), for the moon was behind the clouds (так как луна спряталась за тучи: «была позади туч»). And then I gave a cry of exultation (и тут я издал торжествующий крик), for a tiny pin-point of yellow light (потому что крошечная точечка желтого света; pin-point — острие булавки; что-либо очень маленькое) had suddenly transfixed the dark veil (внезапно пронизала темную пелену), and glowed steadily in the centre of the black square framed by the window (и ровно засияла в центре черного квадрата, обрамленного оконной рамой).

agitation [ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃ(ǝ)n], truth [tru:Ɵ], discern [dɪˈsǝ:n]

"What are you doing here, Barrymore?"

"Nothing, sir." His agitation was so great that he could hardly speak, and the shadows sprang up and down from the shaking of his candle. "It was the window, sir. I go round at night to see that they are fastened."

"On the second floor?"

"Yes, sir, all the windows."

"Look here, Barrymore," said Sir Henry, sternly; "we have made up our minds to have the truth out of you, so it will save you trouble to tell it sooner rather than later. Come, now! No lies! What were you doing at that window?"

The fellow looked at us in a helpless way, and he wrung his hands together like one who is in the last extremity of doubt and misery.

"I was doing no harm, sir. I was holding a candle to the window."

"And why were you holding a candle to the window?"

"Don't ask me, Sir Henry — don't ask me! I give you my word, sir, that it is not my secret, and that I cannot tell it. If it concerned no one but myself I would not try to keep it from you."

A sudden idea occurred to me, and I took the candle from the window-sill, where the butler had placed it.

"He must have been holding it as a signal," said I. "Let us see if there is any answer." I held it as he had done, and stared out into the darkness of the night. Vaguely I could discern the black bank of the trees and the lighter expanse of the moor, for the moon was behind the clouds. And then I gave a cry of exultation, for a tiny pin-point of yellow light had suddenly transfixed the dark veil, and glowed steadily in the centre of the black square framed by the window.

"There it is!" I cried (вот оно, — воскликнул я).

"No, no, sir, it is nothing — nothing at all!" the butler broke in (нет-нет, сэр, это ничего, совсем ничего, — вмешался дворецкий; to break in — врываться; вмешиваться, прерывать); "I assure you, sir (уверяю вас, сэр) ——"

"Move your light across the window, Watson (переместите свечу с одной стороны окна на другую; across — поперек; от края до края)!" cried the baronet. "See, the other moves also (смотрите, та другая тоже движется)! Now, you rascal, do you deny that it is a signal (ну, мошенник, будете теперь отрицать, что это сигнал)? Come, speak up (давайте, признавайтесь; to speak up — говорить громко и отчетливо)! Who is your confederate out yonder (кто этот ваш сообщник), and what is this conspiracy that is going on (и что это здесь за тайный заговор; to go on — продолжать; происходить, иметь место)?"

The man's face became openly defiant (лицо дворецкого стало откровенно дерзким; openly — открыто, публично; откровенно).

"It is my business, and not yours. I will not tell (это мое дело, а не ваше, и я /ничего/ не скажу)."

"Then you leave my employment right away (значит вы покидаете службу у меня прямо сейчас)."

"Very good, sir. If I must I must (очень хорошо, сэр, если надо, так надо)."

"And you go in disgrace (и вы уйдете с позором). By thunder, you may well be ashamed of yourself (Боже мой, вы могли бы стыдиться). Your family has lived with mine (ваш род жил вместе с моим) for over a hundred years under this roof (больше ста лет под одной крышей), and here I find you deep in some dark plot against me (и вот я обнаруживаю, что вы серьезно /замешаны/ в каком-то заговоре против меня; plot — интрига, заговор)."

"No, no, sir; no, not against you (нет-нет, сэр, не против вас)!" It was a woman's voice (это был женский голос), and Mrs. Barrymore, paler and more horror-struck than her husband (и миссис Бэрримор, еще более бледная и перепуганная, чем ее муж; to strike — ударять; вселять /страх/; horror — ужас), was standing at the door (стояла в дверях). Her bulky figure in a shawl and skirt might have been comic (ее дородная фигура в шали и юбке могла бы показаться комичной) were it not for the intensity of feeling upon her face (не будь на лице ее такой глубины чувств; intensity — интенсивность; яркость, глубина).

butler [ˈbʌtlǝ], defiant [dɪˈfaɪǝnt], shawl [ʃɔ:l]

"There it is!" I cried.

"No, no, sir, it is nothing — nothing at all!" the butler broke in; "I assure you, sir —"

"Move your light across the window, Watson!" cried the baronet. "See, the other moves also! Now, you rascal, do you deny that it is a signal? Come, speak up! Who is your confederate out yonder, and what is this conspiracy that is going on?"

The man's face became openly defiant.

"It is my business, and not yours. I will not tell."

"Then you leave my employment right away."

"Very good, sir. If I must I must."

"And you go in disgrace. By thunder, you may well be ashamed of yourself. Your family has lived with mine for over a hundred years under this roof, and here I find you deep in some dark plot against me."

"No, no, sir; no, not against you!" It was a woman's voice, and Mrs. Barrymore, paler and more horror-struck than her husband, was standing at the door. Her bulky figure in a shawl and skirt might have been comic were it not for the intensity of feeling upon her face.

"We have to go, Eliza (нам придется уехать, Элайза). This is the end of it (вот тебе результат; end — конец; итог, результат). You can pack our things (можешь паковать наши вещи)," said the butler.

"Oh, John, John, have I brought you to this (о, Джон, я довела тебя до этого)? It is my doing, Sir Henry — all mine (это все моя вина, сэр Генри; doing — действие, деятельность). He has done nothing except for my sake (он сделал это все ради меня), and because I asked him (и потому что я его просила)."

"Speak out, then! What does it mean (тогда расскажите, что /все/ это значит)?"

"My unhappy brother is starving on the moor (мой несчастный брат умирает с голоду на болотах). We cannot let him perish at our very gates (мы не можем позволить ему погибнуть у самых наших ворот = у нашего порога). The light is a signal to him that food is ready for him (свет — это сигнал ему, что еда для него готова), and his light out yonder is to show the spot (а он своим светом должен показать место) to which to bring it (куда ее принести)."

"Then your brother is (значит, ваш брат) ——"

"The escaped convict, sir — Selden, the criminal (беглый каторжник, убийца Сэлдэн)."

"That's the truth, sir (это правда, сэр)," said Barrymore. "I said that it was not my secret (я говорил, что это не моя тайна) and that I could not tell it to you (и что я не могу ее вам рассказать = раскрыть). But now you have heard it (но сейчас вы все услышали), and you will see that if there was a plot (и вы видите, что если и был заговор) it was not against you (то не против вас)."

except [ɪkˈsept], signal [sɪɡnl], perish [ˈperɪʃ]

"We have to go, Eliza. This is the end of it. You can pack our things," said the butler.

"Oh, John, John, have I brought you to this? It is my doing, Sir Henry — all mine. He has done nothing except for my sake, and because I asked him."

"Speak out, then! What does it mean?"

"My unhappy brother is starving on the moor. We cannot let him perish at our very gates. The light is a signal to him that food is ready for him, and his light out yonder is to show the spot to which to bring it."

"Then your brother is ——"

"The escaped convict, sir — Selden, the criminal."

"That's the truth, sir," said Barrymore. "I said that it was not my secret and that I could not tell it to you. But now you have heard it, and you will see that if there was a plot it was not against you."

This, then, was the explanation of the stealthy expeditions at night (вот это и было объяснением тайных хождений по ночам) and the light at the window (и света в окне). Sir Henry and I both stared at the woman in amazement (мы с сэром Генри оба уставились на женщину в изумлении). Was it possible that this stolidly respectable person (могло ли такое быть, что эта флегматичная, почтенная особа) was of the same blood (была тех же кровей) as one of the most notorious criminals in the country (что и один из самых отъявленных преступников в графстве)?

"Yes, sir, my name was Selden (да, сэр, у меня была фамилия Сэлдэн), and he is my younger brother (и он мой младший брат). We humoured him too much when he was a lad (мы слишком баловали его в детстве: «когда он был мальчиком»), and gave him his own way in everything (и разрешали делать все, что ему в голову взбредет; one’s own way — по-своему, как заблагорассудится) until he came to think that the world was made for his pleasure (пока он не пришел к мысли, что мир создан для его удовольствия), and that he could do what he liked in it (и что он может делать в нем все, что ему нравится). Then, as he grew older (потом, когда он стал старше; to grow — расти; становиться), he met wicked companions (он встретил плохих товарищей = попал в дурную компанию), and the devil entered into him (и дьявол/бес вселился: «вошел» в него) until he broke my mother's heart (пока он не разбил материнское сердце) and dragged our name in the dirt (и не вывалял наше имя в грязи; to drag — тащить, волочить). From crime to crime he sank lower and lower (от преступления к преступлению он опускался все ниже и ниже; to sink — тонуть; опускаться, падать), until it is only the mercy of God which has snatched him from the scaffold (и только милость Божия уберегла его от виселицы; to snatch — хватать; похитить); but to me, sir, he was always the little curly-headed boy (но для меня, сэр, он был всегда маленьким кудрявым мальчиком) that I had nursed and played with (с которым я нянчилась и играла), as an elder sister would (как это обычно /делает/ старшая сестра). That was why he broke prison, sir (вот почему он убежал из тюрьмы; to break — ломать; преодолевать). He knew that I was here (он знал, что я /живу/ здесь) and that we could not refuse to help him (и что мы не откажемся ему помочь).

expedition [ˌekspɪˈdɪʃ(ǝ)n], notorious [nǝ(u)ˈtɔ:rɪǝs], prison [prɪzn]

This, then, was the explanation of the stealthy expeditions at night and the light at the window. Sir Henry and I both stared at the woman in amazement. Was it possible that this stolidly respectable person was of the same blood as one of the most notorious criminals in the country?

"Yes, sir, my name was Selden, and he is my younger brother. We humoured him too much when he was a lad, and gave him his own way in everything until he came to think that the world was made for his pleasure, and that he could do what he liked in it. Then, as he grew older, he met wicked companions, and the devil entered into him until he broke my mother's heart and dragged our name in the dirt. From crime to crime he sank lower and lower, until it is only the mercy of God which has snatched him from the scaffold; but to me, sir, he was always the little curly-headed boy that I had nursed and played with, as an elder sister would. That was why he broke prison, sir. He knew that I was here and that we could not refuse to help him.

"When he dragged himself here one night (когда он однажды ночью притащился сюда), weary and starving (изможденный и голодный; to starve — умирать от голода, очень хотеть есть), with the warders hard at his heels (с преследователями, /уже идущими/ по пятам; warder — караульный; hard — упорно; вплотную; at one’s heels — следом, по пятам), what could we do (что мы могли сделать)? We took him in and fed him and cared for him (мы приютили его, накормили и позаботились о нем; to take in — принимать /гостя/; предоставлять приют). Then you returned, sir, and my brother thought (затем приехали: «вернулись» вы, сэр, и мой брат подумал) he would be safer on the moor than anywhere else (/что/ ему будет безопаснее на болотах, чем где-либо еще) until the hue and cry was over (пока не закончится = не стихнет шум/погоня; hue and cry — погоня; крики "лови!, держи!"; выкрики: to raise a hue and cry — поднять шум и крик), so he lay in hiding there (и вот он скрывается там; to lie — лежать; оставаться в каком-либо положении или состоянии). But every second night we made sure (но каждую вторую ночь мы проверяем: «убеждаемся») if he was still there (там ли он все еще) by putting a light in the window (зажигая свет в окне; to put a light — зажечь свет), and if there was an answer (и если оттуда есть ответ) my husband took out some bread and meat to him (мой муж выносит ему хлеб и мясо). Every day we hoped that he was gone (каждый день мы надеемся, что он ушел), but as long as he was there we could not desert him (но пока он там, мы не можем оставить его). That is the whole truth (вот вся правда), as I am an honest Christian woman (потому что я честная христианка), and you will see that if there is blame in the matter (и вы видите, что и если есть в этом /деле какой/ грех; blame — виновность; грех /устар./) it does not lie with my husband, but with me (он лежит не на моем муже, а на мне), for whose sake he has done all that he has (ради чьего блага он сделал все то, что сделал)."

The woman's words came with an intense earnestness (слова этой женщины звучали с глубокой искренностью) which carried conviction with them (которая убеждала /в ее правоте/; to carry — нести; выражать, передавать).

"Is this true, Barrymore (это правда, Бэрримор)?"

"Yes, Sir Henry. Every word of it (да, сэр, каждое слово)."

"Well, I cannot blame you for standing by your own wife (хорошо, я не могу винить вас /в том, что/ вы помогаете свой собственной жене; to stand by — оказывать поддержу, помощь). Forget what I have said (забудьте, что я сказал). Go to your room, you two (вы оба идите в свою комнату), and we shall talk further about this matter in the morning (а утром мы продолжим разговор на эту тему)."

notorious [nǝ(u)ˈtɔ:rɪǝs], nurse [nǝ:s], earnestness [ˈǝ:nɪstnǝs]

"When he dragged himself here one night, weary and starving, with the warders hard at his heels, what could we do? We took him in and fed him and cared for him. Then you returned, sir, and my brother thought he would be safer on the moor than anywhere else until the hue and cry was over, so he lay in hiding there. But every second night we made sure if he was still there by putting a light in the window, and if there was an answer my husband took out some bread and meat to him. Every day we hoped that he was gone, but as long as he was there we could not desert him. That is the whole truth, as I am an honest Christian woman, and you will see that if there is blame in the matter it does not lie with my husband, but with me, for whose sake he has done all that he has."

The woman's words came with an intense earnestness which carried conviction with them.

"Is this true, Barrymore?"

"Yes, Sir Henry. Every word of it."

"Well, I cannot blame you for standing by your own wife. Forget what I have said. Go to your room, you two, and we shall talk further about this matter in the morning."

When they were gone (когда они ушли) we looked out of the window again (мы снова посмотрели в окно). Sir Henry had flung it open (сэр Генри резко открыл его; to fling — бросаться; делать быстрое, стремительное движение), and the cold night wind beat in upon our faces (и холодный ночной ветер ударил нам в лицо). Far away in the black distance (там, в темной дали; far away — далеко; distance — расстояние; даль) there still glowed that one tiny point of yellow light (все еще горела крошечная желтая точка).

"I wonder he dares (удивляюсь, /как/ ему не страшно; to dare — осмеливаться; пренебрегать опасностью)," said Sir Henry.

"It may be so placed (это, наверное, такое место) as to be only visible from here (/которое/ видно только отсюда)."

"Very likely (очень может быть). How far do you think it is (насколько оно далеко, как вы думаете)?"

"Out by the Cleft Tor, I think (полагаю, возле Расколотой Скалы; to cleave — раскалывать)."

"Not more than a mile or two off (не более одной-двух миль)."

"Hardly that (навряд ли так)."

"Well, it cannot be far (ну, оно не может быть далеко) if Barrymore had to carry out the food to it (если Бэрримору приходилось носить туда еду). And he is waiting, this villain, beside that candle (а он ждет, этот негодяй, со своей свечой; beside — рядом, около). By thunder, Watson, I am going out to take that man (черт возьми, Ватсон, я выйду и поймаю этого человека; to take — брать; хватать; by thunder — «клянусь громом»)!"

dare [dɛǝ], visible [ˈvɪzǝbl], villain [ˈvɪlǝn]

When they were gone we looked out of the window again. Sir Henry had flung it open, and the cold night wind beat in upon our faces. Far away in the black distance there still glowed that one tiny point of yellow light.

"I wonder he dares," said Sir Henry.

"It may be so placed as to be only visible from here."

"Very likely. How far do you think it is?"

"Out by the Cleft Tor, I think."

"Not more than a mile or two off."

"Hardly that."

"Well, it cannot be far if Barrymore had to carry out the food to it. And he is waiting, this villain, beside that candle. By thunder, Watson, I am going out to take that man!"

The same thought had crossed my own mind (та же мысль мелькнула и у меня; to cross one’s mind — внезапно прийти в голову, осенить /кого-либо/). It was not as if the Barrymores had taken us into their confidence (Бэрриморы же не доверились нам; to take smb. into one’s confidence — поведать кому-либо свои тайны, довериться кому-л). Their secret had been forced from them (/мы/ их заставили /раскрыть/ свою тайну). The man was a danger to the community (этот человек был угрозой для общества), an unmitigated scoundrel for whom there was neither pity nor excuse (законченным негодяем, для которого не было ни жалости, ни прощения; unmitigated — несмягченный; полный, абсолютный; to mitigate — смягчать, уменьшать /строгость, суровость; наказание/; умерять, сдерживать /жар, пыл/). We were only doing our duty (мы только выполнили /бы/ свой долг) in taking this chance of putting him back (воспользовавшись возможностью вернуть его /туда/) where he could do no harm (где он не мог причинить никакого вреда). With his brutal and violent nature (из-за его жестокого и зверского нрава), others would have to pay the price (другим бы пришлось расплачиваться) if we held our hands (если бы мы /сидели/, сложа руки). Any night, for example, our neighbours the Stapletons might be attacked by him (в любую ночь он мог бы напасть на наших соседей, к примеру, на Стэплтонов), and it may have been the thought of this (и, может быть, /именно/ эта мысль) which made Sir Henry so keen upon the adventure (заставила сэра Генри так загореться этой авантюрой; keen — острый; увлеченный, пылкий).

"I will come (я /тоже/ пойду)," said I.

"Then get your revolver and put on your boots (тогда возьмите свой револьвер и наденьте ботинки). The sooner we start the better (чем скорее мы отправимся, тем лучше), as the fellow may put out his light and be off (так как парень может погасить свечу и убраться /оттуда/; to put out — выгонять; тушить, гасить)."

confidence [ˈkɔnfɪd(ǝ)ns], scoundrel [ˈskaundr(ǝ)l], start [stɑ:t]

The same thought had crossed my own mind. It was not as if the Barrymores had taken us into their confidence. Their secret had been forced from them. The man was a danger to the community, an unmitigated scoundrel for whom there was neither pity nor excuse. We were only doing our duty in taking this chance of putting him back where he could do no harm. With his brutal and violent nature, others would have to pay the price if we held our hands. Any night, for example, our neighbours the Stapletons might be attacked by him, and it may have been the thought of this which made Sir Henry so keen upon the adventure.

"I will come," said I.

"Then get your revolver and put on your boots. The sooner we start the better, as the fellow may put out his light and be off."

In five minutes we were outside the door (через пять минут мы были уже снаружи), starting upon our expedition (отправляясь в нашу экспедицию). We hurried through the dark shrubbery (мы поспешно пробирались через темный кустарник), amid the dull moaning of the autumn wind (под заунывные стоны осеннего ветра) and the rustle of the falling leaves (и шелест опадающих листьев). The night air was heavy with the smell of damp and decay (ночной воздух был насыщен запахами сырости и гниения; heavy — тяжелый; насыщенный). Now and again the moon peeped out for an instant (иногда на секунду выглядывала луна), but clouds were driving over the face of the sky (но по небу мчались тучи) and just as we came out on the moor (и как только мы вышли на болота) a thin rain began to fall (начал моросить: «падать» мелкий дождик). The light still burned steadily in front (свет все еще равномерно горел впереди).

"Are you armed (вы вооружены)?" I asked.

"I have a hunting-crop (у меня охотничий хлыст)."

"We must close in on him rapidly (мы должны быстро подойти к нему с двух сторон; to close in — окружать), for he is said to be a desperate fellow (потому как, говорят, он отчаянный парень). We shall take him by surprise (мы возьмем его неожиданно) and have him at our mercy (и он окажется у нас в руках; at smb.’s mercy — в чьей-либо милости) before he can resist (прежде чем сможет сопротивляться)."

"I say, Watson," said the baronet, "what would Holmes say to this (послушайте, Ватсон, а что бы Холмс сказал на это)? How about that hour of darkness (как насчет того ночного часа) in which the power of evil is exalted (когда царствуют силы зла)?"

shrubbery [ˈʃrʌbǝrɪ], rustle [rʌsl], mercy [ˈmǝ:sɪ]

In five minutes we were outside the door, starting upon our expedition. We hurried through the dark shrubbery, amid the dull moaning of the autumn wind and the rustle of the falling leaves. The night air was heavy with the smell of damp and decay. Now and again the moon peeped out for an instant, but clouds were driving over the face of the sky, and just as we came out on the moor a thin rain began to fall. The light still burned steadily in front.

"Are you armed?" I asked.

"I have a hunting-crop."

"We must close in on him rapidly, for he is said to be a desperate fellow. We shall take him by surprise and have him at our mercy before he can resist."

"I say, Watson," said the baronet, "what would Holmes say to this? How about that hour of darkness in which the power of evil is exalted?"

As if in answer to his words (как будто в ответ на его слова) there rose suddenly out of the vast gloom of the moor that strange cry (внезапно из безбрежного мрака болот возник тот странный вой; to rise — подниматься) which I had already heard upon the borders of the great Grimpen Mire (который я уже слышал на краю большой Гримпенской трясины). It came with the wind through the silence of the night (ветер пронес его сквозь тишину ночи), a long, deep mutter (долгое, низкое бормотание), then a rising howl (затем нарастающее завывание), and then the sad moan in which it died away (и затем тоскливый стон, на котором /этот вой/ затихал). Again and again it sounded (он звучал снова и снова), the whole air throbbing with it (от него дрожал весь воздух; to throb — биться, пульсировать; колыхаться), strident, wild, and menacing (резкий, дикий и зловещий; menacing — угрожающий; зловещий). The baronet caught my sleeve (баронет поймал меня за рукав; to catch) and his face glimmered white through the darkness (его лицо белым /пятном/ светилось в темноте).

cry [kraɪ], border[ˈbɔ:dǝ], strident [straɪdnt]

As if in answer to his words there rose suddenly out of the vast gloom of the moor that strange cry which I had already heard upon the borders of the great Grimpen Mire. It came with the wind through the silence of the night, a long, deep mutter, then a rising howl, and then the sad moan in which it died away. Again and again it sounded, the whole air throbbing with it, strident, wild, and menacing. The baronet caught my sleeve and his face glimmered white through the darkness.

"Good heavens, what's that, Watson (Боже мой, Ватсон, что это)?"

"I don't know (я не знаю). It's a sound they have on the moor (такое: «этот звук» /иногда/ случается на болотах). I heard it once before (я однажды его уже слышал)."

It died away (вой стих), and an absolute silence closed in upon us (и нас окружила полная тишина). We stood straining our ears (мы стояли, прислушиваясь; to strain one's ears — напрягать слух), but nothing came (но /больше/ ничего не было слышно).

"Watson," said the baronet, "it was the cry of a hound (это был вой собаки)."

My blood ran cold in my veins (кровь застыла у меня в жилах; to run cold — похолодеть), for there was a break in his voice (потому что его голос резко изменился; break — трещина; неожиданное изменение) which told of the sudden horror which had seized him (что говорило о внезапном ужасе, охватившем его).

"What do they call this sound (как они называют этот звук)?" he asked.

"Who (кто)?"

"The folk on the country-side (местные жители)."

"Oh, they are ignorant people (о, они люди невежественные). Why should you mind what they call it (что вам с того, как они это называют; to mind — заботиться; беспокоиться, тревожиться)?"

"Tell me, Watson. What do they say of it (скажите мне, Ватсон, что они говорят об этом)?"

I hesitated, but could not escape the question (я колебался, но не мог уклониться от ответа: «вопроса»).

"They say it is the cry of the Hound of the Baskervilles (они говорят, что так воет собака Баскервилей)."

absolute [ˈæbsǝlu:t], seize [si:z], hesitate [ˈhezɪteɪt]

"Good heavens, what's that, Watson?"

"I don't know. It's a sound they have on the moor. I heard it once before."

It died away, and an absolute silence closed in upon us. We stood straining our ears, but nothing came.

"Watson," said the baronet, "it was the cry of a hound."

My blood ran cold in my veins, for there was a break in his voice which told of the sudden horror which had seized him.

"What do they call this sound?" he asked.

"Who?"

"The folk on the country-side."

"Oh, they are ignorant people. Why should you mind what they call it?"

"Tell me, Watson. What do they say of it?"

I hesitated, but could not escape the question.

"They say it is the cry of the Hound of the Baskervilles."

He groaned, and was silent for a few moments (он застонал и несколько мгновений молчал).

"A hound it was," he said, at last (это была собака, — наконец сказал он), "but it seemed to come from miles away, over yonder, I think (но, кажется, он шел издалека, вон оттуда, я полагаю)."

"It was hard to say whence it came (трудно сказать, откуда он шел)."

"It rose and fell with the wind (он поднялся и затих вместе с ветром; to fall — падать; стихать). Isn't that the direction of the great Grimpen Mire (не в том ли направлении большая Гримпенская трясина)?"

"Yes, it is."

"Well, it was up there (значит, он шел оттуда). Come now, Watson (да ладно, Ватсон), didn't you think yourself (неужто вы сами не думаете) that it was the cry of a hound (что это был вой собаки)? I am not a child (я не ребенок). You need not fear to speak the truth (вам не нужно бояться сказать правду)."

"Stapleton was with me when I heard it last (со мной был Стэплтон, когда я слышал это в прошлый раз; last — последний; прошлый). He said that it might be the calling of a strange bird (он сказал, что, возможно, это кричит какая-то птица; strange — странный; незнакомый)."

"No, no, it was a hound (нет-нет, это была собака). My God, can there be some truth in all these stories (мой Бог, неужели есть какая-то правда во всех этих россказнях)? Is it possible that I am really in danger from so dark a cause (возможно ли, что я действительно в опасности = мне и правда угрожает такая темная сила)? You don't believe it, do you, Watson (вы в это не верите, Ватсон, не так ли)?"

"No, no."

mile [maɪl], whence [wens], truth [tru:Ɵ]

He groaned, and was silent for a few moments.

"A hound it was," he said, at last, "but it seemed to come from miles away, over yonder, I think."

"It was hard to say whence it came."

"It rose and fell with the wind. Isn't that the direction of the great Grimpen Mire?"

"Yes, it is."

"Well, it was up there. Come now, Watson, didn't you think yourself that it was the cry of a hound? I am not a child. You need not fear to speak the truth."

"Stapleton was with me when I heard it last. He said that it might be the calling of a strange bird."

"No, no, it was a hound. My God, can there be some truth in all these stories? Is it possible that I am really in danger from so dark a cause? You don't believe it, do you, Watson?"

"No, no."

"And yet it was one thing to laugh about it in London (и все же, одно дело смеяться над этим в Лондоне), and it is another to stand out here in the darkness of the moor (а другое — стоять здесь в темноте на болотах) and to hear such a cry as that (и слушать подобный вой). And my uncle (а мой дядя)! There was the footprint of the hound beside him as he lay (возле /места/, где он лежал, были отпечатки собачьих /лап/). It all fits together (все сходится: «все подходит друг к другу»). I don't think that I am a coward (я не думаю, что я трус = я не считаю себя трусом), Watson, but that sound seemed to freeze my very blood (но тот звук, казалось, заморозил мне всю кровь). Feel my hand (потрогайте мою руку)!"

It was as cold as a block of marble (она была холодна, как глыба мрамора; block — колода; глыба).

"You'll be all right to-morrow (завтра с вами будет все в порядке)."

"I don't think I'll get that cry out of my head (не думаю, что /смогу/ выбросить из головы этот вой). What do you advise that we do now (что вы посоветуете нам делать сейчас)?"

"Shall we turn back (/может быть/, нам стоит вернуться назад)?"

"No, by thunder (нет, черт возьми); we have come out to get our man (мы вышли, чтобы поймать нашего каторжника), and we will do it (и мы это сделаем). We after the convict (мы /охотимся/ за каторжником), and a hell-hound, as likely as not, after us (а тот цербер, по всей вероятности, за нами). Come on (вперед)! We'll see it through if all the fiends of the pit were loose upon the moor (поглядим, все ли черти преисподней разгуливают по болотам; to be loose — шататься; разгуливать; loose — свободный; непривязанный, неприкрепленный; спущенный с цепи, выпущенный из клетки и т. п.; pit — яма, углубление, впадина, лунка; /перен./ преисподняя)."

marble [mɑ:bl], coward [kauǝd], fiend [fi:nd]

"And yet it was one thing to laugh about it in London, and it is another to stand out here in the darkness of the moor and to hear such a cry as that. And my uncle! There was the footprint of the hound beside him as he lay. It all fits together. I don't think that I am a coward, Watson, but that sound seemed to freeze my very blood. Feel my hand!"

It was as cold as a block of marble.

"You'll be all right to-morrow."

"I don't think I'll get that cry out of my head. What do you advise that we do now?"

"Shall we turn back?"

"No, by thunder; we have come out to get our man, and we will do it. We after the convict, and a hell-hound, as likely as not, after us. Come on! We'll see it through if all the fiends of the pit were loose upon the moor."

We stumbled slowly along in the darkness (мы медленно двинулись в темноту; to stumble — спотыкаться; ковылять), with the black loom of the craggy hills around us (/при этом/ черные тени скалистых холмов окружали нас; loom — неясные очертания; тень), and the yellow speck of light burning steadily in front (и желтое пятнышко света постоянно горело впереди). There is nothing so deceptive (ничто так не обманчиво) as the distance of a light upon a pitch-dark night (как расстояние до /источника/ света в непроглядной ночи), and sometimes the glimmer seemed to be far away upon the horizon (временами казалось, огонек был далеко на горизонте) and sometimes it might have been within a few yards of us (а временами — в нескольких ярдах от нас). But at last we could see whence it came (но наконец мы смогли увидеть, откуда он идет), and then we knew that we were indeed very close (и тогда поняли, что мы находимся действительно очень близко). A guttering candle was stuck in a crevice of the rocks (угасающая свеча была воткнута в расщелину /между/ камнями; to gutter — вымывать канавки; угасать /о пламени/; to stick) which flanked it on each side (которые защищали ее со всех сторон; to flank — располагаться сбоку; защищать сбоку) so as to keep the wind from it (так чтобы уберечь ее от ветра), and also to prevent it from being visible (а также сделать ее невидимой /отовсюду/; to prevent — предотвращать; препятствовать; visible — видимый), save in the direction of Baskerville Hall (кроме как со стороны Баскервиль-холла). A boulder of granite concealed our approach (гранитная глыба скрывала наше приближение), and crouching behind it we gazed over it at the signal light (и, пригнувшись за ней, мы пристально смотрели на сигнальный огонек). It was strange to see this single candle (странно было видеть эту одинокую свечу) burning there in the middle of the moor (горящую там, посреди болот), with no sign of life near it (без признаков жизни вокруг нее) — just the one straight yellow flame (только одно ровное желтое пламя) and the gleam of the rock on each side of it (и отблески на камнях вокруг него).

stumble [stʌmbl], horizon [hǝˈraɪzn], crevice [ˈkrevɪs]

We stumbled slowly along in the darkness, with the black loom of the craggy hills around us, and the yellow speck of light burning steadily in front. There is nothing so deceptive as the distance of a light upon a pitch-dark night, and sometimes the glimmer seemed to be far away upon the horizon and sometimes it might have been within a few yards of us. But at last we could see whence it came, and then we knew that we were indeed very close. A guttering candle was stuck in a crevice of the rocks which flanked it on each side so as to keep the wind from it, and also to prevent it from being visible, save in the direction of Baskerville Hall. A boulder of granite concealed our approach, and crouching behind it we gazed over it at the signal light. It was strange to see this single candle burning there in the middle of the moor, with no sign of life near it — just the one straight yellow flame and the gleam of the rock on each side of it.

"What shall we do now?" whispered Sir Henry (что теперь будем делать? — прошептал сэр Генри).

"Wait here (ждать здесь). He must be near his light (он должен быть неподалеку от своей свечи; light — свет; зажженная свеча). Let us see if we can get a glimpse of him (давайте понаблюдаем, может быть, заметим его)."

The words were hardly out of my mouth (не успели слова сорваться с моих уст) when we both saw him (как мы оба увидели его). Over the rocks, in the crevice of which the candle burned (над камнями в расщелине, в которой горела свеча), there was thrust out an evil yellow face (высунулось злобное желтое лицо; to thrust — пронзать; to thrust out one’s head — высовывать голову), a terrible animal face (ужасное звериное лицо), all seamed and scored with vile passions (все в морщинах и с неизгладимыми следами низменных страстей; to seam — покрывать рубцами, морщинами; seam — шов; стык; рубец, шрам; морщина; to score — набирать очки; оставлять глубокие следы). Foul with mire, with a bristling beard (испачканное болотной грязью, с отросшей бородой; foul — грязный; mire — болото; грязь; bristle — щетина; отросшая борода), and hung with matted hair (и свалявшимися волосами; to hang — висеть), it might well have belonged to one of those old savages (оно вполне могло принадлежать одному из тех древних дикарей) who dwelt in the burrows on the hill-sides (которые жили в тех норах на склонах холмов; to dwell). The light beneath him was reflected in his small, cunning eyes (свет под ним = свет, идущий снизу, отражался в его маленьких хитрых глазах; cunning — хитрый, коварный), which peered fiercely to right and left through the darkness (которые свирепо смотрели сквозь тьму то вправо, то влево; to peer — вглядываться), like a crafty and savage animal (как у хитрого и злобного зверя) who has heard the steps of the hunters (услышавшего шаги охотников).

thrust [Ɵrʌst], mire [maɪǝ], fiercely [ˈfɪǝslɪ]

"What shall we do now?" whispered Sir Henry.

"Wait here. He must be near his light. Let us see if we can get a glimpse of him."

The words were hardly out of my mouth when we both saw him. Over the rocks, in the crevice of which the candle burned, there was thrust out an evil yellow face, a terrible animal face, all seamed and scored with vile passions. Foul with mire, with a bristling beard, and hung with matted hair, it might well have belonged to one of those old savages who dwelt in the burrows on the hill-sides. The light beneath him was reflected in his small, cunning eyes, which peered fiercely to right and left through the darkness, like a crafty and savage animal who has heard the steps of the hunters.

Something had evidently aroused his suspicions (очевидно, что-то возбудило его подозрения; to arise). It may have been that Barrymore had some private signal (может быть, у этого Бэрримора был какой-то секретный знак) which we had neglected to give (который мы не подали: «который мы упустили подать»; to neglect — пренебрегать; упускать, не делать /чего-либо/ нужного; to give — давать), or the fellow may have had some other reason (или у парня была какая-то другая причина) for thinking that all was not well (думать, что что-то не так), but I could read his fears upon his wicked face (но я смог прочитать испуг на его злобном лице). Any instant he might dash out the light (в любой момент он мог отбросить свечу) and vanish in the darkness (и исчезнуть в темноте). I sprang forward therefore (поэтому я прыгнул вперед), and Sir Henry did the same (и сэр Генри сделал то же самое). At the same moment the convict screamed out a curse at us and hurled a rock (в тот же миг каторжник, выкрикнув проклятие, швырнул в нас камнем) which splintered up against the boulder (который раскололся о глыбу) which had sheltered us (служившую нам прикрытием). I caught one glimpse of his short, squat, strongly-built figure (я /успел только/ разглядеть его невысокую, приземистую, крепко сбитую фигуру) as he sprang to his feet and turned to run (когда он вскочил на ноги и повернулся, чтобы убежать). At the same moment by a lucky chance (по счастливой случайности, в тот момент) the moon broke through the clouds (луна выглянула из-за туч = пробилась сквозь тучи). We rushed over the brow of the hill (мы бросились к вершине холма; brow — бровь; выступ /скалы/), and there was our man running with great speed down the other side (а наш каторжник: «человек» сбегал с огромной скоростью вниз с другой стороны), springing over the stones in his way (перепрыгивая через камни) with the activity of a mountain goat (с энергией = с ловкостью горного козла). A lucky long shot of my revolver might have crippled him (удачный дальний выстрел из моего револьвера мог бы остановить: «искалечить» его), but I had brought it only to defend myself if attacked (но я захватил его, только чтобы защищаться в случае нападения), and not to shoot an unarmed man who was running away (а не /для того, чтобы/ стрелять в убегающего безоружного человека).

whisper [ˈwɪspǝ], mountain [ˈmauntɪn]

Something had evidently aroused his suspicions. It may have been that Barrymore had some private signal which we had neglected to give, or the fellow may have had some other reason for thinking that all was not well, but I could read his fears upon his wicked face. Any instant he might dash out the light and vanish in the darkness. I sprang forward therefore, and Sir Henry did the same. At the same moment the convict screamed out a curse at us and hurled a rock which splintered up against the boulder which had sheltered us. I caught one glimpse of his short, squat, strongly-built figure as he sprang to his feet and turned to run. At the same moment by a lucky chance the moon broke through the clouds. We rushed over the brow of the hill, and there was our man running with great speed down the other side, springing over the stones in his way with the activity of a mountain goat. A lucky long shot of my revolver might have crippled him, but I had brought it only to defend myself if attacked, and not to shoot an unarmed man who was running away.

We were both fair runners and in good condition (мы оба были недурными бегунами и в хорошей форме; fair — красивый; значительный, порядочный; in good condition — в хорошем состоянии), but we soon found (но мы вскоре обнаружили) that we had no chance of overtaking him (что у нас нет шансов догнать его). We saw him for a long time in the moonlight (мы видели его долгое время в свете луны) until he was only a small speck (пока он не стал всего лишь маленькой точкой) moving swiftly among the boulders upon the side of a distant hill (быстро движущейся среди валунов по склону далекого холма). We ran and ran until we were completely blown (мы продолжали бежать, пока /не стали/ совсем задыхаться; to blow — дуть /о ветре/; пыхтеть, тяжело дышать), but the space between us grew ever wider (но расстояние между нами неизменно увеличивалось: «становилось постоянно шире»; space — пространство; расстояние /между двумя объектами/; to grow). Finally we stopped and sat panting on two rocks (наконец мы остановились и, тяжело дыша, уселись на камни), while we watched him disappearing in the distance (продолжая наблюдать, как он исчезает вдалеке; while — пока, в то время как).

And it was at this moment (и в этот момент) that there occurred a most strange and unexpected thing (произошла самая странная и неожиданная вещь). We had risen from our rocks (мы поднялись с камней) and were turning to go home (и повернулись, /чтобы/ идти домой), having abandoned the hopeless chase (оставив безнадежное преследование). The moon was low upon the right (луна висела низко, справа /от нас/), and the jagged pinnacle of a granite tor (и зазубренная вершина гранитной скалы) stood up against the lower curve of its silver disc (вставала на фоне нижней половины ее серебряного диска; curve — дуга; изгиб). There, outlined as black as an ebony statue on that shining background (там, как статуя из черного дерева, на этом сияющем фоне; to outline — нарисовать контур; очертить; ebony — эбеновое, черное дерево), I saw the figure of a man upon the tor (стояла фигура: «я увидел фигуру» человека на скале).

found [faund], grew [ɡru:], pinnacle [ˈpɪnǝkl]

We were both fair runners and in good condition, but we soon found that we had no chance of overtaking him. We saw him for a long time in the moonlight until he was only a small speck moving swiftly among the boulders upon the side of a distant hill. We ran and ran until we were completely blown, but the space between us grew ever wider. Finally we stopped and sat panting on two rocks, while we watched him disappearing in the distance.

And it was at this moment that there occurred a most strange and unexpected thing. We had risen from our rocks and were turning to go home, having abandoned the hopeless chase. The moon was low upon the right, and the jagged pinnacle of a granite tor stood up against the lower curve of its silver disc. There, outlined as black as an ebony statue on that shining background, I saw the figure of a man upon the tor.

Do not think that it was a delusion, Holmes (не думайте, что это была галлюцинация, Холмс). I assure you (уверяю вас) that I have never in my life seen anything more clearly (что никогда в своей жизни я не видел ничего более четко). As far as I could judge (насколько я мог судить), the figure was that of a tall, thin man (фигура /принадлежала/ высокому, худощавому человеку). He stood with his legs a little separated (он стоял, немного расставив ноги), his arms folded, his head bowed (сложив руки /на груди/ и наклонив голову), as if he were brooding over that enormous wilderness of peat and granite (словно погруженный в раздумья над той громадной пустыней из торфа и гранита) which lay before him (которая лежала перед ним). He might have been the very spirit of that terrible place (он мог бы быть настоящим духом того ужасного места). It was not the convict (это был не каторжник). This man was far from the place (этот человек находился далеко от места) where the latter had disappeared (где скрылся последний). Besides, he was a much taller man (кроме того, он был намного выше). With a cry of surprise I pointed him out to the baronet (вскрикнув от удивления, я указал на него баронету), but in the instant during which I had turned to grasp his arm (но за мгновение, в течение которого я повернулся, чтобы схватить его за руку) the man was gone (человек пропал). There was the sharp pinnacle of granite (острая гранитная вершина) still cutting the lower edge of the moon (все так же разрезала нижний край луны), but its peak bore no trace (но на ней не было и следа; peak — пик, вершина; to bear — нести) of that silent and motionless figure (той безмолвной и неподвижной фигуры).

delusion [dɪˈlju:ʒ(ǝ)n], separate [ˈsepǝreɪt], edge [edʒ]

Do not think that it was a delusion, Holmes. I assure you that I have never in my life seen anything more clearly. As far as I could judge, the figure was that of a tall, thin man. He stood with his legs a little separated, his arms folded, his head bowed, as if he were brooding over that enormous wilderness of peat and granite which lay before him. He might have been the very spirit of that terrible place. It was not the convict. This man was far from the place where the latter had disappeared. Besides, he was a much taller man. With a cry of surprise I pointed him out to the baronet, but in the instant during which I had turned to grasp his arm the man was gone. There was the sharp pinnacle of granite still cutting the lower edge of the moon, but its peak bore no trace of that silent and motionless figure.

I wished to go in that direction and to search the tor (я хотел пойти в том направлении и исследовать скалу; tor — скалистая вершина холма), but it was some distance away (но она была на некотором расстоянии /от нас/). The baronet's nerves were still quivering from that cry (нервы баронета все еще дрожали от того воя), which recalled the dark story of his family (напомнившего темное предание его семьи), and he was not in the mood for fresh adventures (и он был не в настроении для новых приключений; fresh — свежий; новый, дополнительный). He had not seen this lonely man upon the tor (он не видел этого одинокого человека на скале) and could not feel the thrill (и не мог почувствовать волнение) which his strange presence and his commanding attitude had given to me (которое его странное присутствие и высящаяся фигура: «высокая /дающая обзор/ позиция» передали мне; to command — приказывать; командовать; возвышаться, господствовать; attitude — позиция; отношение). "A warder, no doubt (какой-то караульный, нет сомнения)," said he. "The moor has been thick with them (/здесь/ на болотах их полным-полно; thick — толстый; многолюдный) since this fellow escaped (с тех пор как сбежал этот парень)." Well, perhaps his explanation may be the right one (ну, возможно, его объяснение было верным), but I should like to have some further proof of it (но я бы хотел иметь дополнительные: «дальнейшие» тому доказательства). To-day we mean to communicate to the Princetown people (сегодня мы намерены сообщить властям Принстауна; people — люди; служащие) where they should look for their missing man (где им следует искать их беглеца: «пропавшего человека»), but it is hard lines that we have not actually had the triumph of bringing him back (жаль, нам не повезло самим доставить его назад; hard lines — неудача, невезение; actually — фактически, на самом деле; triumph — триумф, торжество) as our own prisoner (как/в качестве нашего собственного пленника).

quiver[ˈkwɪvǝ], attitude [ˈætɪtju:d], triumph [ˈtraɪǝmf]

I wished to go in that direction and to search the tor, but it was some distance away. The baronet's nerves were still quivering from that cry, which recalled the dark story of his family, and he was not in the mood for fresh adventures. He had not seen this lonely man upon the tor and could not feel the thrill which his strange presence and his commanding attitude had given to me. "A warder, no doubt," said he. "The moor has been thick with them since this fellow escaped." Well, perhaps his explanation may be the right one, but I should like to have some further proof of it. To-day we mean to communicate to the Princetown people where they should look for their missing man, but it is hard lines that we have not actually had the triumph of bringing him back as our own prisoner.

Such are the adventures of last night (таковыми были приключения прошлой ночи), and you must acknowledge, my dear Holmes (и вы должны признать, мой дорогой Холмс), that I have done you very well in the matter of a report (что я предоставил вам полный отчет /о них/; to do smb. well — предоставлять все удобства; in the matter — что касается). Much of what I tell you (многое из того, о чем я вам рассказал) is no doubt quite irrelevant (несомненно, к делу совершенно не относится; irrelevant — неуместный; не относящийся к делу), but still I feel that it is best (но я все же считаю, что лучше) that I should let you have all the facts (если я буду передавать вам все факты) and leave you to select for yourself those (и предоставлю вам выбрать для себя те; to leave — покидать; предоставлять) which will be of most service to you (которые будут вам наиболее полезны) in helping you to your conclusions (для ваших умозаключений). We are certainly making some progress (мы определенно делаем успехи). So far as the Barrymores go (что до Бэрриморов; so far — до сих пор; to go — идти; действовать определенным образом) we have found the motive of their actions (/то/ мы обнаружили мотив их действий), and that has cleared up the situation very much (и это значительно прояснило ситуацию). But the moor with its mysteries and its strange inhabitants (но болота с их тайнами и странными обитателями) remains as inscrutable as ever (остаются столь же загадочными, как и прежде; inscrutable — непроницаемый; необъяснимый, непостижимый; ср. scrutiny — внимательный осмотр; исследование, наблюдение). Perhaps in my next (возможно, в своем следующем /письме/) I may be able to throw some light upon this also (я смогу прояснить также и этот /вопрос/; to throw light /upon/ — пролить свет /на что-либо/, прояснить). Best of all would it be (было бы лучше всего) if you could come down to us (если бы вы смогли приехать к нам).

acknowledge [ǝkˈnɔlɪdʒ], irrelevant [ɪˈrelɪvǝnt], inscrutable [ɪnˈskru:tǝbl]

Such are the adventures of last night, and you must acknowledge, my dear Holmes, that I have done you very well in the matter of a report. Much of what I tell you is no doubt quite irrelevant, but still I feel that it is best that I should let you have all the facts and leave you to select for yourself those which will be of most service to you in helping you to your conclusions. We are certainly making some progress. So far as the Barrymores go we have found the motive of their actions, and that has cleared up the situation very much. But the moor with its mysteries and its strange inhabitants remains as inscrutable as ever. Perhaps in my next I may be able to throw some light upon this also. Best of all would it be if you could come down to us.