Мальтийский сокол. Английский язык с Д. Хэмметом.

Spade, with his arms around Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Спейд, с руками вокруг Бриджит О’Шонесси), smiled meagerly over her head (слабо/вяло улыбнулся над ее головой; meager — худой, изнуренный, вялый) and said: "Sure, we'll talk (конечно, мы поговорим)."

Gutman's bulbs jounced (отвислости Гутмана затрепыхались) as he took three waddling backward steps (когда он сделал три шага вразвалочку назад) away from the door (от двери).

Spade and the girl went in together (Спейд и девушка вместе вошли). The boy and Cairo followed them in (парень и Кейро последовали за ними внутрь). Cairo stopped in the doorway (Кейро остановился в дверном проеме). The boy put away one of his pistols (юноша спрятал один из своих пистолетов) and came up close behind Spade (и подошел близко позади Спейда).

meagerly ['mi:gqlI] jounce [dZaVns] waddle ['wOdl]

Spade, with his arms around Brigid O'Shaughnessy, smiled meagerly over her head and said: "Sure, we'll talk."

Gutman's bulbs jounced as he took three waddling backward steps away from the door.

Spade and the girl went in together. The boy and Cairo followed them in. Cairo stopped in the doorway. The boy put away one of his pistols and came up close behind Spade.

Spade turned his head (Спейд повернул голову) far around (дальше назад: «вокруг») to look down over his shoulder (чтобы посмотреть через свое плечо) at the boy (на юнца) and said: "Get away (убирайся). You're not going to frisk me (ты же не собираешься обыскать меня)."

The boy said (юнец сказал): "Stand still (стой спокойно). Shut up (заткнись)."

Spade's nostrils (ноздри Спейда) went in and out (двигались внутрь и наружу) with his breathing (вместе с его дыханием). His voice was level (его голос был ровным). "Get away (убирайся). Put your paw on me (положи свою лапу на меня) and I'm going to make you use the gun (и я заставлю тебя использовать пистолет). Ask your boss (спроси своего босса) if he wants me shot up (хочет ли он, чтобы меня застрелили) before we talk (прежде чем мы поговорим)."

going ['gqVIN] paw [pO:] gun [gAn]

Spade turned his head far around to look down over his shoulder at the boy and said: "Get away. You're not going to frisk me."

The boy said: "Stand still. Shut up."

Spade's nostrils went in and out with his breathing. His voice was level. "Get away. Put your paw on me and I'm going to make you use the gun. Ask your boss if he wants me shot up before we talk."

"Never mind, Wilmer (не беспокойся Вилмер)," the fat man said (сказал толстяк). He frowned indulgently at Spade (он снисходительно нахмурился на Спейда). "You are certainly (вы определенно) a most headstrong individual (самая упрямая личность). Well, let's be seated (ну, давайте сядем)."

Spade said, "I told you (я сказал вам) I didn't like that punk (что мне не нравится этот молокосос)," and took Brigid O'Shaughnessy to the sofa by the windows (и подвел Бриджит О’Шонесси к дивану у окон). They sat close together (они сели близко друг к другу), her head against his left shoulder (ее голову у его левого плеча), his left arm around her shoulders (его левая рука вокруг ее плеч). She had stopped trembling (она перестала дрожать; to tremble), had stopped panting (перестала задыхаться). The appearance of Gutman (внешний вид Гутмана) and his companions (и его компаньонов) seemed to have robbed her (казалось, лишило ее; to rob — грабить, обкрадывать) of that freedom of personal movement (той свободы личного движения) and emotion (и эмоции) that is animal (что свойственны животному /организму/), leaving her alive (оставив ее живой), conscious (в сознании), but quiescent as a plant (но покоящейся/неподвижной, как растение).

indulgent [In'dAldZ(q)nt] headstrong ['hedstrON] companion [kqm'pxnIqn]

"Never mind, Wilmer," the fat man said. He frowned indulgently at Spade. "You are certainly a most headstrong individual. Well, let's be seated."

Spade said, "I told you I didn't like that punk," and took Brigid O'Shaughnessy to the sofa by the windows. They sat close together, her head against his left shoulder, his left arm around her shoulders. She had stopped trembling, had stopped panting. The appearance of Gutman and his companions seemed to have robbed her of that freedom of personal movement and emotion that is animal, leaving her alive, conscious, but quiescent as a plant.

Gutman lowered himself (Гутман опустился) into the padded rocking chair (в обитое кресло-качалку). Cairo chose the armchair by the table (Кейро выбрал кресло у стола). The boy Wilmer did not sit down (юнец Вилмер не сел). He stood in the doorway (он стоял в дверном проеме) where Cairo had stood (где Кейро стоял), letting his one visible pistol (оставив свой один видимый пистолет) hang down at his side (висящим у своего бока), looking under curling lashes (глядя из-под изогнутых ресниц) at Spade's body (на тело Спейда). Cairo put his pistol (Кейро положил свой пистолет) on the table beside him (на стол рядом с ним).

Spade took off his hat (Спейд снял свою шляпу) and tossed it to the other end of the sofa (и бросил ее на другой конец дивана). He grinned at Gutman (он улыбнулся Гутману). The looseness of his lower lip (расслабленность его нижней губы) and the droop of his upper eyelids (и опущенные верхние веки; droop — наклон, спад, сутулость) combined with the v's in his face (сочетались с «v» в его лице) to make his grin lewd as a satyr's (и делали его улыбку непристойной, как у сатира). "That daughter of yours (у этой вашей дочери) has a nice belly (прекрасный живот)," he said, "too nice (слишком прекрасный) to be scratched up with pins (чтобы его царапали булавками)."

visible ['vIzqb(q)l] curling ['kq:lIN] satyr ['sxtq]

Gutman lowered himself into the padded rocking chair. Cairo chose the armchair by the table. The boy Wilmer did not sit down. He stood in the doorway where Cairo had stood, letting his one visible pistol hang down at his side, looking under curling lashes at Spade's body. Cairo put his pistol on the table beside him.

Spade took off his hat and tossed it to the other end of the sofa. He grinned at Gutman. The looseness of his lower lip and the droop of his upper eyelids combined with the v's in his face to make his grin lewd as a satyr's. "That daughter of yours has a nice belly," he said, "too nice to be scratched up with pins."

Gutman's smile was affable (улыбка Гутмана была любезной/приветливой) if a bit oily (хоть и немного елейной; oily — масляный, сальный, елейный).

The boy in the doorway (парень в дверном проеме) took a short step forward (сделал короткий шаг вперед), raising his pistol (поднимая свой пистолет) as far as his hip (на уровне своего бедра). Everybody in the room looked at him (все в комнате посмотрели на него). In the dissimilar eyes (в непохожих глазах) with which Brigid O'Shaughnessy and Joel Cairo looked at him (которыми Бриджит О’Шонесси и Джоэль Кейро смотрели на него) there was, oddly (был, что странно), something identically reproving (какой-то одинаковый упрек). The boy blushed (парень покраснел), drew back his advanced foot (потянул назад свою выдвинутую ногу), straightened his legs (выпрямил свои ноги), lowered the pistol (опустил пистолет) and stood as he had stood before (и встал, как он стоял раньше), looking under lashes (глядя из-под ресниц) that hid his eyes (которые скрывали его глаза) at Spade's chest (на грудь Спейда). The blush was pale enough (румянец был достаточно бледным) and lasted for only an instant (и длился всего мгновение), but it was startling on his face (но он был поразительным на его лице) that habitually was so cold and composed (которое обычно было таким холодным и невозмутимым).

affable ['xfqb(q)l] dissimilar [dI'sImIlq] habitually [hq'bItSVqlI]

Gutman's smile was affable if a bit oily.

The boy in the doorway took a short step forward, raising his pistol as far as his hip. Everybody in the room looked at him. In the dissimilar eyes with which Brigid O'Shaughnessy and Joel Cairo looked at him there was, oddly, something identically reproving. The boy blushed, drew back his advanced foot, straightened his legs, lowered the pistol and stood as he had stood before, looking under lashes that hid his eyes at Spade's chest. The blush was pale enough and lasted for only an instant, but it was startling on his face that habitually was so cold and composed.

Gutman turned (Гутман повернул) his sleek-eyed fat smile (свою елейную жирную улыбку; -eyed — как компонент сложных слов— имеющий такие-то глаза) on Spade again (снова к Спейду). His voice was a suave purring (его голос был вкрадчивым мурлыканьем). "Yes, sir, that was a shame (да сэр, это было стыдно), but you must admit (но вы должны признать) that it served its purpose (что это послужило своей цели)."

Spade's brows twitched together (брови Спейда дернулись вместе). "Anything would've (что угодно послужило бы)," he said. "Naturally I wanted to see you (конечно, я хотел вас видеть) as soon as I had the falcon (как только я получил сокола). Cash customers (покупатели с наличными) — why not (почему нет)? I went to Burlingame (я поехал в Бэрлингем) expecting to run into this sort of a meeting (ожидая попасть на такого рода встречу). I didn't know (я не знал) you were blundering around (что вы двигаетесь ощупью/предпринимаете неверные шаги; blunder — грубая ошибка; промах; to blunder — двигаться ощупью; спотыкаться (about, along); грубо ошибаться), half an hour late (спустя полчаса), trying to get me out of the way (пытаясь убрать меня с дороги) so you could find Jacobi again (чтобы вы могли найти Якоби снова) before he found me (прежде чем он найдет меня)."

Gutman chuckled (Гутман хихикнул). His chuckle seemed to hold nothing (казалось, его хихиканье не содержало ничего) but satisfaction (кроме удовлетворения). "Well, sir (ну, сэр)," he said, "in any case (в любом случае), here we are having our little meeting (мы здесь на нашей маленькой встрече), if that's what you wanted (если это то, что вы хотели)."

suave [swQ:v] blunder ['blAndq] satisfaction ["sxtIs'fxkS(q)n]

Gutman turned his sleek-eyed fat smile on Spade again. His voice was a suave purring. "Yes, sir, that was a shame, but you must admit that it served its purpose."

Spade's brows twitched together. "Anything would've," he said. "Naturally I wanted to see you as soon as I had the falcon. Cash customers — why not? I went to Burlingame expecting to run into this sort of a meeting. I didn't know you were blundering around, half an hour late, trying to get me out of the way so you could find Jacobi again before he found me."

Gutman chuckled. His chuckle seemed to hold nothing but satisfaction. "Well, sir," he said, "in any case, here we are having our little meeting, if that's what you wanted."

"That's what I wanted (это то, что я хотел). How soon (как скоро) are you ready to make the first payment (вы готовы сделать первый платеж) and take the falcon off my hands (и забрать сокола из моих рук)?"

Brigid O'Shaughnessy sat up straight (Бриджит О’Шонесси села прямо) and looked at Spade (и посмотрела на Спейда) with surprised blue eyes (удивленными голубыми глазами). He patted her shoulder inattentively (он небрежно: «невнимательно» похлопал ее по плечу). His eyes were steady on Gutman's (его глаза были постоянно на Гутмане). Gutman's twinkled merrily (Гутман весело моргнул) between sheltering fat puffs (между нависающими жирными вздутиями; to shelter— приютить, укрыть, защитить). He said: "Well, sir, as to that (ну, сэр, раз так)," and put a hand inside the breast (и сунул руку в верхнюю часть; breast — грудь) of his coat (своего пальто).

Cairo, hands on thighs (Кейро, руки на бедрах), leaned forward in his chair (наклонился вперед в своем кресле), breathing between parted soft lips (дыша через: «между» раскрытые мягкие губы). His dark eyes (его темные глаза) had the surface-shine of lacquer (имели внешний блеск лакировки). They shifted their focus warily (они осторожно меняли свой фокус) from Spade's face to Gutman's (от Спейда к Гутману), from Gutman's to Spade's (от Гутмана к Спейду).

shelter ['Seltq] puff [pAf] lacquer ['lxkq]

"That's what I wanted. How soon are you ready to make the first payment and take the falcon off my hands?"

Brigid O'Shaughnessy sat up straight and looked at Spade with surprised blue eyes. He patted her shoulder inattentively. His eyes were steady on Gutman's. Gutman's twinkled merrily between sheltering fat puffs. He said: "Well, sir, as to that," and put a hand inside the breast of his coat.

Cairo, hands on thighs, leaned forward in his chair, breathing between parted soft lips. His dark eyes had the surface-shine of lacquer. They shifted their focus warily from Spade's face to Gutman's, from Gutman's to Spade's.

Gutman repeated (Гутман повторил), "Well, sir, as to that (ну, сэр, раз так)," and took a white envelope (и достал белый конверт) from his pocket (из своего кармана). Ten eyes (десять глаз) — the boy's now only half obscured by his lashes (/глаза/ юнца, теперь только наполовину скрытые его ресницами) — looked at the envelope (смотрели на конверт). Turning the envelope over in his swollen hands (поворачивая конверт в своих пухлых руках), Gutman studied for a moment its blank white front (Гутман мгновение изучал его чистую белую поверхность /передней стороны/) and then its back (потом заднюю сторону), unsealed (незапечатанную), with the flap tucked in (с заправленным клапаном). He raised his head (он поднял свою голову), smiled amiably (дружелюбно улыбнулся), and scaled the envelope at Spade's lap (и бросил конверт на колени Спейду).

obscure [qb'skjVq] eyelash ['aIlxS] scale [skeIl]

Gutman repeated, "Well, sir, as to that," and took a white envelope from his pocket. Ten eyes — the boy's now only half obscured by his lashes — looked at the envelope. Turning the envelope over in his swollen hands, Gutman studied for a moment its blank white front and then its back, unsealed, with the flap tucked in. He raised his head, smiled amiably, and scaled the envelope at Spade's lap.

The envelope, though not bulky (конверт, хотя и не объемный), was heavy enough (был достаточно тяжел) to fly true (чтобы лететь прямо; true — правдиво, честно, точно). It struck the lower part of Spade's chest (он ударил нижнюю часть груди Спейда) and dropped down (и упал вниз) on his thighs (на его бедра). He picked it up deliberately (он поднял его неторопливо) and opened it deliberately (и открыл его неторопливо), using both hands (используя обе руки), having taken his left arm (сняв свою вторую руку) from around the girl (с девушки). The contents of the envelope (содержимым конверта) were thousand-dollar bills (были купюры по тысяче долларов), smooth and stiff and new (гладкие и жесткие и новые). Spade took them out (Спейд вытащил их) and counted them (и пересчитал их). There were ten of them (там было десять /купюр/). Spade looked up smiling (Спейд поднял взгляд, улыбаясь). He said mildly (он мягко сказал): "We were talking about more money than this (мы говорили о больших деньгах, чем эти)."

bulky ['bAlkI] deliberately [dI'lIb(q)rItlI] count [kaVnt]

The envelope, though not bulky, was heavy enough to fly true. It struck the lower part of Spade's chest and dropped down on his thighs. He picked it up deliberately and opened it deliberately, using both hands, having taken his left arm from around the girl. The contents of the envelope were thousand-dollar bills, smooth and stiff and new. Spade took them out and counted them. There were ten of them. Spade looked up smiling. He said mildly: "We were talking about more money than this."

"Yes, sir, we were (да, сэр, мы говорили)," Gutman agreed (согласился Гутман), "but we were talking then (но мы говорили тогда). This is actual money (это реальные деньги), genuine coin of the realm, sir (истинные деньги государства, сэр; coin — монета; realm — государство, королевство; /перен./ царство). With a dollar of this (с таким долларом) you can buy more (вы можете купить больше) than with ten dollars of talk (чем с десятью долларами разговора)." Silent laughter (беззвучный смех) shook his bulbs (потряс его округлости). When their commotion stopped (когда их волнение закончилось) he said more seriously (он сказал более серьезно), yet not altogether seriously (но в тоже время не совсем серьезно): "There are more of us (нас больше) to be taken care of nosy (и нам надо позаботиться о любопытных; nosy — носатый; длинноносый; любопытный; пронырливый)." He moved his twinkling eyes (он двинул своими мигающими глазами) and his fat head (и своей толстой головой) to indicate Cairo (чтобы указать на Кейро). "And (и) — well, sir, in short (ну, сэр, короче) — the situation has changed (ситуация изменилась)."

coin [kOIn] realm [relm] nosy ['nqVzI]

"Yes, sir, we were," Gutman agreed, "but we were talking then. This is actual money, genuine coin of the realm, sir. With a dollar of this you can buy more than with ten dollars of talk." Silent laughter shook his bulbs. When their commotion stopped he said more seriously, yet not altogether seriously: "There are more of us to be taken care of nosy." He moved his twinkling eyes and his fat head to indicate Cairo. "And — well, sir, in short — the situation has changed."

While Gutman talked (пока Гутман говорил) Spade had tapped the edges of the ten bills (Спейд похлопывал уголки десяти банкнот) into alignment (выравнивая) and had returned them to their envelope (а потом вернул их в конверт), tucking the flap in over them (вкладывая клапан в конверт над ними). Now, with forearms on knees (теперь, с предплечьями на коленях), he sat hunched forward (он сидел, согнувшись вперед), dangling the envelope (раскачивая конверт) from a corner (за уголок) held lightly by finger and thumb (легко сжимаемого большим и указательным пальцами) down between his legs (внизу, между своих ног). His reply to the fat man was careless (его ответ толстяку был беззаботным): "Sure (конечно). You're together now (вы теперь вместе), but I've got the falcon (но у меня сокол)."

Joel Cairo spoke (Джоэль Кейро заговорил). Ugly hands (уродливые руки) grasping the arms of his chair (сжимающие подлокотники его кресла), he leaned forward (он наклонился вперед) and said primly (и сказал натянуто) in his high-pitched thin voice (своим пронзительным тонким голосом): "I shouldn't think (я не мог подумать) it would be necessary to remind you, Mr. Spade (что окажется необходимым напомнить вам, мистер Спейд), that though you may have the falcon (что хотя вы можете иметь птицу) yet we certainly have you (все же вы точно в нашей власти: «мы точно имеем Вас»)."

alignment [q'laInmqnt] hunch [hAntS] certainly ['sq:tnlI]

While Gutman talked Spade had tapped the edges of the ten bills into alignment and had returned them to their envelope, tucking the flap in over them. Now, with forearms on knees, he sat hunched forward, dangling the envelope from a corner held lightly by finger and thumb down between his legs. His reply to the fat man was careless: "Sure. You're together now, but I've got the falcon."

Joel Cairo spoke. Ugly hands grasping the arms of his chair, he leaned forward and said primly in his high-pitched thin voice: "I shouldn't think it would be necessary to remind you, Mr. Spade, that though you may have the falcon yet we certainly have you."

Spade grinned (Спейд усмехнулся). "I'm trying to (я пытаюсь) not let that (не дать этому) worry me (волновать меня)," he said. He sat up straight (он сел прямо), put the envelope aside (отложил конверт в сторону) — on the sofa (на диван) — and addressed Gutman (и обратился к Гутману): "We'll come back to the money later (мы вернемся к деньгам позже). There's another thing (есть другая вещь) that's got to be taken care of first (о которой нужно позаботиться вначале). We've got to have a fall-guy (нам нужен: «мы должны иметь» козел отпущения)."

The fat man frowned (толстяк нахмурился) without comprehension (не понимая), but before he could speak (но прежде чем он смог заговорить) Spade was explaining (Спейд объяснял): "The police has got to have a victim (у полиции должна быть жертва) — somebody (кто-то) they can stick (кого они могут задержать; to stick— наклеивать, приклеивать, крепко держать) for those three murders (за те три убийства). We (мы) — "

comprehension ["kOmprI'henS(q)n] explain [Ik'spleIn] murder ['mq:dq]

Spade grinned. "I'm trying to not let that worry me," he said. He sat up straight, put the envelope aside — on the sofa — and addressed Gutman: "We'll come back to the money later. There's another thing that's got to be taken care of first. We've got to have a fall-guy."

The fat man frowned without comprehension, but before he could speak Spade was explaining: "The police has got to have a victim — somebody they can stick for those three murders. We — "

Cairo, speaking in a brittle excited voice (Кейро, говоря хрупким взволнованным голосом), interrupted Spade (прервал Спейда). "Two (два) — only two (только два) — murders, Mr. Spade (убийства, мистер Спейд). Thursby undoubtedly (Терсби, без сомнения) killed your partner (убил вашего компаньона)."

"All right, two (хорошо, два)," Spade growled (проворчал Спейд). "What difference does that make (какая разница из-за этого)? The point is (дело в том) we've got to feed the police some (мы должны скормить полиции кого-то) — "

Now Gutman broke in (теперь Гутман вмешался), smiling confidently (доверительно улыбаясь), talking with good-natured assurance (говоря с добродушной уверенностью): "Well, sir (ну, сэр), from what we've seen and heard of you (из того, что мы видели и слышали о вас) I don't think we'll have to bother ourselves about that (я не считаю, что мы должны утомлять себя этим). We can leave (мы можем оставить) the handling of the police to you (улаживание с полицией вам), all right (очень хорошо). You won't need (вам не нужна) any of our inexpert help (наша неквалифицированная помощь)."

undoubtedly [An'daVtIdlI] bother ['bODq] inexpert [In'ekspq:t]

Cairo, speaking in a brittle excited voice, interrupted Spade. "Two — only two — murders, Mr. Spade. Thursby undoubtedly killed your partner."

"All right, two," Spade growled. "What difference does that make? The point is we've got to feed the police some — "

Now Gutman broke in, smiling confidently, talking with good-natured assurance: "Well, sir, from what we've seen and heard of you I don't think we'll have to bother ourselves about that. We can leave the handling of the police to you, all right. You won't need any of our inexpert help."

"If that's what you think (если это то, что вы думаете)," Spade said, "you haven't seen or heard enough (вы не видели или = и не слышали достаточно)."

"Nosy come, Mr. Spade (бросьте, мистер Спейд). You can't expect us to believe (вы не можете ожидать, что мы поверим) at this late date (на этом позднем этапе; date — дата, время) that you are the least bit afraid of the police (что вы хоть немного боитесь полиции), or that you are not quite able to handle (или вы не можете справиться с ней) — "

Spade snorted with throat and nose (Спейд хмыкнул своим горлом и носом). He bent forward (он наклонился вперед), resting forearms on knees again (снова опершись предплечьями на колени), and interrupted Gutman irritably (и раздраженно прервал Гутмана): "I'm not a damned bit afraid of them (я ни черта не боюсь их) and I know how to handle them (и я знаю, как обращаться с ними). That's what I'm trying to tell you (это то, что я пытаюсь сказать вам). The way to handle them (способ поладить с ними) is to toss them a victim (это подбросить им жертву; to toss — бросать, кидать, метать), somebody they can hang the works on (кого-то, кому они смогут навесить все эти действия)."

snort [snO:t] handle ['hxndl] trying ['traIIN]

"If that's what you think," Spade said, "you haven't seen or heard enough."

"Nosy come, Mr. Spade. You can't expect us to believe at this late date that you are the least bit afraid of the police, or that you are not quite able to handle — "

Spade snorted with throat and nose. He bent forward, resting forearms on knees again, and interrupted Gutman irritably: "I'm not a damned bit afraid of them and I know how to handle them. That's what I'm trying to tell you. The way to handle them is to toss them a victim, somebody they can hang the works on."

"Well, sir (ну, сэр), I grant you (я согласен с вами; to grant— даровать, разрешать, допускать) that's one way of doing it (что это один из способов сделать это), but (но) — "

"'But hell (но черт)!" Spade said. "It's the only way (это единственный способ)." His eyes were hot and earnest (его глаза были горячими и серьезными) under a reddening forehead (под краснеющим лбом). The bruise on his temple (синяк на его виске) was liver-colored (было темно-каштанового цвета). "I know what I'm talking about (я знаю, о чем я говорю). I've been through it all before (я проходил через это все раньше) and expect to go through it again (и ожидаю пройти через это снова). At one time or another (в один или другой раз) I've had to tell everybody from the Supreme Court down (мне пришлось сказал каждому, начиная с Верховного суда /и всем остальным/) to go to hell (катиться к черту), and I've got away with it (и мне это сошло). I got away with it (мне это сошло) because I never let myself forget (потому что я никогда не позволял себе забыть) that a day of reckoning was coming (что день расплаты приходит; to reckon — считать, подсчитывать; подводить итог /reckon up/).

forehead ['fOrId, 'fO:hed] supreme [s(j)u:'pri:m] reckoning ['rekqnIN]

"Well, sir, I grant you that's one way of doing it, but — "

"'But hell!" Spade said. "It's the only way." His eyes were hot and earnest under a reddening forehead. The bruise on his temple was liver-colored. "I know what I'm talking about. I've been through it all before and expect to go through it again. At one time or another I've had to tell everybody from the Supreme Court down to go to hell, and I've got away with it. I got away with it because I never let myself forget that a day of reckoning was coming.

I never forget (я никогда не забываю) that when the day of reckoning comes (что, когда приходит день расплаты) I want to be all set (я хочу быть готовым) to march into headquarters (чтобы пойти в управление) pushing a victim in front of me (толкая перед собой жертву), saying (говоря): 'Here, you chumps (вот, чурбаны = болваны), is your criminal (ваш преступник).' As long as I can do that (пока я могу делать это) I can put my thumb to my nose (я могу приставить мой большой палец к моему носу) and wriggle my fingers (и крутить пальцами) at all the laws in the book (на все законы в книге). The first time (первый раз) I can't do it (когда я не смогу сделать это) my name's Mud (моей репутации конец; mud— грязь, слякоть, клевета). There hasn't been a first time yet (пока первого раза не было). This isn't going to be it (и этот не будет /первым/). That's flat (это окончательно: «плоско»)."

headquarters ['hed"kwO:tqz] wriggle ['rIg(q)l] flat [flxt]

I never forget that when the day of reckoning comes I want to be all set to march into headquarters pushing a victim in front of me, saying: 'Here, you chumps, is your criminal.' As long as I can do that I can put my thumb to my nose and wriggle my fingers at all the laws in the book. The first time I can't do it my name's Mud. There hasn't been a first time yet. This isn't going to be it. That's flat."

Gutman's eyes flickered (глаза Гутмана блеснули) and their sleekness became dubious (и их гладкость стала неуверенной), but he held his other features (но он держал свои другие черты) in their bulbous pink (в их пухлой розовости) smiling complacent cast (любезно улыбаясь; cast — оттенок; выражение лица) and there was nothing of uneasiness in his voice (и не было ничего беспокойного в его голосе). He said: "That's a system (это система) that's got a lot to recommend it (которую можно очень рекомендовать), sir — by Gad, it has (сэр — ей-Богу, это так)! And if it was anyway practical (и если бы она была возможна, каким-нибудь образом; practical — практический, реальный) this time (в этот раз) I'd be the first to say (я был бы первым кто сказал): 'Stick to it by all means, sir (придерживайтесь ее любой ценой, сэр; means — средство, способ).' But this just happens (но так случилось) to be a case (что это случай) where it's not possible (когда это невозможно). That's the way it is (это то, как бывает) with the best of systems (с самыми лучшими системами). There comes a time (приходит время) when you've got to make exceptions (когда ты должен сделать исключения), and a wise man just goes ahead (и мудрый человек просто идет вперед) and makes them (и делает их).

flicker ['flIkq] dubious ['dju:bIqs] practical ['prxktIk(q)l]

Gutman's eyes flickered and their sleekness became dubious, but he held his other features in their bulbous pink smiling complacent cast and there was nothing of uneasiness in his voice. He said: "That's a system that's got a lot to recommend it, sir — by Gad, it has! And if it was anyway practical this time I'd be the first to say: 'Stick to it by all means, sir.' But this just happens to be a case where it's not possible. That's the way it is with the best of systems. There comes a time when you've got to make exceptions, and a wise man just goes ahead and makes them.

Well, sir (ну, сэр), that's just the way it is in this case (это просто то, как все есть в этом случае) and I don't mind telling you (и не возражаю сказать вам) that I think you're being very well paid (что вам очень хорошо платят) for making an exception (чтобы сделать исключение). Now maybe it will be a little more trouble to you (сейчас это, может быть, будет немного труднее для вас) than if you had your victim (чем, если бы у вас была ваша жертва) to hand over to the police, but (чтобы передать ее в руки полиции, но)" — he laughed and spread his hands (он засмеялся и развел свои руки) — "you're not a man (вы не такой человек) that's afraid of a little bit of trouble (который боится некоторых трудностей). You know how to do things (вы знаете, как делать дела) and you know (и вы знаете) you'll land on your feet in the end (что в конце вы удачно выпутаетесь; to land — высаживать на берег, приземляться), no matter what happens (что бы не случилось)." He pursed his lips (он сжал свои губы) and partly closed one eye (и частично прикрыл один глаз). "You'll manage that, sir (вы сумеете это, сэр)."

spread [spred] afraid [q'freId] manage ['mxnIdZ]

Well, sir, that's just the way it is in this case and I don't mind telling you that I think you're being very well paid for making an exception. Now maybe it will be a little more trouble to you than if you had your victim to hand over to the police, but" — he laughed and spread his hands — "you're not a man that's afraid of a little bit of trouble. You know how to do things and you know you'll land on your feet in the end, no matter what happens." He pursed his lips and partly closed one eye. "You'll manage that, sir."

Spade's eyes had lost their warmth (глаза Спейда потеряли свою теплоту). His face was dull and lumpy (его лицо было угрюмым и бугорчатым; lump — глыба, ком). "I know what I'm talking about (я знаю, о чем я говорю)," he said in a low (сказал он тихим), consciously patient (сознательно терпеливым), tone (голосом). "This is my city and my game (это мой город и моя игра). I could manage to land on my feet (я смогу приземлиться на мои ноги) — sure (конечно) — this time (в этот раз), but the next time (но в следующий раз) I tried to put over a fast one (когда я попытаюсь обмануть их; to put over — объяснить, добиться успеха, надуть) they'd stop me so fast (они остановят меня так быстро) I'd swallow my teeth (что я проглочу свои зубы). Hell with that (черт с этим). You birds'll be in New York (вы, ребята будете в Нью-Йорке) or Constantinople (или Константинополе) or some place else (или в каком-нибудь другом месте). I'm in business here (а мой бизнес здесь)."

"But surely (но наверняка)," Gutman began (начал Гутман), "you can (вы сможете) — "

warmth [wO:mT] lumpy ['lAmpI] consciously ['kOnSqslI]

Spade's eyes had lost their warmth. His face was dull and lumpy. "I know what I'm talking about," he said in a low, consciously patient, tone. "This is my city and my game. I could manage to land on my feet — sure — this time, but the next time I tried to put over a fast one they'd stop me so fast I'd swallow my teeth. Hell with that. You birds'll be in New York or Constantinople or some place else. I'm in business here."

"But surely," Gutman began, "you can — "

"I can't (я не могу)," Spade said earnestly (сказал Спейд серьезно). "I won't (я не буду). I mean it (я не шучу: «я полагаю, имею в виду это /серьезно/»)." He sat up straight (он сел прямо). A pleasant smile illuminated his face (приятная улыбка осветила его лицо), erasing its dull lumpishness (стирая его угрюмую неуклюжесть). He spoke rapidly (он говорил быстро) in an agreeable (приятным), persuasive tone (убедительным тоном): "Listen to me, Gutman (послушайте меня, Гутман). I'm telling you (я говорю вам то) what's best for all of us (что лучше для всех нас). If we don't give the police a fall-guy (если мы не дадим полиции козла отпущения) it's ten to one (то десять к одному) they'll sooner or later (что они рано или поздно) stumble on information about the falcon (споткнутся об информацию о соколе = наткнутся на эту информацию). Then you'll have (тогда вы должны будете) to duck for cover (нырнуть в укрытие) with it (с этим) — no matter where you are (неважно, где вы будете) — and that's not going to help you (и это не поможет вам) make a fortune off it (сделать из него /сокола/ состояние; fortune — счастье, удача; богатство). Give them a fall-guy (дайте им козла отпущения) and they'll stop right there (и они остановятся прямо там = на этом)."

lumpishness ['lAmpISnIs] persuasive [pq'sweIsIv] fortune ['fO:tS(q)n]

"I can't," Spade said earnestly. "I won't. I mean it." He sat up straight. A pleasant smile illuminated his face, erasing its dull lumpishness. He spoke rapidly in an agreeable, persuasive tone: "Listen to me, Gutman. I'm telling you what's best for all of us. If we don't give the police a fall-guy it's ten to one they'll sooner or later stumble on information about the falcon. Then you'll have to duck for cover with it — no matter where you are — and that's not going to help you make a fortune off it. Give them a fall-guy and they'll stop right there."

"Well, sir, that's just the point (ну, сэр, в этом все и дело)," Gutman replied (ответил Гутман), and still only in his eyes (и все еще только в его глазах) was uneasiness faintly apparent (было едва/слабо /очевидно беспокойство). "Will they stop right there (они остановятся прямо там = на этом)? Or won't the fall-guy (или козел отпущения) be a fresh clue (будет новой уликой; clue — ключ к разгадке) that as likely as not (который, вполне вероятно) will lead them to information (приведет их к информации) about the falcon (о соколе)? And, on the other hand (и, с другой стороны), wouldn't you say (разве вы не скажете) they were stopped right now (что они были бы остановлены прямо сейчас), and that the best thing for us to do (и что самая лучшая вещь для нас, которую мы можем сделать) is leave well enough alone (не пытаться улучшить уже сделанную работу: оставить «достаточно хорошо» = не стремиться к лучшему /лучшее — враг хорошего/)?"

uneasiness [An'i:zInIs] faintly ['feIntlI] apparent [q'pxrqnt]

"Well, sir, that's just the point," Gutman replied, and still only in his eyes was uneasiness faintly apparent. "Will they stop right there? Or won't the fall-guy be a fresh clue that as likely as not will lead them to information about the falcon? And, on the other hand, wouldn't you say they were stopped right now, and that the best thing for us to do is leave well enough alone?"

A forked vein (раздвоенная вена; fork — вилка; to fork — раздваивать) began to swell (начала набухать) in Spade's forehead (на лбу Спейда). "Jesus (Боже)! you don't know (вы не знаете) what it's all about either (о чем вообще речь идет)," he said in a restrained tone (сказал он сдержанным тоном). "They're not asleep, Gutman (они не спят, Гутман). They're lying low, waiting (они притаились: «лежат низко», ждут). Try to get that (попытайтесь понять). I'm in it up to my neck (я в этом по самую шею) and they know it (и они знают это). That's all right (это хорошо) as long as I do something (пока = если я сделаю что-то) when the time comes (когда время придет). But it won't be all right (но не будет хорошо) if I don't (если я не сделаю)." His voice became persuasive again (его голос стал снова убеждающим). "Listen, Gutman (послушайте, Гутман), we've absolutely got to give them a victim (мы абсолютно точно должны предоставить им жертву). There's no way out of it (другого выхода нет). Let's give them the punk (давайте отдадим им этого молокососа)." He nodded pleasantly (он приятно кивнул) at the boy in the doorway (на юнца в дверном проеме). "He actually did shoot both of them (он действительно застрелил обоих) — Thursby and Jacobi (Терсби и Якоби) — didn't he (не так ли)? Anyway (во всяком случае), he's made to order (он идеально подходит; made-to-order — сделанный на заказ) for the part (для этой роли). Let's pin the necessary evidence on him (давайте свалим на него необходимые доказательства; topin— прикалывать, схватить, поймать на слове) and turn him over to them (и передадим его им)."

restrained [rI'streInd] absolutely ["xbsq'lu:tlI] evidence ['evId(q)ns]

A forked vein began to swell in Spade's forehead. "Jesus! you don't know what it's all about either," he said in a restrained tone. "They're not asleep, Gutman. They're lying low, waiting. Try to get that. I'm in it up to my neck and they know it. That's all right as long as I do something when the time comes. But it won't be all right if I don't." His voice became persuasive again. "Listen, Gutman, we've absolutely got to give them a victim. There's no way out of it. Let's give them the punk." He nodded pleasantly at the boy in the doorway. "He actually did shoot both of them — Thursby and Jacobi — didn't he? Anyway, he's made to order for the part. Let's pin the necessary evidence on him and turn him over to them."

The boy in the doorway (юноша в дверном проеме) tightened the corners of his mouth (сжал уголки своего рта) in what may have been (в нечто, что могло бы быть) a minute smile (мимолетной улыбкой). Spade's proposal (предложение Спейда) seemed to have no other effect (казалось, не произвело другого эффекта) on him (на него). Joel Cairo's dark face (смуглое лицо Джоэля Кейро) was open-mouthed (было с открытым Омом), open-eyed (открытыми глазами), yellowish (желтоватое), and amazed (и изумленное). He breathed through his mouth (он дышал через свой рот), his round effeminate chest (его круглая женоподобная грудь) rising and falling (поднималась и опускалась), while he gaped at Spade (пока он изумленно смотрел на Спейда). Brigid O'Shaughnessy had moved away from Spade (Бриджит О’Шонесси отодвинулась от Спейда) and had twisted herself around on the sofa (и повернулась на диване) to stare at him (чтобы уставиться на него). There was a suggestion of hysterical laughter (был какой-то намек на истерический смех) behind the startled confusion (за испуганным замешательством) in her face (на ее лице).

proposal [prq'pqVz(q)l] suggestion [sq'dZestS(q)n] hysterical [hI'sterIk(q)l]

The boy in the doorway tightened the corners of his mouth in what may have been a minute smile. Spade's proposal seemed to have no other effect on him. Joel Cairo's dark face was open-mouthed, open-eyed, yellowish, and amazed. He breathed through his mouth, his round effeminate chest rising and falling, while he gaped at Spade. Brigid O'Shaughnessy had moved away from Spade and had twisted herself around on the sofa to stare at him. There was a suggestion of hysterical laughter behind the startled confusion in her face.

Gutman remained still and expressionless (Гутман оставался спокойным и невыразительным) for a long moment (длительное время). Then he decided to laugh (потом он решил засмеяться). He laughed heartily and lengthily (он смеялся сердечно и долго), not stopping (не останавливаясь) until his sleek eyes had borrowed merriment (пока его блестящие глаза не позаимствовали веселье) from his laughter (от его смеха). When he stopped laughing (когда он перестал смеяться) he said: "By Gad, sir (ей-Богу, сэр), you're a character (вы — характер), that you are (вот вы кто)!" He took a white handkerchief (он достал белый носовой платок) from his pocket (из своего кармана) and wiped his eyes (и вытер свои глаза). "Yes, sir (да, сэр), there's never any telling (никогда нельзя сказать) what you'll do or say next (что вы скажете или сделаете дальше), except that it's bound to be (за исключением того, что это обязательно будет) something astonishing (нечто поразительное)."

expressionless [Ik'spreS(q)nlIs] character ['kxrIktq] astonishing [q'stOnISIN]

Gutman remained still and expressionless for a long moment. Then he decided to laugh. He laughed heartily and lengthily, not stopping until his sleek eyes had borrowed merriment from his laughter. When he stopped laughing he said: "By Gad, sir, you're a character, that you are!" He took a white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes. "Yes, sir, there's never any telling what you'll do or say next, except that it's bound to be something astonishing."

"There's nothing funny about it (в этом нет ничего веселого)." Spade did not seem offended (Спейд не казался обиженным; to offend — обижать, оскорблять; задевать) by the fat man's laughter (смехом толстяка), nor in any way impressed (ни впечатленным каким-то образом). He spoke in the manner of one (он говорил в манере человека) reasoning with a recalcitrant (кто убеждает упрямого; to reason — размышлять, думать, уговаривать), but not altogether unreasonable, friend (но не совсем неразумного друга). "It's our best bet (это наш лучший выбор: «пари, ставка»). With him in their hands (с ним в своих руках), the police will (полиция будет) — "

"But, my dear man (но, мой дорогой /человек/)," Gutman objected (возразил Гутман), "can't you see (вы не понимаете)? If I even for a moment (если бы я даже хотя бы на мгновение) thought of doing it (подумал так поступить) — But that's ridiculous too (но это тоже слишком смешно). I feel towards Wilmer just exactly (я чувствую по отношению к Вилмеру точно также) as if he were my own son (как если бы он был моим сыном). I really do (я действительно чувствую). But if I even for a moment thought (но даже, если бы я на мгновение подумал) of doing what you propose (сделать то, что вы предлагаете), what in the world do you think (что же, как вы думаете; world— мир, земной шар) would keep Wilmer (удержало бы Вилмера) from telling the police (от того, чтобы сказать полиции) every last detail about the falcon (каждую малейшую деталь о соколе; last— последний) and all of us (и всех нас)?"

offended [q'fendId] recalcitrant [rI'kxlsItrqnt] ridiculous [rI'dIkjVlqs]

"There's nothing funny about it." Spade did not seem offended by the fat man's laughter, nor in any way impressed. He spoke in the manner of one reasoning with a recalcitrant, but not altogether unreasonable, friend. "It's our best bet. With him in their hands, the police will — "

"But, my dear man," Gutman objected, "can't you see? If I even for a moment thought of doing it — But that's ridiculous too. I feel towards Wilmer just exactly as if he were my own son. I really do. But if I even for a moment thought of doing what you propose, what in the world do you think would keep Wilmer from telling the police every last detail about the falcon and all of us?"

Spade grinned with stiff lips (Спейд ухмыльнулся негибкими губами). "If we had to (если бы мы были вынуждены)," he said softly (сказал он мягко), "we could have him killed (мы могли бы убить его: «иметь его убитым») resisting arrest (при сопротивлении аресту). But we won't have to go that far (но нам не пришлось бы зайти так далеко). Let him talk his head off (пусть говорит, что есть мочи; head— голова, ум; off— прочь). I promise you (я обещаю вам) nobody'll do anything about it (никто ничего не сделает по этому поводу). That's easy enough to fix (это довольно просто уладить)."

The pink flesh on Gutman's forehead (розовая плоть на лбу Гутмана) crawled in a frown (сползла в нахмуренность). He lowered his head (он опустил свою голову), mashing his chins together (сплющивая свои подбородки) over his collar (над своим воротником), and asked (и спросил): "How (как)?" Then, with an abruptness (потом, с резкостью) that set (которая заставила) all his fat bulbs (все его жирные отвислости) to quivering and tumbling against one another (трястись и стукаться друг о друга), he raised his head (он поднял голову), squirmed around (повернулся) to look at the boy (чтобы посмотреть на юношу), and laughed uproariously (и бурно засмеялся; uproar — гам, гудение, гул, шум). "What do you think of this, Wilmer (что ты об этом думаешь, Вилмер)? It's funny, eh (это забавно, а)?"

resist [rI'zIst] crawl [krO:l] uproariously [Ap'rO:rIqslI]

Spade grinned with stiff lips. "If we had to," he said softly, "we could have him killed resisting arrest. But we won't have to go that far. Let him talk his head off. I promise you nobody'll do anything about it. That's easy enough to fix."

The pink flesh on Gutman's forehead crawled in a frown. He lowered his head, mashing his chins together over his collar, and asked: "How?" Then, with an abruptness that set all his fat bulbs to quivering and tumbling against one another, he raised his head, squirmed around to look at the boy, and laughed uproariously. "What do you think of this, Wilmer? It's funny, eh?"

The boy's eves were (глаза юноши были) cold hazel gleams (холодными карими лучами; hazel — лесной орех; светло-коричневый цвет) under his lashes (под его ресницами). He said in a low distinct voice (он сказал тихим отчетливым голосом): "Yes, it's funny (да, это забавно) — the son of a bitch (сукин сын)."

Spade was talking to Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Спейд говорил Бриджит О’Шонесси): "How do you feel now, angel (как ты себя сейчас чувствуешь, ангел)? Any better (лучше)?"

"Yes, much better, only (да, намного лучше, только)" — she reduced her voice (она понизила свой голос) until the last words (пока последние слова) would have been unintelligible (были непонятными) two feet away (на расстоянии двух футов) — "I'm frightened (я напугана)."

"Don't be (не надо)," he said carelessly (сказал он беззаботно) and put a hand on her grey-stockinged knee (и положил руку на ее колено в сером чулке). "Nothing very bad's going to happen (ничего очень плохого не случится). Want a drink (хочешь выпить)?"

distinct [dIs'tIN(k)t] unintelligible ["AnIn'telIdZqb(q)l] stocking ['stOkIN]

The boy's eves were cold hazel gleams under his lashes. He said in a low distinct voice: "Yes, it's funny — the son of a bitch."

Spade was talking to Brigid O'Shaughnessy: "How do you feel now, angel? Any better?"

"Yes, much better, only" — she reduced her voice until the last words would have been unintelligible two feet away — "I'm frightened."

"Don't be," he said carelessly and put a hand on her grey-stockinged knee. "Nothing very bad's going to happen. Want a drink?"

"Not now, thanks (не сейчас, спасибо)." Her voice sank again (ее голос снова опустился). "Be careful, Sam (будь осторожен, Сэм)."

Spade grinned (Спейд усмехнулся) and looked at Gutman (и посмотрел на Гутмана), who was looking at him (который смотрел на него). The fat man smiled genially (толстяк сердечно улыбнулся), saying nothing for a moment (какое-то время ничего не говоря), and then asked (а потом спросил): "How (как)?"

Spade was stupid (Спейд был глупым). "How what (как что)?"

The fat man considered (толстяк посчитал) more laughter necessary then (нужным еще посмеяться тогда: «больше смеха необходимым тогда»), and an explanation (и объяснить: «объяснение»): "Well, sir, if you're really serious about this (сэр, если вы действительно серьезно об этом) — this suggestion of yours (это ваше предложение), the least we can do in common politeness (самое меньшее, что мы можем из обычной вежливости сделать; polite — вежливый) is to hear you out (это выслушать вас). Now how are you going (ну, как вы собираетесь) about fixing it so (устроить это так) that Wilmer (чтобы Вилмер)" — he paused here to laugh again (он остановился, чтобы засмеяться снова) — "won't be able to do us any harm (не смог нам никак навредить)?"

stupid ['stju:pId] common ['kOmqn] politeness [pq'laItnIs]

"Not now, thanks." Her voice sank again. "Be careful, Sam."

Spade grinned and looked at Gutman, who was looking at him. The fat man smiled genially, saying nothing for a moment, and then asked: "How?"

Spade was stupid. "How what?"

The fat man considered more laughter necessary then, and an explanation: "Well, sir, if you're really serious about this — this suggestion of yours, the least we can do in common politeness is to hear you out. Now how are you going about fixing it so that Wilmer" — he paused here to laugh again — "won't be able to do us any harm?"

Spade shook his head (Спейд покачал своей головой). "No," he said, "I wouldn't want to take advantage of anybody's politeness (нет, я бы не стал пользоваться чьей-либо вежливостью), no matter how common (неважно насколько обычной), like that (подобно этой). Forget it (забудьте об этом)."

The fat man puckered up (толстяк сморщил) his facial bulbs (свои лицевые складки). "Now come, come (ну, полно, полно)," he protested (запротестовал он), "you make me decidedly uncomfortable (вы заставляете меня чувствовать определенно неудобно). I shouldn't have laughed (я не должен был смеяться), and I apologize (и я извиняюсь) most humbly and sincerely (наиболее смиренно и искренне). I wouldn't want to seem (я не хотел бы показаться) to ridicule anything (высмеивающим что-нибудь) you'd suggest, Mr. Spade (что вы предложили бы, мистер Спейд), regardless (независимо от того; regard — взгляд; касательство, отношение) of how much I disagreed with you (насколько я не согласен с вами), for you must know (так как вы должны знать) that I have the greatest respect (что я очень уважаю: «имею величайшее уважение») and admiration (и восхищаюсь: «и восхищение») for your astuteness (Вашей проницательностью).

advantage [qd'vQ:ntIdZ] facial ['feIS(q)l] astuteness [q'stju:tnIs]

Spade shook his head. "No," he said, "I wouldn't want to take advantage of anybody's politeness, no matter how common, like that. Forget it."

The fat man puckered up his facial bulbs. "Now come, come," he protested, "you make me decidedly uncomfortable. I shouldn't have laughed, and I apologize most humbly and sincerely. I wouldn't want to seem to ridicule anything you'd suggest, Mr. Spade, regardless of how much I disagreed with you, for you must know that I have the greatest respect and admiration for your astuteness.

Now mind you (теперь заметьте), I don't see how (я не понимаю, как) this suggestion of yours (это ваше предложение) can be in any way practical (может быть каким-нибудь образом применено на практике) — even leaving out the fact (даже оставив: «выпустив» тот факт) that I couldn't feel any different (что я не мог бы чувствовать по-другому) towards Wilmer (в отношении Вилмера) if he was my own flesh and blood (если бы он был моей собственной кровью и плотью) — but I'll consider it a personal favor (но я буду рассматривать это как личную любезность) as well as a sign (а также как знак) that you've accepted my apologies, sir (что вы приняли мои извинения, сэр), if you'll go ahead (если вы продолжите) and outline the rest of it (и изложите вкратце оставшееся)."

mind [maInd] accepted [qk'septId] apology [q'pOlqdZI]

Now mind you, I don't see how this suggestion of yours can be in any way practical — even leaving out the fact that I couldn't feel any different towards Wilmer if he was my own flesh and blood — but I'll consider it a personal favor as well as 'a sign that you've accepted my apologies, sir, if you'll go ahead and outline the rest of it."

"Fair enough (достаточно честно)," Spade said. "Bryan is like most district attorneys (Брайан похож на большинство окружных прокуроров). He's more interested (он больше заинтересован) in how his record will look on paper (в том, как будет выглядеть его отчет на бумаге) than in anything else (чем в чем-то другом). He'd rather drop a doubtful case (он, скорее, бросит сомнительное дело) than try it (чем попробует его) and have it go against him (и получит его против себя). I don't know (я не знаю) that he ever deliberately framed anybody (чтобы он когда-нибудь сознательно ложно обвинил кого-то; to frame — создавать, строить, обрамлять) he believed innocent (кого он считал невиновным), but I can't imagine him (но я не могу представить его) letting himself believe them innocent (позволяющим себе поверить в их невиновность) if he could scrape up (если он может наскрести), or twist into shape (или придать форму: «скрутить в форму»), proof of their guilt (доказательствам их вины). To be sure of convicting one man (чтобы быть уверенным в осуждении одного человека) he'll let half a dozen equally guilty accomplices go free (он освободит полдюжины таких же виновных соучастников) — if trying to convict them all (если попытка обвинить их всех) might confuse his case (может запутать его дело).

scrape [skreIp] accomplice [q'kAmplIs] convict ['kOnvIkt]

"Fair enough," Spade said. "Bryan is like most district attorneys. He's more interested in how his record will look on paper than in anything else. He'd rather drop a doubtful case than try it and have it go against him. I don't know that he ever deliberately framed anybody he believed innocent, but I can't imagine him letting himself believe them innocent if he could scrape up, or twist into shape, proof of their guilt. To be sure of convicting one man he'll let half a dozen equally guilty accomplices go free — if trying to convict them all might confuse his case.

"That's the choice (это тот самый выбор) we'll give him (который мы ему дадим) and he'll gobble it up (и он заглотнет его). He wouldn't want to know (он не захочет знать) about the falcon (о соколе). He'll be tickled pink (он войдет в раж/будет рад; to tickle — щекотать, доставлять удовольствие; pink — розовый; возбужденный, взволнованный) to persuade himself (убедить себя) that anything the punk tells him about (что все, что молокосос говорит ему об этом) it is a lot of chewing-gum (это куча бессмыслицы: «жевательной резинки»), an attempt to muddle things up (попытка запутать вещи). Leave that end to me (оставьте это дело мне; end — конец, сторона). I can show him (я смогу показать ему) that if he starts fooling around (что если он начнет терять время попусту: «дурить вокруг») trying to gather up everybody (пытаясь собрать всех) he's going to have a tangled case (он получит запутанное дело) that no jury (которое никакое жюри) will be able to make heads or tails of (не сможет распутать; head — голова, tail — хвост), while (в то время как) if he sticks to the punk (если он будет держаться /версии/ с молокососом) he can get a conviction (он сможет получить обвинение) standing on his head (очень легко: «стоя на голове»)."

tickle ['tIk(q)l] muddle [mAdl] head [hed]

"That's the choice we'll give him and he'll gobble it up. He wouldn't want to know about the falcon. He'll be tickled pink to persuade himself that anything the punk tells him about it is a lot of chewing-gum, an attempt to muddle things up. Leave that end to me. I can show him that if he starts fooling around trying to gather up everybody he's going to have a tangled case that no jury will be able to make heads or tails of, while if he sticks to the punk he can get a conviction standing on his head."

Gutman wagged his head sidewise (Гутман качал своей головой из стороны в сторону) in a slow smiling gesture (в медленном улыбающемся движении) of benign disapproval (кроткого порицания; to approve — одобрять; to disapprove — неодобрять). "No, sir," he said, "I'm afraid that won't do, won't do at all (боюсь, что это не подходит, не подходит совсем). I don't see (я не понимаю) how even this District Attorney of yours (как даже этот ваш окружной прокурор) can link Thursby and Jacobi and Wilmer together (сможет связать Терсби и Якоби, и Вилмера вместе) without having to (без того чтобы не) — "

"You don't know district attorneys (вы не знаете окружных прокуроров)," Spade told him (сказал ему Спейд). "The Thursby angle is easy (аспект Терсби простой). He was a gunman (он был бандитом) and so's your punk (как и ваш молокосос). Bryan's already got a theory about that (у Брайана уже есть теория об этом). There'll be no catch there (здесь не будет подвоха; catch — захват, улов, хитрость). Well, Christ (ну, Боже)! they can only hang the punk once (они могут повесить молодчика только раз).

gesture ['dZestSq] benign [bI'naIn] disapproval ["dIsq'pru:v(q)l]

Gutman wagged his head sidewise in a slow smiling gesture of benign disapproval. "No, sir," he said, "I'm afraid that won't do, won't do at all. I don't see how even this District Attorney of yours can link Thursby and Jacobi and Wilmer together without having to — "

"You don't know district attorneys," Spade told him. "The Thursby angle is easy. He was a gunman and so's your punk. Bryan's already got a theory about that. There'll be no catch there. Well, Christ! they can only hang the punk once.

Why try him for Jacobi's murder (зачем ему судить его за убийство Якоби) after he's been convicted of Thursby's (после того, как он уже осужден за убийство Терсби)? They simply close the record (они просто закрывают дело) by writing it up against him (записывая его /убийство/ на него) and let it go at that (и заканчивают на этом). If (если), as is likely enough (как это достаточно вероятно), he used the same gun on both (он использовал тот же пистолет для обоих), the bullets will match up (пули будут совпадать). Everybody will be satisfied (каждый будет доволен)."

"Yes, but (да, но) — " Gutman began (начал Гутман), and stopped (и остановился) to look at the boy (чтобы посмотреть на юношу).

The boy advanced from the doorway (юноша продвинулся от дверного проема), walking stiff-legged (идя на напряженных ногах), with his legs apart (с расставленными ногами), until he was between Gutman and Cairo (пока он не был между Гутманом и Кейро), almost in the center of the floor (почти в центре комнаты: «пола»).

against [q'ge(I)nst] advanced [qd'vQ:nst] floor [flO:]

Why try him for Jacobi's murder after he's been convicted of Thursby's? They simply close the record by writing it up against him and let it go at that. If, as is likely enough, he used the same gun on both, the bullets will match up. Everybody will be satisfied."

"Yes, but — " Gutman began, and stopped to look at the boy.

The boy advanced from the doorway, walking stiff-legged, with his legs apart, until he was between Gutman and Cairo, almost in the center of the floor.

He halted there (там он остановился), leaning forward slightly (слегка наклонившись вперед) from the waist (от пояса), his shoulders raised towards the front (его плечи подняты вперед). The pistol in his hand (пистолет в его руке) still hung at his side (все еще висел сбоку), but his knuckles were white (но его костяшки были белыми) over its grip (на его рукоятке; grip — зажатие, хватка). His other hand (его другая рука) was a small hard fist (была маленьким твердым кулаком) down at his other side (внизу у его другого бока). The indelible youngness of his face (неизгладимая юность его лица) gave an indescribably vicious (придавала неописуемо порочный; to describe — описывать; vice — порок) — and inhuman (и жестокий) — turn (вид; поворот; стиль, манера) to the white-hot hatred (разъяренной: «раскаленной добела» ненависти) and the cold white malevolence (и холодной белой злобе: «недоброжелательности») in his face (в его лице). He said to Spade in a voice (он сказал Спейду голосом) cramped by passion (сведенным от ярости; cramp — спазм, судорога): "You bastard (ты, ублюдок), get up on your feet (встань на свои ноги) and go for your heater (и сходи за своей пушкой; heater — печь, нагревательный прибор, /амер. сл./ пистолет)!"

indelible [In'delqb(q)l] inhuman [In'hju:mqn] malevolence [mq'lev(q)lqns]

He halted there, leaning forward slightly from the waist, his shoulders raised towards the front. The pistol in his hand still hung at his side, but his knuckles were white over its grip. His other hand was a small hard fist down at his other side. The indelible youngness of his face gave an indescribably vicious — and inhuman — turn to the white-hot hatred and the cold white malevolence in his face. He said to Spade in a voice cramped by passion: "You bastard, get up on your feet and go for your heater!"

Spade smiled at the boy (Спейд улыбнулся юноше). His smile was not broad (его улыбка не была широкой), but the amusement in it (но веселье в ней /«позабавленность услышанным»/) seemed genuine and unalloyed (казалось искренним и неподдельным; alloy — сплав; to alloy — делать сплав; омрачать /радость, удовольствие/).

The boy said: "You bastard (ты, ублюдок), get up (встань) and shoot it out (и сражайся до конца) if you've got the guts (если ты не трус;guts — кишки, внутренности). I've taken all the riding from you (я вынес все издевательства от тебя; to ride — /амер. разг./ потешаться, высмеивать) I'm going to take (какие только мог: «собираюсь» /вынести/)."

The amusement in Spade's smile deepened (веселье во взгляде Спейда углубилось; deep — глубокий). He looked at Gutman and said (он посмотрел на Гутмана и сказал): "Young Wild West (юный Дикий Запад)." His voice matched his smile (его голос соответствовал его улыбке). "Maybe you ought to tell him (может быть, вы должны ему сказать) that shooting me (что застрелить меня) before you get your hands on the falcon (прежде чем вы получите в свои руки сокола) would be bad for business (было бы плохо для дела)."

unalloyed [Anq'lOId] bastard ['bxs|tqd, 'bQ:s-] deepen ['di:p(q)n]

Spade smiled at the boy. His smile was not broad, but the amusement in it seemed genuine and unalloyed.

The boy said: "You bastard, get up and shoot it out if you've got the guts. I've taken all the riding from you I'm going to take."

The amusement in Spade's smile deepened. He looked at Gutman and said: "Young Wild West." His voice matched his smile. "Maybe you ought to tell him that shooting me before you get your hands on the falcon would be bad for business."

Gutman's attempt at a smile (попытка Гутмана улыбнуться) was not successful (не была успешной; success — успех), but he kept the resultant grimace (но он хранил получившуюся гримасу; resultant — получающийся в результате; проистекающий) on his mottled face (на своем пестром лице). He licked dry lips (он облизал сухие губы) with a dry tongue (сухим языком). His voice was too hoarse (его голос был слишком хриплым) and gritty (и скрипучим; gritty — песчаный; grit — песок, гравий) for the paternally admonishing tone (для тона отеческого увещевания) it tried to achieve (который он пытался достичь), "Now, now, Wilmer (ну, ну, Вилмер)," he said, "we can't have any of that (мы не можем устроить что-то вроде этого). You shouldn't (ты не должен) let yourself attach (позволять себе придавать) so much importance (так много значения) to these things (таким вещам). You — "

The boy (юноша), not taking his eyes from Spade (не отводя своих глаз от Спейда), spoke in a choked voice (сказал сдавленным голосом) out the side of his mouth (сквозь зубы: «через бок своего рта»): "Make him lay off me then (тогда заставь его отстать от меня). I'm going to fog him (я собираюсь прикончить его) if he keeps it up (если он продолжит это) and there won't be anything (и ничто не сможет) that'll stop me (остановить меня) from doing it (от того, чтобы сделать это)."

grimace [grI'meIs, 'grImqs] gritty ['grItI] achieve [q'tSi:v]

Gutman's attempt at a smile was not successful, but he kept the resultant grimace on his mottled face. He licked dry lips with a dry tongue. His voice was too hoarse and gritty for the paternally admonishing tone it tried to achieve, "Now, now, Wilmer," he said, "we can't have any of that. You shouldn't let yourself attach so much importance to these things. You — "

The boy, not taking his eyes from Spade, spoke in a choked voice out the side of his mouth: "Make him lay off me then. I'm going to fog him if he keeps it up and there won't be anything that'll stop me from doing it."

"Now, Wilmer (ну же, Вилмер)," Gutman said and turned to Spade (сказал Гутман и повернулся к Спейду). His face and voice were under control now (его лицо и голос были теперь под контролем). "Your plan is, sir (ваш план, сэр), as I said (как я сказал) in the first place (в первую очередь), not at all practical (совершенно не применим). Let's not say anything more about it (давайте больше не будем ничего об этом говорить)."

Spade looked from one of them to the other (Спейд посмотрел с одного из них на других). He had stopped smiling (он перестал улыбаться). His face held no expression at all (его лицо не выражало совершенно ничего). "I say what I please (я говорю то, что хочу)," he told them (сказал он им).

"You certainly do (конечно)," Gutman said quickly (быстро сказал Гутман), "and that's one of the things (и это одна из вещей) I've always admired in you (которыми я всегда в вас восхищался). But this matter is (но дело в том), as I say (как я говорю), not at all practical (что это совершенно не применимо), so there's not the least bit of use (поэтому нет ни малейшей пользы) of discussing it any further (в его дальнейшем обсуждении), as you can see for yourself (как вы можете видеть сами)."

practical ['prxktIk(q)l] admire [qd'maIq] further ['fq:Dq]

"Now, Wilmer," Gutman said and turned to Spade. His face and voice were under control now. "Your plan is, sir, as I said in the first place, not at all practical. Let's not say anything more about it."

Spade looked from one of them to the other. He had stopped smiling. His face held no expression at all. "I say what I please," he told them.

"You certainly do," Gutman said quickly, "and that's one of the things I've always admired in you. But this matter is, as I say, not at all practical, so there's not the least bit of use of discussing it any further, as you can see for yourself."

"I can't see it for myself (я сам этого не вижу)," Spade said, "and you haven't made me see it (и вы не заставили меня это увидеть), and I don't think you can (и я не думаю, что вы сможете)." He frowned at Gutman (он хмуро взглянул на Гутмана). "Let's get this straight (давайте точно разберемся; straight — не изогнутый, прямой). Am I wasting time talking to you (я теряю время, разговаривая с вами)? I thought this was your show (я думал, это ваше дело). Should I do my talking to the punk (я что, должен говорить с молокососом)? I know how to do that (я знаю, как это сделать)."

"No, sir," Gutman replied (ответил Гутман), "you're quite right (вы совершенно правы) in dealing with me (имея дело со мной)."

Spade said: "All right (хорошо). Now I've got another suggestion (сейчас у меня есть другое предложение). It's not as good as the first (оно не такое хорошее, как первое), but it's better than nothing (но оно лучше, чем ничего). Want to hear it (хотите услышать его)?"

myself [maI'self] reply [rI'plaI] nothing ['nATIN]

"I can't see it for myself," Spade said, "and you haven't made me see it, and I don't think you can." He frowned at Gutman. "Let's get this straight. Am I wasting time talking to you? I thought this was your show. Should I do my talking to the punk? I know how to do that."

"No, sir," Gutman replied, "you're quite right in dealing with me."

Spade said: "All right. Now I've got another suggestion. It's not as good as the first, but it's better than nothing. Want to hear it?"

"Most assuredly (несомненно; most — в наибольшей степени)."

"Give them Cairo (отдайте им Кейро)."

Cairo hastily picked up his pistol (Кейро поспешно подхватил свой пистолет) from the table (со стола) beside him (рядом с ним). He held it tight in his lap (он держал его близко к своим коленям) with both hands (обеими руками), its muzzle pointed at the floor (его дуло было направлено на пол) a little to one side of the sofa (немного к одной стороне дивана). His face had become yellowish again (его лицо снова стало желтоватым). His black eyes (его черные глаза) darted their gaze (метали свой взгляд) from face to face (с одного лица на другое). The opaqueness of his eyes (непрозрачность его глаз; opaque — непрозрачный; непроницаемый) made them seem flat (сделала их, как казалось, плоскими), two-dimensional (двухмерными).

Gutman, looking as if he could not believe (глядя, словно он не мог поверить в то) he had heard what he had heard (что он услышал), asked (спросил): "Do what (сделать что)?"

assuredly [q'SV(q)rIdlI] muzzle ['mAz(q)l] opaque [q'peIk] dimensional [d(a)I'menS(q)nql]

"Most assuredly."

"Give them Cairo."

Cairo hastily picked up his pistol from the table beside him. He held it tight in his lap with both hands, its muzzle pointed at the floor a little to one side of the sofa. His face had become yellowish again. His black eyes darted their gaze from face to face. The opaqueness of his eyes made them seem flat, two-dimensional.

Gutman, looking as if he could not believe he had heard what he had heard, asked: "Do what?"

"Give the police Cairo (отдать полиции Кейро)."

Gutman seemed about to laugh (Гутман, казалось, вот-вот засмеется), but he did not laugh (но он не засмеялся). Finally he exclaimed (наконец, он воскликнул): "Well, by Gad, sir (ну, в самом деле, сэр)!" in an uncertain tone (нерешительным тоном).

"It's not as good (это не так хорошо) as giving them the punk (как отдать им салагу)," Spade said. "Cairo's not a gunman (Кейро не бандит) and he carries a smaller gun (и у него пистолет поменьше) than Thursby and Jacobi were shot with (чем тот, которым были застрелены Терсби и Якоби). We'll have to go to more trouble (у нас будет больше трудностей) framing him (отдавая его на откуп; frame — рама; to frame — собирать /конструкцию/, ставить скелет, раму; фабриковать; подставлять; оклеветывать, ложно обвинять), but that's better (но это лучше) than not giving the police anybody (чем не давать полиции вообще никого)."

finally ['faInqlI] uncertain [An'sq:tn] farming ['fQ:mIN]

"Give the police Cairo."

Gutman seemed about to laugh, but he did not laugh. Finally he exclaimed: "Well, by Gad, sir!" in an uncertain tone.

"It's not as good as giving them the punk," Spade said. "Cairo's not a gunman and he carries a smaller gun than Thursby and Jacobi were shot with. We'll have to go to more trouble framing him, but that's better than not giving the police anybody."

Cairo cried in a voice (Кейро закричал голосом) shrill with indignation (визгливым от возмущения): "Suppose we give them you, Mr. Spade (думаю, мы отдадим им вас, мистер Спейд), or Miss O'Shaughnessy (или мисс О’Шонесси)? How about that (как насчет этого) if you're so set (если вы так настаиваете на том) on giving them somebody (чтобы отдать им кого-нибудь)?"

Spade smiled at the Levantine (Спейд улыбнулся левантинцу) and answered him evenly (и ответил ему ровным /голосом/). You people want the falcon (вам, люди, нужен сокол). I've got it (он у меня). A fall-guy (козел отпущения) is part of the price (это часть цены) I'm asking (которую я прошу). As for Miss O'Shaughnessy (что до мисс О’Шонесси)" — his dispassionate glance (его равнодушные глаза) moved to her white perplexed face (двинулись к ее белому, испуганному лицу) and then back to Cairo (а потом назад к Кейро) and his shoulders rose and fell (и его плечи поднялись и опустились) a fraction of an inch (на какую-то долю дюйма) — "if you think (если вы считаете) she can be rigged for the part (что она подойдет для этой роли; rigged — подстроенный, фальсифицированный) I'm perfectly willing (я совершенно готов) to discuss it with you (обсудить это с вами)."

evenly ['i:v(q)nlI] dispassionate [dIs'pxS(q)nIt] perfectly ['pq:fIktlI]

Cairo cried in a voice shrill with indignation: "Suppose we give them you, Mr. Spade, or Miss O'Shaughnessy? How about that if you're so set on giving them somebody?"

Spade smiled at the Levantine and answered him evenly: "You people want the falcon. I've got it. A fall-guy is part of the price I'm asking. As for Miss O'Shaughnessy" — his dispassionate glance moved to her white perplexed face and then back to Cairo and his shoulders rose and fell a fraction of an inch — "if you think she can be rigged for the part I'm perfectly willing to discuss it with you."

The girl put her hands (девушка приложила свои руки) to her throat (к своему горлу), uttered a short strangled cry (издала короткий, сдавленный крик; to strangle — задушить, задавить; задыхаться), and moved farther away from him (и отодвинулась дальше от него).

Cairo, his face and body (Кейро, его лицо и тело) twitching with excitement (подергивались от волнения), exclaimed (воскликнул): "You seem to forget (вы, кажется, забыли) that you are not in a position (что вы не в том положении) to insist on anything (чтобы настаивать на чем-либо)."

Spade laughed (Спейд засмеялся) a harsh, derisive snort (хриплым, ироническим фырканьем).

strangle ['strxNg(q)l] insist [In'sIst] derisive [dI'raIsIv]

The girl put her hands to her throat, uttered a short strangled cry, and moved farther away from him.

Cairo, his face and body twitching with excitement, exclaimed: "You seem to forget that you are not in a position to insist on anything."

Spade laughed a harsh, derisive snort.

Gutman said, in a voice that tried (голосом, который пытался) to make firmness ingratiating (сделать твердость чарующей; firm — крепкий, прочный, твердый; to ingratiate oneself /with/ — обхаживать /кого-либо/ в корыстных целях; втираться к /кому-либо/ в доверие): "Come now, gentlemen (ну же, джентльмены), let's keep our discussion (давайте поддерживать наш разговор) on a friendly basis (на дружеских основаниях); but there certainly is (но, конечно, есть)" — he was addressing Spade (он обращался к Спейду) — "something in (что-то в том) what Mr. Cairo says (что говорит мистер Кейро). You must take into consideration the (вы должны принимать во внимание) — "

"Like hell I must (черта с два я должен)." Spade flung his words out (Спейд выплевывал слова; to fling (flung) — метать, швырять) with a brutal sort of carelessness (с грубым видом беззаботности; care — забота; careless — беззаботный) that gave them more weight (которая придавала им больше веса) than they could have got (чем они могли бы получить) from dramatic emphasis (от драматической выразительности) or from loudness (или от громкости). "If you kill me (если вы убьете меня), how are you going to get the bird (как вы собираетесь получить птицу)? If I know (если я знаю) you can't afford (что вы не можете позволить себе) to kill me (убить меня) till you have it (пока вы ее не получите), how are you going to scare me (как вы собираетесь напугать меня) into giving it to you (чтобы я отдал ее вам)?"

ingratiating [In'greISIeItIN] basis ['beIsIs] dramatic [drq'mxtIk]

Gutman said, in a voice that tried to make firmness ingratiating: "Come now, gentlemen, let's keep our discussion on a friendly basis; but there certainly is" — he was addressing Spade — "something in 'what Mr. Cairo says. You must take into consideration the — "

"Like hell I must." Spade flung his words out with a brutal sort of carelessness that gave them more weight than they could have got from dramatic emphasis or from loudness. "If you kill me, how are you going to get the bird? If I know you can't afford to kill me till you have it, how are you going to scare me into giving it to you?"

Gutman cocked his head (Гутман поднял свою голову) to the left (налево) and considered these questions (и задумался над этими вопросами). His eyes twinkled (его глаза блестели) between puckered lids (между сморщенными веками). Presently he gave his genial answer (вскоре он дал свой добродушный ответ): "Well, sir (ну, сэр), there are other means of persuasion (есть другие средства убеждения) besides killing (кроме убийства) and threatening to kill (и угрозы убить)."

"Sure (конечно)," Spade agreed (согласился Спейд), "but they're not much good (но нет намного лучше) unless the threat of death is behind them (если угроза убийства позади их) to hold the victim down (чтобы покорить жертву). See what I mean (понимаете, что я имею в виду)? If you try anything (если вы попытаетесь что-то /сделать/) I don't like (что мне не понравится) I won't stand for it (я не буду терпеть это). I'll make it a matter (я сделаю это так; matter— вещество, сущность) of your having to call it off (чтобы вы отказались от этого; to call off— отзывать, отменять) or kill me (или убили меня), knowing you can't afford (зная, что вы не можете позволить себе) to kill me (убить меня)."

persuasion [pq'sweIZ(q)n] threatening ['TretnIN] victim ['vIktIm]

Gutman cocked his head to the left and considered these questions. His eyes twinkled between puckered lids. Presently he gave his genial answer: "Well, sir, there are other means of persuasion besides killing and threatening to kill."

"Sure," Spade agreed, "but they're not much good unless the threat of death is behind them to hold the victim down. See what I mean? If you try anything I don't like I won't stand for it. I'll make it a matter of your having to call it off or kill me, knowing you can't afford to kill me."

"I see what you mean (я понимаю, что вы имеете в виду)." Gutman chuckled (Гутман хихикнул). "That is an attitude, sir (это отношение, сэр), that calls for the most delicate judgment (которое призывает к самым деликатным суждениям) on both sides (с обеих сторон), because (потому что), as you know, sir (как вы знаете, сэр), men are likely to forget (люди часто забывают) in the heat of action (в горячке действий) where their best interest lies (где находится их лучший интерес; to lie— зд. лежать, располагаться) and let their emotions carry them away (и позволяют своим эмоциям унести их)."

Spade too was (Спейд тоже был) all smiling blandness (улыбающейся обходительностью; bland — вежливый; ласковый; вкрадчивый). "That's the trick, from my side (это фокус с моей стороны)," he said, "to make my play strong enough (чтобы сделать мою игру достаточно сильной) that it ties you up (чтобы она связала вас), but yet not make you mad enough (но пока не сделала вас достаточно сумасшедшими) to bump me off (чтобы угрохать меня) against your better judgment (против ваших лучших суждений = более разумных суждений)."

attitude ['xtItju:d] delicate ['delIkIt] emotion [I'mqVS(q)n]

"I see what you mean." Gutman chuckled. "That is an attitude, sir, that calls for the most delicate judgment on both sides, because, as you know, sir, men are likely to forget in the heat of action where their best interest lies and let their emotions carry them away."

Spade too was all smiling blandness. "That's the trick, from my side," he said, "to make my play strong enough that it ties you up, but yet not make you mad enough to bump me off against your better judgment."

Gutman said fondly (Гутман сказал с чувством: «любовно»): "By Cad, sir (честное слово, сэр), you are a character (вы — оригинал)!"

Joel Cairo jumped up from his chair (Джоэль Кейро вскочил со своего кресла) and went around behind the boy (и обошел за юношей) and behind Gutman's chair (и за креслом Гутмана). He bent over the back of Gutman's chair (он склонился через спинку кресла Гутмана) and, screening his mouth (и закрывая свой рот) and the fat man's ear (и ухо толстяка) with his empty hand (пустой рукой), whispered (шептал).

Gutman listened attentively (Гутман слушал внимательно), shutting his eyes (закрывая глаза). Spade grinned at Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Спейд улыбнулся Бриджит О’Шонесси). Her lips smiled feebly in response (ее губы слабо улыбнулись в ответ), but there was no change in her eyes (но в ее глазах не было изменения); they did not lose their numb stare (они не потеряли своего оцепенелого взгляда). Spade turned to the boy (Спейд повернулся к юноше): "Two to one (два к одному) they're selling you out, son (они сдают: «продают» тебя, сынок)."

character ['kxrIktq] screening ['skri:nIN] lose [lu:z]

Gutman said fondly: "By Cad, sir, you are a character!"

Joel Cairo jumped up from his chair and went around behind the boy and behind Gutman's chair. He bent over the back of Gutman's chair and, screening his mouth and the fat man's ear with his empty hand, whispered. Gutman listened attentively, shutting his eyes.

Spade grinned at Brigid O'Shaughnessy. Her lips smiled feebly in response, but there was no change in her eyes; they did not lose their numb stare. Spade turned to the boy: "Two to one they're selling you out, son."

The boy did not say anything (юноша ничего не сказал). A trembling in his knees (дрожание его коленей) began to shake (начало трясти) the knees of his trousers (колени его брюк).

Spade addressed Gutman (Спейд обратился к Гутману): "I hope you're not letting yourself be (я надеюсь, вы не позволите себе оказаться) influenced by the guns (под влиянием пистолетов) these pocket-edition desperadoes (которыми эти головорезы карманного формата) are waving (размахивают)."

Gutman opened his eyes (Гутман открыл свои глаза). Cairo stopped whispering (Кейро перестал шептать) and stood erect (и стал прямо) behind the fat man's chair (за креслом толстяка).

Spade said: "I've practiced (я уже попрактиковался) taking them away from both of them (отбирать их у них обоих), so there'll be no trouble there (поэтому с этим не будет проблем). The punk is (молокосос) — "

trousers ['traVzqz] desperado ["despq'rQ:dqV] punk [pANk]

The boy did not say anything. A trembling in his knees began to shake the knees of his trousers.

Spade addressed Gutman: "I hope you're not letting yourself be influenced by the guns these pocket-edition desperadoes are waving."

Gutman opened his eyes. Cairo stopped whispering and stood erect behind the fat man's chair.

Spade said: "I've practiced taking them away from both of them, so there'll be no trouble there. The punk is — "

In a voice (голосом) choked horribly by emotion (ужасно сдавленным от эмоции) the boy cried (юноша крикнул), "All right (хорошо)!" and jerked his pistol up (и взметнул свой пистолет) in front of his chest (перед его грудью).

Gutman flung a fat hand out (Гутман выбросил толстую руку; to fling) at the boy's wrist (к запястью юноши), caught the wrist (схватил запястье), and bore it and the gun down (и опустил ее и пистолет вниз) while Gutman's fat body (пока толстое тело Гутмана) was rising in haste (в спешке поднималось) from the rocking chair (из кресла-качалки). Joel Cairo scurried around (Джоэль Кейро быстро пробежал) to the boy's other side (к другому боку юноши) and grasped his other arm (и схватил его другую руку). They wrestled with the boy (они боролись с юношей), forcing his arms down (принуждая его руки вниз), holding them down (удерживая их внизу), while he struggled futilely against them (пока он тщетно боролся против них). Words came out (слова доносились) of the struggling group (от боровшейся группы): fragments of the boy's incoherent speech (отрывки бессвязной речи юноши) — "right (хорошо) ... go (идите) ... bastard (ублюдок) ... smoke (дым)" — Gutman's (/слова/ Гутмана) "Now, now, Wilmer (ну, ну, Вилмер)!" repeated many times (повторенные много раз); Cairo's (/слова/ Кейро) "No, please, don't (нет, пожалуйста, не надо)" and "Don't do that, Wilmer (не делай этого, Вилмер)."

scurry ['skArI] wrestle ['res(q)l] incoherent ["InkqV'hI(q)rqnt]

In a voice choked horribly by emotion the boy cried, "All right!" and jerked his pistol up in front of his chest.

Gutman flung a fat hand out at the boy's wrist, caught the wrist, and bore it and the gun down while Gutman's fat body was rising in haste from the rocking chair. Joel Cairo scurried around to the boy's other side and grasped his other arm. They wrestled with the boy, forcing his arms down, holding them down, while he struggled futilely against them. Words came out of the struggling group: fragments of the boy's incoherent speech — "right ... go ... bastard ... smoke" — Gutman's "Now, now, Wilmer!" repeated many times; Cairo's "No, please, don't" and "Don't do that, Wilmer."

Wooden-faced (с деревянным лицом), dreamy-eyed (мечтательными глазами), Spade got up from the sofa (Спейд поднялся с дивана) and went over to the group (и перешел к группе). The boy (юноша), unable to cope (неспособный справиться) with the weight against him (по весу с ним), had stopped struggling (прекратил борьбу). Cairo, still holding the boy's arm (Кейро, все еще держа руку юноши), stood partly in front of him (стоял частично перед ним), talking to him soothingly (говоря с ним успокоительно). Spade pushed Cairo aside (Спейд отодвинул Кейро в сторону) gently (мягко) and drove his left fist (и двинул своим левым кулаком) against the boy's chin (по подбородку юноши). The boy's head snapped back (голова юноши откинулась назад) as far as it could (так далеко, как она могла) while his arms were held (пока его держали за руки), and then came forward (а потом вернулась вперед). Gutman began a desperate (Гутман начал отчаянное) "Here, what (эй, что) —?" Spade drove his right fist (Спейд двинул своим правым кулаком) against the boy's chin (по подбородку юноши).

group [gru:p] desperate ['desp(q)rIt] chin [tSIn]

Wooden-faced, dreamy-eyed, Spade got up from the sofa and went over to the group. The boy, unable to cope with the weight against him, had stopped struggling. Cairo, still holding the boy's arm, stood partly in front of him, talking to him soothingly. Spade pushed Cairo aside gently and drove his left fist against the boy's chin. The boy's head snapped back as far as it could while his arms were held, and then came forward. Gutman began a desperate "Here, what — ?" Spade drove his right fist against the boy's chin.

Cairo dropped the boy's arm (Кейро бросил руку юноши), letting him collapse (позволяя ему осесть; to collapse — рушиться, обваливаться) against Gutman's great round belly (на большой круглый живот Гутмана). Cairo sprang at Spade (Кейро прыгнул на Спейда), clawing at his face (царапая его лицо) with the curved stiff fingers (согнутыми негибкими пальцами) of both hands (обеих рук). Spade blew his breath out (Спейд выдохнул /свое дыхание/) and pushed the Levantine away (и оттолкнул левантинца). Cairo sprang at him again (Кейро прыгнул на него снова). Tears were in Cairo's eyes (слезы были в глазах Кейро) and his red lips worked angrily (и его красные губы двигались сердито), forming words (образуя слова), but no sound came (но никакого звука) from between them (не доносилось из-за них).

belly ['belI] again [q'ge(I)n] angrily ['xNgrIlI]

Cairo dropped the boy's arm, letting him collapse against Gutman's great round belly. Cairo sprang at Spade, clawing at his face with the curved stiff fingers of both hands. Spade blew his breath out and pushed the Levantine away. Cairo sprang at him again. Tears were in Cairo's eyes and his red lips worked angrily, forming words, but no sound came from between them.

Spade laughed (Спейд засмеялся), grunted (проворчал), "Jesus, you're a pip (Боже, ну ты крут; pip /амер. сл./ — нечто замечательное, выдающееся: that's a pip — это круто; достойная вещь)!" and cuffed the side of Cairo's face (и легко ударил щеку: «сторону лица» Кейро) with an open hand (открытой ладонью), knocking him over against the table (сбив его через стол). Cairo regained his balance (Кейро восстановил /свое/ равновесие) and sprang at Spade (и прыгнул на Спейда) the third time (в третий раз). Spade stopped him with both palms (Спейд остановил его обеими ладонями) held out on long rigid arms (вытянутыми на длинных неподвижных руках) against his face (напротив его лица). Cairo, failing to reach Spade's face (Кейро, не в состоянии достичь лица Спейда; to fail — потерпеть неудачу) with his shorter arms (своими более короткими руками), thumped Spade's arms (тяжело ударил Спейда по рукам).

"Stop it (прекратите)," Spade growled (прорычал Спейд). "I'll hurt you (я сделаю вам больно)."

Cairo cried (Кейро закричал), "Oh, you big coward (о, да вы, большой трус)!" and backed away from him (и отступил от него).

rigid ['rIdZId] thump [TAmp] coward ['kauqd]

Spade laughed, grunted, "Jesus, you're a pip!" and cuffed the side of Cairo's face with an open hand, knocking him over against the table. Cairo regained his balance and sprang at Spade the third time. Spade stopped him with both palms held out on long rigid arms against his face. Cairo, failing to reach Spade's face with his shorter arms, thumped Spade's arms.

"Stop it," Spade growled. "I'll hurt you."

Cairo cried, "Oh, you big coward!" and backed away from him.

Spade stooped (Спейд наклонился) to pick up Cairo's pistol (чтобы поднять пистолет Кейро) from the floor (с пола), and then the boy's (а потом /и пистолет/ юноши). He straightened up (он выпрямился) holding them in his heft hand (держа их в своей левой руке), dangling them upside-down (раскачивая их /вверх тормашками/) by their trigger-guards (за их спусковые скобы) from his forefinger (на своем указательном пальце).

Gutman had put the boy (Гутман уложил юношу) in the rocking chair (на кресло-качалку) and stood looking at him (и стоял, глядя на него) with troubled eyes (озабоченными глазами) in an uncertainly puckered face (на сморщенном от сомнений лице). Cairo went down on his knees (Кейро встал на колени) beside the chair (около кресла) and began to chafe (и начал растирать) one of the boy's limp hands (одну из безвольных рук юноши).

dangling ['dxNglIN] trigger guard ['trIgqgQ:d] chafe [tSeIf]

Spade stooped to pick up Cairo's pistol from the floor, and then the boy's. He straightened up holding them in his heft hand, dangling them upside-down by their trigger-guards from his forefinger.

Gutman had put the boy in the rocking chair and stood looking at him with troubled eyes in an uncertainly puckered face. Cairo went down on his knees beside the chair and began to chafe one of the boy's limp hands.

Spade felt the boy's chin (Спейд пощупал подбородок юноши) with his fingers (своими пальцами). "Nothing cracked (ничего не сломано)," he said. "We'll spread him on the sofa (мы уложим его на диване; to spread — распространяться, раскладывать)." He put his right arm (он положил свою правую руку) under the boy's arm (под руку юноши) and around his back (и вокруг его спины), put his left forearm (положил свое левое предплечье) under the boy's knees (под колени юноши), lifted him (поднял его) without apparent effort (без видимого усилия), and carried him to the sofa (и отнес его к дивану).

Brigit O'Shaughnessy got up quickly (Бриджит О’Шонесси быстро поднялась) and Spade laid the boy there (и Спейд положил туда парня). With his right hand (своей правой рукой) Spade patted the boy's clothes (Спейд похлопал одежду юноши), found his second pistol (нашел второй пистолет), added it to the others (добавил его к другим) in his left hand (в своей левой руке), and turned his back on the sofa (и повернулся спиной к дивану). Cairo was already sitting (Кейро уже сидел) beside the boy's head (рядом с головой юноши).

sofa ['sqVfq] effort ['efqt] turned [tq:nd]

Spade felt the boy's chin with his fingers. "Nothing cracked," he said. "We'll spread him on the sofa." He put his right arm under the boy's arm and around his back, put his left forearm under the boy's knees, lifted him without apparent effort, and carried him to the sofa.

Brigid O'Shaughnessy got up quickly and Spade laid the boy there. With his right hand Spade patted the boy's clothes, found his second pistol, added it to the others in his left hand, and turned his back on the sofa. Cairo was already sitting beside the boy's head.

Spade clinked the pistols together (Спейд звякнул пистолетами друг о друга) in his hand (в своей руке) and smiled cheerfully at Gutman (и радостно улыбнулся Гутману). "Well (ну)," he said, "there's our fall-guy (это наш козел отпущения)."

Gutman's face was grey (лицо Гутмана было серым) and his eyes were clouded (и его глаза были затуманены). He did not look at Spade (он не смотрел на Спейда). He looked at the floor (он смотрел на пол) and did not say anything (и не сказал ничего).

Spade said: "Don't be a damned fool again (не будьте снова проклятым дураком). You let Cairo whisper to you (вы позволили Кейро шептать Вам) and you held the kid (и вы держали мальчика) while I pasted him (пока я избивал его; to paste — наклеить, склеить, сленг.исколотить). You can't laugh that off (вы не сможете отделаться шуткой) and you're likely (и вы, кажется) to get yourself shot (будете застрелены) trying to (пытаясь /отшутиться/)."

Gutman moved his feet (Гутман двинул свои ноги) on the rug (на ковре) and said nothing (и ничего не сказал).

clouded ['klaVdId] paste [peIst] rug [rAg]

Spade clinked the pistols together in his hand and smiled cheerfully at Gutman. "Well," he said, "there's our fall-guy."

Gutman's face was grey and his eyes were clouded. He did not look at Spade. He looked at the floor and did not say anything.

Spade said: "Don't be a damned fool again. You let Cairo whisper to you and you held the kid while I pasted him. You can't laugh that off and you're likely to get yourself shot trying to."

Gutman moved his feet on the rug and said nothing.

Spade said: "And the other side of it is (и другая сторона этого то) that you'll either say yes (что вы либо говорите «да» ) right now (прямо сейчас) or I'll turn the falcon (или я выдам и сокола; to turn in — зд. выдавать полиции) and the whole God-damned lot of you in (и всю вашу чертову шайку полиции; lot — зд. партия, люди)."

Gutman raised his head (Гутман поднял свою голову) and muttered through his teeth (и тихо сказал сквозь свои зубы): "I don't like that, sir (мне это не нравится, сэр)."

"You won't like it (вам это не понравится)," Spade said. "Well (ну)?"

The fat man sighed (толстяк вздохнул) and made a wry face (и скривил лицо: «сделал кривое лицо») and replied sadly (и грустно ответил): "You can have him (вы можете получить его)."

Spade said: "That's swell (это отлично)."

mutter ['mAtq] through [Tru:] sigh [saI]

Spade said: "And the other side of it is that you'll either say yes right now or I'll turn the falcon and the whole God-damned lot of you in."

Gutman raised his head and muttered through his teeth: "I don't like that, sir."

"You won't like it," Spade said. "Well?"

The fat man sighed and made a wry face and replied sadly: "You can have him."

Spade said: "That's swell."