Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Собака Баскервилей

CHAPTER XI. THE MAN ON THE TOR

(Человек на скале)

THE extract from my private diary (отрывок из моего личного дневника) which forms the last chapter (из которого и состоит последняя глава) has brought my narrative up to the 18th of October (подвел мое повествование к восемнадцатому октября), a time when these strange events began to move swiftly towards their terrible conclusion (ко времени, когда эти странные события начали стремительно двигаться к своему ужасному финалу; conclusion — вывод; финал, завершение). The incidents of the next few days are indelibly graven upon my recollection (события следующих нескольких дней неизгладимо запечатлелись в моей памяти; to grave — вырезать; произвести впечатление), and I can tell them without reference to the notes (и я могу пересказать их не ссылаясь: «без ссылки» на записи) made at the time (сделанные в то время). I start, then, from the day which succeeded that (итак, я начинаю со дня, следующего за тем) upon which I had established two facts of great importance (в который я установил два факта чрезвычайной важности), the one that Mrs. Laura Lyons of Coombe Tracey had written to Sir Charles Baskerville (первый: миссис Лора Лайонс написала сэру Чарльзу Баскервилю) and made an appointment with him at the very place and hour (и назначила с ним свидание в том самом месте и в тот самый час) that he met his death (где он встретил смерть), the other that the lurking man upon the moor (второй: человек, скрывающийся на болотах) was to be found among the stone huts upon the hillside (должен находиться в /одной из/ каменных хижин на склонах холмов). With these two facts in my possession (имея эти два факта: «с этими двумя фактами в моем владении») I felt that either my intelligence or my courage must be deficient (я чувствовал, что мне должно не доставать либо ума, либо храбрости) if I could not throw some further light upon these dark places (если я не смогу пролить больше света на эти мрачные события; further — сверх того, более того; place — место; ситуация, случай).

extract [ˈekstrækt], diary [ˈdaɪǝrɪ], succeed [sǝkˈsi:d]

THE extract from my private diary which forms the last chapter has brought my narrative up to the 18th of October, a time when these strange events began to move swiftly towards their terrible conclusion. The incidents of the next few days are indelibly graven upon my recollection, and I can tell them without reference to the notes made at the time. I start, then, from the day which succeeded that upon which I had established two facts of great importance, the one that Mrs. Laura Lyons of Coombe Tracey had written to Sir Charles Baskerville and made an appointment with him at the very place and hour that he met his death, the other that the lurking man upon the moor was to be found among the stone huts upon the hillside. With these two facts in my possession I felt that either my intelligence or my courage must be deficient if I could not throw some further light upon these dark places.

I had no opportunity to tell the baronet (у меня не было возможности рассказать баронету) what I had learned about Mrs. Lyons upon the evening before (что я узнал о миссис Лайонс в предыдущий вечер), for Dr. Mortimer remained with him at cards (поскольку доктор Мортимер оставался = засиделся с ним за картами) until it was very late (допоздна: «пока не стало очень поздно»). At breakfast, however, I informed him about my discovery (однако за завтраком я сообщил ему о своем открытии), and asked him whether he would care to accompany me to Coombe Tracey (и спросил, не хочет ли он сопровождать меня в Кум-Трэйси; to care — беспокоиться; иметь желание). At first he was very eager to come (сперва он очень хотел поехать), but on second thoughts it seemed to both of us (но, немного подумав, нам обоим показалось; on second thoughts — по зрелом размышлении) that if I went alone the results might be better (что если бы я поехал один, результат мог бы быть лучше). The more formal we made the visit (чем более официальный мы нанесем визит) the less information we might obtain (тем меньше информации мы получим). I left Sir Henry behind, therefore (поэтому я оставил сэра Генри), not without some prickings of conscience (не без некоторых уколов = угрызений совести), and drove off upon my new quest (и помчался на свои новые поиски).

opportunity [ˌɔpǝˈtju:nɪtɪ], eager [ˈi:ɡǝ], obtain [ǝbˈteɪn]

I had no opportunity to tell the baronet what I had learned about Mrs. Lyons upon the evening before, for Dr. Mortimer remained with him at cards until it was very late. At breakfast, however, I informed him about my discovery, and asked him whether he would care to accompany me to Coombe Tracey. At first he was very eager to come, but on second thoughts it seemed to both of us that if I went alone the results might be better. The more formal we made the visit the less information we might obtain. I left Sir Henry behind, therefore, not without some prickings of conscience, and drove off upon my new quest.

When I reached Coombe Tracey (добравшись до Кум-Трэйси) I told Perkins to put up the horses (я приказал Перкинсу остановить лошадей; to put up — строить; останавливаться), and I made inquiries for the lady (и навел справки о той даме) whom I had come to interrogate (которую я приехал допрашивать). I had no difficulty in finding her rooms (я без труда нашел ее квартиру; rooms — жилище; помещение, квартира), which were central and well appointed (которая располагалась в центре и была хорошо обставлена). A maid showed me in without ceremony (служанка ввела меня в комнату без /каких-либо/ формальностей; ceremony — церемония; формальность), and as I entered the sitting-room (и когда я вошел в гостиную) a lady, who was sitting before a Remington typewriter (дама, сидящая перед пишущей машинкой "Ремингтон"), sprang up with a pleasant smile of welcome (вскочила с радостной гостеприимной улыбкой). Her face fell, however (однако, лицо ее изменилось; to fall — падать; терять живость; вытягиваться /о выражении лица/), when she saw that I was a stranger (когда она увидела, что я — незнакомец = ей незнаком), and she sat down again and asked me the object of my visit (и она села снова, спросив меня о цели моего визита).

horse [ˈhɔ:s], ceremony [ˈserɪmǝnɪ], stranger [ˈstreɪndʒǝ]

When I reached Coombe Tracey I told Perkins to put up the horses, and I made inquiries for the lady whom I had come to interrogate. I had no difficulty in finding her rooms, which were central and well appointed. A maid showed me in without ceremony, and as I entered the sitting-room a lady, who was sitting before a Remington typewriter, sprang up with a pleasant smile of welcome. Her face fell, however, when she saw that I was a stranger, and she sat down again and asked me the object of my visit.

The first impression left by Mrs. Lyons (/судя по/первому впечатлению, оставляемому миссис Лайонс) was one of extreme beauty (она была исключительно красива). Her eyes and hair were of the same rich hazel colour (ее глаза и волосы были одинакового светло-каштанового цвета; hazel — ореховый, светло-коричневый цвет), and her cheeks, though considerably freckled (а ее щеки, хотя и в веснушках; considerably — значительно, много), were flushed with the exquisite bloom of the brunette (были залиты очаровательным румянцем, свойственным брюнеткам; exquisite — изысканный, изящный; brunette — брюнетка), the dainty pink which lurks at the heart of the sulphur rose (утонченно-розового цвета, который таится в сердце желтой розы; sulphur — сера; зеленовато-желтый цвет). Admiration was, I repeat, the first impression (первым впечатлением, я повторяю, было восхищение). But the second was criticism (но второе было /более/ критическим). There was something subtly wrong with the face (в этом лице было что-то неуловимо неправильное), some coarseness of expression (какая-то грубость в чертах; coarse — грубый), some hardness, perhaps, of eye (возможно, твердость взгляда), some looseness of lip (немного расслабленный по краям рот; lip — губа; край) which marred its perfect beauty (что портило его совершенную красоту). But these, of course, are after-thoughts (но это, конечно, стало заметно позже; after-thought — запоздалая мысль). At the moment I was simply conscious (в тот момент я просто ощущал; conscious — сознающий; ощущающий) that I was in the presence of a very handsome woman (что я находился в обществе: «в присутствии» очень красивой женщины), and that she was asking me the reasons for my visit (которая спрашивает меня о причинах моего визита). I had not quite understood until that instant (до этого момента я не совсем понимал) how delicate my mission was (насколько непростой была моя миссия; delicate — изысканный; деликатный, непростой).

extreme [ɪksˈtri:m], exquisite [ˈekskwɪzɪt], sulphur [ˈsʌlfǝ]

The first impression left by Mrs. Lyons was one of extreme beauty. Her eyes and hair were of the same rich hazel colour, and her cheeks, though considerably freckled, were flushed with the exquisite bloom of the brunette, the dainty pink which lurks at the heart of the sulphur rose. Admiration was, I repeat, the first impression. But the second was criticism. There was something subtly wrong with the face, some coarseness of expression, some hardness, perhaps, of eye, some looseness of lip which marred its perfect beauty. But these, of course, are after-thoughts. At the moment I was simply conscious that I was in the presence of a very handsome woman, and that she was asking me the reasons for my visit. I had not quite understood until that instant how delicate my mission was.

"I have the pleasure," said I, "of knowing your father (я имею удовольствие знать вашего отца)."

It was a clumsy introduction (вступление было /довольно/ неуклюжим), and the lady made me feel it (и дама заставила меня это почувствовать).

"There is nothing in common between my father and me (между отцом и мною нет ничего общего)," she said. "I owe him nothing (я ему ничего не должна), and his friends are not mine (и его друзья не являются моими). If it were not for the late Sir Charles Baskerville (если бы не покойный сэр Чарльз Баскервиль) and some other kind hearts (и несколько других добрых сердец) I might have starved (я могла умереть с голоду) for all that my father cared (несмотря на все заботы своего отца = а отец бы палец о палец не ударил; for all that — несмотря на все это, при всем этом)."

"It was about the late Sir Charles Baskerville (это из-за покойного сэра Чарльза Баскервиля) that I have come here to see you (я приехал сюда повидать вас)."

The freckles started out on the lady's face (веснушки резко проступили на лице дамы; to start — начинать/ся/; резко перейти в другое состояние).

pleasure [ˈpleʒǝ], clumsy [ˈklʌmzɪ], heart [hɑ:t]

"I have the pleasure," said I, "of knowing your father."

It was a clumsy introduction, and the lady made me feel it.

"There is nothing in common between my father and me," she said. "I owe him nothing, and his friends are not mine. If it were not for the late Sir Charles Baskerville and some other kind hearts I might have starved for all that my father cared."

"It was about the late Sir Charles Baskerville that I have come here to see you."

The freckles started out on the lady's face.

"What can I tell you about him (что я могу о нем рассказать)?" she asked, and her fingers played nervously (спросила она, и пальцы ее нервно заиграли = пробежались) over the stops of her typewriter (по клавишам печатной машинки; stop — остановка; клапан).

"You knew him, did you not (вы знали его, не правда ли)?"

"I have already said (я уже сказала) that I owe a great deal to his kindness (что я очень многим обязана ему: «его доброте»). If I am able to support myself (если я и способна обеспечивать себя) it is largely due to the interest (/то/ это во многом благодаря его участию) which he took in my unhappy situation (которое он принял в моей несчастливой судьбе; situation — ситуация; социальное положение)."

"Did you correspond with him (вы переписывались с ним)?"

The lady looked quickly up (дама быстро взглянула /на меня/), with an angry gleam in her hazel eyes (с проблеском недовольства в ее карих глазах; angry — сердитый, недовольный).

"What is the object of these questions (какова цель этих вопросов)?" she asked, sharply (спросила она резко).

"The object is to avoid a public scandal (цель — избежать публичного скандала). It is better that I should ask them here (лучше, если я задам их здесь) than that the matter should pass outside our control (чем /если/ это дело выйдет из-под нашего контроля)."

She was silent and her face was very pale (она молчала = была молчалива, и ее лицо сильно побледнело). At last she looked up (наконец она посмотрела на меня: «вверх») with something reckless and defiant in her manner (с беспечным и дерзким видом; manner — способ; манера, поведение).

"Well, I'll answer," she said (хорошо, я отвечу, — сказала она). "What are your questions (какие у вас вопросы)?"

nervously [ˈnǝ:vǝslɪ], kindness [ˈkaɪndnɪs], scandal [skændl]

"What can I tell you about him?" she asked, and her fingers played nervously over the stops of her typewriter.

"You knew him, did you not?"

"I have already said that I owe a great deal to his kindness. If I am able to support myself it is largely due to the interest which he took in my unhappy situation."

"Did you correspond with him?"

The lady looked quickly up, with an angry gleam in her hazel eyes.

"What is the object of these questions?" she asked, sharply.

"The object is to avoid a public scandal. It is better that I should ask them here than that the matter should pass outside our control."

She was silent and her face was very pale. At last she looked up with something reckless and defiant in her manner.

"Well, I'll answer," she said. "What are your questions?"

"Did you correspond with Sir Charles (вы переписывались с сэром Чарльзом)?"

"I certainly wrote to him once or twice (да, я писала ему пару раз; certainly — конечно; используется как утверждение в ответах на вопросы) to acknowledge his delicacy and his generosity (/чтобы/ поблагодарить за учтивость и великодушие; to acknowledge — признавать; выражать признательность)."

"Have you the dates of those letters (у вас есть = можете назвать даты этих писем)?"

"No."

"Have you ever met him (вы когда-нибудь встречались с ним)?"

"Yes, once or twice, when he came into Coombe Tracey (да, раза два, когда он приезжал в Кум-Трэйси). He was a very retiring man (он был очень скромным человеком; to retire — уходить, удаляться; уединяться; retiring — склонный к уединению; застенчивый, скромный), and he preferred to do good by stealth (и предпочитал делать добро незаметно для других; by stealth — втихомолку, украдкой; stealth — хитрость, уловка)."

"But if you saw him so seldom (но если вы видели его так редко) and wrote so seldom (и писали так редко), how did he know enough about your affairs (откуда он был так осведомлен о ваших делах) to be able to help you (чтобы иметь возможность помочь вам), as you say that he has done (что он, как вы говорите, сделал)?"

She met my difficulty with the utmost readiness (она встретила мое возражение с полнейшей готовностью; difficulty — трудность; протест, возражение; utmost — крайний; предельный).

"There were several gentlemen (было несколько джентльменов) who knew my sad history (которые знали мою печальную историю) and united to help me (и объединились, чтобы помочь мне). One was Mr. Stapleton (один /из них/ был мистер Стэплтон), a neighbour and intimate friend of Sir Charles (сосед и близкий друг сэра Чарльза). He was exceedingly kind (он был весьма добр /ко мне/), and it was through him that Sir Charles learned about my affairs (и от него сэр Чарльз узнал о моих делах)."

delicacy [ˈdelɪkǝsɪ], stealth [stelƟ], exceedingly [ɪkˈsi:dɪŋlɪ]

"Did you correspond with Sir Charles?"

"I certainly wrote to him once or twice to acknowledge his delicacy and his generosity."

"Have you the dates of those letters?"

"No."

"Have you ever met him?"

"Yes, once or twice, when he came into Coombe Tracey. He was a very retiring man, and he preferred to do good by stealth."

"But if you saw him so seldom and wrote so seldom, how did he know enough about your affairs to be able to help you, as you say that he has done?"

She met my difficulty with the utmost readiness.

"There were several gentlemen who knew my sad history and united to help me. One was Mr. Stapleton, a neighbour and intimate friend of Sir Charles. He was exceedingly kind, and it was through him that Sir Charles learned about my affairs."

I knew already that Sir Charles Baskerville had made Stapleton his almoner upon several occasions (я уже знал, что сэр Чарльз сделал Стэплтона своим поверенным в нескольких благотворительных делах; almoner — человек, занимающийся благотворительностью), so the lady's statement bore the impress of truth upon it (поэтому утверждение дамы производило правдивое впечатление; to bear — нести; иметь /признаки, следы/; truth — правда, истина).

"Did you ever write to Sir Charles (вы когда-нибудь писали сэру Чарльзу) asking him to meet you (настаивая на встрече с вами; to ask — спрашивать; требовать)?" I continued (продолжал я).

Mrs. Lyons flushed with anger again (миссис Лайонс снова вспыхнула от гнева).

"Really, sir, this is a very extraordinary question (в самом деле, сэр, этот вопрос излишний; extraordinary — выдающийся; чрезмерный)."

"I am sorry, madam, but I must repeat it (сожалею, мадам, но я должен повторить его)."

"Then I answer — certainly not (тогда ответ: конечно, нет)."

"Not on the very day of Sir Charles's death (не писали и в самый день смерти сэра Чарльза)?"

The flush had faded in an instant (румянец мгновенно исчез; to fade — вянуть; блекнуть), and a deathly face was before me (и лицо передо мною стало мертвенно /бледным/). Her dry lips could not speak the "No" (ее пересохшие губы не смогли произнести "нет") which I saw rather than heard (которое я скорее увидел, чем услышал).

"Surely your memory deceives you (определенно, ваша память изменяет вам; to deceive — обманывать; изменять)," said I. "I could even quote a passage of your letter (я могу даже процитировать отрывок из вашего письма). It ran (он гласит; to run — бежать; гласить /о документе, тексте и т. п./), 'Please, please, as you are a gentleman (пожалуйста, поскольку вы джентльмен), burn this letter (сожгите это письмо), and be at the gate by ten o'clock (и будьте у калитки к десяти часам).'"

I thought that she had fainted (я подумал, что она лишилась сознания; to faint — падать в обморок), but she recovered herself by a supreme effort (но величайшим усилием /воли/ она овладела собой; to recover — вновь обретать; приходить в себя).

"Is there no such thing as a gentleman (сейчас нет такого понятия как "джентльмен")?" she gasped (выдохнула она; to gasp — дышать с трудом, задыхаться).

extraordinary [ɪksˈtrɔ:dnrɪ], surely [ˈʃuǝlɪ], supreme [sju:ˈpri:m]

I knew already that Sir Charles Baskerville had made Stapleton his almoner upon several occasions, so the lady's statement bore the impress of truth upon it.

"Did you ever write to Sir Charles asking him to meet you?" I continued.

Mrs. Lyons flushed with anger again.

"Really, sir, this is a very extraordinary question."

"I am sorry, madam, but I must repeat it."

"Then I answer — certainly not."

"Not on the very day of Sir Charles's death?"

The flush had faded in an instant, and a deathly face was before me. Her dry lips could not speak the "No" which I saw rather than heard.

"Surely your memory deceives you," said I. "I could even quote a passage of your letter. It ran, 'Please, please, as you are a gentleman, burn this letter, and be at the gate by ten o'clock.'"

I thought that she had fainted, but she recovered herself by a supreme effort.

"Is there no such thing as a gentleman?" she gasped.

"You do Sir Charles an injustice (вы несправедливы к сэру Чарльзу: «вы оказываете сэру Чарльзу несправедливость»). He did burn the letter (он действительно сжег письмо). But sometimes a letter may be legible (но иногда письма можно прочитать; legible — разборчивый) even when burned (даже если /они/ сожжены). You acknowledge now that you wrote it (теперь вы подтверждаете, что написали это)?"

"Yes, I did write it (да, я действительно написала это)," she cried, pouring out her soul in a torrent of words (воскликнула она, изливая душу в потоке слов). "I did write it. Why should I deny it (зачем мне это отрицать)? I have no reason to be ashamed of it (у меня нет причины стыдиться этого). I wished him to help me (я хотела, чтобы он мне помог). I believed that if I had an interview (я полагала, что если я /с ним/ встречусь) I could gain his help (то смогу получить от него помощь), so I asked him to meet me (поэтому я просила его о встрече со мной)."

"But why at such an hour (но почему в такое время)?"

"Because I had only just learned (потому что только перед тем узнала) that he was going to London next day (что на следующий день он едет в Лондон) and might be away for months (и может пробыть там месяцы). There were reasons why I could not get there earlier (были причины, почему я не могла прийти туда раньше)."

"But why a rendezvous in the garden (но почему свидание в парке) instead of a visit to the house (вместо визита в дом)?"

"Do you think a woman could go alone (вы полагаете, что женщина может прийти одна) at that hour to a bachelor's house (в такой час в дом холостяка)?"

"Well, what happened when you did get there (хорошо, что произошло, когда вы все же туда пришли)?"

"I never went (я никуда не ходила)."

"Mrs. Lyons!"

"No, I swear it to you on all I hold sacred (нет, клянусь вам всем, что для меня свято; to hold sacred — свято чтить). I never went. Something intervened to prevent my going (кое-что вмешалось = помешали некоторые обстоятельства, удержав меня от поездки)."

"What was that (что это было)?"

"That is a private matter (это личное дело). I cannot tell it (я не могу рассказать об этом)."

"You acknowledge, then (значит, вы подтверждаете), that you made an appointment with Sir Charles (что назначили свидание сэру Чарльзу) at the very hour and place at which he met his death (в то время и в /том/ месте, где он встретил свою смерть), but you deny that you kept the appointment (но отрицаете, что пришли на эту встречу; to keep — хранить; выполнять, осуществлять /что-либо/)?"

"That is the truth (это правда)."

rendezvous [ˈrɔndɪvu:], bachelor [ˈbætʃ(ǝ)lǝ], prevent [prɪˈvent]

"You do Sir Charles an injustice. He did burn the letter. But sometimes a letter may be legible even when burned. You acknowledge now that you wrote it?"

"Yes, I did write it," she cried, pouring out her soul in a torrent of words. "I did write it. Why should I deny it? I have no reason to be ashamed of it. I wished him to help me. I believed that if I had an interview I could gain his help, so I asked him to meet me."

"But why at such an hour?"

"Because I had only just learned that he was going to London next day and might be away for months. There were reasons why I could not get there earlier."

"But why a rendezvous in the garden instead of a visit to the house?"

"Do you think a woman could go alone at that hour to a bachelor's house?"

"Well, what happened when you did get there?"

"I never went."

"Mrs. Lyons!"

"No, I swear it to you on all I hold sacred. I never went. Something intervened to prevent my going."

"What was that?"

"That is a private matter. I cannot tell it."

"You acknowledge, then, that you made an appointment with Sir Charles at the very hour and place at which he met his death, but you deny that you kept the appointment?"

"That is the truth."

Again and again I cross-questioned her (снова и снова я задавал ей вопросы; to cross-question — подвергать перекрестному допросу), but I could never get past that point (но добиться ничего не мог: «не мог пройти дальше этого пункта/момента»; past — мимо).

"Mrs. Lyons," said I (миссис Лайонс, — сказал я), as I rose from this long and inconclusive interview (вставая /после/ этой долгой и безрезультатной беседы; to rise — вставать, подниматься), "you are taking a very great responsibility (вы принимаете на себя огромную ответственность) and putting yourself in a very false position (и ставите себя в очень опасное положение; false — неверный, неправильный) by not making an absolutely clean breast (не говоря всей правды; to make a clean breast — выложить все начистоту: «сделать чистую грудь») of all that you know (обо всем, что знаете). If I have to call in the aid of the police (если мне придется прибегнуть к помощи полиции: «позвать на помощь полицию») you will find how seriously you are compromised (вы поймете, насколько серьезно вы будете скомпрометированы). If your position is innocent (если вы невиновны; position — положение), why did you in the first instance deny (почему вы сначала: «в первом случае» отрицали) having written to Sir Charles upon that date (/что/ писали сэру Чарльзу в тот день)?"

"Because I feared (потому что боялась) that some false conclusion might be drawn from it (что из этого могут быть сделаны неверные выводы; to draw — рисовать; извлекать /выводы/), and that I might find myself involved in a scandal (и что я могу оказаться вовлеченной в скандальную историю)."

"And why were you so pressing (а почему вы так настаивали) that Sir Charles should destroy your letter (чтобы сэр Чарльз уничтожил ваше письмо)?"

"If you have read the letter you will know (если вы прочитали письмо, вы должны знать)."

"I did not say that I had read all the letter (я не сказал, что прочел все письмо)."

"You quoted some of it (вы кое-что процитировали из него)."

"I quoted the postscript (я процитировал только постскриптум). The letter had, as I said, been burned (письмо, как я сказал, было сожжено), and it was not all legible (и целиком его /нельзя/ было разобрать). I ask you once again (я снова вас спрашиваю) why it was that you were so pressing (почему вы так настаивали) that Sir Charles should destroy this letter (чтобы сэр Чарльз уничтожил это письмо) which he received on the day of his death (которое он получил в день своей смерти)."

"The matter is a very private one (это очень личный вопрос)."

interview [ˈɪntǝvju:], false [fɔ:ls], destroy [dɪsˈtrɔɪ]

Again and again I cross-questioned her, but I could never get past that point.

"Mrs. Lyons," said I, as I rose from this long and inconclusive interview, "you are taking a very great responsibility and putting yourself in a very false position by not making an absolutely clean breast of all that you know. If I have to call in the aid of the police you will find how seriously you are compromised. If your position is innocent, why did you in the first instance deny having written to Sir Charles upon that date?"

"Because I feared that some false conclusion might be drawn from it, and that I might find myself involved in a scandal."

"And why were you so pressing that Sir Charles should destroy your letter?"

"If you have read the letter you will know."

"I did not say that I had read all the letter."

"You quoted some of it."

"I quoted the postscript. The letter had, as I said, been burned, and it was not all legible. I ask you once again why it was that you were so pressing that Sir Charles should destroy this letter which he received on the day of his death."

"The matter is a very private one."

"The more reason (еще одна причина; more — в большей степени; добавочный, дополнительный) why you should avoid a public investigation (почему вам следует избегать публичного расследования)."

"I will tell you, then (тогда я расскажу вам). If you have heard anything of my unhappy history (если вы что-нибудь слышали о моей печальной истории) you will know (вы должны знать) that I made a rash marriage (что я необдуманно вышла замуж; rash — стремительный; поспешный; опрометчивый) and had reason to regret it (и имела основания сожалеть об этом)."

"I have heard so much (об этом я слышал: «я слышал /на/столько»)."

"My life has been one incessant persecution from a husband (моя жизнь — это непрерывные преследования со стороны мужа) whom I abhor (которого я ненавижу). The law is upon his side (закон на его стороне), and every day I am faced by the possibility (и каждый день я сталкиваюсь с возможностью) that he may force me to live with him (что он может принудить меня к жизни с ним). At the time that I wrote this letter to Sir Charles (в то время, когда я писала сэру Чарльзу) I had learned that there was a prospect of my regaining my freedom (я узнала, что есть возможность: «шанс» для меня получить свободу) if certain expenses could be met (если бы /я/ смогла собрать определенную сумму; to meet the expences — оплатить расходы). It meant everything to me (это значило для меня все; to mean) — peace of mind, happiness, self-respect — everything (душевное спокойствие, счастье, самоуважение — все). I knew Sir Charles's generosity (я знала о великодушии сэра Чарльза), and I thought that if he heard the story from my own lips (и подумала, что если он услышит /мою/ историю из моих уст: «губ») he would help me (он поможет мне)."

"Then how is it that you did not go (тогда почему же вы не пошли /на свидание/)?"

"Because I received help in the interval from another source (потому что в тот момент получила помощь из другого источника; interval — интервал, промежуток /времени/)."

"Why, then, did you not write to Sir Charles and explain this (почему же тогда вы не написали сэру Чарльзу и не объяснили этого)?"

"So I should have done (так я бы и сделала) had I not seen his death in the paper next morning (не попадись мне на следующее утро /заметка/ в газете о его смерти; to see — видеть; встретить /случайно/)."

regret [rɪˈɡret], possibility [ˌpɔsǝˈbɪlɪtɪ], source [sɔ:s]

"The more reason why you should avoid a public investigation."

"I will tell you, then. If you have heard anything of my unhappy history you will know that I made a rash marriage and had reason to regret it."

"I have heard so much."

"My life has been one incessant persecution from a husband whom I abhor. The law is upon his side, and every day I am faced by the possibility that he may force me to live with him. At the time that I wrote this letter to Sir Charles I had learned that there was a prospect of my regaining my freedom if certain expenses could be met. It meant everything to me — peace of mind, happiness, self-respect — everything. I knew Sir Charles's generosity, and I thought that if he heard the story from my own lips he would help me."

"Then how is it that you did not go?"

"Because I received help in the interval from another source."

"Why, then, did you not write to Sir Charles and explain this?"

"So I should have done had I not seen his death in the paper next morning."

The woman's story hung coherently together (рассказ женщины был связным и последовательным; to hang together — быть связным, логичным; coherent — связный, последовательный), and all my questions were unable to shake it (и все мои вопросы не могли поколебать его /логику/; to shake — трясти; ослабить, поколебать). I could only check it by finding (я мог его проверить, лишь разузнав) if she had, indeed, instituted divorce proceedings against her husband (действительно ли она начала бракоразводный процесс против своего мужа; to institute — основывать; начинать) at or about the time of the tragedy (во время трагедии или около того).

It was unlikely that she would dare to say (непохоже, чтобы она осмелилась утверждать) that she had not been to Baskerville Hall (что она не была у Баскервиля) if she really had been (/в случае/, если действительно была), for a trap would be necessary (поскольку необходим был экипаж; trap — ловушка; рессорная двуколка) to take her there (чтобы доставить ее туда), and could not have returned to Coombe Tracey (и /она/ не могла вернуться в Кум-Трэйси) until the early hours of the morning (до самого: «до ранних часов» утра). Such an excursion could not be kept secret (такое путешествие не могло оставаться в тайне; to keep secret — держать в секрете). The probability was, therefore (поэтому возможно), that she was telling the truth (что она говорила правду), or, at least, a part of the truth (или, по крайней мере, часть правды). I came away baffled and disheartened (я уехал озадаченным и в унылом /настроении/; to dishearten — приводить в уныние).

coherently [kǝuˈhɪǝrntlɪ], shake [ʃeɪk], necessary [ˈnesɪs(ǝ)rɪ]

The woman's story hung coherently together, and all my questions were unable to shake it. I could only check it by finding if she had, indeed, instituted divorce proceedings against her husband at or about the time of the tragedy.

It was unlikely that she would dare to say that she had not been to Baskerville Hall if she really had been, for a trap would be necessary to take her there, and could not have returned to Coombe Tracey until the early hours of the morning. Such an excursion could not be kept secret. The probability was, therefore, that she was telling the truth, or, at least, a part of the truth. I came away baffled and disheartened.

Once again I had reached that dead wall (снова я наткнулся на глухую стену; to reach — протягивать; дотягиваться) which seemed to be built across every path (которая, казалось, возникала: «строилась» на каждой тропке) by which I tried to get at the object of my mission (по которой я пытался добраться до цели своего задания). And yet the more I thought of the lady's face and of her manner (и все же, чем больше я размышлял о /выражении/ лица и поведении этой дамы; manner — способ; манера, поведение) the more I felt that something was being held back from me (тем больше чувствовал, что от меня что-то скрывают). Why should she turn so pale (с чего бы она так побледнела)? Why should she fight against every admission (почему она противилась каждому признанию = почему она ни в чем не сознавалась; to fight — бороться; admission — допущение; признание) until it was forced from her (пока /я/ силой не вытягивал это из нее)? Why should she have been so reticent (почему она молчала; reticent — молчаливый; скрытный) at the time of the tragedy (во время трагедии)? Surely the explanation of all this could not be as innocent (несомненно, объяснение всего этого не могло быть столь невинным) as she would have me believe (как она хотела заставить меня поверить). For the moment I could proceed no farther in that direction (пока я не мог действовать дальше в этом направлении; for the moment — в данный момент; пока; to proceed — продолжать; действовать, поступать), but must turn back to that other clue (а должен был вернуться к другой ниточке; clue — клубок; путеводная нить) which was to be sought for among the stone huts upon the moor (которую нужно искать в каменных хижинах на болотах; to seek).

across [ǝˈkrɔs], admission [ǝdˈmɪʃ(ǝ)n], explanation [ˌeksplǝˈneɪʃ(ǝ)n]

Once again I had reached that dead wall which seemed to be built across every path by which I tried to get at the object of my mission. And yet the more I thought of the lady's face and of her manner the more I felt that something was being held back from me. Why should she turn so pale? Why should she fight against every admission until it was forced from her? Why should she have been so reticent at the time of the tragedy? Surely the explanation of all this could not be as innocent as she would have me believe. For the moment I could proceed no farther in that direction, but must turn back to that other clue which was to be sought for among the stone huts upon the moor.

And that was a most vague direction (а это было самым неясным направлением). I realized it as I drove back and noted (я размышлял над этим, когда ехал назад, обращая внимание) how hill after hill showed traces of the ancient people (как холмы один за другим демонстрировали следы древнего народа). Barrymore's only indication had been (существовала единственная подсказка Бэрримора) that the stranger lived in one of these abandoned huts (о том, что незнакомец живет в одной из этих покинутых хижинах), and many hundreds of them are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the moor (а их многие сотни разбросаны по /всей/ длине и ширине болот). But I had my own experience for a guide (но мой собственный опыт служил мне проводником), since it had shown me the man himself (так как я сам видел этого человека: «мне самому был показан этот человек») standing upon the summit of the Black Tor (стоящий на вершине Черной Скалы). That, then, should be the centre of my search (значит она и будет центром моих поисков). From there I should explore every hut upon the moor (оттуда я смогу рассмотреть каждую хижину на болотах) until I lighted upon the right one (пока не увижу надлежащую = ту, что мне нужна; to light upon — пролить свет на; обнаружить). If this man were inside it (если незнакомец оказался бы внутри) I should find out from his own lips (я узнал бы из его собственных уст), at the point of my revolver if necessary (под прицелом моего револьвера, если необходимо; point — точка; прицел), who he was and why he had dogged us so long (кто он есть и почему так долго выслеживает нас). He might slip away from us in the crowd of Regent Street (он мог ускользнуть от нас в толпе на Риджент-стрит), but it would puzzle him to do so upon the lonely moor (но ему будет сложно сделать то же на безлюдных болотах; to puzzle — приводить в затруднение, озадачивать). On the other hand (с другой стороны), if I should find the hut and its tenant should not be within it (если я найду хижину, а ее обитателя в ней не окажется) I must remain there (я должен буду оставаться там), however long the vigil (каким бы долгим ни было ожидание; vigil — бодрствование; дежурство), until he returned (пока он не вернется). Holmes had missed him in London (Холмс упустил его в Лондоне). It would indeed be a triumph for me (и это в самом деле стало бы моим триумфом) if I could run him to earth (если бы я смог схватить его; to run to earth — скрыться в нору; загнать норного зверя в нору; to run smb. to earth — выследить, разыскать /кого-либо/) where my master had failed (тогда как мой учитель не имел /в этом/ успеха; master — хозяин; учитель).

throughout [Ɵru:ˈaut], breadth [bredƟ], vigil [ˈvɪdʒɪl]

And that was a most vague direction. I realized it as I drove back and noted how hill after hill showed traces of the ancient people. Barrymore's only indication had been that the stranger lived in one of these abandoned huts, and many hundreds of them are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the moor. But I had my own experience for a guide, since it had shown me the man himself standing upon the summit of the Black Tor. That, then, should be the centre of my search. From there I should explore every hut upon the moor until I lighted upon the right one. If this man were inside it I should find out from his own lips, at the point of my revolver if necessary, who he was and why he had dogged us so long. He might slip away from us in the crowd of Regent Street, but it would puzzle him to do so upon the lonely moor. On the other hand, if I should find the hut and its tenant should not be within it I must remain there, however long the vigil, until he returned. Holmes had missed him in London. It would indeed be a triumph for me if I could run him to earth where my master had failed.

Luck had been against us again and again in this inquiry (фортуна постоянно: «снова и снова» была против нас в этом деле; luck — счастье; судьба), but now at last it came to my aid (но теперь наконец пришла мне на помощь). And the messenger of good fortune was none other than Mr. Frankland (и вестником удачи был не кто иной, как мистер Фрэнклэнд), who was standing, grey-whiskered and red-faced (который стоял, краснолицый и с седыми бакенбардами), outside the gate of his garden (с наружной стороны садовой калитки), which opened on to the high road (выходящей на широкую дорогу; to open on — выходить на, вести /куда-либо/; high road — магистраль; главная дорога) along which I travelled (по которой я проезжал).

"Good-day, Dr. Watson (день добрый, мистер Ватсон)," cried he, with unwonted good humour (закричал он, /будучи/ в непривычно хорошем настроении), "you must really give your horses a rest (вы обязательно должны дать отдых лошадям), and come in to have a glass of wine and to congratulate me (и зайти выпить стаканчик вина и поздравить меня)."

My feelings towards him were far from being friendly (мои чувства к нему были отнюдь: «далеко» не дружескими) after what I had heard of his treatment of his daughter (после того как я услышал, как он обращался с дочерью), but I was anxious to send Perkins and the wagonette home (но я очень хотел отослать Перкинса с экипажем домой), and the opportunity was a good one (а возможность была подходящей). I alighted and sent a message to Sir Henry (я вышел из экипажа, написав: «послав» записку сэру Генри; to alight — сходить, выходить, высаживаться /из поезда, автобуса и т. п./; спешиваться) that I should walk over in time for dinner (что приду к обеду вовремя). Then I followed Frankland into his dining-room (потом я проследовал за Фрэнклэндом в его столовую).

whiskers [ˈwɪskǝz], treatment [ˈtri:tmǝnt], follow [ˈfɔlǝu]

Luck had been against us again and again in this inquiry, but now at last it came to my aid. And the messenger of good fortune was none other than Mr. Frankland, who was standing, grey-whiskered and red-faced, outside the gate of his garden, which opened on to the high road along which I travelled.

"Good-day, Dr. Watson," cried he, with unwonted good humour, "you must really give your horses a rest, and come in to have a glass of wine and to congratulate me."

My feelings towards him were far from being friendly after what I had heard of his treatment of his daughter, but I was anxious to send Perkins and the wagonette home, and the opportunity was a good one. I alighted and sent a message to Sir Henry that I should walk over in time for dinner. Then I followed Frankland into his dining-room.

"It is a great day for me, sir (это великий день для меня, сэр) — one of the red-letter days of my life (один из памятных дней в моей жизни)," he cried, with many chuckles (воскликнул он, все время посмеиваясь; chuckle — смешок, хихиканье). "I have brought off a double event (я выиграл два процесса; to bring off — успешно завершать; event — событие). I mean to teach them in these parts (я намерен приучить их /всех/ в этих краях) that law is law (что закон есть закон), and that there is a man here (и что есть здесь человек) who does not fear to invoke it (который не боится апеллировать к нему; to invoke — заклинать, вызывать /духов/; ходатайствовать; осуществлять, способствовать совершению). I have established a right of way (я доказал право на проезд; to establish — учреждать; доказать /юр./) through the centre of old Middleton's park (через центр парка старого Мидлтона), slap across it, sir (прямо через него, сэр; slap — вдруг; прямо, точно), within a hundred yards of his own front door (в сотне ярдов от его собственной входной двери). What do you think of that (что вы об этом думаете)? We'll teach these magnates (мы научим этих магнатов) that they cannot ride rough-shod over the rights of the commoners (что они не могут грубо попирать права простых людей; to ride roughshod over smb. — жестоко обращаться с кем-либо), confound them (будь они неладны; confound it — будь оно проклято; to confound — разрушить, разорить /уст./; мешать, перемешивать; запутывать; проклинать)! And I've closed the wood (и я закрыл /дорогу/ в лес) where the Fernworthy folk used to picnic (где жители Фернворси обычно устраивали пикники). These infernal people seem to think (эти дьявольские люди = это дьяволово семя, кажется, полагает) that there are no rights of property (что не существует права собственности), and that they can swarm where they like (и что они могут собираться, где им нравится; to swarm — толпиться) with their papers and their bottles (со своими газетами и бутылками). Both cases decided, Dr. Watson (оба дела решены, доктор Ватсон), and both in my favour (и оба в мою пользу). I haven't had such a day (у меня не было такого дня) since I had Sir John Morland for trespass (с тех пор как я привлекал сэра Джона Морланда за браконьерство; trespass — злоупотребление; причинение вреда), because he shot in his own warren (потому что он стрелял в своих собственных угодьях; warren — кроличий садок; участок, где водится мелкая дичь /брит./)."

brought [brɔ:t], confound [kǝnˈfaund], property [ˈprɔpǝtɪ]

"It is a great day for me, sir — one of the red-letter days of my life," he cried, with many chuckles. "I have brought off a double event. I mean to teach them in these parts that law is law, and that there is a man here who does not fear to invoke it. I have established a right of way through the centre of old Middleton's park, slap across it, sir, within a hundred yards of his own front door. What do you think of that? We'll teach these magnates that they cannot ride rough-shod over the rights of the commoners, confound them! And I've closed the wood where the Fernworthy folk used to picnic. These infernal people seem to think that there are no rights of property, and that they can swarm where they like with their papers and their bottles. Both cases decided, Dr. Watson, and both in my favour. I haven't had such a day since I had Sir John Morland for trespass, because he shot in his own warren."

"How on earth did you do that (как же, черт побери, вам удалось это сделать)?"

"Look it up in the books, sir (поройтесь в книгах, сэр; to look up — искать /что-либо в справочнике/). It will repay reading (это стоит того, чтобы прочесть; to repay — возмещать; вознаграждать) — Frankland v. Morland, Court of Queen's Bench ("Фрэнклэнд против Морланда", Суд Королевской Скамьи; v. = versus — против; Court of Queen's Bench — получил свое название потому, что на заседаниях председательствовала королева). It cost me L200 (это стоило мне двести фунтов; L /сокр. от libra/ — фунт стерлингов), but I got my verdict (но я получил /нужный/ мне вердикт)."

"Did it do you any good (это принесло вам какую-то пользу)?"

"None, sir, none (нет, сэр, нет). I am proud to say (я горжусь /тем, что могу/ сказать) that I had no interest in the matter (что не имел никакой /личной/ заинтересованности в деле). I act entirely from a sense of public duty (я действую всецело из чувства общественного долга). I have no doubt, for example (я, к примеру, не сомневаюсь), that the Fernworthy people will burn me in effigy to-night (что жители Фернворси сегодня вечером сожгут мое чучело; to burn in effigy — сжечь чьё-либо чучело; effigy — изображение, картина, портрет). I told the police last time they did it (я говорил в полиции в прошлый раз, когда они это сделали) that they should stop these disgraceful exhibitions (что им следует прекратить эти позорные выходки: «демонстрации»). The county constabulary is in a scandalous state, sir (полицейские силы в графстве /находятся/ в ужасном состоянии; scandalous — позорный; ужасный, возмутительный), and it has not afforded me the protection (и они не предоставили мне защиту; to afford — быть в состоянии; давать, доставлять) to which I am entitled (на которую я имею право; to entitle — озаглавливать; давать право /на что-либо/). The case of "Frankland v. Regina" (дело "Фрэнклэнд против короны"; Regina — государство, корона /как сторона в уголовном процессе/) will bring the matter before the attention of the public (представит эту тему вниманию публики; to bring before — предложить на рассмотрение). I told them that they would have occasion (я сказал им, что они будут иметь возможность) to regret their treatment of me (пожалеть о своем обращении со мной), and already my words have come true (и мои слова уже стали правдой)."

"How so?" I asked (как так? — спросил я).

The old man put on a very knowing expression (старик принял вид очень осведомленного /человека/; to put on — надевать; принимать вид; expression — выражение).

"Because I could tell them (потому что я мог бы рассказать им) what they are dying to know (то, что они умирают /от желания/ узнать); but nothing would induce me to help the rascals in any way (но ничто не заставит меня помочь этим мерзавцам так или иначе; to induce — побуждать, склонять)."

court [kɔ:t], disgraceful [dɪsˈɡreɪsf(ǝ)l], rascal [ˈrɑ:sk(ǝ)l]

"How on earth did you do that?"

"Look it up in the books, sir. It will repay reading — Frankland v. Morland, Court of Queen's Bench. It cost me L200, but I got my verdict."

"Did it do you any good?"

"None, sir, none. I am proud to say that I had no interest in the matter. I act entirely from a sense of public duty. I have no doubt, for example, that the Fernworthy people will burn me in effigy to-night. I told the police last time they did it that they should stop these disgraceful exhibitions. The county constabulary is in a scandalous state, sir, and it has not afforded me the protection to which I am entitled. The case of Frankland v. Regina will bring the matter before the attention of the public. I told them that they would have occasion to regret their treatment of me, and already my words have come true."

"How so?" I asked.

The old man put on a very knowing expression.

"Because I could tell them what they are dying to know; but nothing would induce me to help the rascals in any way."

I had been casting round for some excuse (я искал какой-нибудь повод; to cast around for — искать; excuse — извинение; повод, предлог) by which I could get away from his gossip (из-за которого я мог бы уйти /и избавиться/ от его болтовни), but now I began to wish to hear more of it (но теперь во мне проснулось желание: «я начал желать» услышать об этом побольше). I had seen enough (я /уже/ достаточно увидел = познакомился) of the contrary nature of the old sinner to understand (с упрямым характером старого нечестивца, чтобы понять) that any strong sign of interest (что любой признак сильного интереса) would be the surest way (будет самым безошибочным путем; sure — верный; безошибочный) to stop his confidences (прекратить его излияния; confidence — доверие; секретная информация).

"Some poaching case, no doubt (несомненно, какое-то дело о браконьерстве)?" said I, with an indifferent manner (сказал я с безразличным видом).

"Ha, ha, my boy, a very much more important matter than that (ха, мой, мальчик, намного более важное дело, чем это)! What about the convict on the moor (как насчет каторжника на болотах)?"

I started (я вскочил). "You don't mean (не имеете ли вы в виду = не хотите же вы сказать) that you know where he is (что знаете, где он /скрывается/)?" said I.

"I may not know exactly where he is (я могу и не знать точно где), but I am quite sure (но я совершенно уверен) that I could help the police to lay their hands on him (что смог бы помочь полиции поймать его). Has it never struck you (вам никогда не приходило в голову; to strike — ударять) that the way to catch that man (что способ поймать этого человека) was to find out where he got his food (это выяснить, где он берет пищу), and so trace it to him (и таким образом выследить его)?"

He certainly seemed to be getting uncomfortably near the truth (он, конечно, оказался в опасной близости к истине; uncomfortably — неудобно; тревожно). "No doubt," said I; "but how do you know (несомненно, но откуда вам известно) that he is anywhere upon the moor (что он где-то на болотах)?"

"I know it because I have seen with my own eyes (я знаю это, потому что видел своими собственными глазами) the messenger who takes him his food (посыльного, который носит ему пищу)."

excuse [ɪksˈkju:s], important [ɪmˈpɔ:t(ǝ)nt], messenger [ˈmesɪndʒǝ]

I had been casting round for some excuse by which I could get away from his gossip, but now I began to wish to hear more of it. I had seen enough of the contrary nature of the old sinner to understand that any strong sign of interest would be the surest way to stop his confidences.

"Some poaching case, no doubt?" said I, with an indifferent manner.

"Ha, ha, my boy, a very much more important matter than that! What about the convict on the moor?"

I started. "You don't mean that you know where he is?" said I.

"I may not know exactly where he is, but I am quite sure that I could help the police to lay their hands on him. Has it never struck you that the way to catch that man was to find out where he got his food, and so trace it to him?"

He certainly seemed to be getting uncomfortably near the truth. "No doubt," said I; "but how do you know that he is anywhere upon the moor?"

"I know it because I have seen with my own eyes the messenger who takes him his food."

My heart sank for Barrymore (мое сердце упало /от боязни/ за Бэрримора; to sink — тонуть; опускать/ся/). It was a serious thing (это было /очень/ серьезно) to be in the power of this spiteful old busybody (оказаться во власти этого злобного старого болтуна; busybody — человек, сующий нос не в свои дела). But his next remark (но его следующее замечание) took a weight from my mind (полностью меня успокоило; take a weight from smb.'s mind — снять тяжесть с души).

"You'll be surprised to hear (вы удивитесь, услышав) that his food is taken to him by a child (что еду ему носит ребенок). I see him every day (я каждый день вижу его) through my telescope upon the roof (через мой телескоп на крыше). He passes along the same path at the same hour (он проходит по одной и той же тропе в одно и то же время), and to whom should he be going except to the convict (а к кому он стал бы ходить, если не к каторжнику)?"

Here was luck indeed (вот это действительно была удача)! And yet I suppressed all appearance of interest (однако я подавил все проявления/признаки интереса). A child (ребенок)! Barrymore had said that our unknown was supplied by a boy (Бэрримор говорил, что нашего неизвестного снабжает мальчишка). It was on his track, and not upon the convict's (это был его след, а не каторжника), that Frankland had stumbled (на который наткнулся = который обнаружил Фрэнклэнд; to stumble — спотыкаться; случайно найти, натолкнуться на). If I could get his knowledge (если б я смог вытащить из него все, что он знает: «получить все его знания») it might save me a long and weary hunt (это могло бы избавить меня от долгой и утомительной охоты; to save — спасать; избавлять). But incredulity and indifference were evidently my strongest cards (но скептицизм и безразличие, несомненно, были моими самыми сильными картами).

spiteful [ˈspaɪtf(ǝ)l], busybody [ˈbɪzɪˌbɔdɪ], incredulity [ˌɪnkrɪˈdju:lɪtɪ]

My heart sank for Barrymore. It was a serious thing to be in the power of this spiteful old busybody. But his next remark took a weight from my mind.

"You'll be surprised to hear that his food is taken to him by a child. I see him every day through my telescope upon the roof. He passes along the same path at the same hour, and to whom should he be going except to the convict?"

Here was luck indeed! And yet I suppressed all appearance of interest. A child! Barrymore had said that our unknown was supplied by a boy. It was on his track, and not upon the convict's, that Frankland had stumbled. If I could get his knowledge it might save me a long and weary hunt. But incredulity and indifference were evidently my strongest cards.

"I should say that it was much more likely that it was the son of one of the moorland shepherds (я бы сказал, что, скорее всего, это был сын одного из местных пастухов) taking out his father's dinner (приносящий своему отцу обед)."

The least appearance of opposition (малейшие признаки противодействия) struck fire out of the old autocrat (высекали огонь из старого деспота). His eyes looked malignantly at me (его глаза злобно на меня взглянули), and his grey whiskers bristled (а в седых бакенбардах щетина встала дыбом) like those of an angry cat (как у разъяренной кошки).

"Indeed, sir!" said he (несомненно, сэр, — сказал он), pointing out over the wide-stretching moor (указывая на растянувшиеся вширь болота). "Do you see that Black Tor over yonder (видите ту Черную Скалу вон там)? Well, do you see the low hill beyond (хорошо, видите низкий холм позади /нее/) with the thorn-bush upon it (с кустами боярышника на нем)? It is the stoniest part of the whole moor (это самый каменистый участок на всех болотах). Is that a place where a shepherd would be likely to take his station (похоже оно на такое место, где пастух пас бы своих овец; likely — вероятный; похожий; station — место, местоположение)? Your suggestion, sir, is a most absurd one (ваше предположение, сэр, самое абсурдное)."

I meekly answered (я смиренно отвечал) that I had spoken without knowing all the facts (что я говорил, не зная всех фактов). My submission pleased him (моя покорность понравилась ему) and led him to further confidences (и склонила его к дальнейшим откровенностям; to lead — вести; побуждать, склонять).

"You may be sure, sir (можете быть уверены, сэр), that I have very good grounds (что я всегда все тщательно проверяю; to have good grounds — иметь достаточно оснований; убедиться) before I come to an opinion (прежде чем прихожу к /какому-то/ убеждению). I have seen the boy again and again with his bundle (я не раз: «снова и снова» видел мальчишку с его узелком). Every day, and sometimes twice a day, I have been able (каждый день, иногда дважды, я мог) — but wait a moment, Dr. Watson (но, подождите-ка, доктор Ватсон). Do my eyes deceive me (/либо/ мои глаза обманывают меня), or is there at the present moment something moving upon that hillside (либо в данный момент что-то движется по склону холма)?"

shepherd [ˈʃepǝd], malignantly [mǝˈlɪɡnǝntlɪ], absurd [ǝbˈsǝ:d]

"I should say that it was much more likely that it was the son of one of the moorland shepherds taking out his father's dinner."

The least appearance of opposition struck fire out of the old autocrat. His eyes looked malignantly at me, and his grey whiskers bristled like those of an angry cat.

"Indeed, sir!" said he, pointing out over the wide-stretching moor. "Do you see that Black Tor over yonder? Well, do you see the low hill beyond with the thorn-bush upon it? It is the stoniest part of the whole moor. Is that a place where a shepherd would be likely to take his station? Your suggestion, sir, is a most absurd one."

I meekly answered that I had spoken without knowing all the facts. My submission pleased him and led him to further confidences.

"You may be sure, sir, that I have very good grounds before I come to an opinion. I have seen the boy again and again with his bundle. Every day, and sometimes twice a day, I have been able — but wait a moment, Dr. Watson. Do my eyes deceive me, or is there at the present moment something moving upon that hillside?"

It was several miles off (я был в нескольких милях /оттуда/), but I could distinctly see (но я мог отчетливо видеть) a small dark dot against the dull green and grey (маленькую черную точку на тусклом зелено-сером фоне; dull — глупый; неяркий, тусклый).

"Come, sir, come (пойдемте, сэр)!" cried Frankland, rushing upstairs (закричал Фрэнклэнд, бросаясь вверх по лестнице). "You will see with your own eyes (вы увидите собственными глазами) and judge for yourself (и /будете/ судить сами)."

The telescope, a formidable instrument mounted upon a tripod (телескоп, огромное приспособление на треноге; mounted — приподнятый; установленный), stood upon the flat leads of the house (стоял на плоской крыше дома; leads — покрытая свинцом крыша). Frankland clapped his eye to it (Фрэнклэнд припал к нему глазом; to clap — хлопать; сделать быстрое, энергичное движение) and gave a cry of satisfaction (и издал удовлетворенное восклицание).

"Quick, Dr. Watson, quick (быстрее, доктор Ватсон), before he passes over the hill (пока он не зашел за холм)!"

There he was, sure enough (действительно, вот он), a small urchin with a little bundle upon his shoulder (маленький парнишка с небольшим узелком на плече; urchin — мальчишка, пострел), toiling slowly up the hill (медленно взбирающийся на холм; to toil — усиленно трудиться; идти с трудом). When he reached the crest (когда он достиг гребня /холма/) I saw the ragged, uncouth figure (я увидел одетую в лохмотья, неуклюжую фигуру; ragged — зазубренный; рваный, изорванный /в клочья/) outlined for an instant against the cold blue sky (очерченную на мгновенье на фоне холодной синевы неба). He looked round him (он взглянул вокруг), with a furtive and stealthy air (с вороватым и таинственным видом), as one who dreads pursuit (как человек, который опасается преследования). Then he vanished over the hill (потом он исчез за холмом).

dull [dʌl], formidable [ˈfɔ:mɪdǝbl], urchin [ˈǝ:tʃɪn]

It was several miles off, but I could distinctly see a small dark dot against the dull green and grey.

"Come, sir, come!" cried Frankland, rushing upstairs. "You will see with your own eyes and judge for yourself."

The telescope, a formidable instrument mounted upon a tripod, stood upon the flat leads of the house. Frankland clapped his eye to it and gave a cry of satisfaction.

"Quick, Dr. Watson, quick, before he passes over the hill!"

There he was, sure enough, a small urchin with a little bundle upon his shoulder, toiling slowly up the hill. When he reached the crest I saw the ragged, uncouth figure outlined for an instant against the cold blue sky. He looked round him, with a furtive and stealthy air, as one who dreads pursuit. Then he vanished over the hill.

"Well! Am I right (ну, я прав)?"

"Certainly, there is a boy who seems to have some secret errand (несомненно, это мальчик, у которого, похоже, какое-то тайное поручение)."

"And what the errand is even a county constable could guess (а что за поручение даже окружной констебль мог бы догадаться). But not one word shall they have from me (но ни слова они не услышат от меня), and I bind you to secrecy also, Dr. Watson (и я призываю вас также хранить /тайну/; to bind — связывать; обязывать; secrecy — секретность; тайна). Not a word! You understand (ни слова, вы поняли)?"

"Just as you wish (как пожелаете)."

"They have treated me shamefully — shamefully (они обошлись со мною постыдным /образом/). When the facts come out in Frankland v. Regina (когда обстоятельства дела "Фрэнклэнд против короны" станут известны; to come out — выходить; становиться известным) I venture to think (я осмелюсь предположить) that a thrill of indignation will run through the country (что дрожь негодования пронзит всю страну). Nothing would induce me to help the police in any way (ничто не заставит меня помогать полиции каким бы то ни было образом). For all they cared (им /было бы/ наплевать) it might have been me, instead of my effigy (если бы вместо моего чучела мог оказаться я), which these rascals burned at the stake (кого эти негодяи сожгли бы у столба). Surely you are not going (конечно же, вы не уходите)! You will help me to empty the decanter (вы поможете мне опустошить графин) in honour of this great occasion (в честь этого великого события; occasion — возможность; важное событие)!"

errand [ˈer(ǝ)nd], guess [ɡes], occasion [ǝˈkeɪʒ(ǝ)n]

"Well! Am I right?"

"Certainly, there is a boy who seems to have some secret errand."

"And what the errand is even a county constable could guess. But not one word shall they have from me, and I bind you to secrecy also, Dr. Watson. Not a word! You understand?"

"Just as you wish."

"They have treated me shamefully — shamefully. When the facts come out in Frankland v. Regina I venture to think that a thrill of indignation will run through the country. Nothing would induce me to help the police in any way. For all they cared it might have been me, instead of my effigy, which these rascals burned at the stake. Surely you are not going! You will help me to empty the decanter in honour of this great occasion!"

But I resisted all his solicitations (но я не поддался на все его настойчивые просьбы) and succeeded in dissuading him from his announced intention (и успешно отговорил его от заявленного /им/ намерения; to succeed — следовать /за кем-либо/; иметь успех; to dissuade — отговаривать) of walking home with me (пройтись со мною до дома). I kept the road (я следовал по дороге; to keep — хранить; придерживаться, следовать) as long as his eye was on me (до тех пор, пока он мог меня видеть: «пока его взгляд был на мне»), and then I struck off across the moor (а затем свернул на болота; to strike off — свернуть) and made for the stony hill (и направился к каменистому холму; to make for — направляться к) over which the boy had disappeared (за которым исчез мальчик). Everything was working in my favour (все складывалось: «работало» в мою пользу), and I swore (и я поклялся; to swear) that it should not be through lack of energy or perseverance (что это случится не из-за нехватки энергичности или настойчивости) that I should miss the chance (если я упущу случай) which Fortune had thrown in my way (который судьба послала мне: «бросила на моем пути»; to throw — бросать; посылать).

The sun was already sinking (солнце уже садилось) when I reached the summit of the hill (когда я достиг вершины холма), and the long slopes beneath me (и длинные склоны подо мной) were all golden-green on one side (были все золотисто-зелеными с одной стороны) and grey shadow on the other (а другую /уже накрыла/ серая тень).

solicitation [sǝˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃ(ǝ)n], dissuade [dɪˈsweɪd], perseverance [ˌpǝ:sɪˈvɪǝr(ǝ)ns]

But I resisted all his solicitations and succeeded in dissuading him from his announced intention of walking home with me. I kept the road as long as his eye was on me, and then I struck off across the moor and made for the stony hill over which the boy had disappeared. Everything was working in my favour, and I swore that it should not be through lack of energy or perseverance that I should miss the chance which Fortune had thrown in my way.

The sun was already sinking when I reached the summit of the hill, and the long slopes beneath me were all golden-green on one side and grey shadow on the other.

A haze lay low upon the farthest sky-line (легкая дымка лежала низко над горизонтом), out of which jutted the fantastic shapes of Belliver and Vixen Tor (из которого выступали причудливые формы скалы Белливера и Лисьей скалы). Over the wide expanse there was no sound and no movement (по /всему/ обширному пространству не было ни звука, ни движения). One great grey bird, a gull or curlew (одна большая серая птица, чайка или кроншнеп), soared aloft in the blue heaven (высоко парила в голубом небе). He and I seemed to be the only living things (мы с ней, казалось, были единственными живыми существами) between the huge arch of the sky and the desert beneath it (между громадным сводом небес и пустыней под ним). The barren scene, the sense of loneliness (бесплодное место, чувство одиночества), and the mystery and urgency of my task (тайна и крайняя необходимость /выполнить/ мою задачу) all struck a chill into my heart (все /это/ наполняло: «пронзало» холодом мое сердце; to strike — ударять/ся/; вонзать). The boy was nowhere to be seen (мальчишки нигде не было видно). But down beneath me in a cleft of the hills (но внизу подо мной в расселине /между/ холмами) there was a circle of the old stone huts (был круг, /образованный/ древними каменными хижинами), and in the middle of them there was one (и в середине их находилась одна) which retained sufficient roof to act as a screen against the weather (достаточно сохранившаяся крыша которой /могла/ служить защитой: «щитом» от /не/погоды). My heart leaped within me (сердце во мне подпрыгнуло) as I saw it (когда я ее увидел). This must be the burrow (она должна была быть той норой) where the stranger lurked (где укрывался незнакомец). At last my foot was on the threshold of his hiding-place (наконец-то моя нога была на пороге его убежища) — his secret was within my grasp (его тайна /теперь/ в моих руках; grasp — хватка; власть, контроль).

desert [ˈdezǝt], urgency [ˈǝ:dʒ(ǝ)nsɪ], sufficient [sǝˈfɪʃ(ǝ)nt]

A haze lay low upon the farthest sky-line, out of which jutted the fantastic shapes of Belliver and Vixen Tor. Over the wide expanse there was no sound and no movement. One great grey bird, a gull or curlew, soared aloft in the blue heaven. He and I seemed to be the only living things between the huge arch of the sky and the desert beneath it. The barren scene, the sense of loneliness, and the mystery and urgency of my task all struck a chill into my heart. The boy was nowhere to be seen. But down beneath me in a cleft of the hills there was a circle of the old stone huts, and in the middle of them there was one which retained sufficient roof to act as a screen against the weather. My heart leaped within me as I saw it. This must be the burrow where the stranger lurked. At last my foot was on the threshold of his hiding-place — his secret was within my grasp.

As I approached the hut (когда я приблизился к хижине), walking as warily as Stapleton would do (ступая так же осторожно, как /это/ делал бы Стэплтон) when with poised net he drew near the settled butterfly (когда с сачком наготове подкрадывался к севшей бабочке; to draw near — приближаться), I satisfied myself that the place had indeed been used as a habitation (я убедился, что это место действительно использовалось в качестве жилья; to satisfy oneself — удовлетворяться; убеждаться). A vague pathway among the boulders (едва заметная тропка среди камней) led to the dilapidated opening (вела к наполовину осыпавшемуся отверстию; dilapidated — полуразрушенный) which served as a door (которое служило входом). All was silent within (внутри все было тихо). The unknown might be lurking there (неизвестный мог прятаться там), or he might be prowling on the moor (или мог бродить по болотам). My nerves tingled with the sense of adventure (мои нервы трепетали от чувства риска). Throwing aside my cigarette (отбросив в сторону папиросу) I closed my hand upon the butt of my revolver (я сжал в ладони рукоятку своего револьвера; butt — толстый конец /инструмента, оружия/; приклад, рукоятка) and, walking swiftly up to the door, I looked in (и, быстро подойдя к двери, заглянул внутрь). The place was empty (внутри было пусто; place — место; помещение).

warily [ˈwɛǝrɪlɪ], habitation [ˌhæbɪˈteɪʃ(ǝ)n], revolver [rɪˈvɔlvǝ]

As I approached the hut, walking as warily as Stapleton would do when with poised net he drew near the settled butterfly, I satisfied myself that the place had indeed been used as a habitation. A vague pathway among the boulders led to the dilapidated opening which served as a door. All was silent within. The unknown might be lurking there, or he might be prowling on the moor. My nerves tingled with the sense of adventure. Throwing aside my cigarette I closed my hand upon the butt of my revolver and, walking swiftly up to the door, I looked in. The place was empty.

But there were ample signs (но там было достаточно признаков, /свидетельствовавших о том/) that I had not come upon a false scent (что я не пошел по ложному следу; scent — запах; след). This was certainly where the man lived (здесь определенно жил человек). Some blankets rolled in a waterproof (несколько одеял, завернутых в непромокаемый плащ) lay upon that very stone slab (лежали на той самой каменной плите) upon which neolithic man had once slumbered (на которой некогда спал неолитический человек; once — один раз; когда-то, некогда). The ashes of a fire were heaped in a rude grate (зола от костра кучей лежала в грубом очаге). Beside it lay some cooking utensils (рядом располагались какая-то кухонная утварь) and a bucket half-full of water (и бадья, наполовину наполненная водой). A litter of empty tins (разбросанные в беспорядке пустые консервные банки; litter — разбросанные вещи) showed that the place had been occupied for some time (показывали, что в этом месте некоторое время /кто-то/ жил), and I saw, as my eyes became accustomed to the chequered light (и я увидел, когда глаза мои привыкли к изменчивому свету), a pannikin and a half-full bottle of spirits standing in the corner (кружку и наполовину полную бутылку вина, стоящие в углу; spirits — алкогольный напиток). In the middle of the hut (в середине хижины) a flat stone served the purpose of a table (/располагался/ плоский камень, служивший в качестве стола), and upon this stood a small cloth bundle (а на нем стоял маленький узелок из сукна) — the same, no doubt (без сомнения, тот), which I had seen through the telescope upon the shoulder of the boy (который я видел в телескоп на плече у мальчишки). It contained a loaf of bread (в нем была: «он содержал» буханку хлеба), a tinned tongue (консервированный /говяжий/ язык), and two tins of preserved peaches (и две банки консервированных персиков). As I set it down again (когда я поставил это назад), after having examined it (после того как осмотрел), my heart leaped to see (мое сердце подпрыгнуло, /когда я/ заметил) that beneath it there lay a sheet of paper with writing upon it (что под этим лежал листок бумаги с /какой-то/ надписью на нем). I raised it, and this was what I read (я поднял его, и вот, что я прочел), roughly scrawled in pencil (небрежно и неразборчиво написанное карандашом; roughly — грубо; небрежно; to scrawl — писать неразборчиво):—

"Dr. Watson has gone to Coombe Tracey (доктор Ватсон поехал в Кум-Трэйси)."

slumber [ˈslʌmbǝ], accustom [ǝˈkʌstǝm], tongue [tʌŋ]

But there were ample signs that I had not come upon a false scent. This was certainly where the man lived. Some blankets rolled in a waterproof lay upon that very stone slab upon which neolithic man had once slumbered. The ashes of a fire were heaped in a rude grate. Beside it lay some cooking utensils and a bucket half-full of water. A litter of empty tins showed that the place had been occupied for some time, and I saw, as my eyes became accustomed to the chequered light, a pannikin and a half-full bottle of spirits standing in the corner. In the middle of the hut a flat stone served the purpose of a table, and upon this stood a small cloth bundle — the same, no doubt, which I had seen through the telescope upon the shoulder of the boy. It contained a loaf of bread, a tinned tongue, and two tins of preserved peaches. As I set it down again, after having examined it, my heart leaped to see that beneath it there lay a sheet of paper with writing upon it. I raised it, and this was what I read, roughly scrawled in pencil:—

"Dr. Watson has gone to Coombe Tracey."

For a minute I stood there with the paper in my hands (с минуту я стоял там с запиской в руках) thinking out the meaning of this curt message (разгадывая смысл этого короткого послания; to think out — продумать до конца; разгадать). It was I, then, and not Sir Henry (значит меня, а не сэра Генри), who was being dogged by this secret man (выслеживал этот таинственный человек). He had not followed me himself (он сам не следил за мной), but he had set an agent (но он послал шпиона) — the boy, perhaps (возможно, этого мальчишку) — upon my track (по моим следам), and this was his report (а это был его отчет). Possibly I had taken no step (возможно, я не сделал ни одного шага) since I had been upon the moor (с тех пор как нахожусь на болотах) which had not been observed and repeated (который не был замечен и повторен /передан/). Always there was this feeling of an unseen force (всегда было это ощущение /присутствия/ невидимой силы), a fine net drawn round us (тонкой сети, растянутой вокруг нас) with infinite skill and delicacy (с большой ловкостью и мастерством; delicacy — утонченность, тонкость), holding us so lightly (удерживающей нас так легко) that it was only at some supreme moment that one realized (что только в какой-то критический момент осознаешь) that one was indeed entangled in its meshes (что действительно запутался в ее ячейках).

curt [kǝ:t], observe [ǝbˈzǝ:v], entangle [ɪnˈtæŋɡl]

For a minute I stood there with the paper in my hands thinking out the meaning of this curt message. It was I, then, and not Sir Henry, who was being dogged by this secret man. He had not followed me himself, but he had set an agent — the boy, perhaps — upon my track, and this was his report. Possibly I had taken no step since I had been upon the moor which had not been observed and repeated. Always there was this feeling of an unseen force, a fine net drawn round us with infinite skill and delicacy, holding us so lightly that it was only at some supreme moment that one realized that one was indeed entangled in its meshes.

If there was one report there might be others (если был один отчет, там могли быть и другие), so I looked round the hut in search of them (поэтому я осмотрел хижину в поисках их). There was no trace, however, of anything of the kind (однако там не было и следа чего-то похожего), nor could I discover any sign (не смог я /также/ обнаружить никаких признаков) which might indicate the character or intentions of the man (которые могли указать на характер или намерения человека) who lived in this singular place (который жил в этом необычном месте), save that he must be of Spartan habits (кроме того, что он имел привычки спартанца), and cared little for the comforts of life (и мало заботился о жизненных благах: «удобствах»). When I thought of the heavy rains (когда я подумал о проливных дождях) and looked at the gaping roof (и взглянул на зияющие дыры в крыше; to gape — зевать; зиять) I understood how strong and immutable must be the purpose (я понял, какой значительной и непреложной должна быть его цель) which had kept him in that inhospitable abode (удерживавшая его в таком негостеприимном жилище; abode — жилище; дом, жилье, обиталище). Was he our malignant enemy (был он нашим злейшим врагом), or was he by chance our guardian angel (или, по /счастливой/ случайности, нашим ангелом-хранителем)? I swore that I would not leave the hut (я поклялся, что не покину хижину) until I knew (пока не узнаю).

other [ˈʌðǝ], sign [saɪn], immutable [ɪˈmju:tǝbl]

If there was one report there might be others, so I looked round the hut in search of them. There was no trace, however, of anything of the kind, nor could I discover any sign which might indicate the character or intentions of the man who lived in this singular place, save that he must be of Spartan habits, and cared little for the comforts of life. When I thought of the heavy rains and looked at the gaping roof I understood how strong and immutable must be the purpose which had kept him in that inhospitable abode. Was he our malignant enemy, or was he by chance our guardian angel? I swore that I would not leave the hut until I knew.

Outside the sun was sinking low (снаружи солнце уже садилось; to sink low — глубоко погрузиться) and the west was blazing with scarlet and gold (и запад = небо на западе ярко горело пурпуром и золотом). Its reflection was shot back in ruddy patches by the distant pools (его отражение алыми пятнами отбрасывалось назад далекими озерцами) which lay amid the Great Grimpen Mire (лежащими посреди Большой Гримпенской трясины). There were the two towers of Baskerville Hall (/вдали виднелись/ две башни Баскервиль-холла), and there a distant blur of smoke (и далекое пятно дыма) which marked the village of Grimpen (обозначавшее деревню Гримпен). Between the two, behind the hill (между ними, за холмом), was the house of the Stapletons (находился дом Стэплтонов). All was sweet and mellow and peaceful (все /вокруг/ было приятным, спокойным и мирным) in the golden evening light (в золотистом вечернем свете), and yet as I looked at them (и все же когда я смотрел на это) my soul shared none of the peace of Nature (моя душа не разделяла спокойствия природы), but quivered at the vagueness and the terror of that interview (а трепетала от неясности и страха /перед/ встречей) which every instant was bringing nearer (которая с каждым мгновением приближалась; to bring nearer — приближать). With tingling nerves, but a fixed purpose (с натянутыми: «дрожащими» нервами, но с твердыми намерениями), I sat in the dark recess of the hut (я сидел в темном углу хижины; in the recess — в глубине) and waited with sombre patience for the coming of its tenant (и ждал с угрюмой настойчивостью ее обитателя).

scarlet [ˈskɑ:lɪt], blur [blǝ:], quiver [ˈkwɪvǝ]

Outside the sun was sinking low and the west was blazing with scarlet and gold. Its reflection was shot back in ruddy patches by the distant pools which lay amid the Great Grimpen Mire. There were the two towers of Baskerville Hall, and there a distant blur of smoke which marked the village of Grimpen. Between the two, behind the hill, was the house of the Stapletons. All was sweet and mellow and peaceful in the golden evening light, and yet as I looked at them my soul shared none of the peace of Nature, but quivered at the vagueness and the terror of that interview which every instant was bringing nearer. With tingling nerves, but a fixed purpose, I sat in the dark recess of the hut and waited with sombre patience for the coming of its tenant.

And then at last I heard him (и вот, наконец, я услышал его). Far away came the sharp clink (издалека донесся отчетливый резкий звук) of a boot striking upon a stone (удар ботинка по камню). Then another and yet another (потом еще и еще), coming nearer and nearer (все ближе и ближе). I shrank back into the darkest corner (я отступил в самый темный угол; to shrink — уменьшать; отпрянуть, отступить), and cocked the pistol in my pocket (и в кармане взвел /курок/ пистолета), determined not to discover myself (решив не открывать себя) until I had an opportunity (до тех пор, пока не представится возможность) of seeing something of the stranger (увидеть незнакомца; something — кое-что, что-нибудь). There was a long pause (была долгая пауза = некоторое время не доносилось ни звука) which showed that he had stopped (что указывало на то, что он остановился; to show — показывать; указывать). Then once more the footsteps approached (затем шаги снова /стали/ приближаться) and a shadow fell across the opening of the hut (и тень упала на проход в хижину).

"It is a lovely evening, my dear Watson (прекрасный вечер, дорогой Ватсон)," said a well-known voice (сказал хорошо знакомый голос). "I really think that you will be more comfortable outside than in (я, право, думаю, что нам будет удобнее снаружи, чем внутри)."

determine [dɪˈtǝ:mɪn], pause [pɔ:z], comfortable [ˈkʌmfǝtǝbl]

And then at last I heard him. Far away came the sharp clink of a boot striking upon a stone. Then another and yet another, coming nearer and nearer. I shrank back into the darkest corner, and cocked the pistol in my pocket, determined not to discover myself until I had an opportunity of seeing something of the stranger. There was a long pause which showed that he had stopped. Then once more the footsteps approached and a shadow fell across the opening of the hut.

"It is a lovely evening, my dear Watson," said a well-known voice. "I really think that you will be more comfortable outside than in."