Сборник второй sherlock holmes stories-2 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Адаптировал Андрей Еремин

“Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Good bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here again before evening.”

It was obvious to me that my companion’s mind was now made up about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward journey I endeavored to sound him upon the point, but he always glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was a perfect sample of the class.
“I think that this should do (думаю, так сойдет),” said he, glancing into the glass above the fireplace (сказал он, взглянув в зеркало над камином). “I only wish that you could come with me, Watson (я хотел бы взять вас с собой, Ватсон), but I fear that it won’t do (но, боюсь, ничего не выйдет). I may be on the trail in this matter (на верном ли я пути), or I may be following a will-o’-the-wisp (или преследую недостижимую цель; will-o'-the-wisp — блуждающий огонек /на болоте/; обманчивая надежда, нечто неуловимое), but I shall soon know which it is (скоро я это выясню). I hope that I may be back in a few hours (надеюсь, вернусь через несколько часов).” He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard (он отрезал немного говядины от куска, /лежавшего/ на буфете; slice — ломоть; ломтик; joint — сустав; мясной отруб; a joint of meat — кусок мяса), sandwiched it between two rounds of bread (положил ее между двумя ломтями хлеба), and thrusting this rude meal into his pocket (и, сунув эту незатейливую пищу в карман; rude — грубый; примитивный) he started off upon his expedition (отправился выполнять миссию: «в свою вылазку»).

I had just finished my tea when he returned (я только закончил пить чай, когда Холмс вернулся), evidently in excellent spirits (очевидно в прекрасном расположении духа), swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his hand (размахивая каким-то старым ботинком; elastic-side boots — штиблеты с резинкой). He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a cup of tea (он отшвырнул его в угол и налил себе чашку чая).

“I only looked in as I passed (я только заглянул на минутку, проходя мимо),” said he. “I am going right on (сейчас же отправлюсь дальше).”

“Where to (куда)?”

I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic sided boot in his hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a cup of tea.

“I only looked in as I passed,” said he. “I am going right on.”

“Where to?”

“How are you getting on (как ваши успехи)?”

“Oh, so so (так себе). Nothing to complain of (не могу жаловаться). I have been out to Streatham since I saw you last (я был в Стритеме, /с тех пор как видел вас в последний раз/), but I did not call at the house (но не заходил в дом). It is a very sweet little problem (преинтересное дельце: «милая задачка»), and I would not have missed it for a good deal (я бы ни за что его не упустил = ни на что бы не променял). However, I must not sit gossiping here (однако я не должен сидеть тут и болтать), but must get these disreputable clothes off (мне надо сбросить это позорное тряпье; disreputable — недостойный уважения; дискредитирующий, компрометирующий, бесчестящий; позорный, постыдный) and return to my highly respectable self (и вернуться к глубоко уважаемому, приличному себе = стать снова приличным человеком).”

I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction (по поведению Холмса я понял, что у него есть более веские основания для радости; satisfaction — удовлетворение) than his words alone would imply (чем одни лишь его слова могли выразить). His eyes twinkled (глаза его блестели), and there was even a touch of color upon his sallow cheeks (а на бледных щеках даже появился слабый румянец; touch — прикосновение; чуточка; примесь; оттенок; sallow — желтоватый, болезненный, землистый /о цвете лица/). He hastened upstairs (он поспешил наверх), and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the hall door (и через несколько минут я услышал, как хлопнула входная дверь), which told me that he was off once more upon his congenial hunt (что говорило о том, что Холмс снова отправился на свою «охоту»; congenial — сходный, близкий по духу; /благо/приятный; to hunt — охотиться).

“How are you getting on?”

“Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly respectable self.”

I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and there was even a touch of color upon his sallow cheeks. He hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his congenial hunt.

“You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson (извините, что начал без вас, Ватсон),” said he, “but you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning (но вспомните, что нашему клиенту назначена встреча на это утро, и довольно рано).”

“Why, it is after nine now (да, уже десятый час: «после девяти»),” I answered. “I should not be surprised if that were he (не удивлюсь, если это он). I thought I heard a ring (кажется, я слышал звонок).”
lateness [`leItnIs], appointment [q`pOIntmqnt], surprised [sq`praIzd]
I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the other, as fresh and trim as possible.

“You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson,” said he, “but you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning.”

“Why, it is after nine now,” I answered. “I should not be surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring.”
It was, indeed, our friend the financier (это и в самом деле был наш друг финансист). I was shocked by the change which had come over him (меня поразила перемена, произошедшая в нем), for his face which was naturally of a broad and massive mould (его лицо, обычно широкое и крупное; mould — форма; лекало, шаблон), was now pinched and fallen in (теперь осунулось, /щеки/ ввалились; pinched — застроченный; худой, истощенный, измученный: pinched features — исхудалое лицо, лицо с заостренными чертами), while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter (а волосы, казалось, побелели еще немного больше; shade — тень; тон, оттенок). He entered with a weariness and lethargy (он вошел усталой и вялой /походкой/; weariness — усталость, истощение) which was even more painful than his violence of the morning before (что было еще более тягостным /зрелищем/, чем его /отчаянное/ неистовство вчерашним утром), and he dropped heavily into the armchair (и он тяжело опустился в кресло) which I pushed forward for him (которое я придвинул ему).

“I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried (не знаю, что я сделал, чтобы /заслужить/ такие тяжелые испытания),” said he. “Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man (лишь два дня назад я был счастливым и процветающим человеком), without a care in the world (живущим без забот: «без какой-либо заботы в мире»). Now I am left to a lonely and dishonored age (теперь я обречен на одинокую и опозоренную старость). One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another (одна печаль наступает на пятки другой = беда не приходит одна). My niece, Mary, has deserted me (моя племянница, Мэри, покинула меня).”

“Deserted you?”
lethargy [`leTqGI], severely [sI`vIqlI], deserted [dI`zq:tId]
It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the armchair which I pushed forward for him.

“I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried,” said he. “Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonored age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Mary, has deserted me.”

“Deserted you?”
“Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in (ее постель не тронута этим утром: «в постели не спали»), her room was empty (ее комната пуста), and a note for me lay upon the hall table (и записка для меня лежала на столе в гостиной). I had said to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger (вчера вечером я сказал ей, /пребывая/ в печали, а не в гневе), that if she had married my boy all might have been well with him (что если бы она вышла замуж за моего мальчика, с ним все было бы хорошо). Perhaps it was thoughtless of me to say so (вероятно, с моей стороны было неосторожно говорить так; thoughtless — необдуманный, неразумный, неосторожный; thought — мысль). It is to that remark that she refers in this note (на это высказывание она намекает в записке):

“‘MY DEAREST UNCLE (дражайший дядя): — I feel that I have brought trouble upon you (я знаю, что я навела на вас беду = стала причиной беды), and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred (и что, поступи я иначе, этого ужасного несчастья никогда бы не случилось). I cannot, with this thought in my mind (я не смогу, думая об этом), ever again be happy under your roof (когда-либо снова быть счастливой под вашей крышей), and I feel that I must leave you forever (думаю: «чувствую», я должна покинуть вас навсегда). Do not worry about my future (не беспокойтесь о моем будущем), for that is provided for (так как оно обеспечено); and, above all, do not search for me (и, самое главное, не ищите меня), for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me (потому что это будет тщетно и повредит мне: «будет бесплодным трудом и дурной услугой мне»). In life or in death (всю жизнь до самой смерти: «в жизни или в смерти»), I am ever your loving MARY (остаюсь любящей вас Мэри).’

“‘MY DEAREST UNCLE: — I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in death, I am ever your loving MARY.’

“No, no, nothing of the kind (нет, ничего подобного). It is perhaps the best possible solution (возможно, это лучшее решение /проблем/). I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of your troubles (я уверен, что ваши неприятности близятся к концу).”

“Ha! You say so (вы так думаете)! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes (вы узнали что-то /новое/, мистер Холмс); you have learned something (что-то узнали)! Where are the gems (где камни)?”

“You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for them (вы не сочтете чрезмерной платой тысячу фунтов за штуку)?”

“I would pay ten (я заплатил бы десять /тысяч/).”

“That would be unnecessary (в этом нет необходимости). Three thousand will cover the matter (трех тысяч хватит: «три тысячи покроют дело»). And there is a little reward, I fancy (и небольшое вознаграждение). Have you your check-book (у вас с собой чековая книжка)? Here is a pen (вот перо). Better make it out for 4000 pounds (лучше выпишите /чек/ на четыре тысячи фунтов).”

“No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of your troubles.”

“Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have learned something! Where are the gems?”

“You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for them?”

“I would pay ten.”

“That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds.”

With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up (с радостным криком наш клиент схватил зубец).

“You have it (вы нашли его)!” he gasped (воскликнул он, задыхаясь). “I am saved! I am saved (я спасен)!”

The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been (реакция радости = радость его была такой же бурной, как и горе), and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom (он прижал вновь обретенные камни к груди; to recover — вновь обретать; возвращать, получать обратно).

“There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder (вы должны еще кое-что, мистер Холдер),” said Sherlock Holmes rather sternly (сказал Холмс очень строго).

“Owe!” He caught up a pen (он схватил перо). “Name the sum, and I will pay it (назовите сумму, и я выплачу ее).”

“No, the debt is not to me (нет, вы должны не мне). You owe a very humble apology to that noble lad, your son (вы должны смиренно просить прощения у того благородного юноши, вашего сына; humble — скромный, смиренный; apology — извинение), who has carried himself in this matter (который держался в этом деле /так мужественно/) as I should be proud to see my own son do (что я гордился бы, если бы мой сын поступил так же), should I ever chance to have one (если бы он у меня был).”
triangular [traI`xNgjulq], bosom [`buzqm], apology [q`pOlqGI]
With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table.

With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up.

“You have it!” he gasped. “I am saved! I am saved!”

The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom.

“There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder,” said Sherlock Holmes rather sternly.

“Owe!” He caught up a pen. “Name the sum, and I will pay it.”

“No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to have one.”
“Then it was not Arthur who took them (значит, не Артур их взял)?”

“I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not (я говорил вам вчера и повторяю сегодня — не он).”

“You are sure of it (вы в этом уверены)! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him know that the truth is known (так поспешим же к нему и сообщим: «дадим ему знать», что правда /теперь/ известна = что все выяснилось).”

“He knows it already (он уже знает). When I had cleared it all up I had an interview with him (когда я распутал дело, я побеседовал с ним), and finding that he would not tell me the story (и, поняв, что он не хочет все мне рассказать об этой истории), I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was right (я сам рассказал ему, и ему пришлось признать, что я прав) and to add the very few details which were not yet quite clear to me (и добавить некоторые подробности, которые все еще были неясны мне). Your news of this morning, however, may open his lips (однако ваша утренняя новость может заставить его говорить: «разомкнуть уста»; lip — губа; not to open one's lips — не проронить ни слова).”

“For heaven’s sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary mystery (так расскажите мне, ради Бога, об этой невероятной тайне)!”
interview [`IntqvjH], confess [kqn`fes], extraordinary [Ik`strLd(q)n(q)rI; "ekstrq`Ld(q)n(q)rI]
“Then it was not Arthur who took them?”

“I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not.”

“You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him know that the truth is known.”

“He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his lips.”

“For heaven’s sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary mystery!”
“I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached it (я расскажу и покажу, каким образом я достиг /истины/: «покажу шаги, с помощью которых я дошел до истины»). And let me say to you, first (но сначала разрешите сообщить вам /одну весть/), that which it is hardest for me to say and for you to hear (которую мне очень тяжело говорить, а вам — слышать): there has been an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary (между сэром Джорджем Бэрнвеллом и вашей племянницей Мэри существовал сговор; understanding — понимание; договоренность, соглашение). They have now fled together (теперь они оба сбежали; to flee).”

“My Mary? Impossible (невозможно)!”

“It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain (к сожалению, более, чем возможно; это несомненный факт: «это определенно /так/»). Neither you nor your son knew the true character of this man (ни вы, ни ваш сын не знали истинного облика этого человека) when you admitted him into your family circle (когда впустили его в свою семью; to admit — допускать; принимать; family circle — семейный, домашний круг). He is one of the most dangerous men in England (это один из опаснейших субъектов Англии) — a ruined gambler (закоренелый игрок; ruined — разрушенный; опустошенный, разоренный), an absolutely desperate villain (совершенно отъявленный негодяй), a man without heart or conscience (человек без сердца и совести). Your niece knew nothing of such men (ваша племянница ничего не знала о подобных людях). When he breathed his vows to her (когда он шептал ей клятвы /в своей любви/; to breathe — дышать; негромко говорить; шептать, «ворковать»), as he had done to a hundred before her (как он делал сотне до нее = как и многим другим до нее), she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart (Мэри тешила себя мыслью, что лишь она одна сумела завоевать: «тронуть» его сердце; to flatter oneself — тешить себя надеждой, мыслью; to flatter — льстить). The devil knows best what he said (одному дьяволу известно, что он говорил), but at least she became his tool (но так или иначе она стала орудием в его руках; at /the/ least — по крайней мере, по меньшей мере) and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening (и имела обыкновение видеться с ним почти каждый вечер).”
certain [sq:tn], desperate [`desp(q)rIt], conscience [`kOnS(q)ns]
“I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now fled together.”

“My Mary? Impossible!”

“It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most dangerous men in England — a ruined gambler, an absolutely desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening.”
“I cannot, and I will not, believe it (я не могу и не стану этому верить)!” cried the banker with an ashen face (вскричал банкир, лицо его при этом было мертвенно-бледным; ash — пепел; ashen — пепельный, из пепла; мертвенно-бледный).

“I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night (тогда я расскажу вам, что произошло в вашем доме вчера ночью). Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room (ваша племянница, когда вы, как она подумала, ушли к себе в комнату), slipped down and talked to her lover through the window (спустилась вниз и стала говорить со своим возлюбленным через окно) which leads into the stable lane (выходящее на дорожку к конюшне). His footmarks had pressed right through the snow (его следы ясно и глубоко отпечатались на снегу), so long had he stood there (настолько долго он там стоял). She told him of the coronet (она сообщила ему о диадеме). His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news (его мерзкая страсть к золоту вспыхнула при этом известии), and he bent her to his will (и он подчинил Мэри своей воле: «склонил к своей воле»). I have no doubt that she loved you (я не сомневаюсь, что она любила вас), but there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all other loves (но есть такие женщины, для которых любовь возлюбленного затмевает все другие виды любви; to extinguish — гасить, тушить; убивать, гасить /надежду, любовь/; превосходить), and I think that she must have been one (и, думаю, Мэри из их числа). She had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming downstairs (едва она /успела/ получить его указания, как увидела, что вы спускаетесь по лестнице), on which she closed the window rapidly (тогда: «на что» она быстро закрыла окно) and told you about one of the servants’ escapade with her wooden-legged lover (и сказала вам о том, что к одной из служанок приходил возлюбленный с деревянной ногой; escapade — веселая и смелая проделка; шальная выходка; побег /из заключения/), which was all perfectly true (что было совершенной правдой).

“I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you about one of the servants’ escapade with her wooden-legged lover, which was all perfectly true.

“In the scuffle, your son struck Sir George (в драке ваш сын ударил сэра Джорджа) and cut him over the eye (и рассек ему бровь). Then something suddenly snapped (затем что-то неожиданно хрустнуло), and your son, finding that he had the coronet in his hands (и ваш сын, почувствовав, что диадема у него в руках), rushed back (бросился назад), closed the window (закрыл окно), ascended to your room (поднялся в вашу комнату), and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the struggle (и только тут заметил, что диадема погнута во время борьбы) and was endeavoring to straighten it (и пытался распрямить ее) when you appeared upon the scene (когда появились вы).”

“In the scuffle, your son struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the struggle and was endeavoring to straighten it when you appeared upon the scene.”

“You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment (затем вы разозлили его: «вызвали его гнев» своими оскорблениями в тот момент) when he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks (когда он заслуживал ваших самых искренних/теплых благодарностей). He could not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one (он не мог объяснить истинное положение вещей, чтобы не выдать ту) who certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands (которая, безусловно, не заслуживала снисхождения и защиты от него; consideration — внимание, предупредительность; уважение; благодарность). He took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her secret (Артур повел себя как рыцарь и сохранил ее тайну; chivalrous — рыцарский, благородный).”

“And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coronet (вот почему она вскрикнула и упала в обморок, когда увидела диадему),” cried Mr. Holder. “Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been (Боже мой! каким же я был слепым глупцом)! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes (а ведь он просил позволить ему выйти на пять минут)! The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the scene of the struggle (мой дорогой мальчик хотел посмотреть, не осталось ли пропавшего куска на месте борьбы). How cruelly I have misjudged him (как жестоко я в нем ошибался; to misjudge — составить себе неправильное, ошибочное мнение)!’
roused [rauzd], chivalrous [`SIv(q)lrqs], misjudged [mIs`GAGd]
“Is it possible?” gasped the banker.

“You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her secret.”

“And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coronet,” cried Mr. Holder. “Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!’
“When I arrived at the house (когда я прибыл в этот дом),” continued Holmes (продолжал Холмс), “I at once went very carefully round it to observe (я сразу же очень тщательно его обошел = осмотрел его, чтобы проверить) if there were any traces in the snow which might help me (нет ли на снегу каких-либо следов, которые могут мне помочь). I knew that none had fallen since the evening before (я знал, что со вчерашнего вечера снега не выпадало; to fall-fell-fallen), and also that there had been a strong frost to preserve impressions (и что сильный мороз, должно быть, сохранил следы). I passed along the tradesmen’s path (я прошел по дорожке, по которой подвозят продукты), but found it all trampled down and indistinguishable (но она вся была утоптана, и /следы на ней/ были неразличимы; to distinguish — различать). Just beyond it, however, at the far side of the kitchen door (однако сразу за ней, на противоположной стороне от кухонной двери; far side — дальняя сторона: at the far side of the garden — в дальнем углу сада), a woman had stood and talked with a man (стояла женщина и разговаривала с мужчиной), whose round impressions on one side showed that he had a wooden leg (чьи круглые отпечатки с одной стороны показывали, что у него деревянная нога).

“I could even tell that they had been disturbed (я даже смог определить, что их побеспокоили), for the woman had run back swiftly to the door (поскольку женщина быстро побежала обратно к двери), as was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks (что видно по глубоким отпечаткам носков и слабым отпечаткам пяток), while Wooden-leg had waited a little, and then had gone away (в то время как «Деревянная нога» подождал немного, а затем ушел). I thought at the time that this might be the maid and her sweetheart (тогда я подумал, что это, должно быть, горничная и ее возлюбленный), of whom you had already spoken to me (о которых вы уже говорили мне), and inquiry showed it was so (и расследование показало, что так оно и есть). I passed round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks (я обошел сад, но больше ничего не нашел, кроме беспорядочных следов; random — случайный; произвольный; беспорядочный), which I took to be the police (которые я посчитал следами полиции); but when I got into the stable lane (но когда я вышел на дорожку, ведущую к конюшне) a very long and complex story was written in the snow in front of me (очень длинная и запутанная история была написана на снегу передо мной).

“I could even tell that they had been disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in front of me.

“Then I walked to the other end (затем я пошел к другому концу /следов/), which was a hundred yards or more down the lane (они тянулись по дорожке на сотню ярдов или больше). I saw where Boots had faced round (я увидел, где «Ботинки» развернулся), where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle (в том месте снег был сильно истоптан, словно там произошла борьба; to cut up — разрезать, разрубать на куски; разбивать, уничтожать), and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen (и наконец /я нашел место/, где упало несколько капель крови), to show me that I was not mistaken (и это свидетельствовало о том, что я не ошибся). Boots had then run down the lane (человек в ботинках затем побежал по дорожке), and another little smudge of blood showed (а еще одно небольшое пятно крови говорило о том) that it was he who had been hurt (что ранен был именно он). When he came to the highroad at the other end (когда он вышел на главную дорогу; highroad — большая/столбовая дорога; главный путь), I found that the pavement had been cleared (я обнаружил, что /снег/ с тротуара был счищен), so there was an end to that clew (и там следы обрывались; clew = clue — путеводная нить; улика).

“Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clew.

“Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took next (ваш здравый смысл предположит = логика подскажет вам, какие меры я предпринял затем). I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George’s house (переодевшись бродягой: «в виде бродяги» я отправился к дому сэра Джорджа), managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet (сумел познакомиться с его лакеем), learned that his master had cut his head the night before (узнать он него, что его хозяин расшиб голову накануне вечером), and, finally, at the expense of six shillings (и наконец за шесть шиллингов: «ценой шести шиллингов»), made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes (удостовериться во всем, купив пару старых ботинок сэра Джорджа; cast-off — выброшенная, ненужная вещь). With these I journeyed down to Streatham (с ними я отправился в Стритем) and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks (и убедился, что они в точности соответствуют следам /на снегу/).”

“Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George’s house, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks.”

“Precisely (совершенно верно). It was I (это был я). I found that I had my man (я понял, что сэр Джордж у меня в руках: «что я получил моего человека»), so I came home and changed my clothes (поэтому я пошел домой и переоделся: «переменил одежду»). It was a delicate part which I had to play then (мне нужно было играть деликатную роль = действовать очень осторожно), for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal (так как я осознавал, что необходимо было избежать /судебного/ преследования, чтобы предотвратить скандал; prosecution — ведение /войны, судебного дела и т.д./; судебное преследование; обвинение; to avoid — избегать, остерегаться, сторониться, уклоняться), and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter (и знал, что такой хитрый/проницательный негодяй понимает, что у нас связаны руки). I went and saw him (я пошел и навестил его). At first, of course, he denied everything (сначала он, разумеется, все отрицал). But when I gave him every particular that had occurred (но когда я рассказал во всех подробностях, что произошло /ночью/; particular — частность, подробность; particulars — подробный отчет: to give particulars of — давать /представлять/ подробный отчет), he tried to bluster and took down a life-preserver from the wall (он попытался угрожать и снял со стены тяжелую трость; life-preserver: «спаситель жизни» — спасательный пояс, спасательный жилет; тяжелая дубинка или трость, налитая свинцом /применяемая для самообороны/). I knew my man, however (однако я знал его = с кем имею дело), and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike (я приставил револьвер к его голове, прежде чем тот успел ударить; to clap — хлопать; сделать быстрое, энергичное движение). Then he became a little more reasonable (тогда он стал немного благоразумнее). I told him that we would give him a price for the stones he held 1000 pounds apiece (я сказал, что мы дадим ему за камни, которые он держит у себя, по тысяче фунтов за каждый). That brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown (тут он обнаружил первые признаки огорчения; to bring out — выявлять, обнаруживать).

‘Why, dash it all (черт побери)!’ said he, ‘I’ve let them go at six hundred for the three (я уже отдал три камня за шестьсот /фунтов/)!’
vagabond [`vxgqbOnd], astute [q`stjHt], denied [dI`naId], life-preserver [`laIfprI"zq:vq]
“I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening,” said Mr. Holder.

“Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give him a price for the stones he held 1000 pounds apiece. That brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown.

‘Why, dash it all!’ said he, ‘I’ve let them go at six hundred for the three!’
“I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had them (вскоре мне удалось узнать адрес скупщика, у которого были камни; receiver — получатель; укрыватель или скупщик краденого), on promising him that there would be no prosecution (пообещав сэру Джорджу, что /против него/ не будет возбуждено расследование). Off I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pounds apiece (я поехал туда и после долгого торга выкупил камни по тысяче фунтов каждый; to chaffer — спорить о цене, торговаться). Then I looked in upon your son (затем я навестил вашего сына), told him that all was right (сказал ему, что все в порядке), and eventually got to my bed about two o’clock (и в конце концов около двух /ночи/ лег спать: «добрался до кровати»), after what I may call a really hard day’s work (после действительно тяжелого трудового дня).”

“A day which has saved England from a great public scandal (дня, который спас Англию от огромного государственного скандала),” said the banker, rising (сказал банкир, поднимаясь). “Sir, I cannot find words to thank you (сэр, у меня не хватает слов, чтобы выразить благодарность), but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done (но вы не найдете меня неблагодарным за то, что вы сделали = вы убедитесь, что я не забуду того, что вы сделали). Your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it (ваше искусство действительно превзошло все, что я слышал о нем). And now I must fly to my dear boy (а сейчас я должен поспешить к моему дорогому мальчику) to apologize to him for the wrong which I have done him (и извиниться перед ним за то, что так несправедливо обошелся с ним; wrong — зло, несправедливость). As to what you tell me of poor Mary (что касается вашего рассказа о бедной Мэри), it goes to my very heart (то он проник в самое мое сердце = ее поступок глубоко поразил меня). Not even your skill can inform me where she is now (но даже вы со всем вашим искусством не сможете сообщить мне, где она).”

“I think that we may safely say (думаю, можно с уверенностью сказать; safely —безопасно; надежно: it may safely be said — можно с уверенностью сказать),” returned Holmes (возразил Холмс), “that she is wherever Sir George Burnwell is (что она там же, где и сэр Джордж Бэрнвелл). It is equally certain, too, that whatever her sins are (и несомненно также, что, каковы бы ни были ее грехи; equally — в равной степени; равным образом), they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment (они в скором времени получат = скоро она понесет за них более чем достаточное наказание).”
receiver [rI`sJvq], wrong [rON], sufficient [sq`fIS(q)nt]
“I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o’clock, after what I may call a really hard day’s work.”

“A day which has saved England from a great public scandal,” said the banker, rising. “Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I must fly to my dear boy to apologize to him for the wrong which I have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now.”

“I think that we may safely say,” returned Holmes, “that she is wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment.”